Red Cross urges backyard disaster prep campout Saturday

The American Red Cross is urging our community to camp out this weekend using only the contents of your disaster preparedness kits to ensure families have the supplies needed on hand if a disaster strikes.

With one million visitors expected to come to this region to view the eclipse on August 21 and a Cascadia earthquake predicted to strike the Pacific Northwest, possibly within our lifetime, now is the time to ensure your disaster preparedness kits have everything you need to live for a minimum of three days. It’s also important to have emergency kits in the three places you are most likely to be during an emergency — at home, in your car and at work.

During the eclipse, travelers could be stuck in traffic for hours and people who live in the path of totality may face a supply shortage with the influx of travelers. In the event of a Cascadia earthquake, families will rely on their disaster preparedness kits until help arrives. In both cases, taking preparedness action now is essential.

Gather your emergency kit supplies and test your preparedness by camping out in your own backyard or at a campsite on the night of Saturday, August 12 , for Camp Prepare! The Red Cross Camp Prepare! event is a regional coordinated camping experience the whole family can participate in — at a campground or in your own back yard. It’s a chance to prepare your emergency kit and take it on a trial run before the eclipse or the ‘Big One.’

Prepare for Camp Prepare! Common items used for camping such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries and first aid supplies are just a few of the items that should be in a disaster preparedness kit. The Red Cross recommends at least a three-day supply of food and water in case of a disaster. Larger disasters, like a Cascadia earthquake, may require supplies for several weeks. Need a kit list? Visit redcross.org/PrepareGuide.

How to participate in Camp Prepare! and win prizes:
1. Camp out and take a photo to document your preparedness. Show your campsite, campers and supplies.
2. Share your Camp Prepare! experience. Tell us if you needed additional supplies or if you were completely ready. Take a photo/selfie and tag us:
* Facebook: RedCrossCascades
* Instagram: @RedCrossCascades
* Twitter: @RedCrossCasc
3. Win prizes! The best 10 photos will win a prize pack valued at more than $200 each. The prize pack includes a Leatherman multi-tool, a Ledlenser flashlight and headlamp, Mountain House food samples and a Red Cross first aid kit.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or find us on Facebook at RedCrossCascades, Twitter at @RedCrossCasc and find us on Instagram at @RedCrossCascades.