BE RED CROSS READY THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES IS NOW
  

·        At a minimum, have basic supplies such as food, water, flashlight, cell phone, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, first aid kit, personal hygiene items, family and emergency contact information, extra cash, copies of personal documents, and an emergency blanket.

·        Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit.  This could included items such as medication and medical supplies, baby supplies, pet supplies.

·        Have additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area.

·        Meet with your family or household members before an emergency strikes.  Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play. Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.

·        Plan what to do if you have to evacuate, deciding where you would go and what route you would take to get there.  Practice evacuating your home twice a year.  Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on your map in case roads are impassable.  Plan ahead for your pets.

·        Plan what to do in case you are separated during an emergency.  Choose two places to meet: right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire, and outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.  Choose an out-­of-­area emergency contact person.

·        Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur in your area. These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an earthquake or flood.

·        Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio.

·        Know the difference between different weather alerts such as watches and warnings and what actions to take in each.

·        Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). This training is useful in many emergency situations.

·        Have an Emergency Contact Card for each member of your household.  Write the contact information for each household member, such as work, school and cell phone numbers.  Carry the card with you so it is available in the event of a disaster or other emergency.

All disaster assistance provided by the American Red Cross is provided free of charge and made possible by donations from fellow community members.  American Red Cross chapters in our region are running a Heroes for the American Red Crosscampaign.  This effort engages those in the community, whether as individuals, businesses or civic organizations, that have volunteered to be “Heroes” on behalf of the Red Cross.  Each Hero commits to contacting those people in their network of friends, neighbors, coworkers or professional contacts to share information about the work of the Red Cross locally and to ask for a contribution.  If interested in helping or to make a donation to this ongoing campaign, contact Haley LaBonte at 802-660-9130, ext. 111 or write to:  American Red Cross, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT  05401-3323.  For donations, please specify “Heroes Campaign” in the memo of your check.