American Red Cross Month 2005
Release Date: March 7, 2005
Release Number: HQ-05-29
SEATTLE, Wash. -- March is American Red Cross Month, a great opportunity for citizens, families, businesses and even government agencies to review disaster plans and emergency kits, while reflecting on the critical role played by the American Red Cross in alleviating human suffering. The American Red Cross has played important roles in every major disaster of the last century - and is one of three non-federal signatories of the Department of Homeland Security's new National Response Plan. According to FEMA Regional Director John Pennington, the American Red Cross provides help, hope and healing when crises strike, and is the lead agency coordinating Mass Care (shelter, food, and emergency first aid) in the event of catastrophic disaster.
"The American Red Cross, one of our Nation's oldest and most respected charities, is often 'first-on-scene' when disasters strike," said Pennington. "And with 95 percent of all natural disasters handled at the local government level, their unique 'grass-roots' approach to disaster preparedness and response partnerships really pays off."
CEO for the American Red Cross serving King and Kitsap Counties Dr. Larry Petry certainly agrees. "On average, we respond to disasters in King and Kitsap County once every 33 hours," said Petry. "Often it's a nighttime fire, with people running into the street without clothes, identification, medicines, glasses, food - necessities we provide at no charge. We help families reconnect during times of high stress - when they are most vulnerable."
The American Red Cross serving King and Kitsap counties provides emergency communications and assistance to over 800 families of U.S. Forces members away from home, and sends hundreds of messages to family members in other countries, threatened by natural disasters, war and civil unrest. Last year King and Kitsap Counties American Red Cross staff alone trained over 60,000 people in CPR, first aid and other preparedness skills, and routinely schedules 200 to 300 classes each month.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 07-Mar-2005 16:02:35