5 Things to Know About National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month and the Red Cross wants the Philadelphia area to take in some tips and fit in some events this month. After an earthquake, flooding and a hurricane, we still stand strong, but we can never let our guard down. Here are five things to know from the Red Cross about this month:

1. Three Principles: The three principles of being “Red Cross Ready” are: Get a kit, Make a plan, Be informed. People should 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.

“Being prepared today can save lives tomorrow,” said Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter CEO Renee Cardwell Hughes. “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.”

2. Three Days: Red Cross SEPA Chapter recommends your emergency preparedness kit contain enough supplies for three days in case you need to evacuate. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. Supplies should include water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items, and copies of important personal documents. Your emergency plan should involve all members of your household, including pets. Make sure each person knows how to reach each other and an out-of-area emergency contact person in case local phone lines are jammed.

3. Information: Being informed means knowing 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.

4. Events: In the month of September, the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania is partnering with various groups, like the Philadelphia Housing Authority, Target, and the Office of Emergency Management to host and participate in a series of events to make sure Philadelphia area residents, businesses, community groups, and governments are prepared for any emergency. Events include a preparedness kickoff with Mayor Michael Nutter at the Target on Bustleton Avenue on September 2 at 10 a.m., where city leaders and children will assemble about 200 all-important Go-Kits filled with supplies critical in an emergency. The kits will be distributed to Philadelphia Housing Authority residents.

5. Got Informed? Stay Informed! Social media plays such an important role in emergency preparedness, the Red Cross will also provide a preparedness tip of the day via Redcrossphilly.org,
Twitter, and Facebook.

The American Red Cross Southeastern PA will also be running a series of PSAs in the Metro, Al-Dia, and Metro Chinese Weekly newspapers, to help spread the preparedness message to the many diverse communities the Red Cross serves.