Anthem Foundation supports programs that sustains disaster response and disaster preparedness
By: Anthem Foundation
Tags: Disaster Response, Disaster Preparedness, Giving, Helping Others, Kindness

Every September, the country recognizes National Disaster Preparedness Month. While disaster can strike at any time, the fall months are more vulnerable to hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the need for forward-leaning action is greater than ever before. Preparedness saves time and lives. Planning for a disaster can minimize the need for costly recovery work and help survivors quickly demonstrate resilience to overcome these hardships. Investing just $1 in disaster preparedness may save up to $10 in relief efforts — and save countless lives. In an effort to support preparedness, Anthem Foundation established a proactive approach to disaster response.

The Anthem Foundation is a proud million-dollar partner of the American Red Cross. Because of this year-round partnership, the Red Cross is able to respond immediately and efficiently. Every eight minutes, someone affected by disaster is helped by donations to the Red Cross through feeding, sheltering, meeting emergency needs, mental counseling and more.

Anthem Cares, Inc. was created to provide for our communities and care for our associates in the best way possible. The Anthem Cares Fund is a part of this organization, working to fairly and efficiently distribute funds to qualified associates in need.

Americares is the world’s leading nonprofit provider of donated medicine and medical supplies. This partnership allows for the delivery of medicines, medical supplies and aid to people in need around the world and across the United States when disaster strikes.

The Anthem Foundation also collaborates with Direct Relief in their United States Emergency Preparedness and Response Program. Direct Relief responds quickly to ensure medical resources are available to save lives.

While supporting these organizations is important for disaster preparedness, it is also valuable for you and your household to develop a plan in the event that you are personally affected by a natural disaster.

Follow Americares’ Five Steps to Readiness to get prepared this disaster season.

1. Make a plan

Identify meet-up locations and people you will need to contact

Put the list of contacts in your wallet, on your phone, and somewhere visible in your house

2. Build a kit

Store enough food and water for at least three days. Be sure to include the needs of pets and those with special diets.

Consider buying a pre-made kit if it will meet your needs

3. Keep at least seven days of medication on hand

Work with you pharmacist to secure the extra doses

4. Make copies of important documents

You’ll need your health insurance and prescription information

Keep those on your phone and saved in the cloud

5. Stay informed

Learn about local hazards unique to your community

Take course such as CPR and First Aid

Sign up for your county, city or local police alert system. An early warning can give you the minutes you need to prepare for a fast-moving disaster

For more information on what the Anthem Foundation is doing within communities around the country, visit https://www.anthemcorporateresponsibility.com/anthem-foundation