When disaster hits, you won’t have much time to react. Get ready for emergencies now. This Red Cross disaster checklist is a great start. Talk about these steps with your family, then make an emergency plan. Put the plan where everyone can see it, like on the fridge or a bulletin board.
Call your local emergency management or civil defense office and the American Red Cross chapter for more tips on preparing for local hazards.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare an emergency plan and post it prominently for all family members to see.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day and replace it every six months1.
- Conduct emergency evacuation drills at least twice a year1.
- Install, clean, and maintain smoke detectors on every level of your home1.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and whistle in each bedroom for fire safety1.
Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit
Having a disaster supplies kit ready can be a lifesaver in an emergency. It should have items to keep you and your family safe while you evacuate or stay indoors2. Since many people take daily medicines, don’t forget to pack yours in the kit2.
Essential Supplies to Include
Here are key items to put in your disaster kit:
- Water Storage: Make sure you have one gallon of water per person each day for drinking and cleaning, for a few days23.
- Non-Perishable Food: Include a 3-day supply of easy-to-make, non-perishable foods3.
- First Aid Essentials: Have a first aid kit ready, along with any needed prescription medicines3.
- Backup Power: Add a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries to keep you informed and lit when the power goes out.
- Survival Gear: Think about adding a whistle, N95 or surgical masks, matches, and rain gear to your kit3.
- Personal Documents: Collect important papers like ID, insurance, and contact info in a waterproof bag.
- Cash and Credit Cards: Have some cash and credit cards ready, since ATMs and electronic payments might not work.
Update your emergency kit every year to match your family’s changing needs2. Be ready to stay at work for at least 24 hours, so pack food, water, and medicine2.
By making a detailed disaster supplies kit, you’ll be ready for any emergency. This way, your family can face any situation with confidence and be well-prepared.
Create an Emergency Plan
Getting ready for emergencies is key to keeping your family safe. Start by talking with your household about possible disasters like fires, severe weather, earthquakes, and more. Talk about how to act in each emergency and find the safest spots in your home. Explain what to do if the power goes out and make a map showing two ways to escape from each room4.
Teach your kids when and how to call 911, police, and fire departments. Pick an out-of-state and a local contact for family members to reach if you get separated. Choose two places to meet – one close to home for fires, and another away from your area if you can’t go back4.
Make sure your family is ready by learning basic first aid and CPR/AED. Find out how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches. Keep emergency contact numbers near your phones for quick access4.
| Preparedness Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Establish emergency meeting places | Ensures your family has a designated safe location to reunite if separated during a disaster |
| Learn how to shut off utilities | Prevents further damage and reduces safety hazards during an emergency |
| Designate out-of-state and local emergency contacts | Facilitates communication and coordination when local networks may be disrupted |
| Take first aid and CPR/AED training | Empowers you to provide immediate, potentially life-saving assistance during an emergency |
By making a detailed family emergency plan, you boost your readiness. This ensures your loved ones are safe in a disaster456.
“Preparedness is the key to weathering any storm. By creating a comprehensive emergency plan, you can give your family the peace of mind and the tools they need to stay safe during a crisis.”
Understand Your Disaster Risks
Getting ready for emergencies starts with knowing the disaster risks in your area. Hazards like floods and home fires can happen. Others, like earthquakes and hurricanes, are more common in certain places. Contacting your state or local emergency management office can teach you about the natural disaster hazards and man-made disaster risks in your area.
Being ready means knowing what dangers might strike, having plans, and having the right emergency management resources. This includes a way to watch for emergencies, knowing skills like CPR, and having supplies for your basic needs during a crisis.
- Only 26 percent of families have made and practiced a home fire escape plan, showing a low readiness for fire emergencies7.
- Fires kill more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined, showing how serious fire risks are7.
- Some areas in Oregon and Washington face deadly wildfires, especially with droughts and dry conditions7.
- Being careless with fire in wooded areas can greatly increase the risk of a wildfire7.
- The threat of big earthquakes, like those from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, is serious for people living in the Pacific Northwest7.
- Floods are very common and costly disasters, making preparedness against them crucial7.
- Winter storms can make the area hard to move around in, showing the big disruptions severe weather can cause7.
Good emergency preparedness planning also means knowing the difference between an advisory, watch, and warning from the National Weather Service Forecast Office. This helps you react better to bad weather7.
Also, tools like the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, community emergency notification systems, local media, and social media can give you important updates during a disaster7.
By taking the time to assess your disaster risks and prepare, you and your loved ones can be better ready for emergencies. This can help lessen the impact on your lives7.
Red Cross Disaster Checklist
The American Red Cross disaster checklist is a key tool for getting ready for emergencies. It teaches the importance of staying updated with news and alerts during disasters8. It also tells us to keep 30 days’ worth of medicines and extra items like a cane or glasses ready8.
It’s crucial to know who can help you in an emergency, like family, friends, and caregivers8. The checklist suggests making a plan for how to contact your support group and emergency contacts when phones don’t work8.
Understanding your health needs is vital for emergency preparedness8. The guide encourages building a network of people who can help in emergencies. It’s important to meet with these helpers to discuss your needs and make a plan8.
Getting ready for emergencies means having the right supplies for your home, car, or when you need to leave8. It’s also key to keep important medical info like your health conditions, allergies, and prescriptions up to date8.
The Red Cross says having a plan for staying safe at home or leaving is crucial during disasters8. It’s also important to make evacuation plans if you need help8.
The Red Cross disaster checklist is a great way to get ready for emergencies. By following its steps, you can make sure you and your family are safe during unexpected events8.
“Disaster preparedness is not just about protecting yourself, but also about looking out for your community. By working together, we can build a more resilient and prepared society.”
| Key Aspects of Red Cross Disaster Checklist | Description |
|---|---|
| Disaster Supplies Kit | Gather essential supplies for at least 3 days (Go-Kit) and 2 weeks (Stay-at-Home Kit) to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared for any emergency situation9. |
| Emergency Plan | Create a comprehensive emergency plan that covers communication, evacuation, medical needs, and sheltering in place9. |
| Understanding Disaster Risks | Assess your unique needs and vulnerabilities to be better prepared for emergencies, especially for individuals with mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, or lack of nearby support10. |
| Emergency Preparedness Skills | Learn essential skills like first aid, CPR, and disaster response procedures to effectively handle emergency situations9. |
| Staying Connected | Sign up for local emergency alerts and have a communication plan to stay informed and connected with your support network during disasters9. |
The Red Cross disaster checklist is a valuable resource for getting ready for emergencies. By following its steps, you can keep your family safe and well during unexpected events8.
Fire Safety Precautions
Keeping your home and family safe from fire emergencies is crucial. By following key fire safety steps, you can lower the risk of fires and keep your loved ones safe. Let’s look at the main fire safety steps and how to get ready for emergencies.
Preparedness for Fire Emergencies
Being ready for fires means having a solid fire safety plan. Start by making two escape routes from each room. Practice these with your family twice a year. Teach your household members to stay low to the ground and never open doors that feel hot when escaping a fire.11
Smoke detectors are key to preventing fires at home. Put them on every level, in bedrooms, and near sleeping areas. Check them monthly and change the batteries yearly. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.12
Having a fire extinguisher can help control a small fire. Keep a 5-lb, A-B-C type extinguisher in your home. Make sure everyone knows how to use it. Also, consider installing a collapsible ladder on upper floors for more escape routes.
Portable heaters should be turned off when leaving the room or going to sleep, and children should learn about fire dangers, including matches and lighters.12 These steps can make your home safer and protect your family in a fire.
Home fires are common in the U.S., and cooking fires are a leading cause. 13 Stay alert and take steps to reduce these risks.
Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a fire in half. Smoke alarms with 10-year batteries last up to 10 years.13 Make sure your home has working smoke detectors to keep your family safe.
Install smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms should be in central spots on every level and near sleeping areas.12 This setup gives you an early warning for fires or gas leaks.
Electrical issues can cause fires, so know two escape routes from every room. Practice escaping twice a year.11 Keep your electrical systems in check and practice fire drills to be ready for emergencies.
Smoking materials cause many home fire deaths. Teach your family about smoke alarms and how to respond to them.11 Learning about fire safety can help your family act fast and save lives.
Kitchen fires can start easily. Stay in the kitchen while cooking and use kerosene heaters only if allowed by law.11 Being careful and following safety rules can lower the risk of fires at home.
Practice your fire escape plan twice a year. Make sure your house numbers are easy to read for emergency responders.11 Regular drills and clear house numbers help improve response times and increase chances of a successful evacuation.
Installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is vital for safety. Make sure your home has these devices and know how to use them.11 With the right safety gear and emergency plans, you can protect your family and property.
Prepare an Emergency Car Kit
Having an emergency car kit can save lives when unexpected situations happen on the road. A well-stocked car kit with important supplies gives you peace of mind and keeps you safe in emergencies or if your car breaks down1.
Your emergency car kit should have a battery-powered radio, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a blanket. Also, include booster cables, a fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type), a first aid kit and manual, and bottled water and non-perishable snacks like granola bars, raisins, and peanut butter1. Don’t forget to add maps, a shovel, and flares for extra safety1.
| Essential Emergency Car Kit Items | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Battery-powered radio | 1 |
| Flashlight with extra batteries | 1 |
| Blanket | 1 |
| Booster cables | 1 set |
| Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type) | 1 |
| First aid kit and manual | 1 |
| Bottled water | 1 gallon per person per day |
| Non-perishable high-energy foods | Sufficient for 3 days |
| Maps | 1 set |
| Shovel | 1 |
| Flares | 3 |
Check and update your emergency car kit often to make sure everything is in good shape and replace any perishable items1. By getting ready with an emergency car kit, you boost your car’s readiness and can tackle emergencies or disasters with confidence1.
“Being prepared for emergencies can make all the difference when disaster strikes. An emergency car kit can provide the essentials you need to stay safe and comfortable until help arrives.”
Getting an emergency car kit is a key step in keeping your family safe in unexpected situations. With the right supplies, you can handle roadside emergencies better and help others in need1.
Home Hazard Hunt
In a disaster, everyday items in your home can be dangerous. Anything that can move, fall, break, or start a fire is a potential hazard. It’s important to check your home for these dangers to keep your family safe.
Securing the Home
First, look around your home for things that could be dangerous. Fix any broken electrical wiring or gas leaks. Make sure shelves and cabinets are tied down to the walls. Put heavy items on lower shelves to stop them from falling.
Hang pictures and mirrors where they won’t hit anyone. Secure your water heater to the wall to prevent it from tipping over. Fix any cracks in ceilings or to keep your home safe14.
Keep weed killers and other flammable items away from heat sources. Dispose of oily rags or waste safely to avoid fires14. Clean your chimney and vents to lower the risk of fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. Always wear protective gear and sturdy shoes when doing these tasks14.
Preparing for Emergencies
It’s also key to have an emergency plan and supplies ready. Practice fire and evacuation drills with your family every six months15. Check and test your smoke detectors often, and change the batteries yearly14.
Keep important papers like wills and insurance in a waterproof bag for emergencies14. Have extra keys, cash, and credit cards ready14. An extra pair of glasses can also be very useful in an emergency14.
By checking and fixing home hazards, you can make your home safer for emergencies14. Being prepared means staying informed, planning ahead, and acting quickly when needed15.
Evacuation Procedures
When an emergency happens, having a solid evacuation plan is key. The Red Cross suggests you grab your Disaster Supplies Kit and lock up your home first16. Then, tune into a battery-powered radio for shelter locations and follow local officials’ advice16.
If you have time, turn off your home’s utilities and tell others where you’re headed16. Don’t forget about your pets; they might not be welcome in shelters16. Make sure you have a plan for them, like knowing pet-friendly places or boarding options17.
- Choose two meeting spots: one near your home and another further away17.
- Pick an out-of-area contact for easy communication during emergencies17.
- Make sure your disaster plan includes everyone: seniors, people with disabilities, kids, non-English speakers, and pets17.
It might take days or weeks for government help to arrive after a disaster, based on how bad it is and where it happened16. Keep up with news through email, texts, and social media for the latest updates and advice17.
Planning ahead and knowing how to evacuate can help you stay safe during emergencies. The Red Cross offers many resources to help you get ready and stay updated, so you can protect yourself and your family16.
Stay Connected During Emergencies
When disaster strikes, it’s key to stay in touch and informed. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local area to get updates quickly1. Make sure you have a spare battery or a charger for your phone, as power might be out1. Use a battery-powered radio to keep an ear on the weather and emergency news1.
Make a plan to reach out to your family, even if phones or internet are down. Pick someone out of town as a contact to help your family get back in touch, as texts might work when calls don’t18. This way, you can keep in touch and check on your family and friends during tough times18.
- Develop an emergency communication plan with your household.
- Ensure everyone knows how to reach the designated out-of-town contact.
- Practice using alternative communication methods, such as text messaging or social media, in case of network outages.
By keeping in touch and informed during emergencies, you can better handle the situation. You’ll have access to important resources and can keep your loved ones safe. Trusted sources like the American Red Cross offer great advice on how to communicate during a crisis1.
“Being prepared means being equipped with the proper resources to handle any emergency situation.” – Don’t be caught off guard, stay connected and informed.
Learn Emergency Skills
Being ready for emergencies means having the right skills to act fast. First aid training and CPR certification are key for giving critical care in a crisis1. Learning emergency response skills is crucial when every second counts1. Make sure to learn and practice these skills before an emergency happens.
First aid and CPR are just the start. Disaster preparedness education is also vital19. Know the risks you might face, like bad weather or losing power, and plan for them19. Make an emergency plan, put together a Go-Kit and Stay-at-Home Kit, and know how to evacuate19. Being able to take care of yourself during emergencies keeps you and your loved ones safe.
- Sign up for first aid and CPR courses to be ready for medical emergencies1
- Learn about disaster risks and how to handle them19
- Put together detailed emergency kits with what your family needs19
- Know the evacuation routes and rules in your area18
Learning these emergency skills can change chaos into calm when disaster hits1. Take the time to teach yourself and your family. Be ready for any challenge that comes your way.
| Emergency Skill | Importance |
|---|---|
| First Aid Training | Provides essential medical care during emergencies1 |
| CPR Certification | Helps save lives by restoring breathing and circulation1 |
| Disaster Preparedness | Equips individuals and families to respond effectively to crises19 |
| Evacuation Procedures | Ensures safe and orderly evacuation when necessary18 |
“Being prepared for emergencies is not just about having the right supplies, it’s also about having the right skills. Take the time to learn first aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness – it could save a life.”
– American Red Cross
Gather Emergency Supplies
Getting ready for emergencies is key. Having the right supplies can save lives. Whether you need to leave quickly or stay put, a good emergency supply checklist and disaster preparedness kit are vital. They give you the survival gear needed to keep you and your family safe18.
Essential Items for Go-Kits and Stay-at-Home Kits
First, put together a Go-Kit with essentials you can carry. This includes non-perishable food, water, medicines, extra batteries, and important papers18. For a Stay-at-Home Kit, plan for two weeks’ supplies. This should include a month’s medicine in a safe container for kids18.
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day18
- Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items18
- Backup batteries and chargers for devices18
- Copies of personal, financial, and medical records
- Flashlight, radio, and extra batteries
- First aid kit and essential medications
Having the right critical supplies ready can be a lifesaver. Get your evacuation bag and stay-at-home kit ready now. This way, you and your family will be prepared for any disaster.
“Preparing for emergencies is crucial, and gathering the right supplies can make all the difference.”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed after a disaster, help is available. The Disaster Distress Helpline offers free and confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-985-599018.
Conclusion
The Red Cross disaster checklist is a key tool for getting you and your family ready for emergencies. By following the steps – like making a disaster kit, planning for emergencies, and learning important skills – you can make sure your family is prepared. This way, you’ll be ready to act and recover when disaster hits202122.,, Make sure to focus on red cross disaster preparedness, emergency action plan, family safety, and disaster response readiness to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Disasters can happen suddenly, and being ready can change everything22. By getting ahead and protecting your family, you’ll feel more secure. The Red Cross checklist helps you with family safety and disaster response readiness. It gives you the tools and confidence to handle tough times.
Being prepared is what makes us resilient. Spend time making a disaster plan, gathering your emergency kit, and building a support network20. With the Red Cross checklist leading the way, you’ll be able to face any challenge and come out stronger. Be ready, stay strong, and stay safe.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Red Cross disaster checklist?
What should I include in a disaster supplies kit?
How do I create an emergency plan for my family?
How can I learn about the disaster risks in my community?
What other steps are included in the Red Cross disaster checklist?
Source Links
- PDF – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/Chapters/Division_1_-_Media/Denver/Denver_-_PDFs/EmergencyPreparednessChecklist.pdf
- Build A Kit | Ready.gov – https://www.ready.gov/kit
- PDF – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Be-Red-Cross-Ready-Preparedness-Factsheet.pdf
- Food and Water – https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd.pdf
- Inclusive Preparedness Resources – https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/inclusive-preparedness-resources.html
- PDF – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/General_Preparedness___Recovery/Home/A4497.pdf
- PDF – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/uncategorized/11/redcrossprepareguide.pdf
- Older Adults – https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/older-adults.html
- Caregivers Preparedness Checklist – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/how-to-prepare/Caregivers-AARP-Checklist_-_R2_FINAL.pdf
- Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults – https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/older-adult-emergency.html
- 7 Ways To Prepare For A Home Fire – https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness.html
- PDF – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Home_Fire/FireSafety.pdf
- Home Fire Preparedness Checklist – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/pdfs/home-fire/EN_Home-Fire-Safety-Checklist.pdf
- Emergency Planning Checklist – https://www.cityofpa.us/1203/Emergency-Planning-Checklist
- Preparing for Emergencies: A Checklist for People with NMD – https://www.mda.org/sites/default/files/2023/01/Preparing-for-Emergencies_A-Checklist-for-People-with-NMD.pdf
- Emergency Kit | VDEM – https://www.vaemergency.gov/prepare/emergency-kit
- Get Prepared | Emergency Preparedness Tips – https://www.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/get-prepared.page
- EN_Preparedness-Essentials-Checklist.pdf – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/pdfs/preparedness-essentials/EN_Preparedness-Essentials-Checklist.pdf
- Winter-Storm-Preparedness-Checklist – R2 – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/pdfs/winter-storm/EN_Winter-Storm-Preparedness-Checklist.pdf
- PDF – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/how-to-prepare/Older_Adults_Disaster_Prep_Booklet_07272020.pdf
- PDF – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/delta/20630101_cascades_region_prepare_guide_final_jan8.pdf
- PDF – https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/pdfs/disasters-and-financial-planning-guide.PDF
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Last modified: August 13, 2024
