“The weather is stronger, its hotter and it’s becoming more frequent. So, now’s the time for your family to have a conversation and get themselves prepared.”
That’s LaToysa Rooks, Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross. She says the American Red Cross Michigan Region wants individuals and families to be ready for worsening disasters. And not only extreme weather prep but having a plan for disasters that can happen more frequently. Home fires remain the nation’s most frequent disaster.
“We respond to house fires every single day here in Michigan. So that too is what we consider a disaster in addition to weather related disasters like flooding and tornadoes.”
Rooks says the best defense during an emergency is to be prepared and the Red Cross has a list.
“It is critical that as a family you first have the conversation. And that’s this year’s theme, is start a conversation. What’s going to be our plan. Also practicing, you know, where are we going to meet. And get our critical supplies together.”
Rooks says that’s the short list as there’s a lot you can do to prepare. Of course, In the event of a fire she says just get out, not worrying about supplies.
She does recommend getting the free Red Cross Emergency App for real time weather alerts in English and Spanish. And if you need more information, you can access their website at redcross.org.
