After years of hard work and preparation, athletes from around the globe are gathering in South Korea to compete against the best of the best. It has taken them years of hard work and preparation to become an athlete of this level.
The odds of any of us joining these athletes are small. But the odds of being in a disaster are much higher. We need to beat the odds and be ready for any emergencies that come along. And getting prepared isn’t hard – it’s as easy as 1-2-3.
1. Get a Kit. Build a disaster kit in an easy-to-carry container that you can either use at home or take with you if you have to leave your home. The kit should contain a gallon of water per person for each day – 3 days for evacuating, 2 weeks for home; non-perishable food, manual can opener, a flashlight and extra batteries, hand-crank radio, first aid kit, multi-purpose tool, copies of important papers, medications, medical supplies such as glasses, contact lenses, syringes, supplies for a baby if needed, sanitation and personal hygiene items, extra cash, cell phone and charger, emergency contact information. Find out more here.
2. Make a Plan. Sit down with all of the members of your household and draw up an emergency plan. Consider the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live. Think about which may require your household to shelter in place (a winter storm?) and which may require you to evacuate (hurricane?) Select two places to meet – one right outside the home, and one outside the neighborhood if case going home isn’t possible. Pick a person out of the area as an emergency contact and save their information on all the cell phones. Don’t forget your pets. Plan a route to use during an evacuation. Practice your plan twice a year. Complete details are available here.
3. Be Informed. Learn what types of disasters may occur in your area. If you are planning a trip, learn what disasters are common where you are planning to visit. Learn how authorities will let you know a disaster is occurring. Have at least one member of your household trained in first and CPR. Learn more here.
DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS
You should also download free Red Cross apps to help you be better prepared. The Red Cross app “Emergency” can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting vital information in your hand for more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts as well as the location of shelters. The Red Cross First Aid App puts instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies at your fingertips. Download these apps by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.
Be inspired by these talented athletes and get prepared now. Take these simple steps and be ready for emergencies. For information on what to do during different types of disasters, visit here.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
