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Emergency Prep
updated: Sep 14, 2012, 10:56 AM
Source: Red Cross
As Hurricane Issac relief efforts continue in the Gulf Coast, the American Red Cross is encouraging all
households to create a family disaster game plan. While hurricanes are less likely to occur on the west
coast, it is not a surprise that Californians are at risk to a variety of disasters. From earthquakes to
wildfires, families need a game plan so that they are ready in an emergency.
"Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared is a family's best defense," said Julie McGovern,
executive director, American Red Cross Santa Barbara County. "Making a plan is an important step in
making sure all household members know what to do in an emergency."
Game plans should include designating a meeting place right outside the home in case of a sudden
emergency like a fire, an out-of-area emergency contact person and a location where everyone should
meet if they can't go home. All members of the household should work together on the emergency plan
and each person should know how to reach other family members.
Red Cross tools make it easier for people to make or update plans. The American Red Cross First Aid
App for iPhone or Android smart phones helps people create as simple plan, share it with household
members and over social networks. In addition, a template to build a plan is available at
redcross.org/npm.
Join the Red Cross at the following events to make a family disaster game plan, receive preparedness
tips and learn more about preparedness in your community:
· Saturday, September 15 - Emergency Preparedness Fair and Workshop from 10 am - 2 pm at
Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Avenue Goleta, 93117
· Saturday, September 22 - Community Preparedness Fair from 10 am - 1 pm at the Casitas Plaza
Shopping Center, Carpinteria Avenue at Casitas Pass Rd
Other Ways to Get Ready
The Red Cross has several programs to help people, businesses, schools and communities be better
prepared.
· Be Red Cross Ready is an online tutorial that teaches people to be ready for emergencies.
· Red Cross Ready Rating™ is a free, web-based membership program that measures how ready
businesses, organizations and schools are to deal with emergencies and helps them improve their
readiness level.
· Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training courses provide participants with the knowledge and
skills to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed.
· People can visit redcross.org for information on what to do before, during and after emergencies
and disasters.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies
more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international
humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit
organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its
mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org
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