LOS ANGELES, September 1, 2021 — The impact of climate change is being felt by families across the country as we see more intense storms, higher temperatures, severe droughts and record-setting hurricanes and wildfires. The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region urges everyone to get ready by making preparedness a priority this September during National Preparedness Month. 

In California, wildfires this year have already outpaced what we experienced in 2020 — some 860,000 more acres of land have burned than at the same time last year. The threat isn’t over. Experts say there could be an above normal threat of wildfires through September. Along with preparing for the danger of wildfires, disaster volunteers in Los Angeles continue to respond to home fires every day.

In 2021 alone, local volunteers have assisted more than 1,500 people following more than 230 home fires with urgent needs such as emergency sheltering, financial assistance and recovery planning.

“Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime. We urge people to prepare now and be ready if an emergency occurs in their home or in our community,” said Guillermo Sanchez, Disaster Preparedness Manager for Red Cross LA. “Helping people during disasters is at the heart of our mission and climate change is a serious threat we are all facing. Keep your loved ones safe — get Red Cross Ready today.”

During National Preparedness Month, help protect your family and sign up for one of our free virtual emergency preparedness classes in English or Spanish.

HOW TO GET PREPARED

Help keep your family safe by taking three actions to: 1) Get a Kit. 2) Make a Plan. 3) Be Informed.

1. First, build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
2. Next, plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans. Don’t forget to include your pets. Remember, if you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. Know in advance which pet-friendly hotels are in your area, and where your pets can stay in an emergency situation.
3. Finally, plan to stay informed by finding out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

ADDITIONAL CONCERNS

Being prepared is important for everyone. Depending on your household’s needs, there might be additional considerations to take into account as part of your emergency planning.

For example, older adults or people with mobility, hearing, learning or seeing disabilities may need to create a support network of people that can help during an emergency. The Red Cross recommends creating a plan that considers each person’s capabilities, any help they may need and who can provide it. This is especially important if evacuations are called for or if the power goes out for several days.

Disasters can be scary for children. It’s important to talk with your kids about preparing for common emergencies, how to stay safe and what to expect before a disaster happens. The Red Cross has free programs and tools to help, visit redcross.org/youthprep for more information.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Support people affected by disasters like fires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Financial donations are the quickest and best way to help those who need it most. Donations of clothing and household items divert resources away from our mission — whereas financial donations can be used right away to directly help those affected. In all cases, due to health code regulations, the Red Cross cannot accept donations of homecooked meals or food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen.

GIVE BLOOD The Red Cross also urges individuals in unaffected areas of the country to make an appointment to give blood to ensure a sufficient blood supply remains available for patients. Schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733- 2767).

VOLUNTEER If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review our most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

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/la or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.