There are several basic steps everyone can take to help remain safe during a disaster or other emergency.  These steps include:  

Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Kits should contain a first aid kit and essential medications, foods that don’t require cooking or refrigeration and manual can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, copies of important documents and other emergency items for the whole family. Download the Be Red Cross Ready information sheet for more specific information on building a kit.  Listen to the "Get a Kit" episode of the "Be Red Cross Ready" Podcast.

Make a Plan: Plan what to do in case you are seperated from your family or household members during an emergency.  Plan what to do if you have to evacuate.  Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person.  It may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.  Everyone should carry emergency contact information with them or have it programmed into their cell phones.  Listen to the "Make a Plan" episode of the "Be Red Cross Ready" Podcast.

Be Informed:  Be aware of local weather conditions and flood prone areas.  If you are told to evacuate, follow those instructions.  If you need evacuation assistance, please register with 3-1-1.  Listen to the "Stay Informed" episode of the "Be Red Cross Ready" Podcast.

Information Sheets

Please note that the PDF files below require Adobe Reader and should be printed on legal size paper

(8.5” x 14”). Download Adobe Reader for free here.

For more information on preparedness please visit Preparedness Fast Facts.  Additionally, you can view the Be Red Cross Ready online presentation.

Take this quiz and see just how ready you are.

All American Red Cross assistance is provided free, made possible by donations from the American people.

News Media

If you are interested in an interview with Kay Willkins, CEO of the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter to provide updates on Red Cross response, please contact Susan Hudlow or call 504-915-9096. 

To Make a Financial Contribution

Phone - To donate to the National Disater Relief Fund Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-276) or 1-800-257-7575 for Spanish-only speakers. 

Internet - Donate through the Southeast Louisiana Chapter by clicking here.  

On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.