[NEW ORLEANS, MARCH 29, 2022] — The American Red Cross of Louisiana encourages caution and preparedness ahead of another round of severe thunderstorms forecasted to impact the state Wednesday.
Nearly the entire state is under an enhanced risk of tornadoes and powerful wind gusts, according to the National Weather Service’s Tuesday forecast.
“Given the weather forecast, now is the time to double-check your emergency kits, create an emergency plan and stay informed so you can monitor weather conditions where you are and respond accordingly,” said Shawn Schulze, chief executive officer of Louisiana Red Cross. “We want everyone to be alert and know the best steps to take in the event of possible severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.”
Red Cross volunteers and staff are on standby, prepared to respond. Please be ready to take the proper precautions now in the event you’re in the path of this severe weather system.
Here are steps to get prepared:
Here are readiness tips specific to the forecast for possible severe thunderstorms and tornadoes:
Tornado Safety
- Know the difference between a tornado watch and warning. A tornado watch means a tornado is possible. A tornado warning means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon – take shelter immediately.
- Know your community’s warning system - many areas use outdoor sirens.
- Watch for tornado danger signs: dark and greenish clouds, a wall cloud or cloud of debris.
- Bring your pets indoors and keep an eye on them. If you have time, move or secure outside items that can be picked up by wind.
- During a tornado warning, go to your safe place immediately — a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. In a high-rise, pick a hallway in the center of the building.
- If you live in a mobile home, find a safe place in a nearby sturdy building or vehicle. No mobile home is safe in a tornado.
- If you’re outside, seek shelter in a basement, shelter, or sturdy building.
- If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter, immediately get in a vehicle and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. Remember to buckle your seatbelt. Stay away from bridges or highway overpasses. If strong winds and flying debris occur while driving, pull over and park. Keep your seatbelt on and the engine running. Put your head down below the windows and cover your head with your hands and a blanket.
Thunderstorm Safety
- Watch for storm signs, such as darkening skies, lightning flashes and increasing wind.
- If thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger of lightning.
- Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning aren’t in the area where it’s raining.
- Take shelter in a substantial building or vehicle with the windows closed.
- If you are driving, try to safely exit the road and park.
- If you’re outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall or isolated trees and metal objects, such as fences and bleachers.
- If someone has been struck by lightning, call 911.
DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS
The Red Cross app “Emergency” can help keep you and your loved ones safe with real-time alerts, shelter locations and safety advice. The Red Cross First Aid App provides instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies. Download these apps for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.
CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING
Amid back-to-back weeks of severe weather threats throughout Louisiana, we’re urging people to consider volunteering. Volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross and play an integral role in helping communities prepare, respond to and recover from disasters such as the Arabi tornado. All necessary training is provided. Learn more at redcross.org/louisiana.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
