Be Informed

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However, there are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take.

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 a tornado or flood.

Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get important information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA weather radio stations or channels.

Learn what you can do to prepare for disasters. Invite the Red Cross to speak in front of your group of 10 or more on disaster preparedness and response. Click here to see a list of available presentations.  Learn more about first aid and CPR.  Learning simple first aid techniques can give you the skills and confidence to help when someone in your home, your neighborhood or workplace is injured.

Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors and encourage them to be informed too.