Before the Next Hurricane:
Heed the Red Cross

After the Next Hurricane:
Dial 2-1-1 to give or get help

A hurricane doesn’t care how beautiful your house is. It doesn’t care how much you love your children. Its power is devastating. The effects can be more than you can bear.

Hurricane season begins June 1. Trident United Way and the Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the American Red Cross remind everyone to prepare for a hurricane in advance, and know whom to call before, during and afterwards.

Before a hurricane – Make an emergency kit with supplies like water, food, essential medications, a can opener, flashlight, radio with new batteries, etc. Know the routes out of town. Have a family communications plan. Plan for your pets. Know where Red Cross shelters are located. Visit www.lowcountryredcross.org for complete information.

During a hurricane – dial 2-1-1 if you’re scared and need someone to talk to.

After a hurricane – dial 2-1-1 for all the services you need, like food, water, mental health, etc. Find out where the Red Cross is providing services. Or call the Red Cross at 747-2323.

In the immediate days following a hurricane the American Red Cross will be managing and supporting shelters, supporting folks in their homes where the power is out, and identifying the extent of damage. Red Cross shelters will be open to anyone who needs them all along evacuation routes. Other assistance will be available once those needs have been addressed.

In addition, 2-1-1 Hotline connects people year-round with volunteer opportunities throughout our tri-county area. Very often after a disaster people seek ways to share with those who have been harmed, but don’t know where to help. In the Lowcountry, all they have to do is dial 2-1-1.

2-11 Hotline is a free, confidential, 24 hour-a-day service of Trident United Way. Since its inception three years ago, calls have tripled to nearly 50,000 a year. The service can also be reached at 1-800-922-2283.