Red Cross offers hurricane season precautions

The Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, Tinton Falls, wishes to inform the public hurricane season is approaching and it is vital to keep our families safe by preparing for hurricane season before it even starts.

Families should establish a personal evacuation plan and identify ahead of time where to go if told to evacuate. Choose several places — a friend’s home in another town, a motel or a shelter. Get a good map and be familiar with the community’s evacuation routes. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA weather radio for the latest storm conditions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

If individuals have to evacuate to a Red Cross shelter, be sure to bring medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, and other hygiene and comfort supplies for all members of the family.

Also be sure to make advance preparations for pets, which aren’t allowed in Red Cross shelters.

A family disaster supply kit should be assembled, with emergency supplies set aside for all members of the household, including emergency medications, non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener, bottled water (at least three gallons per person), a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, extra clothes, important documents, cash and credit cards, a first aid kit and other special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members and pets.

Individuals should prepare for high winds and make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then removing branches so wind can blow through. Permanent shutters should be in­stalled on windows, and added protection should be given to outside areas of sliding glass doors. Strengthen garage doors and un­reinforced masonry. Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.

For more information, call the Jersey Coast Chapter at (732) 493-9100.