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Twenty years ago, people in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties woke up to find their communities in complete disarray. Hurricane Hugo caught most people off guard by sweeping unexpectedly through our area, causing massive power outages, destruction, injuries and even death.

It was the storm that wasn't supposed to happen. And we weren't ready.

The American Red Cross mission is to help people prevent and prepare for disasters. Therefore, the Red Cross is challenging the Charlotte-area community to be "Red Cross Ready." This includes making a disaster kit, getting a plan in place and getting trained in First Aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

1. Make a Kit:

Your disaster kit should include (but is not limited to):

Water (one gallon per person per day in plastic containers)
Food (non-perishable)
Paper cups, plates and utensils
Can opener
Blanket
Light sticks
Moist towelettes
Breathing mask
Rain gear
Flashlight (battery-operated)
Radio (battery-operated)
Extra batteries
Matches in a waterproof container
Work gloves
Paper and pencil
Plastic sheeting
First aid kit
Duct tape
Whistle
Medications
Multi-purpose tool
Clothing
Sanitary items (e.g. toilet paper, soap)
Money (in cash or traveler's checks)
Baby and/or pet supplies
Map
Important documents in a sealed plastic bag

2. Get a Plan

Planning ahead will help you have the best possible response to disaster.

Discuss with your family the disasters that can happen where you live. Establish responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team. Designate alternates in case someone is absent.

Choose two places to meet after a disaster:

· Right outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.

· Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate your neighborhood.

Choose an out-of-area contact for all members of the family to call in case of disaster. The selected contact person should live far enough away that they would be unaffected by the same event, and they should know they are the chosen contact.

Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable or gridlocked.

Include your pets. If you must evacuate, take your animals with you. If it is not safe for you to remain, it is not safe for them.

3. Get Trained

The American Red Cross offers a number of training courses throughout the Carolina Piedmont Region. Contact your local Red Cross chapter for training courses. In the Charlotte area, you can register online at  or by calling 704.378.4638.

In Charlotte, upcoming CPR/First Aid courses are:

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19

Visit and take your course online.

"Blindsided by Disaster"

In light of the 20th anniversary of Hugo on Sept. 22, the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross is partnering with Duke energy to show an exhibit that captures the devastation through photographs donated by the Charlotte Observer, complemented by video.

The exhibit, "Blindsided by Disaster," will run from Sept. 20-Dec. 6 at Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. Seventh St., in Uptown Charlotte.

The exhibit has a feature in which visitors can record their own memories of Hurricane Hugo, as well as listen to others' recollections of the storm.

There will be a reception, open to the public, from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the museum. Admittance to the exhibit is free, and there will be guest speakers, light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.