It’s about this time each year that the American Red Cross and The Blood Connection issue a call to blood donors across the Southeast, as they did on Monday.
Hurricane season puts a strain on multiple layers of infrastructure and among those is the fast depletion of blood supplies.
While Hurricane Debby has passed by to our south and east over the last two days, sparing the plateau of any significant impacts, the storm serves as a necessary reminder that hurricane season is in full swing.
As everyone knows, many of Highlands’ second homeowners and frequent visitors come from Florida and South Georgia and we certainly hope that their families, properties, and other connections are safe and sound following Debby’s landfall over the Sunshine State on Monday.
The American Red Cross would like to remind residents of proper storm preparedness, along with reminding everyone to donate blood as often as possible during storm season.
Here are some tips to stay safe if a severe storm is in the forecast:
• Have a plan – Line up transportation out of the storm’s path if necessary and find a place to stay that is reliable. Also plan for pets by asking if lodging will allow pets for the duration of your stay.
• Have a “Stay Kit” – If you decide to shelter in place and ride out a storm, the Red Cross recommends having two weeks worth of food and water on hand as well as personal hygiene items, medications, pet supplies, a battery powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries in case the power goes out.
• Have a “Go Kit” – If you decide to evacuate, the Red Cross recommends having 3 days of supplies in a go kit. Some items to consider packing are important personal documents, cash, food/water, hand sanitizer, medications, and any child specific products such as diapers, formula, and bottles.
• Be informed – Prior to the storm’s arrival, look up any pertinent contact information for local disaster relief agencies. Download the Red Cross interactive map that shows impending storms in the area and listen/watch weather reports.
While Hurricane Debby may have spared Highlands any significant impacts this time, there will be other storms that bring wind and heavy rain to our area. Let’s do our best to be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best.