Are You Red Cross Ready? Free Disaster Preparedness Training This Saturday!

A recent national survey revealed that only seven percent of Americans have taken the recommended actions to prepare for disasters, the Central Valley Chapter and Pacific Gas and Electric have partnered together to help communities be prepared during National Preparedness Month. With a generous sponsorship from PG&E of $150,000 to the Central Valley Region, the Red Cross will conduct activities and outreach to help individuals, families, schools and businesses take action to “Be Red Cross Ready” for all types of disasters and emergencies through a new educational campaign called, Prepare Central Valley.

“The Central Valley Chapter will always be there to provide relief in times of disasters, and we’re also in communities everyday teaching people the skills they need to prepare for and keep their families safer in a disaster or emergency,” said Ellen Knapp, Regional CEO.

To keep preparedness on the forefront of people’s thoughts and daily activities throughout the month, the Central Valley Chapter and PG&E will be holding “Be Red Cross Ready Fresno” on September 17th, 2011 at the Boys and Girls West Fresno Club. This FREE family event will educate both adults and children (ages 9 and older) to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Join the Red Cross from 10:00am to 12:00pm or at 1:00pm to 3:30pm and learn how to build an emergency preparedness kit, create an evacuation plan, and learn lifesaving skills like CPR and First Aid. All attendees will receive FREE pocket first aid kits, preparedness information, and lunch. Not to mention the opportunity to win emergency preparedness kits, radios and first aid kits.

“Preparing ahead of time will help you respond better in a disaster or emergency, and may even save your life,” Alex Villa, Regional Preparedness Manager “Prepared citizens help to create prepared communities. And two great ways for people to help prepare our community are by volunteering or attending this event.”

For more information please contact Alex Villa, Regional Preparedness Manager at (559) 455-1000 or alex@arccentralvalley.org.