Monday, January 24, 2011

Calling All High School Students! Are you Red Cross Ready? Get a Camera, Make a Commercial, Be A Winner!



When we hear the word disaster, we think about the devastating aftermath of events such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods. What we normally don’t consider are the types of disasters that occur on a daily basis. Disasters could be as simple as a baby choking on an object or a family trying to survive after their house burned down. What can you do to help or even prevent such a situation from occurring? You can start by being Red Cross Ready.

Red Cross is well known for their disaster relief programs. They are on the scene to offer support and vital necessities such as food, water, and shelter for victims of disasters. But not many know that they are also the leader in disaster preparedness and Health & Safety Services. Every household should be prepared for when a disaster strikes. You may be thinking, “I know I should be prepared, but how can I be Red Cross Ready?”

To be Red Cross Ready includes getting a kit, making a plan, and being informed. The American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter is inviting all high school student ages 14 to 18 to participate in their first “Red Cross Ready” video contest for 2011. Students will have the chance to showcase their creative ideas in a video format that relays the message of being Red Cross Ready.

Students who are interested in participating are encouraged to produce public service announcement videos 45-60 seconds long. These videos would emphasize the importance of preventing an accident or responding to an emergency by receiving training from the American Red Cross in any of the Health and Safety programs available. For more information, participant forms, and rules and regulations, please contact the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter at (559) 455-1000 or online at
www.arccentralvalley.org.