Are You Prepared For Hurricane Earl? Red Cross Disaster Tips

As Hurricane Earl moves toward the eastern seaboard, The Red Cross is reminding everyone to make preparations now for any disaster that may lie ahead.

They say the three things we all must do are:

• Build a kit
• Make a plan
• Be informed

Build A Kit

The Red Cross suggests including the following items in your household emergency kit:

• Bottled water (one gallon, per person, per day),
• Nonperishable food
• A flashlight
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Extra batteries
• A first aid kit
• A 7-day supply of medications
• A multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of important personal documents stored in a waterproof container

Make A Plan

All members of your household should work together on an emergency plan.

• Know how to reach each other
• Agree upon an out-of-area emergency contact person
• Establish a meeting place should you not be able to get to your home

Be Informed

• Know what types of disasters are most likely to occur where you live
• Find out where shelters are being set up in your area
• Get news updates from a battery operated radio
• Take a first aid and CPR course

To learn more about what steps you can take to be prepared for an emergency in your area, contact your local Red Cross chapter or visit www.redcross.org