July 15, 2022 10:30 a.m.

With wildfire season now officially underway, the Red Cross is urging residents to prepare their home and family for disasters of all kinds.

Communications Manager Dawn Johnson said with the increasing risk of climate disasters, its more important than ever to follow three simple steps to keep families safe:

*Build an emergency kit with bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and battery-powered radio. Also include medications, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers and emergency contact information.

*Make an evacuation plan with what to do in the case family members get separated during an emergency, or if it is necessary to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate with schools, employers, and community emergency plans, and don’t forget pets.

*Know how to stay informed by finding out how local officials will make contact during a disaster and how to get important information like evacuation orders.

Johnson said safety information, including real-time weather alerts and disaster shelter locations can be found on the Red Cross app: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html