Making Seasonal Changes

With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time for a little spring cleaning. Only this year, don’t limit your sprucing up to cleaning out closets and washing windows. It’s time to do some spring cleaning on your emergency preparedness kit as well.

For example, soon you will need to stay cool instead of warm, so swap the blankets in your kit for lighter sheets and bedding and your warm clothing (such as sweaters and jeans) for lighter pants and shirts. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and insect repellent will also become more important components of an emergency preparedness kit as the weather warms up and days get longer. You may even choose to add a small battery-powered fan.

By taking these simple preparedness steps, you’ll not only be basking in some extra daylight this spring, but also in the knowledge that you and your family are better prepared for the unexpected.

For more information on building or purchasing an emergency preparedness kit visit redcross.org.

Each year, thousands of people travel to destinations near and far to enjoy Spring Break. You can help ensure a safe trip by taking a few steps to be prepared for disasters and other emergencies. Take a few minutes to prepare for the unexpected in unfamiliar surroundings: 

Before you leave

• Compile a list of important numbers such as local hospitals and emergency responders and make sure your friends and family have these numbers as well.
• If you are traveling outside the United States, register with the U.S. Department of State.
• Make sure family members or friends know your travel plans, where you will be staying, and how to reach you.
• Learn about the area you are visiting. Find out what types of disasters may occur in the area, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before.
• Pay attention to the local weather forecast. Travel and weather Web sites can help you avoid storm seasons, severe heat and other regional challenges that could affect your safety.
• Find out how you would obtain information in the event of a disaster. Research the local radio stations and emergency alert systems.
• Prepare an emergency supplies kit for your vehicle and keep it in your car at all times. Include a first aid kit and manual a blanket, flares, flashlight, batteries, jumper cables, water, high-protein snacks, battery-operated or hand-crank radio, and an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers.
• No matter how far you are traveling, be sure you are well rested before you leave.

When you arrive

• Review the disaster plan and disaster safety procedures and precautions for the place where you will be staying.
• Check to see if the building is equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which can help save lives in the event of a cardiac arrest.
• Identify how you would get out of the building in case you need to evacuate due to a hurricane or fire.
• Locate safe places inside should you need to take cover
• In a disaster situation, be sure to register on the Safe and Well Web site on RedCross.org to let family and friends know you are safe.