College Dorm Preparation from the Red Cross

Whether you’re a lanyard-wearing college freshman, or you have a couple years of dorm living under your belt, the American Red Cross has important resources and tips to help you prepare and stay safe as you head back to campus this fall. From apps to activity suggestions, keep this list on hand to help you thrive.

BEFORE YOU GO:

• Going to school in a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, flood or wildfire-prone area? Download Red Cross disaster apps as your go-to resource, now that Mom and Dad aren’t in the next room. Set up alerts and learn how to prepare, respond and recover if you are affected. Family members and loved ones can track severe weather in your area from home.

• Steam burns from microwave popcorn? A dinner hall buddy choking on a piece of pizza? Your roommate hit their head during a broomball game? Download the Red Cross First Aid App to get expert advice for everyday emergencies.

KNOW:

• Fire escape routes in your dorm.

• Tornado shelter areas.

• Steps to help prevent the spread of germs.

• Where to find your campus or local health center or emergency room.

 BRING:

• A first aid kit.

• Items from an emergency preparedness kit that your college or university might not provide, such as flashlights, family and emergency contact information, extra cash and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

 ON CAMPUS, LOOK FOR:

• Red Cross clubs on campus.

• Blood drives or blood donation centers.

• Training and certification courses for CPR, first aid, or other training to help prepare for the unknown, pad your resume and maybe get you that summer nanny job.

• Opportunities in classes to integrate Red Cross knowledge, whether it’s history,humanitarian law, or international aid.

 Follow the Red Cross on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay on top of the latest news and resources.

Article originally posted on redcross.org.