Red Cross: September is National Preparedness Month

The recent earthquake, Hurricane Irene, heavy rains, flooding and thunderstorms, along with this past spring storms in the South and Midwest in addition to the house fires so many families experience on a nightly basis should reinforce to everyone how important it is to be prepared.

September is National Preparedness Month and once again the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania has some potentially life and property saving tips to prevent or reduce the damage done by a fire, flood, hurricane, power outage or other disaster. It’s called being Red Cross Ready.

The three principles of being “Red Cross Ready” are: Get a kit, Make a plan, Be informed. People should build an emergency preparedness kit, make a plan as to what your family will do in an emergency, and be informed about what resources are available in your community and what types of disasters could occur there.

“Being prepared today can save lives tomorrow,” said Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter CEO Renee Cardwell Hughes.

“You are your best defense against emergencies. The Red Cross can show you what simple steps you need to take to prepare yourself and your loved ones for emergencies.”

Red Cross SEPA Chapter recommends your emergency preparedness kit contain enough supplies for three days in case you need to evacuate. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. Supplies should include water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items, and copies of important personal documents. Your      emergency plan should involve all members of your household, including pets. Make sure each person knows how to reach each other and an out-of-area emergency contact person in case local phone lines are jammed.

Being informed means knowing about what resources are available and what types of disasters are most likely to occur where you live, learn, work and play. Take a first aid and CPR/AED course—a vital component of disaster preparedness in case emergency help is delayed.