September is National PreparednessMonth. TheAmerican Red Cross encourages residents to be ready for emergencies through three steps: get a kit, make a plan and be informed.

An emergency kit should consist of supplies helpful in the event of a disaster including food, water, clothes, medicine and a flashlight.

Aplan should include the role each person in the household will play in response to a disaster.

Stay informed of community disaster responses and communicate your planwith loved ones.

The Red Cross also encourages residents to donate blood in their local communities.

BurlingtonKiwaniswill sponsor a Red Cross blood drive Sept. 11 from 1 to 6:30 p.m. at Burlington Community Park in recognition of National PreparednessMonth.

Each donor will be entered in a drawing for an American flag that was flown over the state house in Indianapolis.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be in general good health and present positive identification.

Call (800) 448-3543 for information.