As published in the Jefferson County Suburban Journals.

March is National Red Cross Month.

On March 9, during an interview on KJFF Radio (1400 AM), the St. Louis Area Chapter encouraged local residents to use this unique opportunity to prepare for disasters and emergencies by embracing the three easy steps of the new "Be Red Cross Ready" program: 1. Get a Kit, 2. Make a Plan, and 3. Be Informed.

Omar Ruiz of the Jefferson County Service Center was joined by Laurie Roberts, a Red Cross health and safety specialist, to discuss each step in detail and to introduce the new Red Cross lifeguard program. The first step of "Be Red Cross Ready" involves getting a disaster supplies kit. The Red Cross encourages people to have at least three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry kit, with additional supplies on hand that are specific to each family's unique needs. General supplies should include water, non-perishable and high-protein food items, a first aid kit, medications and a battery-operated radio. This kit should be checked every six months to replace supplies as necessary. In the event of an evacuation, the kit can be easily transported. It can also be used to shelter-in-place.

Making an emergency plan enables families to have the best possible response to disaster. Family members should establish responsibilities for each person and choose two places to meet following a disaster. One location should be directly outside the house in case the incident happens while the family is home. The second location should be outside the neighborhood in case the family is away and cannot return, or if the family is ordered to evacuate by emergency officials. Emergency plans should be practiced at least twice a year and revised as necessary.

As part of its preparedness outreach, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter reaches more than 42,000 local people through water safety training each year. Ruiz and Roberts announced that the Red Cross has launched a newly revised lifeguard program in time for the busy spring and summer aquatics season. The training is designed to help aquatic facilities develop and implement a comprehensive program to best meet their unique needs. The program can be tailored for a variety of aquatic environments - from facilities with traditional pools to those with non-surf and open-water environments such as lakes and rivers.

All courses reflect the latest science in first aid, CPR and emergency cardiovascular care, as well as the latest developments in water safety protocols and rescue skills. New training options enable aquatic facilities to complete training onsite, regardless of the facility's features or water depths. The curriculum focuses on realistic scenarios that are designed to prepare lifeguards for the unique challenges faced during an emergency situation.

Revised program materials provide important reference tools for working lifeguards that remain applicable once they complete their training. Included in these resources are course outlines, skill sheets, and review questions and answers. Comprehensive training manuals, CD-ROM highlights and a DVD set with an overview of skills are also included.

In addition to standard lifeguard training, the Red Cross also features specialized aquatics training. A new junior lifeguard course provides a jump-start for youth ages 11 to 14. The lifeguard instructor course has been consolidated to make it easier to achieve and maintain instructor certification. Supplemental instructor materials include presentation tools that focus on training consistency.

Management training courses teach supervisors to effectively manage lifeguards and to keep patrons, staff and facilities safe. The Aquatic Examiner Service ensures the highest standards of water safety by monitoring lifeguard performance during unannounced onsite evaluations.

To learn more about National Red Cross Month or emergency preparedness training, including the newly revised Red Cross lifeguard program, Ruiz and Roberts encouraged listeners to call the Jefferson County Service Center in Arnold at 636.464.9150 or log on to www.redcrossstl.org.

The next Red Cross interview will air on KJFF at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 13 with an opportunity for listeners to call in with questions.