We know you have lots to do…all the time. We also know that when a disaster strikes you can quickly run out of time. Being prepared for an emergency can make the difference between life and death. It is not a matter of if you will be impacted by a disaster, but WHEN.
September is National Preparedness Month, the perfect time to get your household ready for an emergency. The American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming urges everyone to make sure they are prepared for a disaster and not wait until an emergency occurs when it’s too late.
“This is the time of year when hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other large disasters can happen,” said Gino Greco, CEO for the Red Cross Colorado & Wyoming Region. “You should take steps now to be ready if an emergency occurs. It’s critical that all members of your household know what to do.”
THREE EASY STEPS to be Red Cross Ready. Getting prepared is easier than it sounds. There are three basic steps:
- GET A KIT. Pack the following items in an easy-to-carry container – a gallon of water per person, per day; non-perishable food; flashlight and hand-crank or battery-powered radio; extra batteries; sanitation and personal hygiene items; copies of important papers; extra cash and any medical or baby supplies family members may need. See full details here.
- MAKE A PLAN. Have all members of your household help devise and practice your emergency plan that includes a home fire and larger scale emergencies that might cause evacuations. Consider what emergencies could happen where you live; what to do if you are separated and how will you let loved ones know you are safe. Know when it is better to shelter in place. Find full details and easy-to-use plan templates here.
- BE INFORMED. Learn what disasters are common to your area. Find out how local authorities will let you know an emergency is happening. Make sure at least one household member is trained in first aid and CPR in case help is delayed during a disaster. Download the free Red Cross mobile apps, EMERGENCY and First Aid at redcross.org/apps to have instant emergency information and how to handle common first aid emergencies. Learn how to get fully informed about emergencies here.
Are you interested in being a Red Cross volunteer to help people impacted by disaster? You can join our team of exceptional volunteers by visiting redcross.org and click on Volunteer.
Do you plan to get information from social media sources? Make sure your Twitter account is optimized for crisis mode. Do the following:
Follow the Red Cross in Colorado and Wyoming on Twitter – @COWYRedCross and on our blog at COWYRedCrossBlog.org.
To request a Be Red Cross Ready presentation or The Pillowcase Project presentation visit: https://coloradoredcross1.wufoo.com/forms/red-cross-presentation-request-form .