Red Cross urges Everyone to prepare for Hurricane Season

This year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season is underway, and the American Red Cross urges everyone to be prepared, says Regional Communications Manager Suzanne Lawler.  

For more information, visit redcross.org.

Red Cross urges Everyone to prepare for Hurricane Season

By the American Red Cross of Georgia

This year’s Atlantic hurricane season is underway. Don’t get caught trying to get your household ready when something is already happening. Follow these steps from the American Red Cross of Georgia and be ready before something happens.

“Being prepared is your best defense if an emergency occurs,” said Adelaide Kirk, regional disaster officer. “Pack your go-kit. Get your supplies. Protect your household by being ready for whatever may happen.”

Step 1 ─ make a plan to help keep everyone safe. Have a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter safely at home. Your evacuation plan should include knowing where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and where you’ll stay. Your stay-at-home plan should focus on gathering the right supplies so that you can live safely without power, water, gas, phone, or internet for a long time.

Step 2 ─ prepare a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit filled with critical supplies like food, water, and medicine. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.) Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and, if possible, a one-month supply of medications and medical supplies. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter boxes, and photos of you with your pet in case you’re separated. If you have young children, include diapers, wipes, and formula.

Step 3 ─ download these free Red Cross apps by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps. The Red Cross Emergency app includes National Weather Service alerts, help locating Red Cross shelters, and is designed with accessibility in mind. Our First Aid App puts expert advice for common emergencies at your fingertips. You can also locate your nearest hospital in case of an emergency. Both are available in English or Spanish.

Step 4 ─ do this now to get your home ready before storms approach. Plan how you will secure items outside that could be picked up by high winds. Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on your home. Get storm shutters or pre-cut plywood to protect windows. Clean drains, gutters, and downspouts.

Full details on how to prepare for emergencies are available here.

“Here at the Red Cross, we are getting ready to respond if something happens,” said Kirk. “We’re planning with partners, securing shelter locations, and stocking relief supplies. We urge you to get ready too.”

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow on social media.