1. Get a Kit

Gather the necessary supplies you need to act on your plan in the event of a disaster. Have at least three-days of supplies in an easy-to-carry evacuation kit with additional supplies at home, in case you cannot leave. Your kit should contain supplies so you can provide first aid and comfort for the everyday scrapes, as well as personal supplies for life-threatening emergencies or a disaster that may impact the entire community. Encourage your neighbors, work places and community groups to gather supplies so they are prepared too. Remember to check your kit and replace the stock every six months.

2. Make a Plan

Decide what you and your family will do when your daily routines are disrupted by an emergency. Plan together what each person is expected to do, where everyone will go, and how to get there. Write down your plan, share it with each other and then practice it at least twice a year.

Support your community plans by volunteering in the community and by giving blood. If you plan to help your community recover from a disaster by volunteering with the Red Cross or another organization, make certain your plan includes how you will assist your neighbors while taking care of yourself and family. If a family member is in the military, also plan for how your response would change if they are deployed. Be sure to include the local military base resources that may be available.

Download your Family Emergency Plan brochure today.  

3. Be Informed

Learn about what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play. These events can impact only you and your family - like a home fire or medical emergency - or impact your entire community - like a hurricane or flood.

Learn what you can do to prepare for these events by calling or visiting the Chapter and ask about local disasters and First Aid and CPR/AED training.

Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get important information, including local radio, TV and NOAA weather radio.

Find out the evacuation routes and nearest shelters. Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors to encourage them to be informed too.

For more information, call the chapter at (508) 775-1540 or check out other pages on www.capecodandislandsredcross.org