|
August 2011
National Red Cross and Local Chapters Encourage Everyone to be Prepared!
The Red Cross challenges every individual, family member, school and business to know what to do and where to go in the event of any type of disaster. We recommend that individuals identify potential disaster scenarios and practice what they would do if evacuation is needed. It is also important to identify a person residing out of town whom each family member will contact in case of emergency.
Build a kit.
Whether evacuating or sheltering in place, a disaster supplies kit can save lives. The contents should be placed in an easy-to-carry container such as a large backpack, duffle bag or plastic bin. It’s important to have everything in one place. Don’t wait until the power is out to look for your emergency supplies in the dark. Assemble essential supplies, including:
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Portable, battery powered radio
- At least one gallon of water per person per day
- Supplyof food
Also, it is important to pack enough non-perishable food items, extra batteries and special items such as medications, diapers, infant formula, etc. Specifically, when a blackout does occur, there are more steps families can take:
-
Turn off electrical equipment in use when the power went out because returning power can surge or spike and may damage anything left plugged in. Leave one light on so you'll know when power returns
-
Avoid opeing the refrigerator and freezer
-
Do not run a generator inside a home or garage
-
If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a gererator to a home's electrical system
-
Listen to local radio and television for updated information
In addition to disaster-specific preparedness and response during a blackout, the Red Cross also provides recommendations and guidelines about water treatment, food safety, generators and recovering financially after a disaster. This information is available at www.redcross.org
Make a plan.
|
