Program's first step encourages public to get an emergency preparedness kit

St. Louis, Thursday, September 14, 2006 - September is National Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross continues its effort alongside the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies and organizations to encourage citizens to make preparedness a personal priority. The Red Cross is reaching out to the public through a simplified preparedness message outlined in Be Red Cross Ready, a new program introduced on September 1.

National polling reveals that while only 2 in 10 Americans feel prepared for a major disaster or emergency, an overwhelming 82% say they would get prepared if they knew what to do. Through its educational curriculum and community outreach, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter remains committed to empowering individuals with the message of preparedness. The Chapter offers Community Disaster Education courses free of charge that are designed to prepare citizens in all community environments - at home, at school, and at work. Last year, the Chapter trained more than 72,000 people through these presentations.

"The Red Cross is here to help make preparedness as easy as possible, and our presentations are ideal for individuals and businesses," said Nick Farruggia, director of preparedness and client services for the St. Louis Area Chapter. "Now is the perfect time to sign up for a free presentation and learn what each of us can do to make our communities as safe as possible."

About Be Red Cross Ready :
To further simplify preparedness, the American Red Cross introduced Be Red Cross Ready on September 1, streamlining the process into three steps: 1. Get a kit, 2. Make a plan, and 3. Be informed. The program introduces these three steps as an easy way for each individual to make a difference. Because natural or human-caused disasters can strike suddenly at anytime and anywhere, it is important that each citizen be as prepared as possible. The American Red Cross encourages the public to join other community members in taking these first steps, which have the potential to positively impact many lives. When we come together, we become something bigger than us all.

About Emergency Preparedness Kits:
The first step of Be Red Cross Ready encourages the public to get an emergency preparedness kit. This kit should have at least three days of supplies, with additional supplies on hand. Each kit should be checked every six months, with supplies updated or replaced as needed.

Kits should include the following materials:

• Water - Include at least one gallon per person per day.
• Food - Pack non-perishable, high-protein items. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water.
• Flashlight - Hand-crank and alternative energy options are available. Include extra batteries, if applicable.
• First Aid Kit - Include a first aid reference guide.
• Medications - Don't forget prescription and non-prescription items.
• Radio - Include extra batteries or use a hand-crank radio.
• Tools - Gather a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, a manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags and ties.
• Clothing - Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.
• Personal Items - Remember copies of important papers, including identification cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc. Eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution, and comfort items like toys and books are also important.
• Money - Have cash handy, as ATMs and credit cards won't work if the power is out.
• Contact Information - Carry a current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.
• Pet Supplies - For each pet, include food, water, a collar, a leash/cage/carrying case, litter box or plastic bags, tags, any medications and vaccination information.
• Map - Consider marking an evacuation route from your local area.

Emergency supplies should be stored in sturdy, yet easy-to-carry containers, in a place that is easily accessible. A smaller version of the kit should be kept in a vehicle. If a person is stranded or unable to return home, supplies on hand are important while waiting for help to arrive. An easy way to get started is to contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 to order a pre-packaged kit, which should be personalized for each family. Red Cross kits are designed for 1 person ($45), 2 people ($60), and 4 people ($85).

For More Information:
To learn more about American Red Cross preparedness curriculum, including Be Red Cross Ready and the importance of emergency preparedness kits, please call the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or log on to www.redcrossstl.org.

About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter provides emergency and preparedness assistance more than 407,000 times each year. The Red Cross depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and 100 staff to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois.

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