The American Red Cross offers a variety of tools, trainings, and programs to help you and your community prepare for a major disaster.
Explore the options listed below to learn about the best programs for different subsets of your community
Get Red Cross Ready
Follow these steps to prepare yourself, your family, and even your community to be self-sufficient after a major disaster until help can arrive.
American Red Cross Ready Rating Program
A free, self-guided program designed to help businesses, organizations and schools become better prepared for emergencies.
Trained Red Cross subject matter experts present basic preparedness information to get all members of your organization Red Cross Ready.
Prepare U
A one-hour presentation intended for adult general audiences to get members of your organization Red Cross Ready and what correct actions to take during a disaster.
Preparedness With Pedro
A one-hour program for children in 3rd through 5th grade. This interactive program will teach kids what to do in fires or earthquakes, coping skills for stressful situations, and general preparedness information.
Map Your Neighborhood
A two-hour training that will teach individuals the first steps to take immediately following a disaster and how to implement this plan in their neighborhood.
You can request a preparedness presentation using the links below.
Red Cross Training and Certification programs focus on what you need to know right away to get you trained and certified as quickly as possible while obtaining life-saving knowledge and skills designed to keep you prepared in the event of an emergency.
Whether you spend time on, in or near the water with your family, as a volunteer or as part of your job, our California water safety training program can complement all that you do.
Members of your community group can volunteer together to help further the mission of the Red Cross
Volunteer as a DAT Responder
Red Cross volunteers respond to thousands of disasters every day, the majority of which are home fires. Start training now to be a part of a Disaster Action Team in your community. Learn about volunteer opportunities »
Sound the Alarm, Save a Life
Help prevent needless tragedies in communities across Southern California by volunteering to install free smoke alarms. Learn More »
Join or Start a Red Cross Club
Red Cross Clubs are an integral part of the American Red Cross, providing students opportunities for training, leadership development, and the ability to choose activities that address their community’s greatest needs.
Get Involved in a Community of Focus
H See the list of PrepareSoCal coalitions and learn more about joining one in your community. Learn More » [LINK TO COMMUNITIES OF FOCUS PAGE]
Each day, thousands of people – people just like you – provide compassionate care to those in need. Our network of generous donors, volunteers and employees share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, here at home and around the world.
One person can help save hundreds of lives by hosting a blood drive. It's a rewarding experience. Learn More »