Los Angeles — As part of National Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross and Curacao department stores teamed up to bring important safety information to local families with an in-store preparedness education booth.

On Sunday evening, over 400 customers at Curacao’s flagship store in Los Angeles had the opportunity to learn about emergency preparedness with a Red Cross resiliency ambassador. Customers that downloaded the Red Cross emergency app, which features information in English and Spanish, or spoke with a resiliency ambassador about creating an emergency plan for their family had the option to enter to win a $100 gift card to Curacao.

Recent disasters across the country have served as a reminder that families across Southern California should take the time to be prepared. “Last year, millions of people across the country were impacted by an unrelenting wave of devastating disasters,” said Jarrett Barrios, CEO for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “Thanks to our retail partners like Curacao, more people are receiving preparedness education.”

Curacao has been a supporter of the American Red Cross for almost 20 years, donating over $80,000 to support the Red Cross mission in that time and routinely hold blood drives in their flagship Los Angeles store.

Getting prepared is easier than it sounds. The Red Cross recommends following three basic steps:

• GET A KIT. Pack the following items in an easy-to-carry container – a gallon of water per person, per day; non-perishable food; flashlight and hand-crank or battery-powered radio; extra batteries; sanitation and personal hygiene items; copies of important papers; extra cash and any medical or baby supplies family members may need. See full details here.

• MAKE A PLAN. Have all members of your household help create your emergency plan. Consider what emergencies could happen where you live; what to do if you are separated and how will you let loved ones know you are safe. Find full details and easy-to-use plan templates here.

• BE INFORMED. Learn what disasters are common to your area. Find out how local authorities will let you know an emergency is happening. Make sure at least one household member is trained in first aid and CPR in case help is delayed during a disaster. You can also download the Red Cross First Aid App at redcross.org/apps to have instant access on how to handle common first aid emergencies. Learn how to get fully informed about emergencies here.

# # #

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 about the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.