County Red Cross offers flood advice

NEWTON - As recent floods impacted areas from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, and throughout New Jersey, Red Cross workers provided shelter, food and comfort. In the event of rain and possible flooding in the future, the Sussex County Red Cross urges people to use the following tips to be prepared and remain safe, should additional flooding occur: Be prepared * Know your area’s flood risk. * If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood. * Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places ...a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. * If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. Call the Sussex County chapter at 973-579-1600 to find the location of any shelters that may be opening. * If you experience flooding and need assistance, call local authorities immediately. Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing-- * First-aid kit and essential medications. * Ready-to-eat food. * At least three gallons of water per person. * Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags. * Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries. * Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members. Know flood terms and what they mean: When a flood “watch” is issued ... * Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home. * Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued. When a flood “warning” is issued ... * Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. When a “flash flood watch” is issued ... * Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. When a “flash flood warning” is issued (or you think it has already started) ... * Evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly! * Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades ...They are there for your safety. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. For additional information, visit www.redcross.org.