This post was originally published on the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region blog.
National Preparedness Month, recognized each September, provides an opportunity to remind us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year. This is an initiative recognized nationwide through a number of organizations.
With September being National Preparedness Month, there’s no better time to make sure you are prepared for an emergency like the present. While becoming prepared can seem like quite the effort and take a lot of time, it can actually be a fun bonding experience for the entire family.
Get a Kit

The first step is compiling an emergency kit. The Red Cross provides survival kits with the proper supplies you may need in case of an emergency or natural disaster. However, you can also build your own! You should have the following in your kit:
- Water (at least one gallon per person per day)
- Food, such as non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Copies of personal documents
- Family and emergency contact information
To see the whole list, visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html.
Make a Plan
The next step is to make a plan. Discuss with your family how to prepare and respond to different types of emergencies that are most likely to happen, including fires, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Designate responsibilities to each family member making sure each one knows their part in keeping everyone safe. Finally, practice your plan! You can find free templates of disaster plans here.
Hello
Can someone come and speak to my senior residents on being prepared for emergency situations? In Highland Hills, Ohio
Hi Leah, please reach out to your local chapter about speaking opportunities: https://www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter.html. Thank you!
Charge for family first aid survival kit?
Hi Rhett, there are a number of first aid kit options available here: https://www.redcross.org/store/first-aid-supplies.
I love red cross work..
Have been an active and dependable member since 2006 Zambia Red Cross Eastern province chipata branch…
I’m looking for help for a disabled person. He is in desperate need of a new roof, insulation, Furnace needs repairing, back side of his house the sidding needs nailed or screwed back up. He ownes his house and land.
Hi Jodie, We are very sorry to hear of the difficult circumstances you described. Please call “211” to be connected to local social service agencies as home repairs are outside of our scope. We send our best wishes for better days ahead.