One first step is downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app, which provides preparation guides, National Weather Service alerts, live weather maps, and help locating Red Cross shelters. The Red Cross also recommends building a household emergency plan—such as choosing two meeting places (one outside the home and one outside the neighborhood), planning evacuation routes, and thinking ahead about transportation and assistance if evacuation becomes necessary.
To make preparation more practical, the Red Cross suggests starting with a go-kit containing three days of supplies and a stay-at-home kit with two weeks of food and water, plus a one-month medication supply when possible. The kits can be assembled gradually using items already on hand and by looking for sales, clearance, coupons, or discount stores. The guidance also includes planning for pets and keeping emergency contacts and school or daycare numbers accessible offline.
The Red Cross Ready Rating Program is offered as a free resource for businesses, schools, and other organizations that want tools to improve readiness and continue operations during disasters.