Prepare before disaster, warns Island County Red Cross
Published 3:55 pm Friday, May 10, 2013
RECORD STAFF
The Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering two sessions on emergency preparedness at the Freeland Library in May.
Local volunteers will demonstrate how to “Make a Plan, Get a Kit, and Be Informed” on Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m.
The classes are part of a new regional initiative sponsored by Puget Sound Energy and the Red Cross called “Safe in the Sound.” It’s a three-year program to help one million people in Western Washington take tangible steps to be better prepared for emergencies and disasters. Learn more at www.safeinthesound.org.
Classes are offered free of charge. A display in the library entrance during May shows some of the items that might be useful in an emergency kit. Volunteers are also available to present to clubs and neighborhood groups interested in getting prepared. To schedule a session, contact swdisasterteam@whidbey.com or call 321-2581.
The Red Cross also has free apps for iPhone and Android mobile devices that put lifesaving and emergency information at one’s fingertips. The First Aid, Earthquake, Flood and other apps are available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store by searching for American Red Cross.
“Getting yourself and your family more prepared for disasters can bring peace of mind during trying times and can help save someone’s life during future emergencies,” said Mary Frances Close, director of The Islands Chapter, in a release. “Taking an action like downloading our apps, taking a first aid class or building a disaster supply kit can help people feel empowered to act when disaster strikes.”
