The American Red Cross will always be there to help us when we need it. The Red Cross also empowers us to help prevent emergencies and prepare ourselves before disaster strikes. Everyone should learn how to take care of themselves and their families in case of emergency. And as a person who is deaf, I feel an even greater responsibility to plan for the unexpected because I need to plan how to communicate in case the services I use are not available. We must take it upon ourselves to make sure we’re as safe and ready as we can be – not only for our own wellbeing, but for the wellbeing of those around us, too.
 
The Red Cross offers extensive resources on how you can get prepared for a disaster or emergency. You can get guidance on how to make a family emergency plan and build an emergency supplies kit, and learn simple, everyday safety tips like fire prevention and first aid. The Red Cross also teaches courses in lifesaving skills, including CPR, AED use, swimming lessons and even pet first aid. You never know when you might need these skills to save a life – or when you need someone else to help save yours.
 
Visit www.redcross.org (or www.cruzrojaamericana.org for Spanish) or contact your local chapter to learn more.