The tutorial will show visitors exactly how to complete each of the three steps: get a kit, make a plan, and be informed. The American Red Cross recommends:
- Families assemble or buy a disaster kit containing at least three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry container, like a backpack. It's also important to check that stock every six months and replace expired items.
- As part of your family plan, each person should know how to reach family members and where to meet if they can't go home.
- Families should learn about what types of disasters or emergencies are most likely to occur where they live, work and play, and take first aid and CPR courses -- a vital component of disaster preparedness.
"Preparing for a potential emergency or disaster doesn't require a lot of time or expensive equipment and training. In fact, to help Americans prepare the Red Cross has developed a free online tutorial," continued Washington. "To view the tutorial just visit www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady and in less than twenty minutes you'll learn exactly how you can become Red Cross Ready by getting a kit, making a plan, and becoming informed."
Harris Interactive conducted the online survey of more than 2,500 respondents during April 10-16, 2007. Results also demonstrate that:
- 90 percent of Americans who have a disaster kit feel prepared. Yet, only 28 percent actually have a kit.
- 60 percent of American households own a pet, yet only 37 percent have a plan for their pets during a disaster.
- 69 percent of Americans living in hurricane-prone states don't have a disaster supplies kit, and 60 percent don't have an evacuation plan.
- 64 percent of Americans have no evacuation plan, even though 27 percent have had to leave home for at least one night because of a disaster or other emergency.