ST. GEORGE — September is National Preparedness Month, and the Red Cross of Utah is reminding everyone that the time to get ready for future emergencies is now.
According to a Red Cross press release, this is evidenced by the worsening impacts of climate change, which is resulting in frequent and damaging weather events.
A Washington Post analysis from 2021 revealed that over 40% of Americans – some 130 million people – were living in a county stricken by a climate-related disaster.
“More powerful climate-driven occurrences are happening across the U.S. than ever before,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Central and Southern Utah Chapter, in the news release. “In fact, there have been more climate-related disasters in the U.S. over the past two decades than in any other country. It’s vital that everyone take steps now to be prepared.”
Tips to help keep your family safe during disasters
Build an emergency kit that includes: one gallon of water per person, per day; non-perishable food, flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants, a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items. Also include copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area, and emergency contact information.
Make an emergency plan that includes what to do in case you are separated from your family and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plan.
Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work and go to school. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.
Include pets in your emergency plans
If you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. It’s important to know in advance which pet-friendly hotels are in your area and where your pets can stay in an emergency.
Plan for special needs
Older adults, for example, or people with mobility, hearing, learning or seeing disabilities, may require a support network of people who can help during an emergency. Create a plan that considers your capabilities, any help you may need and who can provide it, especially if you need to evacuate or if the power goes out for several days.
Help your community
Red Cross volunteers play critical roles in supporting their local communities by making sure families don’t have to face tough times alone. Be ready to not only help your loved ones but also your neighbors. Consider joining the Red Cross as a Disaster Action Team volunteer, which would include learning lifesaving skills such as first aid or CPR or simply donating blood.
Blood donation is valuable, especially in September
A strong blood supply is a key to being prepared for disasters and medical emergencies, and donors can help ensure blood is on the shelves the moment it’s needed.
Those who donate blood Sept. 1-18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Race to give
Those who donate Sept. 1-30 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR experience, courtesy of Sport Clips Haircuts, including two tickets to a 2023 race. All September donors will also receive a coupon for a free haircut. Donors can view upcoming blood donation opportunities and schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The American Red Cross Utah Region serves more than 2.8 million people across the nearly 85,000 square miles, statewide.
To contact the regional Red Cross office in St. George, call (435) 628-1233. The office is located at 476 E. Riverside Drive. Click here for more information.