Red Cross: Prepare for extreme weather during National Preparedness Month

        During National Preparedness Month in September, the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region urges everyone to prepare for extreme weather.
        For National Preparedness Month, take three potentially lifesaving actions — put together a preparedness kit with basic items needed for survival, make a plan and be informed — to help protect yourself against local emergencies. Learn safety tips at redcross.org/prepare.
        You can also deliver relief and care to families facing extreme weather by becoming a Red Cross volunteer at redcross.org/VolunteerToday.
        In addition, support Red Cross disaster relief work by visiting redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
        Just last week, storms across northern Ohio brought excessive rain, strong wind gusts, hail and several tornadoes. More than 50 families that were impacted by the storms received Red Cross assistance totaling more than $33,000. In addition, several families received Red Cross clean-up kits to help address basement flooding.
        Severe weather like this is part of a worsening national trend in which the American Red Cross has responded to nearly twice as many large disasters across the country as it did a decade ago.
        As rapidly intensifying, weather-related events pose serious challenges to its humanitarian work and the people it serves, the Red Cross has announced an ambitious national plan to take action. With more climate-driven disasters upending lives and devastating communities, the organization is racing to adapt its services and grow its disaster response capacity across the country, while also funding new international programs on climate response and preparedness, as well as minimizing its own environmental footprint.
        Here in northern Ohio, this includes recruiting and training more volunteers to respond to disasters locally and across the country.
        “As the frequency and intensity of extreme weather grows, more people need help more often,” said Emily Probst, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross of Northern Ohio. “Yet as fast as our volunteers are working to help, the needs are escalating faster. That’s why it’s critical to not only prepare yourself for risks like flooding in our community, but to also help families in need — both locally and in other parts of the country.”
        Blood donations needed
        The Red Cross has seen a significant shortfall in blood and platelet donations over the last month, making it hard to keep pace with the need for blood products. In appreciation for helping ensure the nation’s blood supply is prepared for all emergencies, from disasters to medical emergencies, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma through Sept. 18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
        Those who come to give throughout September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts. Details are available at rcblood.org/racetogive.
        Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you are unable to give blood, you can volunteer to support blood collections. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.