AUSTIN, TX, August 29, 2008 - The American Red Cross of Central Texas has volunteers on standby, ready to open more than 75 shelters in the event of an evacuation ahead of Tropical Storm Gustav. The National Hurricane Center places possible landfall anywhere from Corpus Christi, Texas, eastward to Panama City, Florida, with Gustav being a Category 3 hurricane by Tuesday evening.

Local government officials, not the Red Cross, will issue evacuation orders when disaster threatens. The American Red Cross of Central Texas urges residents in the projected path of the storm to take evacuation warnings seriously and prepare now. Residents should listen to local news sources for the most current information or call the Austin Hurricane Information Hotline at (512) 974-1110.

Even if no evacuation has been advised, people should take steps now to protect their homes and belongings. Residents should prepare to take the following items with them in the event they are told to evacuate:
Prescription medications and dentures.
Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water
Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend's or relative's home)
Cash
Pets, with pet food and supplies
A critical step in preparing for the storm is to notify friends and family of your whereabouts. Be sure to ask a friend or family member to register you as "safe and well" on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Website at https://disastersafe.redcross.org/. This can then be checked by loved ones to let them know of your well-being.

The American Red Cross of Central Texas needs volunteer shelter managers. A volunteer shelter manager training will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 8am, at Combined Transportation, Emergency & Communications Center (CTECC), located at 5010 Old Manor Road, Austin, Texas.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer to help respond to this and other disasters, please visit www.centex.redcross.org and fill out an application. The best way to help is with a financial contribution to the local chapter. Central Texans who wish to make a financial contribution to the American Red Cross of Central Texas can call 800 or 512-928-4271, send a financial contribution to 2218 Pershing Drive, Austin, 78723 or make a secure on-line donation at www.centex.redcross.org. For information on Red Cross services or volunteer opportunities please call 800 or 512-928-4271 or visit our website.