A popular holiday song would have you believe your true love wants pear trees and flocks of birds – the Red Cross has something a little different in mind…

On the first day of safety the Red Cross gave to me a strong hurricane team: It’s easy to sign up to help your community be prepared in times of disaster, visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html and become a volunteer today.

On the second day of safety the Red Cross gave to me two emergency preparedness plans: Do you know what to do when an emergency occurs? Plan how to meet or how to contact loved ones and discuss what you would do in different situations. Learn more here: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html

On the third day of safety the Red Cross gave to me three disaster supply kits: Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate. Learn more here: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html

On the fourth day of safety the Red Cross gave to me four COVID safety tips: Community practices, such as social distancing (also known as physical distancing), wearing face coverings, closures and canceling large gatherings can help slow the spread of this virus.Learn more here: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/coronavirus-safety.html

On the fifth day of safety the Red Cross gave to me five emergency alert warnings from the Red Cross Emergency App: This all-inclusive app provides expert advice on what to do in case of disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, home fires, wildfires and more. The free Emergency App is available in app stores for smartphones and tablets by searching for the American Red Cross. Learn more here: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html

On the sixth day of safety the Red Cross gave to me six hurricane safety tips: Be sure to stay informed about your community’s risk and response plans. Ensure each family member knows how to get back in touch if you are separated during an emergency. Learn more here: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html

On the seventh day of safety the Red Cross gave to me seven first aid kits: Stay prepared for emergencies. Keep a first aid kit for your family, in your home, car and workplace. Learn what to put in yours:  https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html

On the eighth day of safety the Red Cross gave to me eight pet preparedness tips: In an emergency, your pets will be even more dependent on you for their safety and well-being. Your family’s disaster plans must include your furry family members too. Learn what to do to keep your beloved pets safe:https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html

On the ninth day of safety the Red Cross gave to me nine flood safety tips: Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Flooding often occurs following a hurricane, thawing snow, or several days of sustained rain. Flash floods occur suddenly, due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area. Learn what to do to keep your loved ones safe: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html

On the tenth day of safety the Red Cross gave to me ten travel safety tips: If you’re planning on hitting the highway, let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route. To learn more car travel safety tips to help get you to your destination safely visit: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/highway-safety.html

On the eleventh day of safety the Red Cross gave to me eleven Home Fire Campaigns: Did you know you have as little as two minutes to safely escape your home during a fire? Be sure to check your smoke alarm once a month and create and practice a home fire escape plan with your family. For resources to build your home fire safety plan and to learn more about the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, visit: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/prevent-home-fire.html.

On the twelfth day of safety the Red Cross gave to me twelve reasons to thank a Red Cross volunteer: Thank you to volunteers who teach safety and preparedness and provide comfort and hope after a disaster!

Prepared by Red Cross contributors, Diana Maldonado and Ekland Durousseau