Resolve To Be Prepared for Emergencies in 2011

Santa Barbara County, CA, January 5, 2011— The New Year is a time when many of us look forward and reflect on the changes we want to accomplish to make our lives – and our communities – better. You can make a difference to others in Santa Barbara County and help keep your family safe by resolving to get your household prepared, to be “Red Cross Ready” when emergencies happen.

Families need to plan how to deal with disasters. They need to know what emergencies are most likely to happen where they live, learn, work and play. In Santa Barbara County, these emergencies include wildfire, earthquakes and flooding.

You can make a difference in Santa Barbara County by knowing what to do when disaster strikes. You can:

1. Get a kit. If you’ve ever fumbled to find a flashlight during a blackout, you know what it feels like to be unprepared. Go to www.sbredcross.org and click on “Be Red Cross Ready” to find out what goes into an emergency preparedness kit. Gain some peace of mind by gathering the following supplies now:

* Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water—one gallon per person, per day for drinking and hygiene purposes

* Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

* Flashlight and extra batteries

* First aid kit, medications and medical items

* Copies of all important documents (proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

* Extra cash

2. Make a plan. Talk with family and household members about what you would do during a flood, earthquake or wildfire. Plan what to do in case you are separated, and choose two places to meet—one right outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Other planning tips:

* Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. All household members should have this person’s phone number and email address. It may be easier to call long distance or text if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.

* Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.

* Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable.

* Plan ahead for your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals. Keep a phone list of “pet friendly” motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

3. Be informed. Know the risks where you live, work, learn and play.

* Arm yourself with information about what to do in case a flood, earthquake or wildfire occurs. Remember that emergencies like fires and blackouts can happen anywhere, so everyone should be prepared for them.

* Find out how you would receive information from local officials in the event of an emergency.

* Learn first aid and CPR/AED through the American Red Cross in Santa Barbara County so that you have the skills to respond in an emergency before help arrives, especially during a disaster when emergency responders may not be as available.

Take time during this venture into 2011 to get prepared. Visit www.sbredcross.org for more information on how to prepare for all types of emergencies.

About the Santa Barbara County Chapter of the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; and taught lifesaving skills to millions. Locally, the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter provided services to more than 30,000 people in Santa Barbara County and distributed disaster preparedness and health and safety materials to over 13,900 school children, seniors and community members. The American Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on volunteers and the generosity of the community to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please call the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter at 687-1331 in Santa Barbara or 928-0778 in Santa Maria or visit sbredcross.org. Now, find the Red Cross on Twitter @SBRedCross!