American Red Cross
SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 — The American Red Cross is encouraging everyone to take critical actions during National Preparedness Month this September to be ready for worsening disasters. Deadly storms and floods, raging fires and extreme heat are becoming more frequent and intense and families are experiencing the effects.
“Disasters can happen at any time, often without warning, changing lives forever in just minutes,” said Josh Murray, spokesperson for the American Red Cross Serving Nebraska. “We continue to see increased extreme weather making it critical to help protect our loved ones. National Preparedness Month is the ideal time to get your household ready for emergencies.”
HOW TO PREPARE
Get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected. Follow these steps to prepare for emergencies:
- Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
- Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.
- Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
- Make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
- Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and expert advice in both English and Spanish. And don’t forget to sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to get critical information during local emergencies.
EXTREME WEATHER
Extreme weather is increasing in frequency and intensity. Already this year, Nebraska has experienced multiple tornado outbreaks, severe flooding, wildfires and power outages. Plus, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record according to experts. With the changing seasons comes cooler temperatures, but that brings increased home fires.
When disasters happen—whether it is here in Nebraska or around the country—the Red Cross is there providing food, shelter and comfort to ensure no one faces such a difficult time alone. To help families better cope with this worsening climate crisis, the Red Cross is also enhancing our support for those who need it most and increasing our capacity to respond to non-stop disasters.
Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.