Red Cross Offers Safety Tips as Hurricane Milton Set to Make Landfall

Miami, Fla. (October 9, 2024) — Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall in the coming days and could impact parts of South Florida. In Florida, volunteers are now opening evacuation centers across the state to help ensure people in Milton’s path have a safe place to stay.

“We are working with our community partners and local emergency management to identify areas where shelters are needed and are ready to support,” said Monica Rusconi, Regional Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross South Florida Region. “Our volunteers and personnel are ready to respond and we’ve got our warehouses stocked with emergency supplies that are pre-positioned and ready for use.”

Experts say Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida, bringing more than a foot of rain and a 15-foot storm surge to the area.

The Red Cross is preparing to respond and urges everyone near these areas to get ready now. Following are safety steps to follow:

1. Know the difference between a watch and warning. A WATCH means a hurricane, tropical storm or flooding is possible. A WARNING means conditions are expected within 36 hours. Take immediate precautions.

2. Get your home ready. Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood. Store outside items, such as lawn furniture and trash cans, to prevent them from being moved by high winds and possibly hurting someone.

3. Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channels for the latest updates. Obey evacuation orders from local officials.

4. Check your emergency kit and replace any missing items.

5. Prepare to evacuate quickly and know your routes and destinations.

6. Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

7. Never ride out a severe storm in a mobile home, even if it’s in a non-evacuation zone.

8. Don’t forget your pets. Bring them indoors and maintain direct control of them. Prepare a pet emergency kit with leashes or carriers, food, water, bowls, cat litter and box, and photos of you with your pet in case you are separated.

9. Stay indoors; avoid beaches, riverbanks and floodwaters. Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding. Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Remember: Turn around, don’t drown.

10. Use flashlights in the dark if the power goes out. Avoid using candles.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for real-time weather alerts, open shelters and expert advice on emergency situations. The Emergency App includes an “I’m Safe” feature that helps people check on loved ones. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores, or go to redcross.org/apps.

Visit redcross.org/hurricane for full hurricane safety information.

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 follow us on social media.

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Public Affairs Desk

American Red Cross South Florida Region

Media Line 561-907-6668

www.redcross.org/southflorida