WOW! Four-Fold Return on Disaster Preparedness?!

Did you know that Hong Kong is ranked as the Asian city with the highest natural disaster risk[1]? Do you remember the horrifying images of shattered windows and doors, uprooted trees, destroyed homes, after Typhoon Mangkhut last year? Natural disasters are closer to home than you think!

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

According to the ARCADIS Sustainable Cities Index [1], Hong Kong is the top city in Asia with the highest disaster risks. Because of our geographical location, Hong Kong is very wet, and is vulnerable to tropical cyclones for half of the year, between May and November. It has been estimated that a No. 8 signal in Hong Kong costs around HK$ 4,890 million [2] a day. What if that monetary loss can be cut down by 75%, because of your donations?

With your support, the Hong Kong Red Cross is not only at the forefront of emergency disaster relief, but also works to strengthen disaster preparedness.

HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?

The International Federation of Red Cross estimated that for each dollar spent on disaster preparedness, an average of four dollars is saved on disaster response and recovery [3].

Preparing for natural disasters does not only save money, but more importantly, lives. We cannot put a price tag on lives. That's why, as a part of the International Red Cross Movement, we are dedicated to protecting human life.

We cannot stop natural disasters from happening, but there are certainly ways to prevent it from becoming a catastrophic event. Let's see how we can be more proactive together in building community resilience!

WHAT DO WE DO?

If the community has better survival skills and first-aid knowledge, causalities and damage can be greatly reduced. That's why we conduct regular training for you and others from all walks of life, providing basic understanding of common disasters, disaster kit, communicable disease, the principle of first aid and psychological first aid. We also have exhibitions and game booths in different parts of the city to share tips on disaster preparedness, making learning fun.

There are a few areas of Hong Kong that are considered particularly vulnerable and high-risk. Tai O, for example, has many stilt houses and is vulnerable to severe flooding due to its low elevation. We have seen older residents refusing to leave, because of the belief that their presence will help protect their homes. Lei Yue Mun is also highly susceptible to floods and landslides. That is why Hong Kong Red Cross regularly mobilizes volunteers to visit and educate residents in these areas.

Not only do you generously support our humanitarian works, you can also better understand the importance of disaster preparedness. Let's join hands in enhancing the awareness and preparedness of everyone around us!

SOME TIPS FOR YOU

Stay tuned to the weather announcement on a day with severe weather warnings
Prepare your own emergency plan like how to evacuate, where to meet and who to call
Prepare a disaster kit
Participate Community Resilience Training
Download our Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Application (RCDP app)

Thank you again for your continuous support. Without you, it'd be a disaster. Don't forget, for every dollar donated, the impact is four-fold. Spread the word, educate yourself and others on disaster preparedness – you are not alone! We are a community and can become even more resilient together. Let's get prepared!