Be ready when disaster strikes

At International Paper, we are committed to the safety of our employees and their families. After a turbulent tornado season in the U.S. this spring, extreme weather conditions have raged on all summer across the country taking lives and putting families and communities at risk. September is National Preparedness Month, a time to prepare for these most frequent and intense weather events, and getting your family prepared is top priority.      

As a proud member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP), IP supports disaster relief and emergency preparedness year-round. Every second counts when it comes to emergency preparedness, and we encourage our employees, customers and communities to "Be Ready" to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.   

We encourage you and your family to take these three simple actions recommended by our friends at the Red Cross:   

• Get an Emergency Kit - Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer. Think first about fresh water, food and clean air.  
• Make a Plan - Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency.   
• Be Informed - Learn what emergencies may occur in your area. Emergencies can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an earthquake, tornado or hurricane.  

National Preparedness Month is also a good time to take steps to help your community get prepared for emergencies of all sizes. By volunteering, donating blood or learning lifesaving skills, you can be ready to help your loved ones and neighbors when needed. Get trained so you can answer the call when your community needs it most. 

IP employees in need of emergency assistance for food, clothing, and shelter as a result of a natural disaster can apply for assistance from the Employee Relief Fund (ERF).