Every 8 Minutes,

A Disaster Victim Needs Your Help
The American Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes, around the clock, 365 days a year. Because of many costly community and widespread disasters the cost of providing life saving relief has already outpaced public contributions. We need your help more than ever. Right now we're helping victims of fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. Read about our relief efforts and make a commitment to help on the National Website at www.redcross.org .

Preparedness ... An everyday task for everyday life
Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in your community. Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services -- water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Therefore, the best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes.

The American Red Cross web site offers many useful tips on prepare for disasters, including:
(Click on the name for information about each type of disaster.)
Blackouts
Chemical Emergencies
Earthquakes
Fires
Floods
Heat Waves
Hurricanes
Terrorism
Tornadoes
Thunderstorms
Winter Storms

Tips for People with Disabilities
A personal support network is made up of individuals who will check with you in an emergency to ensure you are O.K. and to give assistance if needed. This network can consist of friends, roommates, family members, relatives, personal attendants, co-workers and neighbors...click here for more information.

Disaster Preparedness for Seniors
Everyone is at risk during an emergency or disaster, but some people such as children, seniors and people with disabilities, are more vulnerable than others. Although many seniors are healthy and mentally alert, they can be particularly vulnerable in disasters and emergency situations...click here for more information.

Preparing Children for Disasters
Disasters may strike quickly and without warning. These events can be frightening for adults, but they are traumatic for children if they don't know what to do. During a disaster, your family may have to leave your home and daily routine. Children may become anxious, confused, or frightened. It is important to give children guidance that will help them reduce their fears...click here for more information.

Fire Prevention
The American Red Cross urges families to prepare for and prevent a home fire during National Fire Prevention Week and throughout the year- Practice Your Escape Plan. Nationally, the number of home fires the Red Cross responds to is up 10% since the year 2000. In addition to having working smoke alarms, one of the easiest ways you can prepare is to develop and practice a home fire escape plan so that every family member can escape quickly and safely.  A home fire escape plan includes at least two escape routes from every room in the home, and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the fire. Visit www.redcross.org/homefires  for more info.   For additional information about safety with heating appliances, please click here.
Flooding and Cleanup Kits
In the spring, we often experience flooding in our basements.  The American Red Cross of Northeast Mass. has some cleanup kits and flood booklets available.  Each kit consists of cleaning supplies, a bucket, brooms, mop, gloves, and bleach.  For a 'cleanup kit' call the Beverly office at 978-922-2224 (while supplies last.)

Pandemic Flu
Scientists have informed organizations in the U.S. and abroad about the significant possibility of an influenza (flu) pandemic occurring. Even though they cannot accurately predict when the next pandemic will occur, or whether  Read More...

Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies
The area approximately 10 miles around Seabrook Station (Nuclear Power Plant) is called the Emergency Planning Zone.  This area includes Salisbury, Amesbury, Newburyport, West Newbury, and Newbury in the Northeast Mass Red Cross Chapter region.  For a downloadable Seabrook Station calendar and Emergency Planning Booklet please click here.
Shelter-In-Place
Learn what to do if your local police, fire, or emergency management department tells you to 'Shelter-in-Place'.  Read more...
Build a Kit
Water
Food
Medications and Special Items
Tools and Supplies
Sanitation
Clothing and Bedding
Emergency Car Kit
Important Family Documents
First Aid Kit
*Keep these items in an easy-to carry container-such as a covered trash container, a large backpack, or a duffle bag. For more information on building a kit..  click here.  Watch a short video clip...

Pet Safety During a Disaster
Are you prepared to care for your pet during an emergency?  What should you do if told to evacuate your home?  Learn what to do to be prepared before disaster strikes. Read More... .  Check out the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART) website for even more information!  Click here.

Get Trained
Make sure at least one family member is trained in first aid and CPR. In the event of a disaster, emergency medical response may be delayed because of the remoteness of your home or by adverse conditions, such as roads blocked by floodwater or debris. While precious minutes slip by, your emergency training could mean the difference between life and death. Check out our course listings  for a convenient time for you.