It’s officially hurricane season, and NOAA predicts a range of 9-15 named storms in the Atlantic this year. After two consecutive years of devastating hurricanes, the American Red Cross of Central Florida is doing everything it can to maintain a high level of preparedness. Red Cross programs can give your family a great start at becoming preparedness professionals!
Here are three steps to take right now:
• Make a plan for your household in case you have to evacuate. Practice the plan to minimize confusion and fear during an event.
• Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, pet supplies, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
• Be informed about your community’s hurricane response plan. Know how you will get important information before, during, and after a disaster strikes.
The Red Cross offers a variety of resources to make it easier:
• Download the free Red Cross Emergency App which can help keep you and your loved ones safe with more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts. The app can be found in smartphone app stores or by texting “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999.
• Take a First Aid and CPR/AED course (redcross.org/takeaclass) so you know what to do in case emergency help is delayed.
• Find helpful information, checklists and videos on disaster and emergency preparedness at redcross.org/prepare.
Need additional help? That’s why we’re here! Visit us online at redcross.org/centralflorida and follow us on Facebook @RedCrossCentralFlorida and Twitter @RedCrossCFL.