The Grand Canyon Chapter wants Arizonans to take the Pledge to Prepare during National Preparedness Month in September. We know from national polling conducted over the years that only 25% to 30% of Americans have taken concrete steps to prepare for disasters and other emergencies.
It’s not a matter of if a disaster will strike, but when. Recently, Arizonans were evacuated following the Lane Two fire in Crown King and the Supai Canyon flood in northern Arizona. On top of that, dozens of people are forced from their homes every week because of house or apartment fires.
Are you prepared for a disaster? “Taking the time to prepare now will save you time during an emergency when every second counts,” said Cara Sloman, Grand Canyon Chapter emergency services director. “The American Red Cross wants everyone to have the confidence that comes with being prepared,” she added.
Red Cross Readiness can give you that peace of mind. The preparedness initiative involves three simple steps: Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Be Informed. Do one simple action today to get started.
“The American Red Cross is there to help people after disasters leave devastation behind, but we’re also in communities everyday teaching people lifesaving skills to help keep their families safe during an emergency, said Ken Krueger, Grand Canyon Chapter chief executive officer. “As the nation’s partner in preparedness, we are taking this opportunity to help move Arizona and the nation toward a greater state of preparedness.”
You can help improve our state’s level of preparedness by taking the Pledge to Prepare. We encourage you to visit our National Preparedness Month page to access resources that you can use to promote preparedness including:
1. A free online educational module that outlines the three simple actions people can take to “Be Red Cross Ready” for emergencies: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed.
2. An online Pledge to Prepare tool.
3. A downloadable web banner that you can place on your website or intranet.
National Preparedness Month is a coordinated, nationwide effort sponsored each September by the Department of Homeland Security to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and encourage individuals to take action. The Grand Canyon Chapter is a 2008 National Preparedness Month coalition member.
About the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter
The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross is where people in Arizona come together to help each other every day. The volunteer-led organization serves more than 4.4 million people in communities across Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. Red Cross volunteers provide disaster relief to their neighbors affected by disasters, emergency assistance to members of the Armed Forces, preparedness and safety education to families and businesses, and international communications assistance for refugees. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on the generosity of our Arizona neighbors in the forms of time, money, and blood to do its work. To make a financial donation, enroll for a lifesaving skills course, register to volunteer, request disaster assistance or Armed Forces emergency assistance, contact your local American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter by visiting arizonaredcross.org or calling (602) 336-6660. To give blood, visit givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.