The American Red Cross has provided the following press release to share with you:
Texas Tornadoes Update | Wednesday, January 25
The American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast continues to with emergency managers and other officials from several counties hit by severe weather and tornadoes. After disasters, we work with local officials to support the needs of communities that have been affected.
We have a shelter open in Pasadena at Baker Ripley at 720 Fairmont. Last night 16 Texans found refuge at this shelter.
Updates will be posted on our Twitter: @RedCrossTXGC and Facebook: @RedCrossTXGC as warranted.
AFTER A TORNADO:
- Let friends and family know you’re safe.
- If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.
- Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive.
- Stay out of damaged buildings.
- Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately.
- Follow these tips for inspecting your home’s structure and utilities & systems after a tornado.
- Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and its contents, for insurance purposes.
For more tornado safety tips, https://rdcrss.org/3WL7jMA.
POWER OUTAGE SAFETY: Power outages can be frustrating and troublesome. For prolonged power outages, there are ways that you can minimize loss and keep everyone as comfortable as possible.
- Use flashlights in the dark — not candles.
- Don’t drive unless necessary. Traffic lights will be out.
- Turn off and unplug any appliances, equipment and electronics. When the power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
- Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.
- If you are using a generator, keep it dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.
If a power outage is two hours or less, don’t be concerned about losing perishable foods. During a prolonged outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to protect your food.
- Use perishable food from the refrigerator first. Then, use food from the freezer.
- Perishable food is safe to eat when it has a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
- If the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items. Keep food in a dry, cool spot and cover it at all times.
For more power outage tips, http://bit.ly/3kEfuNc.
Download the free Red Cross Emergency app to have safety information
right at your fingertips. The Emergency app provides real-time weather alerts and tips on how to stay safe during countless emergencies. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
photo: Getty Images