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May 16, 2007 - Hurricane preparedness information American Cred Cross - Be Red Cross Ready...

  1. Be Informed: Get to know the types of disasters that can happen in your community. Stay informed.
  2. Make a plan, which includes a family communications plan and evacuation plan. Coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and community communication plans. Practice this plan with your entire family.
  3. Build a disaster supplies kit that includes enough supplies for each family member for three days. Remember to check your kit every six months.

Additional points based on the top three preparedness messages:

Stay informed

  • Local government officials, not the Red Cross, issue orders such as evacuations or sheltering in-place when certain disasters threaten.
  • Listen to local radio and television reports when disaster threatens and follow the guidance of your local officials.

Make a plan

  • Pick two places to meet:
    • 1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
    • 2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
  • Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number.
  • Write down all of these contact numbers and information on the family emergency contact card.
  • Discuss what to do in an evacuation.
  • Plan how to take care of your pets.
  • A downloadable contact card and other guidance for an emergency plan are available at RedCross.org.

Build a Kit

  • There are basic items you should stock in an easy to grab container or bag that you would need during an evacuation or emergency situation: bottled water; nonperishable food; first aid supplies including medication; flashlight with extra batteries; hand-crank or battery-operated radio with extra batteries; cash and copies of important documents; and certain items for special needs populations or those with medical conditions.
  • You may purchase a basic disaster supplies kit that you can customize to meet your needs. These are available at RedCross.org through our online store.
  • Additional items and a checklist are available on RedCross.org.