Emergency preparedness can feel overwhelming, especially when you consider the many scenarios it covers. From natural disasters to first aid, the scope of what “being prepared” means can make it hard to know where to start.

This September, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is breaking down preparedness topics to make them more manageable. Throughout National Preparedness Month, we’ll be sharing 30 Days of Preparedness—a daily dose of practical actions you can take to strengthen your readiness.

Monday, Sept. 1 – Download our apps
Since the month starts out on Labor Day, we’ll make the first one easy. Whether you’re enjoying a day at the beach or a backyard picnic, take a minute to download our FREE Red Cross Emergency and First Aid apps. With the Emergency app, you’ll get real-time weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Our First Aid app provides step-by-step instructions for a wide range of situations. Download them from your favorite app store by searching for American Red Cross.

Tuesday, Sept. 2 – Sign up for alerts
We’ll stick with the communications theme for day two. When emergencies strike, public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you. You’ve already downloaded our Emergency app (see day 1), but you should have multiple ways to get alerts, including Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) on your mobile device or by having a NOAA Weather Radio on hand. Many counties and municipalities also have opt-in alert systems. In Southeastern PA, these include Ready Bucks, Ready ChesCo, Delco Ready,  Ready Montco and Ready Philadelphia.

Wednesday, Sept. 3 – Know your risk
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a  National Risk Index that shows which communities are most at risk from natural hazards. For today’s preparedness task, check out FEMA’s interactive map and learn about vulnerabilities that could impact your home.

Thursday, Sept. 4 – Learn how to use a fire extinguisher
Fire extinguishers can save lives and property. If you don’t already have at least one fire extinguisher on every level of your home, your task is to research and buy them. If you already have fire extinguishers, give yourself a high-five! Your task is to make sure you know how and when to use them. It’s too late to read the instructions when a fire breaks out on your kitchen stove! The U.S. Fire Administration has resources to get you started, but you can also check in with your local fire department for guidance.

Friday, Sept. 5 – Learn CPR
Today, we challenge you to learn CPR! You can sign up for a class to get certified in CPR, AED and First Aid or watch this video to learn how and when to perform hands-only CPR. Already certified? Take a few minutes to refresh your skills.

Saturday, Sept. 6 – Create an escape plan
Did you know you have less than two minutes to escape a home fire? That’s why it’s critical to make a home fire escape plan for everyone in your household, including children and pets. Each person should know two ways out of every room and where to reconvene outside when you’re safe. Download our home fire escape plan template to get started.

Sunday, Sept. 7 – Practice your escape plan
Yesterday, you created your plan. Today, you’re going to practice it. Take 15 minutes to walk through the plan with everyone in your household. Then practice it until everyone can safely evacuate in two minutes or less. Commit to practicing your plan at least twice a year.

Monday, Sep. 8 – Learn the difference between watch and warning
Regardless of the weather hazard, watch and warning alerts inform the public of an impending risk. A watch means that conditions are possible, and you should be prepared to take action. A warning means conditions are expected, and you should take immediate action. FEMA’s Guide for Alerts and Warnings breaks down each alert and actions that should be taken.

Tuesday, Sept. 9 – Know your numbers
Most of us have important phone numbers and information in our cell phones, but do you really have everything you’ll need? FEMA provides a family emergency plan template to help you keep track of important information like your family’s doctors or medical providers, insurance information and contact info to help you stay connected if you have to evacuate.

Wednesday, Sept. 10 – Review hurricane preparedness tips
September is the peak month for Atlantic hurricane activity. Review Red Cross info on what to do before, during and after a hurricane so it’s top of mind if you need it.

Thursday, Sept. 11 – Dig out your old-school radio
On day 2, we stressed the importance of emergency alerts. Old school battery-operated or hand-crank radios are still the best for times when power, cell and internet service is out. If you don’t already have a device, consider purchasing one with NOAA Weather Radio. This is the official voice of the National Weather Service and is the fastest, most reliable way to receive information about life-threatening weather. Find your local station here.

Friday, Sept. 12 – Upload docs to the cloud
Having important documents at your fingertips can help you recover faster after a disaster. Consider uploading documents like insurance policies, rental agreements, mortgage statements, driver’s licenses, medical records and banking information to a secure, password-protected external drive or in the cloud. CISA.gov has steps you can take to keep yourself and your information safe online.

Saturday, Sept. 13 – Build emergency kits (plural)
Think about what you and the people in your home need every day to be comfortable and safe. Make a list and prepare kits for different scenarios, like evacuating and sheltering in place. Food, water and medications are a good start, but there’s so much more to consider. Review these checklists from the Red Cross and FEMA, then customize your kits to meet your household’s specific needs. Don’t forget about children and pets! Pre-made emergency, survival and first aid kits can also be purchased from the Red Cross Training Services store.

Sunday, Sept. 14 – Build vehicle emergency kits
Since we’re already thinking about the various emergency items we’ll need, take time today to build or customize a kit for your vehicle. In addition to the items in your emergency kit, consider adding a blanket, ice scraper, jumper cables, tire repair kit, boots and flares. Check out these lists from FEMA and AAA for inspiration.  

Monday, Sept. 15 – Stash flashlights around your home
Severe thunderstorms are not uncommon in Southeastern PA, and where there is lightning, there can be power outages. When you can spare a few minutes today, gather and place flashlights and extra batteries around your home in easy-to-access places to help you navigate when the lights go out.

Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Sign up for the Great ShakeOut
Register your family, school or workplace to participate in the Great ShakeOut – the largest earthquake drill in the world! On Thursday, Oct. 16 at 10:16 a.m. (your local time) you are encouraged to practice earthquake safety by performing a “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill. Last year, over 56.8 million people participated! Register in advance (it’s free!) to ensure that you’re counted.

Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Test your smoke alarms
Take a few minutes today to test every smoke alarm in your home. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by HALF. If you need smoke alarms, the Red Cross may be able to help. Submit a request to have free smoke alarms installed by the Red Cross. Many fire departments also offer this service free of charge.

Thursday, Sept. 18 – Turn Around, Don’t Drown
It’s more than a catchy slogan. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” is a reminder to never drive, walk or swim through a flooded area. Flooding is the most frequent natural disaster in Pennsylvania, so it’s important for all of us to be prepared. Take time to review flood preparedness and safety tips from our blog.

Friday, Sept. 19 – Check your vehicle’s gas tank
Today’s entry is more of a tip than a task. As a rule of thumb, always maintain at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle. This should be enough to get you out of danger until you can refuel should you have to evacuate quickly. Check yours now. Is it at least half full?

Saturday, Sept. 20 – Build first aid kits
We’re not done with kits just yet! You should have first aid kits as part of your emergency and vehicle kits as well as at home. At minimum, kits should contain materials to treat burns, cuts, abrasions, stings, splinters, sprains and strains, as well as medications that can alleviate fever, nasal congestion, coughs and sore throats. Also include maintenance medications that people in your home are taking, and consider items for skin problems, allergies, gastrointestinal issues and mild pain. Insect repellant, lip balm and sunscreen round out the list. Know how to use all the items in your kit, and store them in a water-resistant, drop-proof container. Review this checklist from the Red Cross.

Sunday, Sept. 21 – Learn about amateur (aka ham) radio
You may be surprised to learn that Philadelphia has an active Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) that provides emergency communications support for the Red Cross! In fact, many operators are also Red Cross volunteers. Ham radio operators are licensed by the FCC and can be critical during disasters when traditional communications infrastructure is inoperable. Watch this news segment from CBS 17 in North Carolina about how ham radio operators helped connect families during Hurricane Helene.

Monday, Sept. 22 – Donate blood
Blood may not be top of mind when you think about preparedness, but where would we be without it? During an emergency, it’s the blood that has already been donated and is on the hospital shelves that helps save lives. If you’re able, schedule an appointment to donate blood this month. If you’re unable to donate, consider asking a family member or friend to donate. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or download our FREE Blood Donor app to schedule your appointment.

Tuesday, Sept. 23 – Familiarize yourself with your utilities
Do the adults and older children in your household know how to shut off utilities if needed? Educate your family on how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches or valves. Don’t forget to place necessary tools near the gas and water shut-off valves. Note: You should only turn off utilities if you suspect a leak or damaged lines or if you are instructed to do so by authorities. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.

Wednesday, Sept. 24 – Store extra water
Without the proper amount of water, you can become dehydrated, which can impair thinking and key bodily functions. One gallon per person per day is the recommended minimum. You’ll need at least a three-day supply of water if you’re evacuating and a two-week supply if you’re sheltering in place. Once you have stored the appropriate amount of water, take time to review the CDC’s guidance for making water safe in an emergency.

Thursday, Sept. 25 – Help prepare older adults
Some people, including older adults and those with mobility challenges, may need extra attention during an emergency. Being prepared and ready before an emergency will greatly impact one’s ability to help and be helped during a disaster. Review our Red Cross checklist and preparedness booklet for older adults.

Friday, Sept. 26 – Volunteer with the Red Cross
Building and maintaining a trained disaster workforce is one of the ways the Red Cross prepares for emergencies. More than 90% of our disaster workforce is volunteer. Check out some of our key volunteer opportunities – like shelter workers, disaster action team responders and duty officers – that are most needed here in Southeastern PA.

Saturday, Sept. 27 – Plan for pets
Your pets are part of your family, so it’s important you have a disaster plan for them. This includes knowing a safe place you can take them when disaster strikes, having your pets microchipped with up-to-date contact information and making a kit that includes items like food, water, leashes and any medications they take. Review Red Cross pet disaster preparedness info today to get started on your plan.

Sunday, Sept. 28 – Conduct a home hazard hunt
You can turn today’s task into a game! During a disaster, ordinary objects can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a hazard. There could also be electrical and chemical hazards. Gather your family and go on a hunt! Make it an annual event to keep your home as safe as possible. FEMA’s Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt poster can help you get started.

Monday, Sept. 29 – Talk to your children about disasters
Disasters are frightening for adults and can be traumatic for children. Your family may have to leave home and change your daily routine. Be prepared to give your children guidance that will help reduce their fears. Click here for resources and tips for talking with children about disasters. Review our tips for guiding children through disasters.

Tuesday, Sept. 30 – Spread the word
Preparedness isn’t just a one-month effort; it’s a mindset that strengthens our families and communities year-round. Before September ends, take a moment to share one tip, one resource or one insight with someone you care about. Because when we spread the word, we build resilience.

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- Written by Alana Mauger