Emergency Preparedness
Whether it’s a hurricane, an earthquake or a house fire that threatens, all families need a disaster plan.
This September, in celebration of National Preparedness Month the Red Cross encourages all Americans to assess and prepare for their local disaster risks. It's time to make or update your family disaster plan and your Red Cross chapter is ready to help.
"Just like no coach would bring a team onto a field without a game plan, every family needs a game plan for emergencies. When disaster strikes, it’s too late," says Russ Paulsen, Red Cross Executive Director of Community Preparedness and Resilience.
Plans should include:
All members of the household should work together on the emergency plan and each person should know how to reach other family members.
This September, in celebration of National Preparedness Month the Red Cross encourages all Americans to assess and prepare for their local disaster risks. It's time to make or update your family disaster plan and your Red Cross chapter is ready to help.
"Just like no coach would bring a team onto a field without a game plan, every family needs a game plan for emergencies. When disaster strikes, it’s too late," says Russ Paulsen, Red Cross Executive Director of Community Preparedness and Resilience.
Plans should include:
- A meeting place right outside the home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire
- A location where everyone should meet if they can't go home
- An out-of-area contact who can help connect separated family members
All members of the household should work together on the emergency plan and each person should know how to reach other family members.
In an effort to help you and your family prepare now, here are some one-minute drills from the American Red Cross that are short on time, but big on impact.
Drill 1 – Get a Kit
Visit the American Red Cross Store and buy the Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit. That’s it. You are already done with this step. Easy, right?
Drill 2 – Discuss Kit Rules
Once you get the kit, make sure that everyone knows where it is and that the items are to be used for emergencies only. You don't want someone taking the water packet from the kit just because they don't want to make the trip to the kitchen.
Drill 3 – Personalize Your Kit
Have each family member pick their favorite canned foods and personal items and add them to the kit.
Drill 4 – Make an Evacuation Plan
This is much easier and less time consuming than it seems. Pull out a map and highlighter and determine two or three destinations and the routes to get there.
Drill 5 – Be Informed
It is important to know what natural disasters can affect your area and what to do in the event of one striking. Read through the appropriate Disaster and Emergency guides. Watch the weather and stay on top of the news if a hurricane or other severe weather is predicted to come your way. If local authorities are telling you to evacuate, then EVACUATE! If you followed the drills above, then you already have an evacuation plan.
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