Red Cross Wants Residents to Resolve to Be Ready This Year

This hurricane season ( and , anyone?) reminded us that disaster can strike anyone at any time. The Philadelphia area had more than its fair share of disasters. According to the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, a big reason why those disasters were not as bad as they could have been is because our region was prepared. So while you’re making New Year’s resolutions, resolve to be "Red Cross Ready" in 2012. Doing so could save your life, your family and your home. 

“Nothing will serve you better in the New Year than being prepared,” said American Red Cross Chief Executive Officer Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes. “Hopefully, you’ll never have a disaster, but if you do, being prepared for it will help minimize the damage and speed up your recovery.”

There are three basic steps to being Red Cross Ready. The actions are simple to follow and execute and each action is equally as important. They are:

1. Get a Kit

Include a First Aid kit, blankets, extra clothing, prescription medications, glasses, infant formula, diapers, pet food, extra water for your pet, important family documents, identification, bank account records, cash, manual can opener, batteries, flashlight, duct tape, tools, hand sanitizer, activities for children, and enough food and water for at least three days. Pack everything in a waterproof, portable container and check the expiration dates of food and prescriptions regularly. 

2. Make a plan

Before an emergency happens, decide how your family members will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do. Determine a neighborhood meeting place, a regional meeting place and an evacuation location. Also, identify an out-of-town emergency contact. In some cases, it may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town.

3. Be informed

Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area.

In addition to the three steps mentioned above, another great way to be "Red Cross Ready in 2012" is to take a CPR or other lifesaving course. The American Red Cross offers a wide variety of classes. To sign up for classes and get more information about how to be Red Cross Ready in 2012, go to www.redcrossphilly.org.