Red Cross Encouraging Participation in National Preparedness Month

 The American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region is encouraging everyone to take critical actions during National Preparedness Month this September to be ready for worsening disasters. Deadly storms and floods, raging fires and extreme heat are becoming more frequent and intense due to the climate crisis and families are experiencing the effects.

Brice Johnson, CEO of the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region says that, as our climate changes, it’s critical to help protect your loved ones and National Preparedness Month is the ideal time to get your household ready for emergencies.

The Red Cross says to get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected. 

You can download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and expert advice in both English and Spanish. And don’t forget to sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to get critical information during local emergencies.

This year, experts forecasted active wildfires and hurricanes. Those predictions are proving to be true. In July, Hurricane Beryl broke records as the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded, and in early August, Hurricane Debby brought widespread flooding to much of the East Coast. 

So far in 2024, 2.7 million more acres of land have been burned by wildfires compared to all of 2023. Plus, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record. Altogether in 2024, the U.S has experienced 19 climate disasters, each with losses of over a billion dollars — more than double the average from the last 40 years.

During National Preparedness Month, the Red Cross asks the public to consider donating to help people affected by disasters big and small, or making an appointment to give blood. 

For more information, visit redcross.org/ or call 800-RED CROSS.