Media Contact: Ruby Ramirez 

(ATLANTA, Aug. 26, 2021) — Families across the country are feeling the impact of climate change as we see more intense storms, heavier rain, higher temperatures, severe droughts, and record-setting hurricanes and wildfires.

The American Red Cross of Georgia urges everyone to get ready by making preparedness a priority this September during National Preparedness Month.  

Across the country, we have seen emergencies impacting people who don't usually experience major or extreme weather, while other communities are going through the devastation of disasters multiple times a year.

Since the beginning of the calendar year, the American Red Cross of Georgia has helped 1,282 people (421 families) following severe weather events across the state. This does not include the 1,837 home fires the organization, and its volunteers have responded to since January, nor the 2,838 families/ 7,662 individuals it has assisted. 

This past spring, a violent EF4 tornado ripped through a western portion of the state, leaving 600 homes – in Coweta and several of its neighboring counties – severely damaged or destroyed.

Nearly 140 volunteers were on hand to assist both virtually and in-person following the disaster. The Red Cross provided dozens of families with some 1,950 overnight stays at nearby hotels and delivered 4,000 restaurant meals to the area in the days that followed. Volunteers also connected with more 170 families following the devastating impact of the tornado to help with emergency needs, provide resources and assistance with recovery plans. 

And just last week, Red Cross volunteers were there to help in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fred, which delivered severe storm damage, tornadoes, downed trees, and power outages to portions of the state. Tropical Storm Fred left 17 homes destroyed or with major damage, and nearly 50 homes across Georgia were impacted. 

Georgia regularly faces many types of natural disasters like tornadoes, severe storms, flooding, and the remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms that make their way up the southern region of the United States from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. Last year alone, the Georgia Red Cross helped hundreds of families recover from the impacts of hurricanes Sally, Delta, and Zeta. 

"Here in Georgia, we're prone to disasters at any time of the year. So, we urge people to prepare now and be ready if an emergency occurs in their home or our local community," said Danella Hughes, Red Cross Disaster Officer for Georgia.

"Helping people during disasters is at the heart of our mission, and climate change is a serious threat we are all facing. Help keep your loved ones safe — get Red Cross Ready today."

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.

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. 

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.

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 

In addition to facing disasters resulting from severe weather, the Red Cross responds to home fires every 24 seconds across the U.S. Here in Georgia, 92% of the disasters the organization responded to in 2020 were home fires. During National Preparedness Month, the Red Cross reminds Georgians to test their smoke alarms monthly and practice their home fire escape plan. As a family only has approximately two minutes to get out of a burning home before it's too late. 

Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency App (search "American Red Cross" in app stores).

Preparing Family Members

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.

For help planning, visit www.redcross.org/get help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/older-adults.

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 www.redcross.org/youthprep for more information.

HELP YOUR COMMUNITY

National Preparedness Month is also a good time to take steps to help your community get prepared for emergencies of all sizes. By volunteering, donating blood, or learning lifesaving skills, you can be ready to help your loved ones and neighbors when needed.

Visit redcross.org to learn more.

Red Cross volunteers play several critical roles in their local communities, including providing aid after disasters and educating people about home fire safety.

People can also support local military members, veterans, and their families, or volunteer as a blood donor ambassador or a blood transportation specialist to be the critical link between blood donors and recipients.

Blood can take up to three days to be tested, processed, and made available for patients, so it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps to save lives in an emergency.

To help prepare your community, make an appointment to donate blood or platelets and help save lives.

Learn lifesaving skills so you can help people in a crisis until medical professionals arrive. Sign up for first aid, CPR, or other classes available online or in person.

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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.