With the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season beginning Thursday, the American Red Cross of Louisiana is asking Louisianans to prepare their families for the possibility of major hurricanes and to consider volunteering as the resulting disasters due to the climate they become more frequent and intense.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this hurricane season, which begins Thursday and runs through Nov. 30.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicts a range of 12 to 17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes, and one to four major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.
“Louisiana knows all too well that it only takes one hurricane to disrupt lives, devastate communities and trigger large-scale relief efforts,” said Louisiana Red Cross CEO Shawn Schulze.
“We are ready to help our neighbors this hurricane season and encourage all Louisianans to consider volunteering so you too can make a difference when it matters most.”
In the last 10 years, the number of billion-dollar disasters in the US has increased by 70% when adjusted for inflation. From 2013 to 2022, the U.S. saw 152 disasters that cost $1 billion, compared to 89 in the 10-year period ending in 2012. Meanwhile, the most costly disasters in the nation’s history—eight of the top 10 – have been hurricanes.
Louisiana Red Crossers work year-round to update the organization’s response plans, practice large-scale disaster responses, recruit and train volunteers, and update the stock of relief supplies such as cots and cleaning kits.
The organization will host regular training and information sessions for volunteers during hurricane season and is prepared to provide shelter, comfort, care and resources in the event of a climate disaster.
“We spend all year preparing for the summer months when our threat of high-impact disasters is at its highest,” Schulze said. “Now is the time for Louisiana residents to review their evacuation plans and recheck their emergency kits so everyone is prepared to step into these high-stress times before, during and after a severe storm makes landfall “.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
As the number of climate disasters increases, the Louisiana Red Cross is increasing its volunteer capacity to respond to these emergencies and provide help and hope when it matters most. visit red cross.org to register now. Here are the most needed disaster volunteer positions:
— SHELTER SUPPORT: Assists in a shelter during a major disaster by welcoming and registering residents, serving meals, setting up cribs, distributing blankets and personal hygiene kits, and providing information and other assistance to those in need.
— HEALTH SERVICES: Use your professional skills as a licensed health care provider to provide practical support, including care and education to people staying in a shelter during a major disaster.
— DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM: While major hurricanes receive the most news coverage, smaller disasters, such as house fires, are no less devastating to those affected. Join your local disaster response team to help families in need by providing food, shelter, comfort, recovery assistance and other support.
Red Cross volunteers represent 90% of the organization’s workforce. Across the country, they continuously provide shelter, comfort, hot meals, health services and recovery support to families in need. Since January 1, 2023, 27 Louisiana Red Cross have deployed a combined 30 times to 13 different disasters, including tornadoes, floods, wildfires and typhoons.
“The Louisiana Red Cross are compassionate, committed and experienced leaders in disaster relief,” said Schulze. “But the increasing frequency and intensity of climate disasters means that we are increasingly in a broad response, whether it’s helping our neighbors here at home or our friends across the country.
“This creates an urgent need for more volunteers. We have a job for everyone, regardless of your experience or skills. And I’m proud that here in Louisiana, especially, we have outstanding volunteer leaders who can train and mentor people who want to join to our movement.”
HOW TO PREPARE
Now is also the time to make sure everyone in your family is prepared for hurricanes. Follow these steps to make sure your family is prepared to evacuate or hunker down if a storm threatens your community.
— First, create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency or if you need to evacuate.
— Build an emergency kit with one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a radio with batteries, a first aid kit, medicine, baby or pet supplies, a multi-tool, personal hygiene items , copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
— Stay informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how to get important information such as evacuation orders.
— Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to have severe weather safety information at your fingertips. The Emergency app provides real-time weather alerts and tips on how to stay safe during bad weather and many other emergencies. Search for “American Red Cross” in the app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
