WEEK 9 - ARE YOU PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY?
Everyone knows the Red Cross helps people during emergencies. But you may not know that it’s also part of their mission to help you help yourself! Becoming “Red Cross Ready” for an emergency means following simple steps in advance to ensure you can weather a crisis safely and comfortably.
It’s as Easy as 1-2-3
Getting prepared may sound difficult or time consuming but – with a little help from the Red Cross – its actually very doable.
1 - Get a Kit
Learn the essential supplies to put in your family’s first aid and survival kits.
Learn More
2 - Make a Plan
Plan effectively for you and your family in case of an emergency.
Learn More
3 - Be Informed
Understand which disasters are likely in your area and what you must know to stay safe.
Learn More
Be Prepared for an Emergency. Be Red Cross Ready!
Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate. CLICK HERE for a list of the basic supplies and more information about how you can be Red Cross Ready!
At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:
· Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
· Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
· Flashlight [Available on the Red Cross Store]
· Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) [Available on the Red Cross Store]
· Extra batteries
· First aid kit [Available on the Red Cross Store]
· Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
· Multi-purpose tool
· Sanitation and personal hygiene items
· Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
· Cell phone with chargers
· Family and emergency contact information
· Extra cash
· Emergency blanket [Available on the Red Cross Store]
· Map(s) of the area
Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:
· Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
· Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
· Games and activities for children
· Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
· Two-way radios
· Extra set of car keys and house keys
· Manual can opener
Additional supplies to keep at home or in your survival kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:
· Whistle
· N95 or surgical masks
· Matches
· Rain gear
· Towels
· Work gloves
· Tools/supplies for securing your home
· Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
· Plastic sheeting
· Duct tape
· Scissors
· Household liquid bleach
· Entertainment items
· Blankets or sleeping bags
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· Create Your Emergency Plan in Just 3 Steps
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With your family or household members, discuss how to prepare and respond to the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play.
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Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and how you will work together as a team.
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Practice as many elements of your plan as possible.
DISASTER PLAN TEMPLATE
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m12140360_ARC_Family_Disaster_Plan_Template_r083012.pdf
NOTES ON HOW TO USE DISASTER PLAN TEMPLATE
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m11940171_ARC_Family_Disaster_Plan_Instructions_082312.pdf
Red Cross Recommended First Aide Kit
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit/anatomy