Disaster Timeline Messages

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1 Disaster Timeline Messages Each disaster is unique and messaging should reflect the specific circumstances of the incident. The grid below can help guide key messages before, during and after disasters. Please confirm specific information with the regional disaster officer. Before a Disaster Cross for real time weather alerts, shelter locations and expert advice on [Disaster includes a Family Safe feature that allows people to check on loved ones. is available for free in app stores by searching for or by going to redcross.org/apps. The works 24/7 to be ready to respond to disasters such as [Disaster Even before the first [rain drop, snow flake, wind gust, etc.] happens, the Red Cross is spending money to get ready. Preparedness Now is the time to get prepared. Check your emergency supplies kit and make sure you have extra batteries and medications. Fill the gas tank in your vehicle, get extra cash and [add specific tips, i.e., bring in outdoor furniture]. Evacuations Get ready now to evacuate so you can leave at a moment s notice, if asked. Stay informed. Plan your evacuation route and pack a go bag for each family member. Pack medications and important documents. Don t forget to make preparations to take pets with you. Readiness The is readying volunteers, supplies and shelters in case they are needed. We are working closely with local emergency partners to coordinate efforts. [Add specific information, i.e., X shelters on standby, moving relief supplies, working with partners] Shelters The is opening shelters now. Find an open shelter by visiting redcross.org or from the shelter feature in the Red Cross. At a shelter, you can find a safe place to stay, three meals a day, basic health services and a compassionate shoulder to lean on. People should bring medications, clothing, pillows, blankets, important documents, hygiene supplies and other comfort items. Don t forget items for children or anyone with special needs Disaster Public Affairs Messaging Page 56

2 During a Disaster Personal Preparedness (Shelter in Place) Now is the time to hunker down and avoid traveling until conditions improve. If you lose power, use flashlights rather than candles. Stay in touch with loved ones and let them know your plans. Readiness The has additional volunteers, supplies and shelters ready to provide help if needed. We are working closely with local emergency partners to coordinate relief efforts. [Insert specific readiness information, i.e., X shelters on standby, moving supplies]. The works 24/7 to be ready to respond to disasters such as [Disaster The is responding to help people in harm s way and we need your support. After a Disaster Response The has trained workers circulating through neighborhoods to assess the damage. This will help us know what type of support people may need in the coming days. We have X shelters open and [add specific information, i.e., setting up emergency aid stations, mobilizing response vehicles to provide food and snacks in the hardest hit areas]. Over the coming days, the will be working closely with local emergency partners, to provide additional support. If you need help, call us at RED CROSS. Every single donation brings hope to those in need. To donate, visit redcross.org; call RED CROSS; or text the word REDCROSS to to make a $10 donation. Your gift helps people like [Disaster Type] and countless other crises. enable the to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters 2017 Disaster Public Affairs Messaging Page 57

3 After a Disaster Personal Safety If you evacuated, don t return home until local authorities say it s safe. Watch out for fallen power lines, broken gas lines or other damage. Pet Safety Keep a close eye on pets as the stress of a disaster could cause them to act differently or become aggressive. Watch out for hazards at nose and paw level, such as debris or spilled chemicals that could harm your pet. Cross Pet First Aid to have expert advice in the palm of your hand. Power Outages Use a flashlight instead of candles to prevent a home fire. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. To avoid an electrical surge when power returns, turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment. Report downed power lines to your electric company and keep children and pets away from the area. Food Safety In most situations, if a power outage is two hours or less, perishable foods should be safe. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold enough for a couple of hours at least. A freezer that is half full will hold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours Remember the phrase when in doubt, throw it out. Toss any items that have been exposed to temperatures greater than 40 degrees for more than two hours or have an unusual odor, color or texture. s Cross to find shelter locations and get instant access to information and resources on what to do after a [Disaster The includes a Family Safe feature that allows people to check on loved ones and instantly see if they are okay even if that person hasn t downloaded the. is available for free in app stores by searching for or by going to redcross.org/apps Disaster Public Affairs Messaging Page 58

4 Mobile s Why We Develop Mobile s Mobile devices are a lifeline for emergency information and connecting with loved ones. apps provide people with instant access to expert advice. Our apps have helped to save lives by alerting people to take their families to a safe place. Our Mobile Strategy The is an established leader in teaching people the skills needed to survive life s emergencies. We want people to be ready to respond to emergencies and spread emergency information on their social networks, anywhere, anytime. While apps can help, they aren t a substitute for training. Learn more about courses or register at redcross.org/ takeaclass. Accessing the s All mobile apps are free and available on most smart phones and tablets. Our free apps can be found in app stores by searching for American or by going to redcross.org/apps. People can view Red Cross Disaster apps in either English or Spanish. Usage Data apps are now on more than 8 million mobile devices across the U.S. Last year, more than 393 million weather alerts were issued to app users across the country. People used the information in the alerts to make critical decisions that helped to save lives. First Aid The First Aid puts free and simple lifesaving information in the hands of smart phone users. Download the app to have instant access to expert advice for everyday emergencies and disaster safety and tips. The app features stepby-step instructions and videos on handling common first aid situations as well as a hospital locator. Pet First Aid The Pet First Aid puts expert resources and advice on what to do during emergencies in the hands of dog and cat owners. Download the app for instant access to stepby-step instructions, videos and images for more than 25 common first aid and emergency situations. The app has a click-tocall feature to help pet owners quickly contact their veterinarian and can also help locate emergency pet care facilities. Monster Guard Monster Guard is a free app to help 7- to 11-year-olds learn about while playing a game as monster characters. It s a game to learn how to prevent emergencies, such as home fires, and what to do if severe weather or natural disasters occur. The Monster Guard is emergency disguised as fun Disaster Public Affairs Messaging Page 59

5 The puts expert advice and disaster help right into the hands of users. Download the for real time weather alerts, shelter locations and safety tips. The includes a Family Safe feature that allows people to check on loved ones. Earthquake After an earthquake, the shows the epicenter, magnitude and local geographical impact data provided by the USGS. The Shock Zone Impact Map provides users personalized information on the status of their community. The app also includes information for events that may happen after earthquakes, such as fires or tsunamis. Hurricane gives local and real time information for hurricane threats. The app gives people the ability to receive location-based NOAA weather alerts and share those on their social networks. The app gives instant access to information on what to do with information developed by trusted experts. Tornado provides real-time, audible alerts and information so people can take action before a tornado strikes even if they aren t paying attention to the weather. A high-pitched, siren and tornado warning! message will sound when a NOAA tornado warning is issued in the user s area even if the app is closed. An all clear! alert also sounds. Many tornadoes happen overnight. The audible alerts can save lives if users aren t monitoring the weather or are in places where weather band radios may not work. Wildfire combines wildfire information with easy access to local firefighting agencies and the latest news. A click-to-call feature gives app users quick access to local sources for road closings and other traffic information. Because wildfires are an ever-present danger in many areas, it s vital that people know what to do to help protect themselves, their loved ones and their homes. Flood The provides real-time, audible alerts and information so people can stay safe when a flood threatens. The audible alerts can save lives if users are asleep, away from radio or TV, or in places where weather band radios may not work. The app gives users instant access to information on what to do with information developed by trusted experts Disaster Public Affairs Messaging Page 60

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