May the Perfect Time to Get Ready for 2025 Wildfire, Hurricane Seasons

Experts predict active hurricane, wildfire seasons ahead

During May we observe Wildfire Awareness Month and National Hurricane Preparedness Week ─ making this month the perfect time to make your emergency preparations if you live in areas prone to either of these potential disasters.

RED CROSS PREPARES The Red Cross never stops preparing for disasters because they can happen anytime, anywhere. In preparation for both wildfire and hurricane seasons, the Red Cross is working closely with government officials and local partners to make sure people will have a safe place to stay, food to eat and critical relief supplies if needed.

The Red Cross is also recruiting and training disaster volunteers and ensuring its nationwide fleet of response vehicles and warehouses are stocked with cots, blankets, comfort kits, cleanup supplies and more. These preparations are key to ensuring the organization can quickly mobilize to provide comfort and support if the worst happens.

GET READY NOW Being prepared is your best defense when disaster strikes. Take these simple steps and be ready:

• You and members of your household should have a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter safely at home. Your evacuation plan should include knowing where you'll go, how you'll get there, and where you'll stay. Your stay-at-home plan should focus on gathering the right supplies so that you can live safely without power, water, gas, phone or internet for a long time.
• Families may need to evacuate quickly with little notice. Create a plan that includes how you'll stay connected with each other, where you'll go, how you'll get there, and where you'll stay.
• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government, which will include important information such as evacuation orders in an emergency.
• Download the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. To download, search "American Red Cross" in app stores, or go to redcross.org/apps.

DON'T FORGET YOUR PETS If you are a pet owner, make sure your emergency plan includes your furry friends.

• If it's not safe for you to stay behind, then it's not safe to leave pets behind either. Include them in your evacuation plan. Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no pet policies could be waived in an emergency.
• Most American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters.
• Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
• Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately.
  
• Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
• Make sure that your pet's vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
• Consider having your pet "microchipped" by your veterinarian.

Find more information here about animals and disasters, including steps to take for your livestock and how to help your pet recover after a disaster.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Red Cross is operating in a state of continuous disaster response, with a major disaster occurring as often as every 15 days. Thus, there is a crucial need for disaster volunteers. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more.

We have a critical need for these key positions.

• Disaster Action Team (DAT): Make a difference for families after disasters by offering them a sympathetic ear, securing a safe place for them to stay and connecting them with recovery support to get back on their feet.
• Shelter Volunteers : Work directly with shelter residents to ensure their basic needs are met as well as help them access additional support
• Disaster Health Services: Use your professional skills as a licensed health care provider to help meet people's immediate needs in emergency shelters and refer them for ongoing, specialized care.