CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Tennessee River Chapter of the American Red Cross is always preparing to respond to weather-related disasters in the Middle Tennessee area.
Currently Clarksville-Montgomery County is under a Flash Flood Warning and Wind Advisory. In the event of a natural disaster, the Red Cross will be prepared to respond and assist any potential victims.
TN River Chapter volunteers are currently providing assistance for the immediate needs of a family of three whose mobile home flooded late Wednesday night in Humphreys County, TN.
“The family of three sought help through local emergency responders and then further requested assistance from the American Red Cross,” Katy Hagstrom, Executive Director of the TN River Chapter told ClarksvilleNow.com. “Local Red Cross volunteers will continue to provide for the immediate needs and through the recovery process.”
Turn around, don't drown. For more flood safety tips, visit https://t.co/QHIhoBhxKQ. pic.twitter.com/mEDhgWfQj6
— American Red Cross of Tennessee (@RedCrossTN) February 7, 2019
In times of an emergency, it is important to know how to react. To prepare and respond to a flood follow these quick tips:
FLOOD:
1. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN– Even a small amount of water is enough to sweep you off your feet or your vehicle off the road. If you come across a flooded area, turn around and go another way.
2. WHAT SHOULD I DO? – Identify at least two safe ways out of your neighborhood, should you need to evacuate. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
3. WATCH OR WARNING? – WATCH: Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. WARNING: Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
As more storms are possible for the evening of February 7, 2019 it is also important to know what to do during a tornado warning.
TORNADO:
1. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF A TORNADO WARNING IS ISSUED? – The safest place to be is in an underground shelter, basement or safe room. If no underground shelter or safe room is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes or other severe winds. If you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, abandon your mobile home immediately. If you need to drive to get to a sturdy shelter, always wear your seat belt. Don’t wait until you see a tornado to take action. If a warning is issued, seek shelter immediately.
2. WATCH FOR TORNADO DANGER SIGNS! – • Dark, often greenish clouds • Wall cloud – an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm • Cloud of debris • Large hail • Funnel cloud – a visible rotating extension of the cloud base • Roaring noises
3. WATCH OR WARNING? – WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in and near the area. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued. WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A tornado poses imminent danger to life and property.
To learn how to prepare for emergencies or how to build an emergency kit, visit www.redcross.org.