Preparation crucial if disaster strikes
The Warren County chapter joins around 1,000 chapters nationwide in an effort to help educate how individuals can prepare for disaster. Called Together We Prepare, there are five common things people can do:
• Make a plan. A successful disaster plan should include awareness of possible disaster scenarios and practicing what to do if evacuation is needed. Family members should pick a place to meet outside the home in case of a sudden emergency or somewhere else if it’s too dangerous to return home. Designate an out-of-town person to contact if family members become separated. Leave contact numbers at your children’s schools, your workplace and with close friends and family.
• Build a kit. A disaster kit can save lives. Use a container and include non-perishable food supplies, at least three gallons for water per person, special-need items such as infant formula or medicines, first aid supplies, a first aid book, a flashlight and extra batteries, a change of clothing, sleeping bags, a battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries, cash and copies of essential documents. Check all perishable food twice a year, including things like batteries and medications.
• Get trained. The Red Cross provides at least four areas of training, such as first aid, CPR, automatic external defibrillator, and a school safety initiative to help schools prevent and prepare for a response to violent incidents, natural disasters and other emergencies.
• Volunteer. The Red Cross invites people to serve as a part of the Red Cross and help prepare our community in case of emergency.
• Give blood. Blood donors help to ensure a sustained and secure blood supply for all Americans. This blood is readily available whenever and wherever it’s needed – for the military, other blood centers and for all 5,000 of America’s hospitals. More healthy blood donors are desperately needed.
More information about the Red Cross can be obtained by calling 473-2595.