Are you prepared?
Published 2:20 am Monday, May 15, 2006
By Staff
Special to the Advance
Hurricane Season is less than a month away and the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross urges you to prepare now. In today's climate, it's more important than ever to be prepared for possible emergencies.
Natural or other disasters can strike suddenly, at any time and anywhere. But there are five actions that everyone can take that can help make a difference.
Make a Plan
Choose two places to meet after a disaster:
Build a Kit
It is very important you begin to build your families Disaster Supplies Kit now, do not wait until store shelves are empty and you cannot get the necessities your family needs.
Every kit should include:
Get Trained
When a major disaster occurs, your community can change in an instant. Loved ones can be hurt and emergency response can be delayed. Make sure that at least one member if not all of your family is trained in First Aid and CPR and in how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
The American Red Cross offers training courses in all of these areas please call (251) 438-2571 for more information.
Volunteer
The Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter needs trained volunteers to help provide services such as sheltering, feeding, case work, nursing, mental health and much more to our neighbors in the community after any disaster strikes. To become a trained Red Cross volunteer contact (251) 438-2571.
Give Blood
Blood is needed in times of emergency, but the ongoing need is also great. Giving blood doesn't take much time. During times of crisis and every day, each blood donation has the power to help save as many as three lives.
For more hurricane preparedness information or to have a hurricane preparedness expert speak to your organization contact the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter at (251) 438-2571 or visit our new website at www.redcrossalcoast.org