Get Ready, Portland! September is National Preparedness Month
  

The American Red Cross has again joined a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of getting prepared for disasters this September during the Fifth Annual National Preparedness Month. Is this observance, combined with Oregon's wildfires, flooding and extreme weather over the past six months, enough incentive to take a few steps to get ready?

Portlanders are confronted by everyday emergencies on a regular basis, including home fires, thunderstorms and health related emergencies that require first aid and CPR training. The Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross urges you to take three simple steps to get ready for the unexpected.

1. Get A Kit: Assemble or buy a disaster supplies kit containing at least three days of provisions in an easy–to–carry container, like a backpack. It's also important to check that stock every six months and replace expired items.
2. Make A Plan: As part of your family communications plan, each person should know how to reach family members, including an out-of-area contact, and where to meet if they can't go home.
3. Be Informed: Families should learn about what resources are available to them and what types of disasters are most likely to occur where they live, work and play, and take first aid and CPR courses—a vital component of disaster preparedness.

For more information on being prepared for a variety of disasters, visit the Preparedness section of www.oregonredcross.org. While there, take a free online preparedness course and learn how to Be Red Cross Ready!

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In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disaster every 36 hours; provides 97 percent of Oregon's blood supply; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; provides transportation to seniors and the disabled; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join the conversation on our blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.