Preparing and Getting Trained
Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in your community.
The American Red Cross offers courses to help you prepare for emergencies. To take a Red Cross course, sign up through your local chapter. You can also enter your zip code in the box at the right to find your local Red Cross.
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?
Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. The best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. We encourage you to:
3 steps to preparedness
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1
Consider the following when assembling or restocking your kit to ensure your family is prepared for any disaster:
- Store at least three days of food, water and supplies in your family's easy-to-carry preparedness kit. Keep extra supplies on hand at home in case you cannot leave the affected area.
- Keep your kit where it is easily accessible.
- Remember to check your kit every six months and replace expired or outdated items.
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2Planning ahead will help you have the best possible response to disaster.
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3There are three key parts to becoming informed:
- Get Info
- Know Your Region
- Action Steps
You can also Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed by taking the Be Red Cross Ready online educational presentation.
"Red Cross Talk"
Straight talk from the Red Cross. Take a moment and listen to some simple, down-to-earth advice on how you and your family can become safer, healthier and more resilient in the face of an emergency.
