Community Preparedness

Neighbors need to work together to ensure that communities are prepared for the unexpected. Below are some helpful suggestions for you and your community partners:

• Set up a “Check-in” program for elderly or disabled members of the community. In your apartment complex or on your street, have all those who may need assistance fill out a contact card. Assign neighbors to “check-in” occasionally by giving a call or stopping by. Click here for a “Check-in” program card.
• Have a neighborhood or apartment Day of Preparedness. Invite local fire or police departments to come and speak to residents about prevention techniques.
• Each month ask the American Red Cross to send brochures about a specific preparedness topic to one member of the community. Take turns distributing the material to all your neighbors.
• Encourage neighbors to become local American Red Cross volunteers so that they are able to help should disaster occur.
• Hold a neighborhood or apartment complex training day so that everyone can become certified in CPR and First Aid.

Prepare your community by joining Citizen Corps or Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). Click here for more information.