Each year many organizations partner together in an effort to urge Americans to become more prepared. The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area's mission is to help our community prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters (natural or human-caused) and other life-threatening emergencies that can strike at any place, any time.

Your Family
Work with your family members to make preparedness kits; map out a plan for evacuation and communication; and keep resources available to be informed of breaking news and updates should an emergency occur. This not only gives a priceless piece of mind but also increases your chance for survival. Click here for the Three Steps to Preparedness. Click here to purchase Disaster Kits. For many people, pets are “family members” to include in your preparedness plan. Click here for the Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist.

Your Workplace
A disaster can strike in the city or a business community within the region. What is your workplace’s evacuation plan? Do you have essentials for survival if you are unable to exit the building and need to wait for help to arrive? How will you communicate with others? What is the business plan for recovering from a disaster? Take time to connect with your colleagues to prepare so you can be of better help to each other.

Your School
Whether you have children in grade school, high school or college, or you attend an educational institution, find out what procedures are in place in the event of an emergency. How will you be able to communicate and be in touch? How will you receive information? Taking the time now will help you down the road should something happen and there is little-to-no-time to spare.

Your Red Cross
National Preparedness Month is something that can recognized every month. Now is the time to learn how to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters or other life-threatening emergencies year-round.

• Education and training is not only empowering but it also enables you to help others. Click here for Health & Safety classes.
• Disasters can occur as a small-scale or large-scale event so the need for volunteers trained and ready to respond are continual. Click here for Disaster Services Training.
• Giving your time to help your community get trained, serving others or by responding to disasters is invaluable. Click here for Volunteer Services.
• Blood donations help us build our blood bank to better serve our community especially during times of disaster. Click here for Blood Services.
• Financial gifts help enable the Red Cross to continue serving our community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Click here to learn more about “Be Red Cross Ready”.