By Brian Scoles
With new possibilities for Tropical Storm Ernesto to upgrade back into a hurricane and progress along the Eastern seaboard, the Upstate Chapter urges residents to act now while there's time to prepare. Ernesto is anticipated to make landfall in Florida in the coming days; later this week, there is the potential for northeastern communities to be impacted by severe, dangerous weather in the form of high winds, flash floods and more. For those in the entire state of Florida as well as individuals and families along the Eastern seaboard from Gerogia to New England, taking three simple steps to prepare can make all the difference in staying safe: get a kit, make a plan and stay informed.
Individuals and families can never be too prepared. There is a possiblility that the storm will strengthen again as it is moves into open water just north of Cuba. The current track of the storm plots Ernesto's landfall in South Carolina near Charleston. However, the entire State of South Carolina may be affected to some degree by winds, rain, and possibly flooding.
Communities in Ernesto's path need to take action now to plan for potentially dangerous landfall. Continue to review your family communications plan, and check your disaster supplies kit while you have the opportunity.
As always, the Upstate Chapter is there for its communities. However, through its cadre of well trained staff and volunteers, we have an impact nationwide. Two volunteers from the Upstate have deployed to Orlando, Florida in anticipation of Ernesto's landfall and 10 more are on alert to be deployed wherever they are needed. Our volunteers will be responsible for feeding victims in shelters, at feeding sites and delivering meals in affected neighborhoods. They will also aid in sheltering victims and evacuees and providing counseling services as necessary.
If you have a desire to get involved in disaster relief and have an hands on impact with storm victims, contact the Upstate Chapter by calling (864) 271-8222.
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2 comments:
What happens if Ernesto hits SC and your deployed in Florida?
Anonymous, thanks for your comment. In the case of the Upstate South Carolina Chapter, we have built-in capacity to handle multiple scenarios simultaneously. In this case, our Emergency Response Vehicle has been deployed to Tampa. However, we have many more volunteers we can call upon at a moments notice to deploy to Charleston, or to open evacuation shelters here in Greenville as the need dictates.
--Brian
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