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Prepare for Emergencies

Everyone knows the Red Cross helps people during emergencies. But you may not know that it’s also part of our mission to help you help yourself! Becoming “Red Cross Ready” for an emergency means following our simple steps in advance to ensure you can weather a crisis safely and comfortably.
It’s as Easy as 1-2-3
Getting prepared may sound difficult or time consuming but – with a little help from the Red Cross – its actually very doable.
1 - Get a Kit

Learn the essential supplies to put in your family’s first aid and survival kits.

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2 - Make a Plan

Plan effectively for you and your family in case of an emergency.

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3 - Be Informed

Understand which disasters are likely in your area and what you must know to stay safe.

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Then, when you’re Red Cross Ready, browse our Emergency Resource Library to learn what to do before, during and after the specific disasters and emergencies that can occur where you live.

Anyone Can Be Red Cross Ready


Need Help? That’s Why We’re Here!

Do you ever lie awake at night worrying about disasters that could strike your home and family? Being prepared may not prevent a disaster but it will give you confidence to meet the challenge. And the Red Cross will be at your side. Our interactive preparedness program will give you a great start.

Get Red Cross Ready

Think You’re “Red Cross Ready”? Test yourself: can you agree with these statements?

  1. 1.

    I know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in my community.

  2. 2.

    I have a family disaster plan and have practiced it.

  3. 3.

    I have an emergency preparedness kit.

  4. 4.

    At least one member of my household is trained in first aid and CPR/AED.

  5. 5.

    I have taken action to help my community prepare.

More Ways to Prepare


Try a 1-Minute Drill

Check out 5 important activities that your family can do in just minutes – you really can fit preparedness into your busy life.

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Learn Hands-Only CPR

Watch our 2 minute video to learn how to give Hands-Only CPR to buy precious time for a person experiencing cardiac arrest.

Learn Hands-Only CPR

Being Prepared Away from Home

Get tips on planning for emergencies away from home, including during your commute.

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Preparation in the Digital Age

Learn how to prepare in advance for how you’ll communicate, navigate, and keep your data safe, if you lose power or the internet during an emergency.

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Emergency Kit

Get your ready-made kit at the Red Cross Store

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Donate Now

Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.

$10.00 is the minimum online donation amount. All donations are tax deductible.