It’s National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross USVI Chapter is encouraging all households to create a family disaster plan to make sure they are ready for the next emergency or disaster. Plans should include designating a meeting place right outside the home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire, an out-of-area emergency contact person and a location where everyone should meet if they can't go home. All members of the household should work together on the emergency plan and each person should know how to reach other family members.
“Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared is a family’s best defense,” said Lee Vanessa Feliciano, regional chapter executive for the American Red Cross U.S.V.I. Chapter. “September is one of the most active months in the hurricane season and this family plan is an important step in making sure all household members know what to do in an emergency.”
Red Cross tools make it easier for people to make or update plans. The American Red Cross Hurricane App for iPhone or Android smart phones helps people create a plan, share it with household members and over social networks. In addition, a template to build a plan is available on the Red Cross Web site; this is available under the Prepare your Home and Family tab.
For more information about preparedness, contact the American Red Cross USVI Chapter at 778-5104 or visit redcross.org.