Are you prepared?

Valley Life editor

With the recent rumblings of Mount Spurr, a volcanic eruption could be possible -- but is your family ready?

An earthquake could strike Alaska at any time -- but is your family ready?

A wind storm could rock the Valley as it has in the past -- but is your family ready?

Disaster preparedness is an oftentimes overlooked thing, but the American Red Cross is hoping to inform people what they can do during a disaster as part of National Preparedness Month, which is September.

"There are five simple things people can do to better prepare for disasters," said Kelly Hurd, the community relations manager of the American Red Cross of Alaska. "They are easy things that can save lives."

Right now, residents in Florida are finding out first hand how fast disasters can strike, as several hurricanes have razed neighborhoods, causing billions of dollars of damage. Millions of people were without electricity for almost a full week.

Of course, a hurricane isn't likely to strike Alaska, but other natural disasters can. Being prepared for them is important.

According to the American Red Cross, the five things people can do to prepare themselves and their families for a natural disaster are:

Make a plan

Planning ahead is one of the most important things people can do. Make sure you discuss with your family what can happen, and establish responsibilities for each person. Choose two places to meet after a disaster -- outside or home, and outside your neighborhood. People also need to learn how to turn off utilities and use a fire extinguisher. Make sure everyone knows where emergency contact numbers are, and keep them updated.

The Red Cross also encourages families to practice evacuating their homes at least twice a year.

Make a kit

A disaster kit is of vital importance. The American Red Cross has established several guidelines in building a three-day emergency kit.

Water -- make sure you have at least one gallon per person per day.

Food -- pack non-perishable, high protein items, including energy bars, ready to eat soup, peanut butter and other similar items. Select food that requires no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.

Flashlight -- with extra batteries.

First aid kit -- and include a reference guide.

Medications -- both prescriptions and non prescription items.

Battery-operated radio -- with extra batteries.

Tools -- put together a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, a manual can opener, a screwdriver, hammer, pliers, a knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags and ties.

Clothing -- at least one change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.

Personal items -- remember eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution, copies of important papers, including identification cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc.

Sanitary supplies -- toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.

Money -- make sure you have cash on hand.

Contact information -- have a current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.

Maps -- marking an evacuation route on it from your local area.

Simply put all the items in a large duffel bag, in an accessible location where everyone knows where it is.

Get trained

Being prepared means knowing what to do. Learning first aid is important during a disaster, but it can also help in emergency situations outside of disasters.

At least one member of your family should know first aid and CPR, and how to use an automated external defibrillator.

The local American Red Cross of Alaska chapter hosts frequent training classes. Call 357-6060 for class descriptions, time and costs.

Volunteer

More than 2,100 Alaskans are volunteers with the Red Cross, and in times of need, those people make a giant difference. Volunteers do everything from teach classes to translate for non-English speaking people during disasters.

Volunteerism isn't just needed during disasters. It is a yearround need.

Give blood

Blood is always needed -- every day. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds a blood transfusion is needed in America -- and that's not including natural disasters.

Each blood donation has the possibility of saving three lives. Because whole blood only has a shelf life of 42 days, frequent donations are needed.

For more information, interested people can check out the Web site www.bloodbankofalaska.org.