Be Prepared For Disaster

Hurricane Sandy left many people dealing with disaster conditions.

The American Red Cross wants to make sure we’re ready the next time disaster strikes.

September is National Preparedness Month.

“Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared is a family’s best defense,” said Red Cross SEPA CEO Renée Cardwell Hughes in a press release. “Making a plan is an important step in making sure all household members know what to do in an emergency.”

The Red Cross gives three basic actions for being prepared:

• Get a kit: Include a First Aid kit, blankets, extra clothing, prescription medications, glasses, infant formula, diapers, pet food, extra water for your pet, important family documents, identification, bank account records, cash, manual can opener, batteries, flashlight, duct tape, tools, hand sanitizer, activities for children, and enough food and water for at least three days. Pack everything in a waterproof, portable container, and check the expiration dates of food and prescriptions regularly.

• Make a plan: Before an emergency happens, decide how your family members will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do. Determine a neighborhood meeting place, a regional meeting place, and an evacuation location. Also, identify an out-of-town emergency contact. In some cases, it may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town. Consider texting instead of calling as often texts go through when calls don’t.

• Be informed: Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area.

Preparedness Events

• Sept. 30, 7 p.m., The Upper Moreland Free Public Library, 109 Park Ave., Willow Grove, hosts "Get Ready," an emergency preparedness event. 

• Sept. 16, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.: National Preparedness Month Event at Target in Bensalem.

• Sept. 20, 10 a.m.: Amtrak Preparedness Day at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.

• Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to noon: Red Cross Club National Preparedness Even at Easter Seals in Philadelphia.

Fire Safety Walk-Throughs: Carried out twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout September all over the five-county region.