Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 23, 2022) — September is National Preparedness Month, and the Red Cross of Utah is reminding everyone that the time to get ready for future emergencies is now. This is evidenced as the impacts of climate change continue to worsen, with more frequent and damaging weather events. According to an analysis from the Washington Post, in 2021, more than 40% of Americans — some 130 million people — were living in a county struck by a climate-related disaster.

“More powerful climate driven occurrences are happening across the U.S. than ever before,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “In fact, there have been more climate-related disasters in the U.S. over the past two decades than in any other country. It’s vital that everyone take steps now to be prepared – visit redcross.org/prepare.”

Three simple steps you can take to help keep your family safe during disasters

1. Build an emergency kit that includes: a gallon of water per person, per day; non-perishable food, flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants, a multi-purpose tool, and personal hygiene items. Also include copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area, and emergency contact information.
2. Make an emergency Plan that includes what to do in case you are separated from your family and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work, and your community’s emergency plan.
3. Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work, and go to school; find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Include pets in your emergency plans
If you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. It’s important to know in advance which pet-friendly hotels are in your area and where your pets can stay in an emergency.

Plan for special needs
Older adults, for example, or people with mobility, hearing, learning, or seeing disabilities, may need to have a support network of people in place that can help during an emergency. Create a plan that considers your capabilities, any help you may need, and who can provide it, especially if you need to evacuate or if the power goes out for several days.

Help your community
Red Cross volunteers play critical roles in supporting their local communities by making sure families don’t have to face tough times alone. Be ready to not only help your loved ones, but also your neighbors. 1.) Join us as a Disaster Action Team volunteer. 2.) Learn lifesaving skills so you can help people in a crisis until medical professionals arrive. 3.) Sign up for a first aid, CPR, or other class available online or in-person. 4.) Make an appointment to give blood or platelets.

Blood donation is valuable, especially in September

A strong blood supply is key to being prepared for disasters and medical emergencies, and donors can help ensure blood is on the shelves the moment it’s needed.

Those who donate blood Sept. 1-18 will get a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Race to give
Those who donate Sept. 1-30 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR experience, courtesy Sport Clips Haircuts*, including two tickets to a 2023 race. All September donors will also receive a coupon for a free haircut via email. Donors can view upcoming blood donation opportunities and schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
 

*Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/racetogive