Los Angeles, August 30, 2018 — September is National Preparedness Month, the perfect time to get your household ready for an emergency. The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region urges everyone to make sure they are prepared for a disaster and not wait until an emergency occurs and it’s too late.
“Disasters can happen anytime and anywhere, but floods, hurricanes, and other large disasters are especially common during this time of year,” said Joselito Garcia-Ruiz, the Regional Disaster Program Officer for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “Take steps now to be ready if an emergency occurs. This is the perfect time to make sure you and your family are prepared.”
BE READY TO EVACUATE Whether the emergency is a home fire or something bigger like an earthquake, the situation may force you to leave your home. Here are ten steps you can take to be prepared if an emergency makes it unsafe to remain at home:
- Follow instructions from officials and evacuate if told to do so.
- Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
- Remember you may have to evacuate on foot depending on the type of disaster. If you don’t have a car or can’t use your vehicle, find another way to leave the area.
- Keep the gas tank in your car full if an evacuation order is likely. Don’t let the tank go below half full, in case gas stations are unable to pump gas.
- Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. This could be a motel, the home of a friend or relative a safe distance away, or an evacuation shelter. Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to find shelter information and weather and emergency alerts for more than 35 different disaster situations.
- If you have time, let someone outside the region know you are evacuating and where you are going. Leave a note detailing when you left and where you plan to go.
- Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides protection from the elements.
- Be alert for road hazards such as downed trees, flooding, etc. Do not drive onto a flooded road.
- Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Grab your emergency kit and drive your planned evacuation route. Include an alternate route in a different direction in case one becomes impassible. Make sure you have locations and maps saved on devices such as cell phones and GPS units, and also written down on paper.
- Don’t forget your pets. If it’s not safe for you to stay home, it’s not safe for them either. Prepare a list of pet-friendly motels and animal shelters located along your evacuation route. Keep in mind only service animals are usually allowed in shelters.
THREE EASY STEPS Getting prepared is easier than it sounds. There are 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.
- To learn more about how the Red Cross is helping families in Southern California prepare for a disaster and how you can help, visit preparesocal.org.
