September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross, Frederick County Chapter is encouraging all households to create a family disaster plan to make sure they are ready for the next emergency or disaster.

Plans should include designating a meeting place right outside the home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire, an out-of-area emergency contact person and a location where everyone should meet if they can't go home. All members of the household should work together on the emergency plan and each person should know how to reach other family members.

"Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared is a family’s best defense," said, Nick Geier, Executive Director, Frederick County Chapter. "Making a plan is an important step in making sure all household members know what to do in an emergency."

Red Cross tools make it easier for people to make or update plans. The American Red Cross Hurricane App <http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps> for iPhone or Android helps people create a plan, share it with household members and over social networks. Links to these tools plus instructions and a template to build a plan are available on the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org .

"Everyone must be prepared to take care of themselves and their neighbors in an emergency," Geier said. "No one can predict where or when disasters will strike, but preparedness steps taken today can save lives tomorrow." For more information go to www.redcross.org .