Red Cross urges everyone to prepare now for emergencies as climate crisis leads to stronger, more frequent disasters

Take 5 steps to get ready during National Preparedness Month

As disasters occur more often and become more powerful due to the climate crisis, the American Red Cross urges everyone to get their households ready for emergencies during National Preparedness Month in September.

This year the country has already seen Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded, and wildfires that have burned 2.7 million more acres compared to all of 2023. In addition, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record, according to experts.

"We anticipate this year's hurricane and wildfire seasons may be a very dangerous," said Jennifer Pipa, vice president of Disaster Programs for the Red Cross. "The country has already experienced 19 climate-related disasters causing over a billion dollars in losses this year, and we have a long way to go. It's critical that people get their households ready for emergencies now."

Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time, often without warning. Whether a fire in someone's home or a storm that destroys an entire town, these emergencies can change lives forever in just minutes. Some disasters, like floods, can happen anywhere, while others are more common in certain areas. To learn what hazards may affect someone's community, visit the redcross.org/hazardmapor contact the local office of emergency management. People should also sign up for free emergency alerts from their local government to get critical information during an emergency.

HOW TO PREPARE Follow these steps to get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how to stay connected.

1. You may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you'll take with you. Plan well in advance if you'll need help leaving or use public transportation.

2. Next, gather and organize critical supplies - like food, water and medicine - into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Make sure to include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.), a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and critical personal records. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.

3. Customize your kit to meet your household's specific needs. If you have young children, don't forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.

4. Make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.

5. Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app today for real-time weather alerts and expert preparedness and safety advice in both English and Spanish.

People can also help their community be better prepared for disasters by giving blood, taking a class or becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.