Contributed by Taylar Sause, Red Cross Spokesperson
Major disasters are happening more often now than before, making it critical that everyone prepare their household.
But as prices continue to climb on just about everything, you may feel getting prepared is too much of a financial burden. Not anymore. The American Red Cross of Alaska has a few simple, low- or no-cost steps everyone can take to help get their household ready.
Download the Red Cross Emergency app, which helps you and your loved ones before, during and after a disaster. The app includes guides to help you prepare, National Weather Service alerts, live weather maps and help locating Red Cross shelters. Best of all, it’s free, available in English and Spanish, and designed with accessibility in mind. Find it by searching for “American Red Cross” in your app store or visiting redcross.org/apps.
Develop an emergency plan for your household, a great way to get started that won’t cost a thing. Pick two places to meet: right outside your home and somewhere outside your neighborhood in case you can’t get home or have to evacuate. Plan how you will evacuate. Think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
Don’t forget your pets. Keep a list of pet-friendly hotels, motels and animal shelters on your phone. Customize your kit to meet your household’s needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls and litter. Make emergency contact cards for the whole family in case the internet is down, and save the info on everyone’s phone. Don’t forget the number for your children’s school or daycare.
Gather supplies for a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Use items you already have to keep costs low. Build your kit slowly, perhaps buying an item every time you shop. Look for sales, buy-one-get-one-free offers, clearance bins and coupons, and shop at discount stores.
Your go-kit should include three days of supplies you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water and a one-month supply of medications, if possible. Other items could include a flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, and battery or hand-crank radio.
Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices, such as a cell phone, CPAP or wheelchair, and critical personal records. You might also include sanitation and personal hygiene items, extra cash, area maps, pet supplies, baby supplies, matches, N95 masks, a manual can opener, extra car and house keys, towels, work gloves, a multipurpose tool, blankets and sleeping bags.
If you own a business or are part of a school or organization, it’s critical that you are prepared and know what to do should an emergency happen. The Red Cross offers the free Ready Rating Program, which provides tools, resources and info for improving your group’s ability to withstand disaster, maintain operations, and protect lives and property.
National Preparedness Month is a great time to start down the road to readiness. Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. Being prepared is your best defense. Take these few easy steps and get ready before an emergency occurs.
