f 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 Pioneer Valley Chapter is making it easy for everyone to “Be Red Cross Ready” for disasters and first aid emergencies with an online education module (available at www.redcross.org/beredcrossready) that will walk you through three simple actions: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan, and 3) Be informed. The interactive web site includes downloadable brochures and checklists to help you get started. Be Red Cross Ready brochures and materials are also available at The Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter.

       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 to brush up on your first aid and CPR skills or donate blood.

       September is also National Preparedness Month, and to celebrate, the Pioneer Valley Chapter will join hundreds of organizations across the country in a coordinated effort to help communities prepare.

       We invite you to join us for an Open House on September 16 at the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter, 506 Cottage Street, Springfield, from 5:30pm – 7pm. Staff and volunteers will be onsite to share with you about how our Chapter prepares for and responds to local emergencies as well as provide you with a tour of the facilities.

       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.  n