Red Cross Ready...A Davis Family Affair
One of any parent’s worst fears is that a fire, tornado or other unexpected disaster might happen when her children are home alone. That’s why the Red Cross has launched its
Ready Rating Program and is encouraging parents like Shelagh Davis and her son, Joe, to share the emergency preparation lessons they learn with the rest of their family and friends.
In spring 2007, Red Cross presenters spoke at Beasley Elementary in the Mehlville School District about the importance of emergency preparedness as part of the school’s participation in the Red Cross Ready Rating Program. Shelagh, a nurse at the school, attended the session and came way armed with new knowledge about basic steps her family could take to protect themselves in the event of an emergency
“In the presentations we make through the Ready Rating Program for schools, we always encourage the students, faculty and staff to think about emergency preparedness not only in a school setting, but also in the home,” said Deane Adam, director of Youth Services.
That lesson resounded with Shelagh. She went home that day and immediately shared what she learned with her family. “I received the training at school and went home to teach my family the importance of being prepared,” Shelagh said. “I value knowing that my family and friends are ready to take the appropriate action if something should ever happen.”
A few weeks later, Deane received a phone call from Shelagh. “You’ll never guess what my son Joe did. There was a severe thunderstorm, and my son called me from the basement. He had the cat in the carrier and had brought the dog, food and water with him. He knew exactly what to do when faced with the threat of severe weather as a result of the safety tips taught by the Red Cross. The steps our family took to prepare – well in advance of the emergency – lessened the fear and empowered Joe to act.”
The Red Cross Ready Rating Program is part of a comprehensive, community-wide effort by the Red Cross to ensure that everyone is prepared for an emergency. The Red Cross is working with schools, businesses and organizations to train employees and share information on emergency planning and preparations that may one day save lives.
“I encourage other schools to welcome Red Cross training as a way for both adults and children to learn what they can do to be ready for the unexpected,” said Shelagh. “It has already made an important difference in our family.”