So many things compete for our attention these days that sometimes it’s hard to prioritize things that are good for us. While it may seem overwhelming or unimportant to get prepared, we know from experience that taking steps to prepare ahead of time can help you respond better and stay safer in an emergency. This fall, the American Red Cross joins the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a coalition of more than 1,500 organizations in helping you get prepared during National Preparedness Month. Learn the three recommended preparedness actions to "Be Red Cross Ready" for emergencies, take the Pledge to Prepare, and get involved today!  Click here for more information...

Winter Storms Have Arrived...

Sometimes winter storms are accompanied by strong winds creating blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow, severe drifting, and dangerous wind chill. Strong winds with these intense storms and cold fronts can knock down trees, utility poles, and power lines. Storms near the coast can cause coastal flooding and beach erosion as well as sink ships at sea. Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its wake. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible. 

Are You Ready?...Click here to learn more... (Versión en Español)

 Fire Prevention --- A Year Long Task ! 

Although October is Fire Prevention Month, fire safety should be practiced every day.  Home fires are America's biggest disaster threat. Our network of local chapters responds to approximately 170 home fires every day!  By practicing fire safe living we can all help to reduce this number. A few 'quick tips' :  when setting your clocks back in early November, please replace your smoke detector battery; make sure your furnace is cleaned and inspected at the start of this heating season; be careful when using extension cords...read and follow directions; be extra careful when using electric space heaters...follow all instructions completely; determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home and once out of your home...stay out!  The American Red Cross and The Home Depot have teamed up to provide several printable information sheets.

Click here to learn more... (Versión en Español )

Celebrate our 75th Anniversary
Your local American Red Cross is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2008! The Beverly Rotary Club is leading the way to raise funds for the new ERV. Join area Rotary Clubs and help the American Red Cross of Northeast Massachusetts raise $75,000 for its 75th to buy an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV).

This Emergency Response Vehicle will be able to respond to help the victims of disasters in times of fires, floods, hurricanes, explosions and other catastrophic events. The ERV will serve 180,000 residents from Beverly to Cape Ann to the New Hampshire border. Donate Here , and help us spread the word with this printable flyer.

Adopt a Day of Local Disaster Relief
Do you want to know an easy way for you or your organization to help make a difference in your own community?  Our Adopt a Day of Local Disaster Relief program gives business or individuals the opportunity to help provide comfort to families in our communities displaced by disaster – such as single family house fires, apartment blazes, or blizzards.   Read More...

Communities Served: Amesbury, Beverly, Byfield, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester by-the-Sea, Newbury, Newburyport, Rockport, Rowley, Salisbury, Wenham, and West Newbury. See Map