Red Cross, USDA prepare as Hurricane Lee approaches New England
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The American Red Cross and U.S. Department of Agriculture have released guidance for communities as Hurricane Lee approaches Southern New England.
The Red Cross said it has prepositioned disaster teams and supplies throughout the region in order to quickly respond to need, and advises those in the path of the storm to download the free emergency app.
The USDA meanwhile has set up a Disaster Resource Center, a searchable repository of disaster-related resources, as well as a disaster assistance discovery tool for agricultural producers.
Both organizations have also released guidelines on how to prepare for a power outage, including:
- Use flashlights in the dark, not candles.
- Understand the risk of using a generator, including carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible, as an unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about four hours and a full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
- Prepare a cooler with ice or frozen bags of water for freezer items, and freeze refrigerated items to keep them fresh for longer.
- â¯Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment
The Red Cross added that there is currently a national blood shortage, and Hurricane Lee has cancelled many blood drives.
The Rhode Island Blood Center has also declared a “blood emergency” due to low supply.
Those interested in giving blood can schedule an appointment here.
