Natural or human-caused disasters can strike suddenly, anytime and anywhere. This simple online preparedness training course makes it easier than ever to get ready for emergencies. Click on the Be Red Cross Ready image to take our FREE online preparedness course and Be Red Cross Ready!

In Person

If you would like to stop in at one of our presentations, click here to find a presentation or safety fair near you.

Red Cross representatives are available to staff events or give presentations full of information to help you prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Request a presentation today! Each presentation uses our three Be Red Cross Ready steps.

Get A Kit

Have at least three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry evacuation kit (what if you need to evacuate due to flooding or a gas leak?), with additional supplies on hand. Remember to check your kit and replace the stock every six months. You can purchase the kit or compile these items into a kit:

• Water. Have at least one gallon per person per day.
• Food. Pack non-perishable, high-protein items, including energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little to no water.
• Flashlight. Hand-crank and alternative energy options are available. Include extra batteries if applicable.
• First aid kit. Include a first aid reference guide.
• Medications. Don't forget prescription and non-prescription items.
• Radio. Include extra batteries or use a hand-crank radio.
• Tools. Gather a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, a manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags and ties.
• Clothing. Provide a change of clothes for everyone including sturdy shoes and gloves.
• Personal items. Remember copies of important documents (passports, health information, etc.) and any eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution and comfort items like toys and books, if pertinent.
• Sanitary supplies. You may need toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.
• Money. Have cash.
• Contact information. Carry a current list of family phone numbers and email addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.
• Pet supplies. For each pet, include food, water, collar, leash/cage/carrying case, litter box or plastic bags, tags, any medications and vaccination information.
• Map. Consider marking an evacuation route on it from your local area.

Make a Plan

Planning ahead will help you have the best possible response to disaster.

• Meet with your family or household members.
• Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play.
• Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.
• If a family member is in the military, plan how you would respond if they were deployed.

Plan what to do in case you are separated during an emergency.

• Choose two places to meet:
  • Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.
  • Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.
• Choose an out­-of­-area emergency contact person. It may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should have emergency contact information in writing or programmed into their cell phones.

Plan what to do if you have to evacuate.

• Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. You may choose to go to a hotel/motel, stay with friends or relatives in a safe location or go to an evacuation shelter if necessary.
• Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on your map in case roads are impassable.
• Plan ahead for your pets. Keep a phone list of pet­friendly hotels/motels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

Be Informed

Know what may happen and how you can help. Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play. These events can vary from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an earthquake or flood.

For more information, check out our listing of tips.