LOS ANGELES, SEPTEMBER 01, 2025 –People across the country are feeling the effects of extreme weather as deadly storms, devastating floods, raging fires and extreme heat become more frequent and intense. That’s why it’s important than ever to prepare for emergencies during National Preparedness Month this September.

Whether a home fire or a storm that destroys an entire town, emergencies can upend lives in just minutes. Some disasters, like the Palisades and Eaton fires earlier this year, can happen almost anywhere, while others are more common in certain areas. Additionally, in 2024 alone, the U.S. saw a record-breaking 11 million people displaced by disasters, primarily from hurricanes, wildfires and floods.

“Here in Los Angeles, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly wildfires and earthquakes can devastate homes, neighborhoods and lives,” said Erica Frausto-Aguado, Regional Disaster Program Manager for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “Preparedness is about planning ahead; it’s about protecting the people and places that mean the most to us. In my family, we’ve always been taught to look out for one another, to make sure our loved ones, our homes and even our pets are cared for. Taking a few simple steps now with those you care about can make all the difference when it matters most.”

The American Red Cross urges families to take steps now to be ready in case they need to leave home quickly during a disaster. Having a plan in place is critical: know where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay, and what you will take with you. If you’ll need assistance leaving or rely on public transportation, make those arrangements in advance.

The need for preparedness has never been greater. Today, the Red Cross responds to nearly twice as many major disasters as it did a decade ago—about once every two weeks compared to once a month.

HOW TO GET READY Disasters don’t wait for the “right time” — they can happen in the middle of the night, during your commute or while your kids are at school. Protect your family by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected by taking these steps:

• Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, where you’ll stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation. 
• Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Make sure to include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.), a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and critical personal records.
• Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible. 
• Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
• Finally, make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you. 

Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, safety steps for different emergencies and expert advice in both English and Spanish. Don’t forget to sign up for local government emergency alerts to get critical local information, like evacuation notices, during an emergency. 

People can also help their community be better prepared for disasters by giving blood, taking a class in lifesaving skills like CPR, or becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.

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.