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Are you Red Cross Ready? How to Prepare for Emergencies
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| House fires are the most common disaster in the United States. To prevent house fires like this recent one in Allenstown, prepare a plan for your family, including the steps recommended by the American Red Cross. |
Emergencies usually come with little warning. Being prepared can save you and your loved ones a lot of time, anxiety and hassles. You local chapter of the American Red Cross recommends some simple steps to take before disaster strikes to be ready for most situations and better able to respond.
Emergencies usually come with little warning. Being prepared can save you and your loved ones a lot of time, anxiety and hassles. You local chapter of the American Red Cross recommends some simple steps to take before disaster strikes to be ready for most situations and better able to respond.
Here are ways to prepare for emergencies.
GET A KIT
Have at least three days of supplies in an evacuation kit. Remember to check and restock your kit every six months. Here are some key components of a kit to store in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container.
Water - one gallon per person per day
Food - non-perishable, high protein foods, like energy bars, peanut butter, etc.
Flashlight and radio - hand-cranked options are available; include extra batteries if needed
First aid kit - include a first aid reference guide
Medications and personal items - prescription and non-prescription items, id cards, contact information, insurance papers, sanitary supplies, eyeglasses or contact lenses, comfort items like toys and books
Tools - basic ones, like a wrench to turn off gas, manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duck tapes, plastic sheeting, garbage bags and ties
Clothing - a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves
Money - have cash; ATM cards don't work if the power is out
Pet supplies - food, water, a collar and leash or cage/carrying case, tags, medications, vaccination information
MAKE A PLAN
Planning ahead will help you have the best possible response to a disaster.
Talk - plan responsibilities for each family member and alternatives if someone is absent
Plan - places to meet both just outside your house for home disasters, or in the area if you can't return home
Learn - for the adults, how to turn off utilities and use fire extinguishers
Tell - everyone in house where emergency supplies and information are kept
Practice - evacuating from home and driving evacuation routes
Include pets - plan on taking your pets with you
Support plans in your community - find out how your community is planning for disasters
BE INFORMED
Know what may happen and how you can help.
Learn about disasters - what are the disasters or emergencies most likely to occur where you live, work and play
Identify how you will know - how will local authorities will notify you during a disaster, whether by local radio, TV or NOAA weather channels
Contact your Red Cross Chapter - find out from your Red Cross Chapter about classes in CPR/first aid/AED (automated external defibrillator), and opportunities to be trained as a disaster volunteer
Share - what you have learned with your family and neighbors; encourage them to be involved too
Three steps to help you react well in an emergency:
- Check the scene for safety and the victim for life-threatening conditions.
- Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number and request professional assistance.
- Care for the victim if you can reach the person safely.
Be Red Cross Ready Checklist
- I know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in my community.
- I have a family disaster plan and have practiced it.
- I have an emergency preparedness kit.
- At least one member of my household is trained in first aid and CPR/AED.
- I have taken action to help my community be prepared.
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