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for larger version       Red Cross Sets Tips For Emergency Situations What should New Yorkers have learned from the fires in California? According to the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY), the lesson is clear - New Yorkers must be better prepared to adapt and react to all kinds of emergencies. As part of the American Red Cross response to help California residents, ARC/GNY, which covers New York City and the counties of Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan, has sent 21 people (18 volunteers and three employees) to California. Red Cross personnel who have responded include residents from Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Rockland and Orange. Additional volunteers from the chapter may be deployed within the next few days. ARC/GNY also activated the New York National Disaster Call Center at its Manhattan headquarters on West 49 Street. The call center is designed to help handle calls received at the American Red Cross national help phone number (1-866-GET-INFO) when the volume rises during major emergencies. The call center, staffed by at least 10 volunteers, is open from 2 - 10 p.m. In the wake of the California fires and other major disasters that occurred locally during recent months (tornado in Brooklyn, extensive flooding, a steampipe explosion in Manhattan), plus the daily fires, power outages and building collapses that occur in and around New York City, the Red Cross recommends that today is a good day for residents to assess their level of preparedness and take the steps necessary to "Be Red Cross Ready" for the unexpected. Every household should have a communications plan and emergency supplies. The Red Cross suggests the following actions: Get a kit: Have at least three days of supplies for every person in the household, in easy-to-carry evacuation kits, with additional supplies available should you need to shelter at home. Supplies should include water, non-perishable food, flashlight, radio, batteries, change of clothing, personal hygiene items, medical prescriptions and a small amount of cash. If you're a commuter, include a few simple items in your briefcase or backpack - a small water pouch, first aid kit and 12-hour light stick are all lightweight items that can be used in any emergency. Make a plan: Planning ahead will help you have the best possible response to an emergency. Choose two places to meet after a disaster. Learn how to get in contact with everyone should you become separated, or phone lines or cell phones are not working. Have an out-of-state contact who everyone can contact to relay information. Practice evacuating your home twice a year and discuss your communications plan. Be informed: Understand that emergencies can occur, often without warning. Know how to contact local authorities. Listen to news reports and follow instructions provided by authorities. Preparedness information guides, safety tips, assistance in assembling an emergency "go bag," class schedules, readiness materials and supplies, and volunteer information are available at www. nyredcr oss.org. ARC/GNY regularly offers preparedness programs - "Prepare New York and "Ready New York"- in New York City in cooperation with the New York City Office of Emergency Management. The chapter also has programs tailored for businesses and nonprofit organizations about preparedness and how to engage employees in helping the Red Cross respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) is a humanitarian partner and a key participant in New York's plans and programs to help the nine million people in New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The largest Red Cross Chapter in the U.S., ARC/ GNY provides immediate aid to more than 100,000 people affected by more than 3,000 emergencies a year, including fires, floods, building collapses and blackouts. The chapter continually works with partner agencies to plan and prepare for major natural and man-made disasters. It helps New York residents and businesses prepare for emergencies by offering hundreds of courses in first aid, CPR and aquatics and free emergency preparedness training programs and resources. ARC/GNY is not a governmental organization and relies on individual and corporate gifts, special events and grants from foundations and local, state and federal government to fund its essential programs and services.
For more information, call 1-877 RED CROSS (1-877-733-2767), or visit www.nyredcross. org .
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