Community Preparedness
The American Red Cross provides easy to understand and use tools, tips and guidance for you to prepare your family for disasters big and small.
Red Cross Ready: This presentation teaches individuals how to “Be Red Cross Ready” for an emergency or disaster by following three simple steps: 1) Get a Kit, 2) Make a Plan and 3) Be Informed.
Red Cross Ready for Seniors: This presentation focuses on the three steps to preparedness (Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed), taking into consideration the unique challenges seniors may face in a disaster.
Ready Rating (Organizational Emergency Preparedness): Facilitators will walk your business, school or organization through the free Red Cross Ready Rating program. This simple, online, step-by-step program makes developing an Emergency Action Plan easy. After completion of the program, Ready Rating members gain access to one-of-a-kind tools and resources for evaluating and improving their ability to withstand disasters, maintain operations and protect lives and property.
Hands-Only CPR: This presentation teaches Hands-Only CPR, which can help a bystander provide life-saving care until professional responders arrive. Participants learn how to check for consciousness, call 911 and properly administer continuous chest compressions.
To request a Community Preparedness Education Presentation, please contact Brian Nestler at brian.nestler@redcross.org.
The American Red Cross and its partners have launched an initiative that aims to reduce deaths and injuries caused by home fires by 25% in five years with the Home Fire Campaign. The Red Cross is asking every household in America to join us in taking two simple steps that can save lives: checking or installing smoke alarms and practicing fire drills at home.
We regularly host free smoke alarm installation events throughout Illinois. We're always looking for volunteers to help us install smoke alarms, provide residents with fire safety and preparedness information, and more. Your involvement can help save lives. Interested in getting involved as an individual, group, or team? Please contact Brian Nestler at brian.nestler@redcross.org.
If you’re in need of smoke alarms, please visit www.getasmokealarm.org. Learn more about the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign and apply to be a volunteer with us!
The Pillowcase Project is a preparedness education program for children in grades 3 – 5, which teaches students about personal and family preparedness, local hazards, and basic coping skills. Built on the five Common Core criteria, this 40 or 60-minute presentation by trained Red Cross volunteers leads students through a “learn, practice, share” framework to engage them in disaster preparedness. Students receive a sturdy pillowcase upon completion of the program in which they are encouraged to build their personal emergency supplies kit. Presentations are customized to focus on a hazard that is important and relevant to the local community.
Learn more about the Pillowcase Project here and if you’re interested in scheduling a Pillowcase Project presentation to your school or youth group, please contact Brian Nestler at brian.nestler@redcross.org.