September is National Preparedness Month, a time to get your household ready for emergencies. But as prices continue to climb, getting prepared can feel out of reach.

What if getting your household ready doesn't have to break the bank? The American Red Cross has put together a few simple, low-cost or no-cost steps you can take to put your household on the road to preparedness.

1.    A great place to start, and it won't cost a thing, is to develop an emergency plan.

Pick two places to meet ─ right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood. Think about how you’ll evacuate ─ where will you go and how will you get there? Don’t forget your pets ─ make them part of your plan. Make up emergency contact cards for the whole family in case the internet is down and save the information on everyone’s phone.

2.     Another simple, low-cost or no-cost step is to build a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit.

What should be included? Find out here. Could this be a budget breaker? There are ways to keep the costs down. Does your area have tax-free days for emergency supplies? Build your kit slowly, get one item at a time. Look for sales ─ buy one, get one free, clearance bins, clip coupons, shop discount stores.

3.     Download the Red Cross Emergency app which helps you and your loved ones before, during, and after a disaster.

This step is absolutely free. The app includes guides to help you prepare, National Weather Service alerts, live weather maps and help locating Red Cross shelters. It’s available in English and Spanish, and designed with accessibility in mind. Find it by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or visiting redcross.org/apps.

4.     Sign up for emergency alerts from your local government.

Find out how officials get out critical local information — like evacuation notices — during an emergency. Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur in your area. These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an earthquake or flood.

5.     Is your business, school or organization prepared for an emergency?

Anyone who interacts with your facility is depending on you to be ready. The Red Cross offers a free service ─ the Ready Rating Program ─ that helps businesses, schools and organizations become prepared for emergencies. Ready Rating members have access to tools, resources and information for improving their ability to withstand disaster, maintain operations, and protect lives and property. Whether your workplace is large or small, you can join this free, self-paced program. As a member, you will complete easy self-assessments to measure your level of preparedness and find areas that need improvement. 

Disasters don’t wait for a convenient time. They can strike overnight, during your commute or while your children are at school. The best way to protect yourself and the people you care about is to be prepared before an emergency happens. National Preparedness Month is a great time to try these simple, low-cost no-cost steps and help keep your loved ones safe.