Hurricane Preparedness, Now is the Time to Get Ready

GET READY NOW! There are simple steps you can take to be prepared:

• Create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you have to evacuate. Coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans. Plan where you will go and multiple routes to get there, register family members with special medical needs as required, and make plans for pets. If you already have an emergency plan, update it and review with household members so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs.
• Build an emergency kit. Include a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants and pets if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information. If you already have a disaster kit, make sure the food and water is still okay to consume and that copies of important documents are up to date.
• Be informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders. Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

In addition to taking these preparedness steps, the Red Cross has resources and additional tips on hurricane safety.

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