Are You Prepared for a Natural Disaster?

It's spring in Tennessee and that means we all need to have a heightened awareness of severe weather and potential natural disasters.

AARP Tennessee is working with the American Red Cross to share important information that can help keep you and your family safe.

If you need help after a natural disaster, call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Check out the useful tips below or learn more about disaster preparedness by visiting www.redcross.org or download the full tip sheet >>

Be Red Cross Ready Checklist
❏  I know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in my community.
❏  I have a family disaster plan and have practiced it.
❏  I have an emergency-preparedness kit.
❏  At least one member of my household is trained in first aid and CPR/AED.

Get a kit
• 1 gallon of water per person per day
• 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Medical items
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Copies of personal documents
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Maps of the area

Make a plan
• Meet with your household members; discuss how to prepare for emergencies likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play.
• Identify responsibilities for each family member.
• Choose two places to meet, if separated by an emergency:
• Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as fire.
• Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.
• Choose out-of-area emergency contact; all household members should have emergency-contact information in writing or in their cell phones.

To learn more, visit www.redcross.org