LOS ANGELES, Jan. 26, 2021 — The way we live our lives may have shifted this past year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But what hasn’t changed is the need to stay safe from emergencies like earthquakes and home fires. To help you and your loved ones prepare for and respond to disasters big and small, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region is offering free, preparedness classes that you can take from the comfort of your home.  

“Preparing for emergencies during COVID-19 is a little different, but the basic action steps remain the same for everyone. Disasters can force people to leave their homes, even in areas under stay-at-home mandates,” said Guillermo Sanchez, Interim Disaster Program Officer for the Red Cross in Los Angeles Region. “By having an emergency plan, you and the people in your household can react quickly if disaster strikes.” 

Becoming Red Cross Ready for an emergency means following a few simple steps in advance to ensure you can weather a crisis safely and comfortably. Being prepared may not prevent a disaster, but it will give you confidence to meet the challenge. The free virtual classes cover three steps recommended by the Red Cross:

1. Get a kit – Build an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you if you must evacuate. Include items such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, first aid kit and medications. Be sure to also include a cloth face covering for everyone in your household who can wear one safely.
2. Make a plan – Talk with members of your household about what to do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case everyone is separated and choose two places to meet—one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.
3. Be informed – Know what kinds of emergency situations may occur where you live, where you work and where you go to school. Because of COVID-19, stay current on advice and restrictions from your state and local public health authorities as it may affect your actions and available resources and facilities.

Visit redcross.org/la-virtual to request a virtual preparedness education class or find classes offered each month, including:

Be Red Cross Ready (Ages 14+) A one-hour presentation for general adult audiences. This presentation shows participants how to make an emergency kit, family plan, and be informed. Participants also learn the correct actions to take during a disaster such as an earthquake, home fires, wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Available in English on Feb. 9 and 23 and in Spanish on Feb. 3.

The Pillowcase Project (Grades 3rd - 5th) A one-hour interactive program for students in grades 3-5 that will teach children what to do in the event of a fire or earthquake, coping skills for stressful situations and general preparedness information.

Prepare with Pedro (Grades K-2) A 30-minute program for younger children that provides an introduction to the concept of emergency preparedness in a fun and educational way. Using story-telling and hands on activities, students will build muscle memory and basic coping skills.

Additionally, the Red Cross PrepareSoCal campaign provides resources for families across Southern California to help them prepare for disasters like home fires. More information can be found at preparesocal.org.

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/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.