National Preparedness Month: Red Cross Offers Free Virtual Preparedness Classes for Families in English and Spanish
Red Cross teaches older adults, children, and their families how they can prepare for emergencies through their free online trainings
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 14, 2020) – Every September, the American Red Cross highlights National Preparedness Month in an effort to encourage the community to take steps to prepare for any type of emergency and learn ways they can respond to them. This month, the South Florida Red Cross is offering free, virtual opportunities for older adults, children, and their families to learn more about emergencies and what steps they should take to prepare.
These online classes will be offered throughout the month – at no cost – and are available in English and Spanish. Registration is required.
Classes for Older Adults:
Friday, September 18: 3 - 4:15 PM
Monday, September 28: 2 - 3:00 PM
Classes for Families:
Monday, September 21: 2 - 3:15 PM
Monday, September 21: 7 - 8:15 PM
Wednesday, September 23: 1 - 2:15 PM
Friday, September 25: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Classes for Youth ages 5-12:
Tuesday, September 22: 4 - 5:15 PM
*Presentation for kids ages 8-12.
Thursday, September 24: 10:30 - 11:15 AM
*Presentation for kids ages 5-7.
Disasters can occur at a moment’s notice and can force people to leave their homes, even in areas under stay-at-home mandates. By being prepared and having a plan for your family, you can react quickly if a disaster strikes. Keep these basic action steps in mind when preparing: Build a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed. Assemble two kits of emergency supplies (a stay-at-home kit and an evacuation kit) and a one-month supply of prescription medication. Include personal hygiene items, cleaning and disinfectant supplies, and cloth face coverings. Some supplies may be hard to get due to the pandemic, and availability may worsen in a disaster, so start gathering supplies now.
For resources on preparing for an emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit redcross.org/coronavirus.
Additional research findings and resources, including our new Disaster and Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults checklist and booklet, are available at redcross.org/olderadults.
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/southflorida and visit us on Facebook and Twitter at @SFLRedCross.
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