MAINE — September is Preparedness Month, and the Red Cross is reminding Mainers to take a few minutes and make sure your family is ready if an emergency strikes.

“You can’t always prevent something from happening, but you can minimize its impact,” says Dave Sheehan, Regional Disaster Program Officer for the Red Cross. “In Maine, two of the most common emergencies we encounter are home fires and power outages, particularly from storms.”

To help you prepare, the Red Cross offers the following tips:

Ensure your home has working smoke alarms.

Create an emergency escape plan with your family and practice it

Have a first aid kit in your home, car, boat, camp, etc.

Build a disaster supply kit - water, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, crank radio.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency App.

Consider your pets in any preparedness plans.

Hurricane season runs through November 30, with winter close behind. After last year’s heavy snow, being ready before the forecast calls for severe weather makes good sense, according to Sheehan:

Check your flashlights and battery supply. Avoid candles — they can be a fire hazard.

Stock a supply of water for drinking and washing-up.

Keep some cash on-hand in case ATMs and credit card processors are down.

Conduct an inventory of items needed for infants (diapers, formula, etc.) or elderly family members (medications, etc.).

Charge your cell phone, iPad, and other communication devices.

Fill your tub with water (for flushing toilet).

Test your generator and check for gas/oil.

Gather basic tools for emergency work: hammer, nails, wrench, saw.

Fill your vehicle with gas.

Listen for, and heed any orders to evacuate.

Finally, prepare an emergency Go Bag in the event you have to make a quick exit. Include anything you may need if away from home for a couple of days:

Clothing

Cash

Flashlights

Medications

Emergency radio

Contact information of family, friends, work, etc.

Non-perishable food and water

Pet food and medications

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. Learn more at MaineRedCross.org, on Twitter (ARC_Maine), or Facebook (American Red Cross of Maine).