Red Cross Leads Effort to Equip North Baton Rouge for Disasters
Community urged to prepare with go-kits, plans, and training at local seminar
By Izzy Wollfarth, Louisiana State University
A disaster relief specialist advised Baton Rouge residents to know and observe the three steps needed to prepare for a hurricane or other disaster: know your risk, build a go-kit, and make a plan. That was among the advice shared Monday during a Disaster Readiness Seminar at the Jewel J. Newman Community Center.
Damyionne Jones, a community disaster program specialist for the American Red Cross, described the three-step approach for the few dozen people who attended the seminar. First, know your risk, which means staying informed about possible medical emergencies and learning how public authorities will share information during natural disasters. Second, build a go-kit with three days’ worth of supplies, including water, medicines, important documents, towels, food, and more. Third, make a plan, which entails meeting with your household members in advance to discuss and assign tasks and responsibilities. It also involves contacting any others who need to know.
Organizations that participated in the event included Hands to Heart, the American Red Cross of Louisiana, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, and A Belle LaFemme Society. The event was hosted by East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Councilman Anthony Kenney and his administrative team.
At the start of the event, Kenney asked, “Who has a disaster readiness plan, right now?” He then called for a show of hands. Most raised their hands.
The Red Cross chapter of Baton Rouge told residents about their free smoke detector installations. Jones explained how smoke detectors should be checked regularly and can make a huge difference in the event of a house fire. Individuals can schedule their smoke detector installation online and have a Red Cross volunteer come to their home at no cost.
Other Red Cross initiatives include a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from virtual positions to health-related roles. Volunteers in these programs receive training to assist their communities during various stages of disaster relief efforts.
“Preparedness is one of the most powerful tools we can give our communities,” Jones said. “Whether it’s installing free smoke alarms, offering disaster preparedness education, or building a strong network of trained volunteers, we aim to equip every individual and family – especially in under-resourced areas – with the resources and support they need before disaster strikes.”
