Extreme weather has increased in frequency and intensity. The Red Cross (redcross.org) is responding to nearly twice as many large disasters now compared to a decade ago. Spring weather can lead to severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, damaging winds and flooding. Planning is key to being ready for an emergency.
Being prepared is easy, just three short steps away:
1. Get a kit. Get your emergency preparedness kit ready.
2. Make a plan. Talk with household members about what you would do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case you are separated — choose two places to meet — one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.
3. Be informed. Know the risks where you live, work, learn and play.
Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow them on social media.