Wilmington, DE - July 5, 2006 – The Red Cross concluded field operations in our response to flooding caused by the storms on Sunday, June 25, 2006. On Sunday July 2, 2006 two outreach teams followed up on the last of the calls to displaced residents. During the length of the operation, a total of 73 volunteers carried out the Red Cross relief efforts, which included mobile feeding, bulk distribution, damage assessment, and outreach to individuals and families.

Red Cross volunteers delivered over 8,000 meals, snacks and beverages between Tuesday afternoon and the close of business on Friday of last week to affected communities. To increase rapid outreach to more than 140 families in Sussex, Dorchester, Caroline and Wicomico counties, the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula partnered with its sister chapter, the American Red Cross, Lower Shore Chapter from Salisbury, Maryland, and the Salvation Army, to deliver food and emergency supplies, including clean-up kits.

Red Cross Volunteers Respond to Incidents Resulting From Severe Weather Conditions in the Delmarva Peninsula

With the destruction of last week still fresh, last night the Red Cross responded to a request to prepare for sheltering at the Clayton Volunteer Fire Company in .response to wind damage and downed trees affecting homes in that area. Several homes were affected and may remain unlivable. At least one family was provided shelter as a result of the damage to their home.

Additionally, over the past weekend, the Red Cross also responded to several fires, some which may have resulted from prominent lightning strikes. While the cause of this weekend’s fires are unknown to the Red Cross, the organization encourages all residents to prepare for severe weather conditions, such as flashfloods, windstorms, and lightning and provides assistance to those affected by weather-related disasters.

SAFETY TIPS:

Stay safe from lighting by learning to recognize the signs and conditions of approaching thunderstorms, which tend to develop on warm summer days. Lightning can strike from as far as 10 miles away of the area of the thunderstorm, so watch the skies and be aware of the weather conditions. A good rule of thumb is: if you can hear it, you are within striking distance.

There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Outdoor shelters such as picnic pavilions, golf huts and sheds are not safe during thunderstorms from lightning and flying debris. Therefore, it is important to find substantial shelter before a storm hits. Substantial shelter is a structure which is generally closed and has some sort of plumbing or wiring throughout, grounding it from top (the roof) to bottom.

If you have sought shelter, that is only the first step; you may still be at risk for being struck once you are inside. Remain safe indoors during a storm by:

• Unplugging the telephone and unnecessary appliances.
• Avoiding running water.
• Turning off the air conditioner. Power surges cause costly damages!
• Drawing the blinds in case a window breaks.
• Listening to the news for updated weather reports.

If a sturdy building cannot be found, the next safest solution is an enclosed metal vehicle. A hard-topped car, SUV, min-van or truck will insulate you; convertibles are not safe. Take the following precautions during the storm:

• Pull off of the highway during a storm.
• Avoid using electronics including cell phones or two–way radios.
• Make sure all window and doors are shut.