The American Red Cross in Hawai‘i will recognize September as National Preparedness Month with a series of events. The American Red Cross recommends three simple actions anyone can take to “Be Red Cross Ready” for disasters and other emergencies: •
The American Red Cross in Hawai‘i will recognize September as National Preparedness Month with a series of events.
The American Red Cross recommends three simple actions anyone can take to “Be Red Cross Ready” for disasters and other emergencies:
• Get a kit
• Make a plan
• Be informed
These three steps will help protect your family, strengthen the community, and potentially save time and money.
Assemble a family disaster supplies kit
When a disaster strikes your community, there may not be access to food, water, electricity and other essential supplies for days, or even weeks. A disaster supplies kit should include non-perishable food and bottled water (one gallon per person per day) for a minimum of five to seven days, non-electric can opener, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, tools, extra clothing and bedding, prescription and non-prescription medications, pet supplies, cash, sanitary supplies, copies of important papers, contact information, maps and other special items for infants, pets, and elderly or disabled family members.
Prepare a personal evacuation plan
Disasters often strike quickly and without warning and, when they do, often leave a wake of chaos and emotional trauma. People should determine their actions before a disaster occurs. Planning ahead of time makes it easier to make decisions in a potentially stressful time and helps to know what to do if separated from others in the household. Families can — and do — cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. They do this by deciding in advance what they will do when their daily routines are disrupted by an emergency. Planning what each person is to do, where each will go, and how they will get there makes a big difference. Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose two places: one place within your neighborhood and one outside of your neighborhood, maybe a friend’s home. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. In case you have to evacuate to a Red Cross shelter, be sure to bring your family disaster supplies kit along with bedding. Be sure to also make advance preparations for your pets and people with special health needs like children, frail, elderly and people with disabilities.
Be informed
It is important that people learn about what disasters or emergencies may occur where they live, work and play. Learning vital lifesaving skills such as First Aid and CPR/AED can help people take care of loved ones after a disaster occurs and can equip them to become resources to their communities.
Getting prepared doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. Preparing for the unexpected has clear personal benefits, and when everyone prepares, the benefits extend to the entire community. Do your part by taking three simple steps to “be Red Cross ready” this month. Hawai‘i residents can learn how easy it is to complete all three of these vital steps by going to the Red Cross Web site at www.hawaiiredcross.org. A variety of ready-made disaster kits are available for purchase and a schedule of lifesaving classes are online.
