Be Informed
Learn What Disasters or Emergencies May Occur in Your Area.
These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, such as a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, such as an earthquake or flood.- Attend local American Red Cross preparedness events.
- Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio stations or channels. Know the difference between different weather alerts, such as watches and warnings and what actions to take in each.
- Know what actions to take to protect you and your family during disasters that occur in areas where you travel or have moved recently. For example, if you travel to a place where earthquakes are common and you are not familiar with them, make sure you know what to do to protect yourself should one occur.
- When a major disaster occurs, your community can change in an instant. Loved ones may be hurt and emergency response is likely to be delayed. Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR, and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). This training is useful in many emergency situations.
- Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors and encourage them to be informed.