We are urging all families to heed hurricane warnings and follow life-saving Hurricane Preparedness Tips now, as Hurricane Irma hits the Caribbean and targets Florida. The Category 5 hurricane has a projected path that may hit south Florida by late this weekend. Irma is the strongest recorded storm ever to rage through the Caribbean and towards U.S. It promises to bring disastrous rain, forceful winds, and flooding to the Sunshine State. The Category 5 level means Irma has maximum sustained winds of above 157 mph near its core and preliminary data suggests the storm's maximum sustained winds now top 185 mph, though gusts have been recorded in excess of 215 mph.

As a disaster relief agency, we dedicate ourselves to helping people in the Americas and all over the world during disasters and crisis, and now we turn to our own shores to help families brace for a hurricane that has the potential to impact lives greatly.

It is imperative to follow our life-saving Hurricane Preparedness Tips in advance of the storm making landfall. Every person should know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane, and not take Hurricane Irma lightly. Share with family, friends and loved ones in its path.

The complete Hurricane Preparedness Tips are available here, basic recommended protocol to follow before, during, and after the hurricane are as followed:

1) EDUCATION: Know and monitor the early warning systems available (on radio, TV, internet, cell phone); Have knowledge of the closest government-designated shelter and of your evacuation routes.

2) EVACUATION: Ensure your vehicle is fueled-up and your evacuation carry-on emergency kit ready in case you need to leave (keep it light: ID, small valuables, cell-phone, radio, flashlight, spare batteries, maps, whistle, energy food & water, small first-aid kit, essential medicines, prescription glasses, adequate clothing and shoes).

3) HIBERNATION: Store food, water, medical supplies and other basic commodities before the hurricane (to last up to 3 days); Secure your possession/house against high winds: garden/patio tables & chairs and other outdoor furniture, motorbikes, bicycles, signs, fences, doors, gates, external lights; rain gutters, trim dead branches from nearby trees; If your house has no shutters, plan to tape or board your windows to prevent shattering, secure your doors against high winds.

PROJECT GALLERY

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