PREPARE for SEVERE WEATHER NOW!

Severe weather played a disastrous role in the lives of many Georgians in 2009 as parts of Georgia experienced a rash of severe weather in late winter and early spring.  And this past weekend tornadoes swept across the Southeast, leaving a trail of destruction.

The American Red Cross encourages everyone to take the following steps to help them Be Red Cross Ready:

Ø      Get a Kit – Have at least three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry evacuation kit,

with additional supplies on hand.  The kit should include basic items like water, food,

battery-powered radio, flashlight and a first aid kit.  Your kit should also include

medications, sanitary supplies and a change of clothing for all family members.  Visit

the Preparing and Getting Trained section on www.redcross.org to fin out how you

can purchase a kit from the Red Cross or download instructions for building your own.

Ø      Make a Plan – Planning ahead will help you have the best possible response to

disaster.  Make sure to talk with your family about the types of disasters that can

take place in your community.  Choose a place outside your home and a place

outside of your neighborhood to meet after a disaster.  As part of your family

communications plan, tell everyone in your household where emergency information and supplies are kept and practice evacuating your home twice a year.  Be sure to visit

the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site and become familiar with this resource for reconnecting with your family in case you are separated in an emergency.

Ø      Be informed – Disasters can vary from those affecting only you and your family,

like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community,

like a tornado or flood.  Know what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play, and identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster.  Red Cross training in first aid and CPR saves lives.