During a crisis, it can be difficult to keep a clear head. Preparation is a good way to reduce stress and increase confidence. With preparation, you are less likely to worry about how to cope in time of crisis and more likely to remain calm. The American Red Cross generates advisories for the public following the HSAS alert structure. The average citizen has little control over whether a crisis will occur but still can control how prepared he or she is for an emergency.

Family and Home Preparation

Whether you have children at home, elderly neighbors or live alone, begin preparations before there is a need. Involve family members and neighbors as much as possible. Below are specific actions to take in response to each alert level.

Green Alerts:

• Create a family disaster plan
• Stock disaster supplies kit
• Learn CPR and first aid techniques
• Store important legal documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance documents, etc) at a remote location, such as a safe deposit box

Blue Alerts:

• Be observant of suspicious activity and contact authorities with information
• Determine alternate meeting site in the event of an emergency; this should be with friends or family, and make arrangements for lodging pets as well
• Create a communication plan for all family members; select non-local friends or family members to be a point of contact during a crisis

Yellow Alerts:

• Verify contact information in communication plan
• Confirm the existence of a school emergency plan
• Plan alternate travel routes for school and/or work

Orange Alerts:

• Donate blood as needed
• Exercise caution in traveling
• Review emergency plans and supplies
• Address children’s concerns and fears
• Confirm the presence of 'shelter in place' supplies; stock duct tape and plastic sheets for sealing off room, spare batteries, flashlights, radio, nonperishable food, etc.

Red Alerts:

• Monitor events via television or radio
• Contact work and school to determine the effect of the heightened alert level
• Observe travel restrictions
• Be ready to evacuate or 'shelter in place' should the need arise

Preparation at Work

Green Alerts:

• Develop an operations continuance plan specifying how business affairs will be conducted within a crisis situation
• Write an emergency plan specifying communication procedures and alternate work site location

Blue Alerts:

• Work in conjunction with local authorities and community leaders to coordinate emergency plans
• Inform employees of emergency plan

Yellow Alerts:

• Be aware of, and report, any suspicious activity to authorities
• Undergo a risk assessment andenact security recommendations

Orange Alerts:

• Communicate with vendors/clients to coordinate emergency plans
• Have current employee medical information on record so that health issues may receive appropriate attention during an emergency

Red Alerts:

• Monitor events via television or radio
• Assess need to close business or relocate to alternate emergency site according to preparedness plan

Terrorism alert levels may fluctuate daily, but we can control how we conduct our lives under them. Following these guidelines in response to the terrorism climate is a powerful way to minimize fear and prepare for any crisis confidently and safely.

-- Catie Hayes

Related Links:

• American Red Cross Business Recommendations
• American Red Cross Family Recommendations
• American Red Cross Kits and Supplies
• American Red Cross Homeland Security Advisory System Recommendations for Individuals, Families, Neighborhoods, Schools, and Businesses
• Disaster Preparedness Supplies for Home and Work
• American Red Cross on Terrorism - Preparing for the Unexpected
  

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