Severe weather and tornadoes ripped through the South the night of Tuesday, February 5th, resulting in significant damage to communities in Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. The tornadoes left more than 50 people dead and injured hundreds. The Red Cross immediately responded to the tornadoes, providing shelter, feeding victims and search and rescue workers, and lending emotional support to all.

These February tornadoes brought to light that disasters do not always have a "season" and can happen anywhere, at any time. If you live in a tornado-prone area, the American Red Cross offers these helpful preparedness tips: http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_591_,00.html

Preparing for a potential emergency or disaster doesn't require a lot of time or expensive equipment and training. A free, online education module is available at www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady to guide users through the three action steps. It includes a downloadable disaster supplies kit shopping list, emergency contact card and instructions for creating a family disaster plan. Brochures and community presentations can be ordered by contacting your local Red Cross chapter.

Become a regular subscriber to SafetyNET for the latest in safety and preparedness in the workplace and at home.