The recent devastating hurricane disaster in New Orleans should be a wake-up call for all Americans. While the impact of that storm was so far reaching and much more destructive than ever anticipated, victims could have prepared in some small ways for the coming days. Their time in a shelter might have been more comfortable if they had prepared. It has been reported that many victims were so unprepared, simple items such as a flashlight or bottled water were absent from homes.
The Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross wants you to be ready if and when a disaster strikes our community. Disaster and emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere and, in reality, to anyone. Winter storms can impact Cayuga County and force us out of our homes and into a shelter.
In order to help citizens become more aware of this fact, September has been declared National Preparedness Month, the aim being to offer individuals across the country the opportunity to learn about the different steps they can take to better prepare for, and respond to emergencies that can adversely affect their families, themselves and their community.
The Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross has organized a Day of Disaster Educational Preparedness Training program for all residents to prepare them before a disaster.
Begin the day by donating blood. Anyone age 16 or older who weighs at least 100 pounds and is in good general health can donate blood. It takes about one hour for the process.
Individuals should call 252-9596 to register for a time slot. This is a mega-blood drive from which we anticipate collecting 100 units of the gift of life.
Blood is a life-saving gift that was in desperate need before Hurricane Katrina and even more so now. All previous donors who gave blood before July 17 are eligible to donate at this drive. First-time donors will receive a special gift from the NY-Penn Blood Region.
Highlights of the day include opportunities for all ages. Family and home first-aid will teach individuals basic first-aid that can help them in an emergency at home, work or play. A rotating schedule of training's will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can select the particular class or classes they wish to attend #- all for free!
Emergency preparedness
This is a must for all citizens. Learn the importance of being ready - being prepared before a disaster happens, what to store and how to store your supplies, type of supplies, flashlight, radio, batteries, clothing, emergency contact numbers, type of food to store, water, copies of personal documents (including drivers license, SS card, birth certificates) to name a few.
After a disaster, the worst possible situation to be in is one where an individual cannot prove his/her identity. Sounds simple folks, but many individuals are not aware of the need to prepare and understand its importance.
Disaster volunteer
education
This will increase your knowledge of what it takes to be a Red Cross Disaster volunteer. The chapter has had many citizens who want to volunteer their services in the Hurricane Katrina disaster zone.
However, they are not currently trained to volunteer in these areas; we offer free training before the event. Learn what you need to do now, before the event, so that you are prepared and ready to help your family, your neighbor, your community or your country.
Videograms
These can be produced to send a message to a loved one or friend in the military abroad. Find out how the Red Cross can be the connection to help you get in touch with your troop in an emergency. You must have an email address to send the videogram to. Each taping can last up to five minutes. Bring the gang along to say hello!
Each presentation or class is scheduled for 20 minutes and Red Cross staff/volunteers will be on hand to help you or to answer any questions. All classes are free. There will be exhibits and first-aid kits for sale. Goodie bags will be distributed, too.
Remember - we cannot hide ourselves from disasters, but we can choose to be prepared in order to better cope and reduce the anxiety/stress factor that is always a part of emergencies and disasters.
Susan Marteney is executive director of the Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross
In order to help citizens become more aware of this fact, September has been declared National Preparedness Month, the aim being to offer individuals across the country the opportunity to learn about the different steps they can take to better prepare for, and respond to emergencies that can adversely affect their families, themselves and their community.
The Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross has organized a Day of Disaster Educational Preparedness Training program for all residents to prepare them before a disaster.
Begin the day by donating blood. Anyone age 16 or older who weighs at least 100 pounds and is in good general health can donate blood. It takes about one hour for the process.
Individuals should call 252-9596 to register for a time slot. This is a mega-blood drive from which we anticipate collecting 100 units of the gift of life.
Blood is a life-saving gift that was in desperate need before Hurricane Katrina and even more so now. All previous donors who gave blood before July 17 are eligible to donate at this drive. First-time donors will receive a special gift from the NY-Penn Blood Region.
Highlights of the day include opportunities for all ages. Family and home first-aid will teach individuals basic first-aid that can help them in an emergency at home, work or play. A rotating schedule of training's will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can select the particular class or classes they wish to attend #- all for free!
Emergency preparedness
This is a must for all citizens. Learn the importance of being ready - being prepared before a disaster happens, what to store and how to store your supplies, type of supplies, flashlight, radio, batteries, clothing, emergency contact numbers, type of food to store, water, copies of personal documents (including drivers license, SS card, birth certificates) to name a few.
After a disaster, the worst possible situation to be in is one where an individual cannot prove his/her identity. Sounds simple folks, but many individuals are not aware of the need to prepare and understand its importance.
Disaster volunteer
education
This will increase your knowledge of what it takes to be a Red Cross Disaster volunteer. The chapter has had many citizens who want to volunteer their services in the Hurricane Katrina disaster zone.
However, they are not currently trained to volunteer in these areas; we offer free training before the event. Learn what you need to do now, before the event, so that you are prepared and ready to help your family, your neighbor, your community or your country.
Videograms
These can be produced to send a message to a loved one or friend in the military abroad. Find out how the Red Cross can be the connection to help you get in touch with your troop in an emergency. You must have an email address to send the videogram to. Each taping can last up to five minutes. Bring the gang along to say hello!
Each presentation or class is scheduled for 20 minutes and Red Cross staff/volunteers will be on hand to help you or to answer any questions. All classes are free. There will be exhibits and first-aid kits for sale. Goodie bags will be distributed, too.
Remember - we cannot hide ourselves from disasters, but we can choose to be prepared in order to better cope and reduce the anxiety/stress factor that is always a part of emergencies and disasters.
Susan Marteney is executive director of the Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross
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