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Emergencies can occur at anytime and anyplace. Winter season is a time when we need to be especially well prepared for emergency situations due to the added challenges brought on by hazardous weather conditions. Below is a list of popular emergency preparedness items that you may purchase through the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region’s online store or at your local office:
Blackout Buddy- A definite must have item. The Blackout Buddy is your best friend in a power outage. While plugged into the wall, the Blackout Buddy charges and prepares itself for emergencies. It is a nightlight in its everyday use. When a power outage takes place, a bright emergency light will immediately come on. This will make it easy for you to make your way to the Blackout Buddy in the lightless house. It can be removed from the outlet and act as an emergency flashlight. The Blackout Buddy has been one of the most popular items this season!
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Natural disasters can happen at any given place or time. Preparing is key to survival.
Hurricanes, earthquakes, forest fires, tornadoes - Find out what disasters occur in your geographic area and make sure that you have the appropriate supplies and information.
Flu pandemics, house fires, flash floods - Make sure that you and your family are prepared to face the types of possible life-threatening situations that may occur directly in your area.
How prepared are you? Learn how to Be Red Cross Ready.
Receive emergency government alerts through Capitalert for the National Capital Region. Learn more about it and sign-up today!
Click on the links below to learn how to better prepare yourself and your family.
Chemical Emergencies
CPR & AED Awareness is Important Year-Round
Drought
Heat Waves
Hurricanes
Floods
Fire Safety Awareness Week October 4th - 10th
Fires
Lightning Safety Awareness
Power Outage
September is National Preparedness Month
Terrorism
The Flu & H1N1 (Swine Flu) Pandemic Preparedness
Three Steps to Preparedness
Thunderstorms
Tornadoes
Water Safety
Winter Storms
Your Emotional Health After a Disaster |
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A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornado intensities are classified on the Fujita Scale with ratings between F0 (weakest) to F5 (strongest). They are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Although severe tornadoes are more common in the Plains States, tornadoes have been reported in every state.
Know the difference between a tornado WATCH and a tornado WARNING.
Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives!
Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately under ground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom).
Click here to learn what to do BEFORE a tornado.
Click here to learn what to do DURING a tornado.
Click here to learn what to do AFTER a tornado.
Click here for the Tornado Safety Checklist. |
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More than a third of people planning to swim, boat or fish this summer cannot swim well, according to a new national survey by the American Red Cross. To view the survey results click here.
Safety tips:
- Make water safety your priority
- Prevent unsupervised access to the water
- Maintain constant supervision
- Know what to do in an emergency
- Enroll yourself and your family members in age-appropriate swimming lessons
For more information on water safety click here. |
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How prepared are you and your family for the summer? According to the National Weather Service, heat causes more fatalities each year than lightning, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.
Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To avoid problems, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Other steps you may take to stay safe during the heat:
- Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
- Eat small meals and eat more often.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
- Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
- Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
- Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.
Click here to read the Heat Wave Safety Checklist.
Click here to read an article about heat and humidity.
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Be Prepared
