Red Cross says be prepared for disasters

Spring starts in 20 days & Iowans are urged to prepare themselves and their homes for any disasters that may accompany the warmer weather that’s just around the corner. March is Red Cross Month as chapters across Iowa offer a variety of courses to help families get ready for whatever may lie ahead.Sara Cross is communications director for the Grant Wood Area chapter of the Red Cross, based in Cedar Rapids. She says chapters across Iowa are hosting family safety events throughout March.Cross says Iowans need to know how they should respond to flood warnings or tornado warnings and have a family escape plan in case of fire. She says the Red Cross can help with other life-saving skills too.Cross says anyone in Iowa who is interested in taking a course, volunteering or contributing to the Red Cross should call the nearest chapter office.