The Red Cross Can Help You Be Prepared for the Next Emergency

Posted April 18, 2013

Red Cross Can Help You Be Prepared for the Next Emergency

Take simple steps to help save a life

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Recent events in Boston and Texas emphasize the importance of knowing what to do when an emergency occurs. Even as first responders rushed to both scenes, much of the initial care was provided by friends, neighbors and bystanders who were trained in CPR and first aid.

Whether the emergency is community-wide or involves an individual being hurt at home, it is vital that someone close by know how to react.

“Being prepared for disasters can not only bring peace of mind during trying times, it can truly help to save a life during emergencies,” said Maxine Margaritis, regional CEO for the American Red Cross serving Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

The Red Cross offers classes, mobile apps and expertise to help Southern Californians be prepared for whatever may occur:

First Aid and CPR Classes emphasize hands-on-learning to teach the skills needed to help save a life. Register at redcross.org/takeaclass or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

Disaster preparedness presentations are offered at no-cost to local businesses, schools and community organizations, such as neighborhood associations. To request a presentation for your group, or to RSVP for the free workshop from 6:30 to 8: 30 p.m. on April 30 at our Riverside location, please email monica.ruzich@redcross.org.

Mobile Apps make simple, lifesaving information available on iPhone and Android mobile devices. Download the free First Aid, Earthquake or Wildfire apps at redcross.org/mobile-apps.

Preparedness information that can help workplaces, schools and families learn how to plan for and respond to a variety of disasters is also available at no-cost on redcross.org.

“We know that preparedness makes a difference, not only in terms of how we react, but how quickly we recover,” Margaritis said. “Together, we can lessen the effects of disaster, speed recovery and help our communities be more resilient.”

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.