Red Cross Research Finds Public Taking Precautions against H1N1
But not Preparing for Emergencies

Local Red Cross Offers Resources During National Preparedness Month

With September designated as National Preparedness Month, recent surveys by the American Red Cross show that 93 percent of Americans were planning to take extra steps to avoid getting the H1N1 flu (swine flu)¹. However, only 12 percent of those surveyed had taken the steps the Red Cross recommends to prepare for a disaster.²

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter, American Red Cross, urges local residents to make a renewed effort in September to prepare for a possible resurgence of the H1N1 flu this fall – and for other emergencies, such as a home fire.

“You are your best defense against emergencies,” said James Laverty, CEO, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “The Red Cross can help you take simple steps to prepare yourself and your loved ones for emergencies ranging from a home fire or a flu outbreak, as well as prepare you for emergencies through safety training.”

The H1N1 flu survey, which was conducted in July by the Red Cross, found that the majority of Americans are taking (or planning on taking) extra measures to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues, and washing their hands more carefully to avoid getting the flu. In contrast, less than half plan on assembling a two-week supply of food, water and medicine that they might need in the event they or someone in their family becomes sick and needs to stay home for an extended period of time.

The Red Cross recommends that people take the following precautions to help guard against the flu:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are feeling sick.

As for all emergencies, the Red Cross recommends people start by taking three actions to prepare:

• Get a kit: The Red Cross recommends having one to two weeks worth of supplies at home, which should include nonperishable food, flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents.
• Make a plan: The Red Cross recommends meeting with family members to discuss how to prepare for and respond to emergencies most likely to happen in the local area. In Southeast Michigan, the most likely emergency is a home fire or medical emergency. Make a family plan for preventing a fire, and how to respond if one occurs.
• Be informed: Learn about what resources are available to help combat the most common types of emergencies where you live, learn, work and play. One of the most important ways to be prepared is to take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED course.

To help communities get prepared for emergencies, the Red Cross has created a free online education program called Be Red Cross Ready, which walks people through the three action steps. It is available on www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady.

Local Red Cross Preparedness Resources
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter recommends taking Red Cross safety training, such as First Aid and CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator). The chapter also sells a variety of AEDs, first aid kits and other preparedness supplies on their website. For more information, go to www.semredcross.org.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is also offering free preparedness seminars for the workplace, at their sites in Livonia, Warren and Detroit. The Pandemic Flu Leader Training is a 90-minute session that helps participants review and update their emergency preparedness plans with regards to communicable diseases. It will be held on September 24 and 25.

The Workplace Emergency Preparedness Seminar explains how to implement a comprehensive, organization-wide safety, preparedness and business continuity program. The three-hour seminar will be held on October 7, November 4 and December 2.

How to Save Money on Health and Safety Programs is a 90-minute class taught on September 24 and 25, and November 13. For more information, contact Lynn Osborne at 313-576-4106 or OsborneLy@usa.redcross.org.

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter’s Emergency Services Director, Glen Hendricks, is also putting on various community-based presentations on how to prepare for disasters. The preparedness talks focus on how to prevent and respond to emergencies such as fires, the N1H1 (swine flu) and more.

¹ H1N1 findings are based on a telephone survey of 1,002 U.S. adults 18 years and older, conducted July 17-20, 2009 by CARAVAN® Opinion Research Corporation. The margin of error is +/-3.1 percent.
² The general preparedness findings are based on an online survey of 1,306 U.S. residents 18 years and older, conducted July 24-August 7, 2009 by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Red Cross.

About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more or make a donation, log on to www.semredcross.org.
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