Release from American Red Cross
The American Red Cross of Kansas and Oklahoma wants to help as many people as possible get ready for emergencies.
The region is offering free, virtual preparedness workshops every Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. throughout September. People can join via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
“You can help support your community by building resiliency to disasters within your own home by being Red Cross Ready. The more resilient your household is to disasters, the less impact they make on your family,” said Linda Medford, Kansas-Oklahoma Regional Preparedness Manager.
The sessions will offer more information on the three simple steps people can help to keep their families safe during disasters
1) Get a Kit. 2) Make a Plan. 3) Be Informed.
- Build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Also include a first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items. And don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
- Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans.
- Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work and go to school, how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.
Since 2019, the Red Cross has seen a six-fold increase in the annual number of disasters causing $1 billion or more in damage, compared to 40 years ago.