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FOR DISASTERS

"Be
Red Cross Ready" Disaster
Preparedness Presentations
Disasters, both
natural and manmade, can strike quickly and without warning.
It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine
you to your home. Would your family know what to do in the
event of an emergency? What would you do if basic services
such as water, gas, electricity or telephone were cut off
for an extended period of time? What would you do if you had
to evacuate quickly in the middle of the night during a house
fire? Please join your American Red Cross Pikes Peak Chapter
for our "Be Red Cross Ready" emergency preparedness
presentation. This FREE presentation will
educate you on how to protect your family during a disaster
by following these three actions: Build a Kit, Make a Plan
and Be Informed.
Request
a Speaker
The American Red Cross Pikes Peak Chapter welcomes the opportunity
to visit your workplace, civic group, school and community
functions with important information about our programs and
services and how to build a healthier, safer community. Learn
how to prepare for and cope with all types of disasters -
from fires, floods and tornados to severe winter weather and
summer heat waves. Presentations are free and can be tailored
to your needs. Request a
speaker to come to your community meetings or other function
by including the following information when you click on the
"request a speaker" link above.
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- Your Name |
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- Your Organization/Company's
Name |
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- Phone Number
Where We Can Reach You |
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- Address |
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- Event Information
(date, time, number of attendees) |
If you're
interested in becoming a Red Cross Ambassador to lead these
presentations, see Volunteer
Opportunities for more information.
By following the
vital steps listed below, you can be sure that you're on the
right track for being prepared for a disaster.
| 1.
Build a Kit |
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There are six basics you should stock for your home:
water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding,
tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep
the items that you would most likely need during an
evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. Possible containers
include a large, covered trash container, a camping
backpack, or a duffel bag.
Use the lists below to help complete your starter disaster
supplies kit:
- Protective clothing, sturdy shoes, bedding, or sleeping
bags
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries(also
consider alternatively-powered radios and flashlights)
- Cash, coins, or traveler's checks and copies of important
family documents such as ID, insurance, credit cards,
etc
- Medications and other special items for infant, elderly
or disabled family members
- Sanitation items
- Paper plates, paper cups and utensils
Water
Stock at least one gallon of water per person per day
for at least 3 days. Store water in plastic containers
such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that
will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass
bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at
least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments
and intense physical activity can double that amount.
Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need
more. Consider storing extra water for pets.
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable
food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation
or cooking, and little or no water. Select food items
that are compact and lightweight, and also contain a
high amount of calories and fat. Include a selection
of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
- Canned juices
- Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
- Energy/protein bars
- Vitamins
- Food for infants
- Comfort/stress foods
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| 2.
Make a Plan |
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Meet with
your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disasters.
Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and tornadoes
to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together
as a team. Be sure to consider the following points:
- Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely
to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
- Pick two places to meet:
1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency,
like a fire.
2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return
home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
- Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact".
After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
Other family members should call this person and tell
them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's
phone number.
- Discuss what to do in an evacuation.
- Plan how to take care of your pets.
- Quiz your kids every six months or so.
- Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
- Replace stored water and stored food every six months.
- Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according
to manufacturer's instructions.
- Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries
at least once a year.
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| 3.
Be Informed |
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Will you be
able to do everything possible for an injured child, friend,
colleague, neighbor or family member? Each year Red Cross
instructors certify an average of 11 million people in
Red Cross health and safety courses, which include Red
Cross CPR, first aid and lifeguard training. These courses
in turn help make our communities healthier, safer places
to live by giving you the knowledge and confidence to
effectively respond to emergencies. See our First
Aid/CPR course schedule for more information or to
register. |
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