In an almost direct mirror of last year, long-range weather predictions anticipate 12-16 named storms — six to nine of them hurricanes — before the 2008 hurricane season ends on Nov. 30. Despite the fact that no storms made landfall in Florida in 2007, the season did see 15 named storms in the Atlantic.

Emergency personnel and non-profit relief organizations want Floridians — well-known for being prepared for severe weather — to make sure they are well prepared this year. To this end, the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter has geared up it's response capabilities with more classes, more equipment, more volunteers, and hopefully, more community support.

At this year's Polk County Hurricane Expo — Saturday, June 7, at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven — the American Red Cross could not keep volunteer information brochures on the table. Almost everyone who came to visit the Red Cross table inside, and the two Emergency Response Vehicles parked outside, wanted to know how to donate their time to their local Red Cross.

The Polk County Chapter now has two Emergency Response Vehicles on hand. Like the first one obtained in November 2006, the chapter's second vehicle also comes from the American Red Cross Disaster Response National Fleet. It is part of an effort to prepare the Polk County Chapter for the coming hurricane season, especially since the chapter’s disaster responses have nearly doubled in the past year. It will also help support major disaster responses across the country.

The Red Cross started the morning with help from a nine-person team from AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), who have spent the last several weeks working weekdays building housing in Highlands County, and wanted more to do over the weekends.

At the Expo, Red Cross volunteers put on a demonstration of First Aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation techniques, encouraging people to get certified, in case they may be the only assistance available to someone in distress, especially during severe weather when help may not be able to respond.

In addition, volunteers told residents about another way to support their local Red Cross. In partnership with Cypress Gardens, the Polk Red Cross has a way for people to help raise funds to support Red Cross disaster relief and health and safety programs, while having a great time just floating along in a comfortable river ride. The inaugural Cypress Gardens Paradise River Float-A-Thon will take place July 19, 2008, at the park's Splash Island water park, where "Paradise River" carries floaters in inner-tubes on a meandering course. Floaters need only collect pledges after registering with the Red Cross by phone at (863) 294-5941 or by e-mail at polkcofl@polkredcross.org. A pledge form is available online in pdf or Word document format, or may be obtained at Cypress Gardens, the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter, or other area locations, as listed on our online flyer.

Red Cross volunteers also made a tremendous impression on expo visitors with the misting tent set up between their two vehicles. People came by for a quick cool-off from the 95-degree heat, and ended up learning more about preparing for disaster.

Finally, the Red Cross also brought it's season's first Babysitting Boot Camp to the Expo, to teach the students — who had just completed a three-day course on caring for children using safety, first aid, and professional skills — some of the other ways local Red Cross volunteers help their community.

Red Cross volunteers would like to thank event organizers for making the expo such as success, lead by Rosa Ward of the Polk County Public Safety Department. International Association of Firefighters Local 3531 cooked up great hot-dog and hamburger lunches. Thanks to U.S. Representative Adam Putnam for coming to speak at the beginning of the event, and of course, much thanks to every organization, agency, and vendor that works tirelessly to help prepare the people of Polk County for whatever storms may come.

Most of all, Red Cross volunteers went to ensure residents will plan for the season by following a three-step "Be Red Cross Ready" program:

1. Get a Kit

• Keep at least three (3) days of supplies in an easy- to-carry kit, with more on hand.
• Store the kit where it is easily accessible.
• Check your kit and replace outdated stock every six (6) months.

Step 2: Make a Plan

• Talk with your family about the disasters that happen where you live. Establish responsibilities for each member of the household, and plan to work together as a team.
• Pick two places to meet after a disaster: One right outside your house in case of a sudden disaster, like fire, and another outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or must evacuate.
• Choose an out-of-area contact for all members of your family to call - someone who lives far enough away that they won’t be affected by that same disaster.
• Learn how and when to turn off utilities and how to use fire extinguishers.
• Tell everyone in your house where emergency information and supplies are kept. Keep information updated and practice evacuations, along with alternative routes.
• Include pets in your evacuation plans. Know which motels do and don’t take pets.
• Support your community by volunteering and giving blood during local blood drives.

Step 3: Be Informed

• Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur in your area throughout the year.
• Learn the different methods you can use to gain important information during a disaster or emergency, whether by phone, e-mail, online, fax, radio, television, or word-of-mouth.
• Learn First Aid. During a disaster, you may be the only person who can respond immediately to a first aid emergency.

For more information on volunteering, taking classes, or supporting your local Red Cross through a financial donation, contact your American Red Cross:

• In Polk County, call (863) 294-5941, fax (863) 293-9626, or e-mail polkcofl@polkredcross.org.
• In Highlands County, call (863) 386-4440 or 386-4443, fax (863) 386-4449, or e-mail hcarc@vistanet.net.