The heart of the "Be Red Cross Ready " initiative is three simple, but important steps that people can take to prepare for any type of disaster.

• Get a Kit
• Make a Plan
• Be Informed

Let’s start with the first step. The Red Cross challenges everyone to: 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.  

• Water.  Have at least one gallon per person per day. 

• Food.  Pack non-perishable, high-protein items, including energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc.  
• Flashlight:  Include extra batteries.
• First Aid Kit:  Include a first aid references guide.
• Medication.  Don't forget prescription and non-prescription items.
• Radios.  Include extra batteries or use a hand-crank radio.
• Tools.  Gather a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, a manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags and ties.
• Clothing.  Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.
• Personal items.  Remember copies of important papers, including identification cards, insurance polices, birth certificates, passports, etc.; eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution, and comfort items likes toys and books, if pertinent.  
• Sanitary supplies.  You may need toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.
• Money.  Have cash.  ATM and credit cards won't work if the power is out.
• Contact information.  Carry a current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are overloaded.
•  Pet supplies.  For each pet, include food, water, collar and leash/cage/carrying case, litter box or plastic bags, tags, and medications and vaccination information.
• Map.  Consider marking an evacuation rout on it from your local area.

• Click here to see a more complete list.

  The second step is: Make a Plan.   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.  

  • Choose two places to meet after a disaster.
  • Each adult in your household should learn how and when to turn off utilities such as electricity, water and gas.  
  • Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.  
  • Practice evacuating your home twice a year.  
  • Include your pets.  If you must evacuate, take your pets with you.  .

The third step is: Be Informed.  Know what may happen and how you can help.  

• Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur.  
• Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get important information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA weather radio stations.
• Learn what you can do to prepare for disaster 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.
• Visit our Health and Safety Services page.

What it comes down to is Partnerships:

• The Red Cross has partnered with the Department of Homeland Security to help Americans prepare for any type of disaster.
• Through almost 1,000 chapters nationwide, the Red Cross is encouraging individuals and families to partner with their local chapter and get trained in first aid, CPR and other courses.

Through "Together We Prepare," the Red Cross hopes to reach every individual, family, business and school by empowering people with the skills and knowledge they need to keep safe and the peace of mind that comes from knowing what to do in any type of emergency.

For more information, call the Genesee-Lapeer Chapter at (810) 232-1401.

The Genesee-Lapeer Chapter has the following brochures available, call (810) 766-6411.

• 3 Actions you should take to be prepared in emergencies.  

• Terrorism: Preparing for the unexpected

• Preparing your business for the unthinkable

• Family Disaster Plan

• Family Disaster Supplies Kit

• Are you Ready?  Brochures with information on: fire safety, tornado safety, thunderstorm safety, flood safety and winter storm safety.

• Helping Young Children Cope with Trauma

• When Bad Things Happen

• Why Do I Feel Like This?