The PrepareAV campaign is a preparedness effort that is being launched in conjunction with the PrepareLA campaign.

Beginning with a highly successful kick off luncheon June 16, the goal of the PrepareAV campaign is to raise awareness, increase the preparedness level of the Antelope Valley, and to raise funds which will allow the Red Cross to purchase supplies necessary to provide services to residents after a large scale disaster.

The United States Geological Survey predicts with 90% certainty that Southern California will experience an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude or higher soon; we just don’t know when.

The Antelope Valley/Los Angeles area is one of six regions in the country most vulnerable to a catastrophic disaster, and four years ago, we were the least capable of responding without assistance.

FEMA expects that a collapse in our local infrastructure will delay the arrival of outside assistance—including government resources and the national American Red Cross—for several days, if not longer.

What Can I Do?

The most important thing you can do is to prepare yourself, your home, your car, family, workplace and friends. 

1.     Get a Kit

Start putting together an emergency preparedness kit. Include enough food, water and supplies for each family member (and pet!). Plan on enough to last 5-7 days.

2.     Make a Plan

Talk to your family and make a plan for evacuating your home. Discuss where you will meet and how you will get in contact with each other should you be separated.

3.     Be Informed

Learn what you can do to keep yourself and your family safe during a disaster and in the days that will follow.

For more information about these steps, including sample emergency plans and lists of what should be included in your kit, visit this link: http://redcrossla.org/preparedness/document-library

To request a free preparedness talk for your community group or school, email preparela@arcla.org.