It’s important that you be prepared for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural or human–caused disasters can strike suddenly, at anytime and anywhere. There are three actions everyone can take that can help make a difference. Get involved and find out what you can do today!

Below are 3 actions you should take to be prepared in emergencies.

Get a Kit

Have at least three days of supplies in an easy–to–carry evacuation kit, with additional supplies on hand. Remember to check your kit and replace the stock every six months.

Your kit should include:

• Food
• Flashlight
• Medications
• Radio
• Tools
• Personal items
• Sanitary supplies
• Money
• Contact information
• Pet supplies
• Map

Store your disaster supplies in sturdy yet easy-to-carry containers, in a place that is easily accessible. Keep a smaller version of the kit in your vehicle. If you become stranded or are not able to return home, having some items with you will help you be more comfortable until help arrives.

Build a Kit

Make a plan.

Planning ahead will help you have the best possible response to disaster.

Talk. Discuss with your family the disasters that can happen where you live. Establish responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team. Designate alternates in case someone is absent. If a family member is in the military, also plan for how you would respond if they are deployed. Include the local military base resources that may be available.

Plan. Choose two places to meet after a disaster:
• Right outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.
• Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate your neighborhood.

Learn. Each adult in your household should learn how and when to turn off utilities such as electricity, water and gas. Ask your local fire department to show you how to use a fire extinguisher.

Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept. Make copies of the information for everyone to carry with them. Keep the information updated.

Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable or gridlocked.

Include your pets. If you must evacuate, take your animals with you. If it is not safe for you to remain, it is not safe for them.

Become a Red Cross Volunteer. Support your community by volunteering today.

Become a Red Cross Blood Donor. You can support your community blood supply by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visiting www.givebloodredcross.org to make an appointment to donate blood today.

Be informed.

Know what may happen and how you can help.

Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play.

Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get important information.

Learn what you can do to prepare for disasters by contacting your local Red Cross chapter to ask about first aid, CPR and disaster training.

Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors and encourage them to be informed too.

Red Cross Training Courses

What’s in your wallet? Be sure to include an American Red Cross Emergency Contact Card.

Click here for a printable version.

1. Cut out the card along the dotted lines.
2. Write in the contact information for each household member, such as work, school and cell phone numbers. If you need additional space, use the back side of the card.
3. Fold the card so it fits in your pocket, wallet or purse.
4. Carry your card with you so it is available in the event of a disaster or other emergency when you will want to contact each other.

Join other members of your community through the American Red Cross in taking these first steps. You never know how many people your actions will affect, how many lives you might change.