JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The American Red Cross is urging residents along the coast of Northeast Florida to prepare their homes ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole.
The disaster relief organization issued indoor and outdoor safety tips to keep communities safe as Nicole is expected to bring heavy rains, which can lead to excessive flooding.
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Tropical Storm warnings were issued Monday night for the coastline, and storm surge warnings were issued for the St. Johns River.
The Red Cross wants residents to keep in mind that even if flood waters do not reach their homes, they can still be affected because of power and water loss, resulting in roads potentially becoming impassable for several days.
Here’s how to stay safe indoors:
- Take shelter in an interior room for high winds.
- Stay away from glass windows and doors.
- Turn off the power and water mains if instructed to do so by local authorities.
- Boil tap water until water sources have been declared safe.
- Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals.
- Continue listening to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
- Don’t use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded.
- Dispose of any food that comes into contact with flood water.
How to stay safe outdoors:
- Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and two feet will float a car.
- If caught on a flooded road with rapidly rising waters, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
- Don’t walk on beaches or riverbanks.
- Don’t allow children to play in or near flood water.
- Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals.
- Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Underpasses, dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. can become filled with water.
You can download the Red Cross mobile app to stay updated with real-time alerts, shelter locations and safety advice.