Washington, U.S.A. — As Tropical Storm Isaac marches north, the American Red Cross opened shelters in Florida and is prepared for widespread flooding and sheltering a large number of people throughout the state.

“The Red Cross is helping people in Florida who are being affected by the storm, and we urge those throughout the state and the Gulf Coast region who are in Isaac’s projected path to take preparedness steps now,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of disaster services. “The Red Cross is preparing for what could be a large disaster response across multiple states over the next several weeks.”

The Red Cross has deployed more than 1,000 disaster workers throughout Florida and has materials and supplies positioned for use, including pre-stocking 30,000 ready-to-eat meals in Florida and two mobile kitchens sent to the state.

With Isaac’s effects already being felt in parts of the state, people in Florida should stay informed on the storm’s progress from the National Weather Service. As the storm approaches, people should be prepared to evacuate if directed to do so by authorities.

As of noon August 27, the Red Cross has nearly 20 shelters already open in Florida and is poised to open more as necessary. If someone needs to find a Red Cross shelter, they can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check their local television, radio and newspaper.

It’s also important to stay in touch with family and friends, and the Red Cross Safe and Well website is a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies. To register, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This site also connects with the Twitter and Facebook accounts of users.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross also is mobilizing disaster workers, emergency vehicles, mobile kitchens and relief supplies to Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi as Isaac is expected to move into that area in the next few days. The Red Cross is urging residents in areas that could be affected by the storm to be preparing now.

Isaac is expected to cause serious flooding throughout the region, and people can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Image Courtesy of   American Red Cross

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The tropical storm Isaac is  the main issue threatening the Republican Convention, but it is not the only one, Joe Biden’s Florida visit on August 27 and Augusto 28, with a stop in Tampa included, could also affect the Republican National Convention.

Biden’s visit to Tampa may take some media attention out of the convention, also President Obama has planned to campaign on August 28 and August 29 in Iowa, Colorado and Virginia, which may also take media attention out of the convention. Michele Obama has also plans to campaign on August 29; she has a planned appearance on David Letterman’s show On CBS.

Isaac has turned into a serious problem for the GOP Convention organizers’ security plans, half of the expected officers come from different parts of Florida that could be affected by the storm, which may force them to stay home.

Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee stated: “We’re in a situation right now where we don’t know what’s going to happen.” David Gee also explained that some agencies might decide not to send security officers to Tampa if their area is affected by Isaac.

The Republican National Convention expects more than 3,500 officers from 59 law enforcement agencies from all around Florida. Inside the convention hall the Secret Service will be in charge of the security.

The Republican officials have tried to calm things down saying the convention will proceed as expected. Republican National Convention CEO William Harris stated: “We continue to move forward with our planning and look forward to a successful convention,” Harris added that “Governor Scott and local emergency officials have assured us that they have the resources in place to respond to this storm should it make landfall, as our primary concern is with those in the potential path of the storm.”

The Florida Governor Rick Scott also said that the state, local and federal authorities had no plans to cancel the convention. Scoot hopes the hurricane does not affect Florida, but he reminded that Florida is the most prepared state in the country for hurricanes.

Jeff Masters, director of meteorology for Weather Underground, explained that it is not probable that Tampa takes a direct hit from Isaac, but it could sideswipe the city causing rain and flood.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn also said the city is prepared for Isaac, he stated: “We have contingency plan after contingency plan,” and added: “We are ready in the event that it happens. I don’t think it’s going to be a factor in this particular convention. But we are prepared in the event that it is.” With 50,000 people coming to the convention the storm has become a big issue.

Image Courtesy of   USACEpublicaffairs

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