Free Be Red Cross Ready presentations... In order to be better prepared for disasters, we are offering free preparedness information and presentations for people of all ages.  We present to general audiences, senior citizens, youth, and those who have disabilities or work with people with disabilities. We can present any one or more of these at your facility! Please review our preparedness information and consider requesting a free preparedness presentation. 

1. Get a kit. If you've ever fumbled to find a flashlight during a blackout, you know what it feels like to be unprepared. Gain some peace of mind by gathering the following supplies now:

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water-one gallon per person, per day for drinking and hygiene purposes
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit, medications and medical items
• Copies of all important documents (proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

Use a downloadable checklist to make things even easier when assembling your emergency preparedness kit.

2. Make a plan. Figuring out a plan now-when you have a clear and cool head-will help save time and minimize confusion during a disaster. Talk with family and household members about what you would do during emergencies that are most likely to happen in your area.

• Plan what to do in case you are separated, and choose two places to meet:
• Right outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.
• Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.
• Other planning tips:
• Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. All household members should have this person's phone number and email address. It may be easier to call long distance or text if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.
• Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.
• Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable.
• Plan ahead for your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals. Keep a phone list of "pet friendly" motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

3. Be informed. As the saying goes, knowledge is power.

• Know the risks where you live, work, learn and play. If you live or travel often to areas near a fault line, learn how to prepare and what to do during an earthquake. If summer brings to mind not just beaches and picnics but also tropical storms and hurricanes, arm yourself with information about what to do in case one occurs. Remember that emergencies like fires and blackouts can happen anywhere, so everyone should be prepared for them.
• Find out how you would receive information from  local officials in the event of an emergency.
• Learn first aid and CPR/AED so that you have the skills to respond in an emergency before help arrives, especially during a disaster when emergency responders may not be as available.

To sign up for a presentation, information, to request brochures to hand out of flyers to hang up at your business please contact: Jolynn Burdick at 603-889-6664 ext. 24 or email: aeriel@nashua.redcross.org