American Red Cross Month 2002
Release Date: March 8, 2002
Release Number: R10-02-32
Seattle, WA -- 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 the only non-federal signatory of the Federal Emergency Management Agency-implemented Federal 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."
Seattle-King County Chapter of the American Red Cross CEO Jim Hamilton certainly agrees. "On average, we respond to disasters in King County once every 36 hours," said Hamilton. "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 Seattle-King County Chapter 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 the Seattle-King County Chapter alone trained over 40,000 people in CPR, first aid and other preparedness skills, and routinely schedules 200 to 300 classes each month.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 16:54:32