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Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable..

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable.

POUGHKEEPSIE — People everywhere are feeling the impacts of climate change with more frequent and intense weather events threatening our communities. September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross, Eastern New York Region, urges everyone to get ready for these emergencies now.

Just last year, more than 40% of Americans — some 130 million people — were living in a county struck by a climate-related disaster, according to analysis from the Washington Post. Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime. You can be ready by visiting redcross.org/prepare.

“More powerful climate driven occurrences are happening across the U.S. than ever before,” said Regional Chief Executive Officer Kevin Coffey. “In fact, there have been more climate-related disasters in the nation over the past two decades than in any other country. It’s vital that everyone take steps to be prepared.”

Three simple steps can help to keep your family safe during disasters — 1) Get a Kit. 2) Make a Plan. 3) Be Informed.

1. Build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Also include a first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multipurpose tool and personal hygiene items. And don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.

2. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans.

3. Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work and go to school, how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Include your pets in your emergency plans. Remember, if you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. It’s important to plan in advance to know which pet-friendly hotels are in your area, and where your pets can stay in an emergency situation.

Take any special considerations into account as part of your emergency planning. Older adults or people with mobility, hearing, learning or seeing disabilities may need to create a support network of people that can help during an emergency. Create a plan that takes into account your capabilities, any help you may need and who can provide it, especially if you need to evacuate or if the power goes out for several days.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities Sept. 1-18:

Germantown Firehouse, 181 Main St., Germantown, 1-6 p.m. Sept. 2.

Copake Memorial Park Building, Copake Memorial Park, 305 Mountainview Road, Copake, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 3.

Kinderhook Elks Lodge 2530, 2750 Route 9H, Kinderhook, 1-7 p.m. Sept. 7.

Hudson Elks Lodge No. 787, 201 Harry Howard Ave., Hudson, 1-6 p.m. Sept. 15.

Veterans Building, 413 Main St., Beacon, 1-6 p.m. Sept. 1.

Grace Bible Church, 158 Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 1.

Family Partnership, Family Partnership Gymnasium, Entrance on Clinton Road, Poughkeepsie, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 2.

Poughkeepsie Galleria, 2001 South Road, Poughkeepsie, 1-6 p.m. Sept. 6.

Millbrook Fire House, 20 Front St., Millbrook, 1-6 p.m. Sept. 7.

Moose Lodge 904, 1273 Route 9G, Hyde Park, noon-5 p.m. Sept. 9.

Northern Dutchess Hospital, 6511 Springbrook Ave., Rhinebeck, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sept. 13.

Bard College, North Ravine Road, Annandale on Hudson, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 16.

Poughkeepsie Galleria, 2001 South Road, Poughkeepsie, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sept. 16.

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