Do More Than Cross Your Fingers™

If you heard a bad storm was headed your way, would you know what to do?  If your power went out for several days, or you had to care for a sick loved one, would you have everything you need? If you had to evacuate and leave your home, would you be ready?

Most Americans would have to answer “No.” 

The American Red Cross has done some research which shows that only about 12 percent of Americans are reasonably ready for a disaster.  That means that the majority of us have to do more to get prepared.

FedEx is joining with the Red Cross to help make getting prepared for disasters fun, simple and easy to do.  Do More Than Cross Your Fingers is a public awareness campaign featuring games, video and tools to help people build and personalize an emergency kit, make a plan and take simple steps to get prepared.

The Red Cross recommends that people:

• Get a kit. Have an emergency preparedness kit with enough supplies to meet the needs of you and your family for at least three days.  Put your kit in a clearly labeled, easy-to-grab container.
• Make a plan. Create a family emergency plan. Select a location outside your home where everyone will meet after escaping an emergency. Practice your escape plan at least two times a year. Develop an evacuation plan and make advance preparations for pets so you can bring them with you if you need to leave.
• Be informed. Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur in your area.  Ensure someone in your household is trained in first aid/CPR/AED. During a disaster people may be hurt and emergency response delayed.

Do more than cross your fingers for luck.  Get prepared.  If faced with an emergency you’ll be glad you did.

*This is a guest blog post from Scott Conner, Senior Vice President, Preparedness and Health and Safety Services, American Red Cross.  For more than a decade, FedEx has supported the mission of the American Red Cross by ensuring access to relief supplies for victims of disaster through in-kind shipping and storing, financial support, and trained volunteers.