Be Prepared

A disaster can strike at any time. It may be a house fire, wild land fire, winter storm, hazardous materials spill or someone walking through your streets with a gun. You may be either forced to evacuate your home or stay in your home because of the threat (“shelter in place”). It behooves all of us to be as ready as we can be to insure the safety of ourselves, our loved ones and our friends and neighbors. There are many things you can do to prepare, but the Red Cross recommends these three:

Get a Kit

A Disaster Supplies Kit consists of emergency supplies you will need if you must shelter in place. This would include extra food and water for at least three days, perhaps gloves, a method to cook food if your power or gas is off, flashlight and extra batteries and more. These can go in a large tub and be stored in your garage, attic or some other location in your house (see brochure). Another part of your Disaster Supplies Kit is your Go Bag. This is a backpack, knapsack large purse, carry-on luggage or some other easy-to-carry container that you can store in a convenient location and pick up and “go” in an emergency. It will have a flashlight with extra batteries, perhaps rain poncho, whistle bottles of water and personal items. However, just as important it should contain extra keys to the house and car, copies of important documents and digital copies of photos.

Make a Plan

What is your plan when you encounter a crisis or emergency? Where will you meet your family if you’re separated? If you have to evacuate your house because of a house fire, where will you meet? Has your immediate family been informed? Has your extended family been informed? Does everyone have phone numbers?

Be Informed

What kind of threats are there in the area in which you live? What are the emergency numbers? What is the evacuation plan, emergency radio station and resources available in you area? You local police, fire and city offices will be able to get you this information. Also, what are typical ways to respond to common threats?

The Red Cross can assist you with being prepared. We can come to your place of business, club, organization or neighborhood and give a presentation, or you can attend a presentation offered by the Red Cross in your community. You can also become a Red Cross volunteer and become a trainer. Opportunities exist in every community, including schools, for presentations to be made. Contact your local Red Cross for more information.

Are you Red Cross Ready?