It's Important To Be Prepared

From the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter:

The recent earthquake, Hurricane Irene and other disasters families experience should remind folks of how important it is to be prepared.

September is National Preparedness Month and once again the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania has some potentially life and property saving tips to prevent or reduce the damage done by a fire, flood, hurricane, power outage or other disaster.

It’s called being Red Cross Ready.

The program's principles are: Get a kit, make a plan, be informed.

People should build an emergency preparedness kit, make a family plan for an emergency and be informed of resources available.

“Being prepared today can save lives tomorrow,” said American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter CEO Renee Cardwell Hughes. “You are your best defense against emergencies. The Red Cross can show you what simple steps you need to take to prepare yourself and your loved ones for emergencies.”

The organization recommends each emergency preparedness kit contain enough supplies for three days in case there's a need to evacuate.

The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home including water -- one gallon, per person, per day -- nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, a seven-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents.

An emergency plan should involve all members of the household, including pets.

Make sure each person knows how to reach each other and an out-of-area emergency contact person in case local phone lines are jammed.

Being informed means knowing about what resources are available and what types of disasters are most likely to occur where you live, learn, work and play.

Take a first aid and CPR/AED course—a vital component of disaster preparedness in case emergency help is delayed.

In the month of September, the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania is partnering with various groups, like the Philadelphia Housing Authority, Target, and the Office of Emergency Management to host and participate in a series of events to make sure Philadelphia area residents, businesses, community groups, and governments are prepared for any emergency.

Events include a preparedness kickoff with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter at the Target on Bustleton Avenue at 10 a.m. Sept. 2. The event will include city leaders and children who assemble about 200 all-important Go-Kits filled with supplies critical in an emergency.

The kits will be distributed to Philadelphia Housing Authority residents.

Because social media plays an important role in emergency preparedness, the Red Cross will provide a preparedness tip of the day via Redcrossphilly.org, Twitter and Facebook.