Columbus Day, observed the second Monday in October, celebrates Christopher Columbus and his crew’s journey to find the Far East and landing in the Americas instead. While many associate Columbus Day with Columbus “sailing the ocean blue in 1492,” the holiday has evolved to represent more than this historic reflection.
This Columbus Day, join the Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming in setting the path to your next voyage — disaster preparation.
Below is a list of steps you can take to help you get started:
1. Create a Disaster Kit – In case of an emergency, make sure to include enough of the following for each of your family members:
- Warm blankets, a change of clothing and shoes
- A gallon of water per person, per day
- Non-perishable food and a can opener
- Flashlights and batteries
- First aid kit
- Personal hygiene items
- Extra chargers
- Medications/ copies of medical information or important documents
- Emergency contact information
- Battery operated radio
While you may have most of these items in your home already, having a prepared kit that is readily accessible can help ease some of the burden during a disaster. Grocery stores, drug stores, convenience stores and many more may not be open or might be experiencing power outages — leading to food or supply shortages ahead of major weather events.
2. Discover New Skills – The Red Cross offers a variety of in-person and online training courses to help you stay prepared:
- AED/ CPR
- Basic Life Support
- First Aid
- Fire/ Water Safety
The Red Cross responds to an emergency every eight minutes, and although nobody plans to end up in life-threatening situations, knowing these crucial skills can mitigate further harm before help arrives. Clearing an airway, extinguishing a fire and performing basic CPR is essential knowledge that anyone can learn to save lives. The Red Cross offers a variety of these classes and more to point you in the right direction.
3. Plan for Emergencies – Major weather events, extreme temperatures or wind and rain can’t always be anticipated but planning ahead for disasters can help you navigate the path forward:
- Fill your car with gas ahead of emergencies
- Follow weather reports
- Locate emergency shelters near you and plan potential routes there
- Develop a possible evacuation plan with your family
Planning for unknown disasters may feel complicated; however, preparing for the worst can be the best tool we have to stay ahead of an emergency. If you ever feel lost along your journey in disaster preparedness, remember that The Red Cross has a wealth of information to keep you updated, safe and prepared ahead of disasters.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.