If you could do something to protect your family, strengthen your community, build your confidence, and save time, money and perhaps even someone’s life, would you do it?

Now, what if that “something” took just a few minutes of your time and was explained in three simple steps?

When you stop and think about it, preparing ahead of time for disasters and first aid emergencies makes perfect sense. Yet somehow, many of us don't find the time or motivation to prepare. Experience tells us that people who prepare ahead of time can reduce the physical, emotional and financial damages incurred when a disaster strikes, yet for some reason, preparing doesn't make it to the top of our “to do list.”

This September, the American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin is making it easy for everyone to “Be Red Cross Ready” for disasters and first aid emergencies by providing presentations in your community that focus on three simple steps: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed. You can request Be Red Cross Ready brochures and community presentations quickly by using our Contact Us form.

September presents several opportunities for you and your loved ones to get prepared. As children head back to school and families return from summer vacation, it’s a great opportunity to update your disaster supplies kit, review your emergency plan and become better informed about different disaster threats and available resources in your community. It is also an excellent opportunity toenroll in a first aid and CPR course or donate blood.

September is also National Preparedness Month, and to celebrate, the American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin will join the Department of Homeland Security and hundreds of organizations across in country in a coordinated effort to help communities prepare.

Preparing for a disaster or first aid emergency has clear personal benefits, and when everyone prepares, the benefits extend to our entire community. We hope you will do your part by taking three simple steps to “Be Red Cross Ready” this September.