As we continue to learn of the devastation wrought on the Texas Gulf Coast by Hurricane Ike, we are reminded that natural disasters and severe weather can occur at anytime and we must always be appropriately prepared.  More than 1,000 miles away, Hurricane Ike’s high winds knocked out power to thousands of West Virginians as the storm’s remnants swept across the state.

Allegheny Power and Appalachian Power Co. estimate that more than 14,000 state customers lost electrical service due to Hurricane Ike, mostly in Lincoln, Mason, and Wayne Counties.

As we’ve seen this year, natural disasters can strike quickly and without warning.  They can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, for days or weeks, or can confine you to your home.  September is National Preparedness Month and the Red Cross and I are encouraging residents to join us in helping to create a “Red Cross Ready” southern West Virginia by taking three simple actions to reduce the risk and dangers of natural disasters, when they strike. 

•    Get a Kit - Get a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive for at least three days in the event an emergency happens. The kit should include basic items like water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight and a first aid kit.  Kits are available online at www.redcross.org or at Red Cross locations.

•    Make a Plan - Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency. Your plan should include a communications plan and address sheltering-in-place and evacuation. Go to www.ready.gov for more information and templates to help get you started.

•    Be Informed - Learn more about different threats that could affect your community and appropriate responses to them.  www.ready.gov also offers information regarding natural disasters and potential terrorist threats and as well as information about the emergency plans that have been established in your area.

Coastal areas of Texas were devastated in the wake of Hurricane Ike.  Millions lost power, and in places like Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula, basic services are non-existent, with no clear time frame for when they will be restored.  The American Red Cross was on hand, administering aide, in Texas after Hurricane Ike, as well as in damaged areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Michigan.  As the 2008 Hurricane season draws to an end, the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund is depleted and sorely in need of donations.

To help the Red Cross, please make a donation by visiting www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  You can also use your cell phone to donate $5 by text messaging the keyword “GIVE” to “2HELP” (24357). You can send multiple donations depending on your carrier.

West Virginians have always been willing to lend a hand to neighbors in need.  This September, I strongly urge them to do so again, to help the Red Cross in their Gulf Coast recovery efforts and to support their role as our Nation’s premier emergency response organization.