Program launched on first day of National Preparedness Month and outlines easy steps
St. Louis, Thursday, September 28, 2006 - The American Red Cross, the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies and organizations are working together to raise awareness of the need for emergency preparedness to be a personal priority. On September 1, the first day of National Preparedness Month, the Red Cross launched its new preparedness initiative,
"Be Red Cross Ready",
which outlines three steps to help people be as prepared as possible for a disaster or emergency. The third and final step focuses on the need to be informed - both in advance and immediately following an emergency situation.
"In order to successfully prepare for and respond to a natural or man-made catastrophe, communication is essential," said Nick Farruggia, director of disaster preparedness and client services for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter. "It is important to plan ahead and talk to your family. Make sure you have a back-up method so that you are able to listen for instructions from emergency officials."
About Be Red Cross Ready:
To further simplify preparedness, the American Red Cross streamlined the preparedness process into three steps through the
"Be Red Cross Ready"
initiative: 1. Get a kit, 2. Make a plan, and 3. Be informed. The program introduces these three steps as an easy way for each individual to make a difference. Because natural or human-caused disasters can strike suddenly at anytime and anywhere, it is important that each citizen be as prepared as possible. The American Red Cross encourages the public to join other community members in taking these first steps, which have the potential to positively impact many lives. When we come together, we become something bigger than us all.
How to Be Informed:
In order to prepare for a disaster or emergency, it is important for the public to know what may happen and how each person can help. To be as informed as possible, individuals should consider the following:
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Find out what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play.
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Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get important information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA weather radio stations or channels.
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Learn simple techniques in first aid, CPR and disaster training to develop the necessary skills and confidence to help when someone in your home, your neighborhood or workplace is injured. The Red Cross suggests that
at least one person in every household
receive training in first aid and CPR, as well as in how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
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Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors and encourage them to be informed too.
For More Information:
The St. Louis Area Chapter trains more than 72,000 people each year through its Community Disaster Education curriculum. These presentations are free of charge and are available to individuals, schools, businesses and community organizations. Details of the new "Be Red Cross Ready" initiative are featured during these training opportunities.
To learn more about American Red Cross preparedness curriculum, including "Be Red Cross Ready" and how to be informed, please call the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or log on to www.redcrossstl.org.
About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter provides emergency and preparedness assistance more than 407,000 times each year. The Red Cross depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and 100 staff to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois.
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