SALT LAKE CITY – September is “National Preparedness Month,” and the American Red Cross would like everyone to take steps now to be prepared when emergencies occur.
“During the fiscal year June 30, 2008 to June 30, 2009 there were 114 disasters in Utah, and during fiscal year 2009 to 2010 there were 139 disasters,” said Susan Thomas, Utah Region American Red Cross communications and marketing director. “The American Red Cross has helped 261 Utahns with immediate essential needs after 27 disaster responses during the past month. These responses were to fires and the people were surprised and left without food, clothing or a place to sleep.”
“The American Red Cross has been busy this summer and especially this past month,” said Utah Region CEO Maxine Margaritis. “While these disasters seem small in comparison to larger nationwide disasters, each disaster is truly devastating to the people they affect. When an individual or family is uprooted unexpectedly from their home, receiving immediate help can be life-changing.”
The American Red Cross in Utah responds to more than two incidents per week, some of which render multiple families homeless. “We offer immediate comfort, food, a warm place to stay, clothing and other life necessities,” said Thomas, who is a member of Saint Thomas More Parish. “People need to be prepared everywhere: school, work, car and home. We recommend people start out with a first aid kit for their car because if you are at home or work, your car is there, too.”
If the disaster is a fire, get out of your house; if it is an earthquake, drop, cover your head with your arms and hold on, said Thomas. “If you are in your home, get under a table or, if you are in bed, cover your head with your arms and a pillow so that things falling from the ceiling and walls won’t hit you on the head. In school, children should get under their desks to protect their heads from the lights, ceiling tiles and metal bars that will fall. The earth is moving in an earthquake, so don’t run out of your house or the school because you could injure yourself.”
It is important for families to talk about what they would do in the event of a disaster or emergency situation. Planning will give everyone some peace of mind and will help ease those ‘what if?’ worries. Parents should talk with their children’s teachers and school principal about the school’s emergency plans and remind their children the most important thing they can do is to stay calm and listen to the direction of their teachers or principal, said Thomas. “Tape a copy of your family’s contact numbers and meeting place(s) to the inside of your child’s notebook in their book bag. However, in the event of an earthquake, parents may not be able to pick up their children for a period of time, so schools should be stocked with snacks and water.”
The American Red Cross suggests that at least one family member be trained in first aid, CPR, or wilderness safety for camping activities. They also suggest making a kit, or buying one from the American Red Cross website at www.redcrossstore.org. To make a kit, use free preparedness tips and checklists from www.utahredcross.org. Use the code PREPARE to receive a special discount on Red Cross products during September.
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