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Preparing for Warm Weather Disasters
Although summer is usually the signal for sunshine, the beach and vacation, it can also be a time when natural disasters such as hurricanes are more likely to occur. The American Red Cross encourages employees and their families to take time to follow a simple three-step plan to be prepared for disasters this summer – Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed.
One: Get a Kit – Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit
Support your plans by assembling, or buying and customizing, an emergency preparedness kit. It should include everything you need to prevent, prepare for and respond to whatever disasters or emergencies your family and community could face—whether you need to stay put or evacuate.
Supplies you’ll need are easy to obtain and generally affordable, including a flashlight, portable radio, batteries, water or a first aid kit. Be sure to add special items based on any unique needs of your family members, such as prescriptions, pet food or baby formula. The Red Cross sells starter kits and provides lists of supplies to build and customize your own kit.
Two: Make a Plan – Planning Ahead Will Help You Have the Best Response
Now that you have some ideas of what could potentially happen, make plans to prevent, prepare and respond to whatever could go wrong. While it may take a little time now, it isn’t as difficult as you may think and could save time, aggravation and possibly a life later. Design a family communication plan, determining evacuation routes and having information about nearest hospitals, emergency vets or knowing which hotels in the area allow pets in the event of an evacuation. Share this information with family members that don’t live in the area so they know how to contact you should an emergency occur. This step can also include getting trained in first aid and CPR.
Three: Be Informed – Learn About What Could Happen
Take time to think about and learn what could go wrong in your home, community and area of the country. This is especially important if you are new to an area of the country or have just moved into a home; check out local history and talk to neighbors. Think about what types of disasters are likely occur, what the traffic is like and how it impacts your ability to evacuate, and if any other risk factors may affect your home- such as nearby power lines, overgrown trees, or bodies of water.
For more information about preparing for disasters, or American Red Cross health and safety programs, contact your local chapter, visit www.redcross.org or call Customer Relations at (800) 667-2968.
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