Indiana Red Cross urges public to prepare for emergencies

September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross Indiana Region is reminding everyone to prepare for emergencies.

The Red Cross has a five-step plan for preparing for emergencies.

The first step is knowing in advance where you might need to go in case you need to leave your current residence.

The second is putting together a go-kit that contains three days worth of supplies that you can take with you, and a stay-at-home kit, that contains two weeks of food and water, as well as a one-month supply of medications.

The third step is making sure your kits suit your specific needs. For example, if you have young children, bring diapers, if you have pets, bring pet food.

The fourth is creating a plan to reconnect with family and friends by writing down their contact information in case the internet is down or you don’t have access to your phone.

The fifth and final step is downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app, which contains vital information for emergency situations.

For more preparedness information, visit www.redcross.org/indiana.