East Orange officials teamed up with the American Red Cross Friday to urge residents to be better prepared in the event of a disaster.

National Disaster Preparedness Month has begun, coincidentally as Americans in the South deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Representatives from the American Red Cross were on hand in East Orange to explain to residents about the importance of being prepared in the event of a disaster.

The Red Cross says that people should have a pack ready with emergency items that they can quickly grab. That pack should include items such as: a battery-powered radio, duct tape, flashlight, toiletries, first aid items, water and extra batteries.

Officials say that if residents are told to evacuate their homes in the event of an emergency, they should do it. They also say that if homeowners are forced to retreat to upper-levels of their homes due to flooding, they should immediately contact emergency officials.

Many municipalities also offer a program known as “Project Lifesaver.” The program offers wristband GPS devices that are placed on young children or the elderly in case they get separated during an emergency. Law enforcement officials are able to then track the person with a GPS in order to find them.

More information about Project Lifesaver can be found HERE. Disaster tips from the American Red Cross can be found HERE.

Go HERE for extended interviews on the city's disaster preparedness.