New Year’s Resolutions: Red Cross says resolve to get prepared for disasters in 2017
At the start of a new year, many people are making resolutions about things they want to accomplish in 2017; the American Red Cross was busy responding to home fires. Over the holiday weekend, volunteers from the Red Cross helped 90 people in South Carolina after home fires. The Red Cross is asking everyone in South Carolina to add getting prepared for emergencies to their list of resolutions for the coming year.
“Households need to plan what they would do if an emergency situation occurs,” said Louise Welch Williams, CEO for the Palmetto SC Region of the Red Cross. “All it takes is three easy steps, get a disaster kit ready; develop an emergency plan and be informed about what possible risks you may face where you live.”
By taking steps now, individuals will be better prepared to take care of themselves, their family and their community should a disaster strike. The Red Cross has three easy steps to help people keep their resolutions to get prepared.
1. Get a kit. Use a downloadable checklist, available on redcross.org, to make it easy to get your emergency preparedness kit ready. You should include:
Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water—one gallon per person, per day for drinking and hygiene purposes
Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit, medications and medical items
Copies of all important documents (proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Extra cash
2. Make a plan. Talk with household members about what you would do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case you are separated, and choose two places to meet – one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.
Choose a contact person from out of the area and make sure all household members have this person’s phone number and email address.
Practice evacuating your home twice a year; plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable.
Don’t forget your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals.
3. Be informed. Know the risks where you live, work, learn and play.
Summer brings to mind not just beaches and picnics but also tropical storms and hurricanes; arm yourself with information about what to do in case one occurs.
Find out how you would receive information from local officials in the event of an emergency.
Learn First Aid and CPR/AED so that you have the skills to respond in an emergency before help arrives, especially during a disaster when emergency responders may be delayed.
Visit redcross.org/takeaclass for online and in-class offerings and to register.
Download the Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of emergencies, as well as locations of open Red Cross shelters. Download the Monster Guard App so 7- to 11-year-olds will have a free, fun, gaming environment to learn how to prevent emergencies and how to stay safe if severe weather or natural disasters occur. People can download the apps for free in their app stores or at redcross.org/apps.
