Houstonians and other Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving this year much as we have in the past – gathering together to give thanks that our families are safe and intact. But there are many who can’t fully share that sentiment, having suffered the losses of loved ones in combat, wildfires, floods, tornados, earthquakes, house fires or other disasters.

Our families will be more likely to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving next year if we take steps immediately to prepare for the unexpected. The American Red Cross has initiated a sweeping new national effort to prepare our country in the event of disaster or national emergency. The Greater Houston Area Chapter is joining more than 1,000 American Red Cross chapters, Blood Services regions and Armed Forces Emergency Service stations nationwide in working to make the United States safer from disaster through the "Together We Prepare" campaign.

While the scope of the program is national, its focus is on individuals and how every person can help prepare for disaster. The idea is to make homes, neighborhoods and communities safer. The heart of the "Together We Prepare" campaign is five important actions to prepare for disaster: make a plan, build a kit, get trained, volunteer and give blood. These five actions can help us protect our loved ones and ourselves.

To succeed in this campaign, The Red Cross hopes to educate and inspire people to help. Knowing what to do by getting trained and helping others prepare by volunteering is important. There are many needs in the Houston region and no place is disaster-proof. Consider volunteering or giving blood. By caring for one another, a community can overcome anything.

When we come together, we become something bigger than us all. The Red Cross asks that this message be taken to heart.

John W. McDivitt, chief executive officer, Greater Houston Area Chapter of the American Red Cross

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