Red Cross urges Arizonans to get prepared

About half of all Americans have experienced at least one significant emergency where they have lost utilities for at least three days (37 percent), had to evacuate and could not return home or communicate with family members, or had to provide first aid to others.

In spite of these significant types of crisis, less than half of the people surveyed by the American Red Cross have taken steps to be prepared for emergencies. In the last four months, your Red Cross volunteers have opened three shelters in Flagstaff during wildfires and floods. Additionally, they have helped dozens of people impacted by three large apartment fires in the Valley.

September 2010 is National Preparedness Month, a time set aside for the last seven years to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. The Red Cross urges everyone to take steps now to be ready when emergencies happen. 

In a survey conducted late last summer, the Red Cross found that although 89 percent of those surveyed believe being prepared is important, far fewer people are ready for when that happens. Twenty percent of those surveyed have not done anything to get prepared, and aren’t sure where to get started.

“Being prepared today can save lives tomorrow,” said Bill Epps, Grand Canyon Chapter chief executive officer. “You are your best defense against emergencies. The Red Cross can show you what simple steps you need to take to prepare yourself and your loved ones for emergencies.”

There are three things people should do to be prepared – build an emergency preparedness kit, make a plan as to what your family will do in an emergency, and be informed about what resources are available in your community and what types of disasters could occur there.

Your emergency preparedness kit should contain enough supplies for three days in case you need to evacuate. Supplies should include water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, seven-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents.

Your emergency plan should be a joint effort for all members of your household. Make sure each person knows how to reach household members, including an out-of-area emergency contact person, and knows where to meet if they can’t go home.

Being informed is important. Learn about what resources are available and what types of disasters are most likely to occur where you live, learn, work and play. Take a first aid and CPR/AED course—a vital component of disaster preparedness in case emergency help is delayed.

For more information, contact the Grand Canyon Chapter at 1-800-842-7349 or visit www.arizonaredcross.org.

Submitted photo