American Red Cross urges residents to prepare for emergencies now

Las Vegas (KSNV) — Powerful climate-driven emergencies are happening more than ever before, and the Red Cross of Southern Nevada wants to make sure everyone is prepared.

With National Preparedness Month starting next week, officials reminding everyone the time to get ready for future emergencies is now!

According to the Washington Post, more than 40% of Americans were living in a county struck by a climate-related disaster last year.

“More powerful climate-driven occurrences are happening across the U.S. than ever before,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter.

“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."

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The Red Cross says there are three important steps to be taken to help keep loved ones safe during natural disasters:

1. Build an emergency kit that includes: a gallon of water per person per day; non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, a 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Other tips include:

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 need to have a support network of people in place that 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 help not only your loved ones but also your neighbors.
• 1.) Join us as a Disaster Action Team volunteer.
• 2.) Learn lifesaving skills so you can help people in a crisis until medical professionals arrive.
• 3.) Sign up for first aid, CPR, or other class available online or in-person.
• 4.) Make an appointment to give blood or platelets.

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 get a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last.

For more tips on how to stay safe during an emergency, click here.