How much gas and cash you need at all times

Hilary Anderson, American Red Cross Preparedness and Resiliency Manager, explains how much gas and money you should always have to use in case of an emergency
How Much Gas and Money You Need In Case of an Emergency
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How much gas and cash you need at all times

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During an emergency, there's a very good likelihood we're not going to have electricity--which means no credit cards, no ATMS, and no gas pumps. You need to keep at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times--it gives you the option of getting outside the affected area. On top of that, put cash in your kit--$20 to $200 is a good place to start, in small bills--because if you don't have access to an ATM, people may not have access to change for you. If you want a bottle of water, and you've only got a $100 bill, how much do you think water costs? It's not that people are unkind, but--like I said--they don't have access to change either. So do yourself a favor--small bills--start at $20, go up to $200, and throw some coins and change in there as well. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but I've had plenty of people tell me that, in fires, they lost a whole lot of cash, but they didn't lose any quarters. Throw a roll of quarters in there. Diversity your opportunity for making sure you can purchase the things you need, and keep it at home, at work, and in your car. Those kits that you spend the most amount of time--have the supplies you need.

Hilary Anderson, American Red Cross Preparedness and Resiliency Manager, explains how much gas and money you should always have to use in case of an emergency

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Hilary Anderson, MA

American Red Cross

Hilary Anderson has been with the American Red Cross for the past three and a half years as a volunteer and staff member in positions with communications, disaster relief, development and volunteer services. As the Preparedness and Resiliency Manager, her primary responsibility is the delivery of educational programming across the Los Angeles region to get individuals, schools, businesses and organizations prepared for a disaster. As a dog owner, she also hopes to get your pets ready too! Hilary has a master’s degree in International Policy Studies with an emphasis in humanitarian assistance as well as a bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Journalism and German. She has worked for non-profits abroad in Israel, Bolivia and Germany focusing on grant writing, youth and education and also feeding and sheltering. 

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Transcription: 
During an emergency, there's a very good likelihood we're not going to have electricity--which means no credit cards, no ATMS, and no gas pumps. You need to keep at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times--it gives you the option of getting outside the affected area. On top of that, put cash in your kit--$20 to $200 is a good place to start, in small bills--because if you don't have access to an ATM, people may not have access to change for you. If you want a bottle of water, and you've only got a $100 bill, how much do you think water costs? It's not that people are unkind, but--like I said--they don't have access to change either. So do yourself a favor--small bills--start at $20, go up to $200, and throw some coins and change in there as well. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but I've had plenty of people tell me that, in fires, they lost a whole lot of cash, but they didn't lose any quarters. Throw a roll of quarters in there. Diversity your opportunity for making sure you can purchase the things you need, and keep it at home, at work, and in your car. Those kits that you spend the most amount of time--have the supplies you need.