Disaster season is certainly in full swing. Your American Red Cross has been in full response mode responding to the numerous hurricanes, tornadoes, the Las Vegas shooting and now the devastating California fires. As I type this, I see the massive devastation on the Weather Channel of all these events. There are thousands of people who are left homeless and in need of basic necessities.
The Red Cross is responding to all these disasters providing comfort and hope along with shelter, food, clothing, health and mental health services and many other recovery services. Our volunteers were called into action at a moment’s notice and they responded along with staff to the call for help. Many are in areas that have no utilities or communication.
As I responded to Hurricane Irma prior to her hitting Florida, I was impressed with all the preparation the community had done in advance of Irma’s arrival. This preparation paid off as many communities were able to resume normal business quickly. Others were not as lucky as Irma wiped out critical infrastructure.
This scenario plays out in each disaster time and again. The preparation phase is so critical. Just as we are learning now in the fires in California, sometimes there is no notice and one must leave their home immediately. I cannot imagine having to leave my home “as is” with no safekeeping for family treasures and possessions.
It strengthens my resolve to encourage every person to have an emergency plan. Preparation while you have time now, will pay huge dividends in the future. Stop for a moment and think what you would do if I knocked on your door tonight at 11:00 p.m. and said, “You have to leave now.” You have no time to collect possessions much less your thoughts. You have to leave now.
The Red Cross Emergency App is a great tool to begin your preparedness now. There is great information in this app that will help you begin your planning. I encourage everyone to plan for such an event. At the very least, have your legal documents saved in a secure place offsite. Take your cell phone and videotape your house and belongings in detail and save that video to the cloud. Have your critical contacts up to date in your phone. Let your family know how they will find out you are safe and well should this event happen to you.
Preparation is the key to getting your life back to normal, whatever your normal is, when disaster strikes. Are you ready? Please begin getting Red Cross Ready today!
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