Are You Red Cross Ready?

If you could do something to protect your family, strengthen your community, build your confidence, and save time, money, and perhaps even someone’s life, would you do it?

Now, what if that “something” took just a few minutes of your time and was explained in three simple steps?

When you stop and think about it, preparing ahead of time for disasters and first aid emergencies makes perfect sense. Yet somehow, many of us don’t find the time or motivation to prepare.

Experience tells us that people who prepare ahead of time can reduce the physical, emotional and financial damages incurred when a disaster strikes, yet for some reason, preparing doesn’t make it to the top of our “to do list.” Especially here in southern Nevada, where the weather is good so much of the time, it is easy to forget that disasters happen everywhere, whether it’s flooding after a summer storm, or an earthquake or wildfire.

This spring, the Southern Nevada Chapter urges everyone to “Be Red Cross Ready” for disasters and first aid emergencies by taking three simple actions: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan, and 3) Be informed.  There is even an online tutorial available at www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady. The interactive web site includes downloadable brochures and checklists to help you get started. In less than twenty minutes you’ll learn exactly how you can become Red Cross Ready by getting a kit, making a plan, and becoming informed.

Knowledge of first aid and CPR are also vital components of disaster preparedness, and the Chapter offers classes throughout the year so you can get trained and then brush up on your first aid and CPR skills every year. We even provide training in pet first aid and CPR, so you can take care of your pets in an emergency too. A list of available classes is available on the Chapter’s web site, www.redcrosslasvegas.org.

Preparing for a disaster or first aid emergency has clear personal benefits, and when everyone prepares, the benefits extend to our entire community. We hope you will do your part by taking three simple steps to “Be Red Cross Ready” this summer.

According to a 2007 poll conducted by the American Red Cross, only seven percent of the population has taken what the Red Cross considers the three steps necessary to prepare for a disaster or emergency: get a kit, make a plan, and be informed.  

The Southern Nevada Chapter has a team of volunteer speakers who can come out and address your civic group, club or church about disaster preparedness, at no charge. These community disaster education presentations can be scheduled by contacting the chapter at (702) 791-3311.