WHY PREPARE FOR A DISASTER???

Disaster disrupts hundreds of thousand of lives each year.  Each disaster has lasting effects – people are seriously injured, some are killed and property damage runs into the billions of dollars.

If a disaster occurs in your community, local government and disaster-relief organizations try to help you.  But you need to be ready as well.  Local responders may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere. 

Being prepared and understanding what to do can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disaster. 

You should know how to respond to severe weather, or any disaster that could occur in your area – tornados, earthquakes, extreme cold or flooding.  You should also be ready to be self sufficient for at least three days.  This may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?  

Be Red Cross Read

• Make a plan

• Build a kit

• Be Informed

• Get trained

• Volunteer

• Give blood