The American Red Cross in Ventura County offers disaster preparedness for the new year. Families need to plan how to deal with disasters. They need to know what emergencies are most likely to happen where they live, learn, work and play. In Ventura County, these emergencies include wildfire, earthquakes and flooding.

Get a kit. Go to www.arcventura.org and click on “Be Red Cross Ready” to find out what goes into an emergency preparedness kit.

Gain some peace of mind by gathering the following supplies now: Three-day supply of nonperishable food and water—one gallon per person per day for drinking and hygiene purposes; battery-powered or hand-crank radio, preferably NOAA weather radio; flashlight and extra batteries; first-aid kit, medications and medical items; extra cash; and copies of important documents such as proof of address, deed or lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies.

Make a plan. Talk with family and household members about what they should do during a flood, earthquake or wildfire. Plan what to do in case members are separated and choose two places to meet—one outside the home and another outside the neighborhood in case of evacuation.

Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. All household members should have this person’s phone number and email address. It may be easier to call long distance or text if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.

Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.

Practice evacuating the home twice a year. Drive the planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable.

Plan ahead for pets. In case of evacuation, make arrangements for animals. Keep a phone list of “pet friendly” motels or hotels and animal shelters that are along the evacuation routes.

Be informed. Know the risks in neighborhoods where family members live, work, learn and play.

Assemble information about what to do in case a flood, earthquake or wildfire occurs. Remember that emergencies like fires and blackouts can happen anywhere, so everyone should be prepared for them.

Find out how to receive information from local officials in the event of an emergency.

Learn first aid and CPR/ AED, since during a disaster emergency responders may not be as available. Contact the local Red Cross chapter for training.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit www.arcventura.org.