Win A FREE Apple iPad During National Preparedness Month!

Would you like to be included in a drawing for a free Apple iPad? If so, you’re in luck. As part of National Preparedness Month 2013, we are holding a Family Disaster Plan Drawing. Households that have completed or updated their family disaster plan may enter the prize drawing for a new Apple iPad, where you can download free American Red Cross preparedness apps, play games, and surf the web all with the touch of your finger!

Have you and your loved ones discussed a plan for an emergency? More specifically, does your family have a game plan for what to do if there is a fire or an earthquake, or some other type of emergency?

The best way to stay as calm and collected as possible in an emergency situation is to know what to do and where to go. As I’ve already mentioned in previous blogs, the three most important aspects of being prepared are Build a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed. This drawing is focused on the Making a Plan aspect. So, when making your Family Game Plan, we recommend the following:

First things first, sit down with your family members and talk. You can also discuss with your coworkers and neighbors. Do you live/work in a high-rise building? Is someone in your family disabled? What kinds of disasters are the most prevalent in your community?

It helps if you assign each person a role in the plan. For example, Mom is in charge of grabbing the kit, Dad is in charge of getting the kids and the dog, and Tommy is in charge of grabbing the emergency kit. Choose a “safety captain” to be responsible for preparedness! Do what works best for your family.

Choose a relative or close friend who lives out of the state, or somewhere that wouldn’t be affected by the same disaster as you at the same time. This would be your out of state contact. If you and your family are separated, you may not be able to reach others, but you should be able to call “Aunt Sally in Indiana” and say “I’m here, and I’m okay.”

Come up with at least two escape routes from your home, office, or school. If your main route is blocked you will need alternatives.

Choose two places to meet. One should be near your house, perhaps on the nearest street corner. The second place should be outside of your neighborhood, in case a larger disaster affects the whole area.

Include pets in your plan!

Once you have your disaster game plan, practice it!

All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on November 1st, 2013. For more information on the official contest rules, click https://www.signup4.net/public/ap.aspx?EID=NATI436E&OID=50

To register for the drawing, click https://www.signup4.net/public/ap.aspx?EID=NATI436E&OID=130

Remember folks, making your family’s disaster plan should be stress-free and fun. So, get started today!