ANCHORAGE, AK, October, 18 2017—The American Red Cross of Alaska, a nonprofit organization committed to providing relief to victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies, will exhibit at the Alaskan Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention in Anchorage, Alaska on October 19-21.
Keeping with the 2017 AFN theme of “Strength in Unity: Leadership— Partnerships— Social Justice,” the Red Cross looks forward to collaborating with Alaskan Native communities to further develop partnership opportunities and training for disaster response as well as preparedness opportunities.
“While the hurricanes and wildfires in the Lower 48 are filling the headlines, 2017 has also seen an increase in Alaska-wide disaster response from our Red Cross of Alaska chapter,” said Tanguy Libbrecht, Red Cross of Alaska CEO. “Additionally, our preparedness services are increasing in all areas including smoke alarm installations and youth preparedness programs,” said Libbrecht.
The Red Cross of Alaska sent more than 80 volunteers to disaster responses in the Lower 48 since Hurricane Harvey hit in late August. Additionally, the Alaska chapter responds to calls for assistance, on average, nearly once a day across the state. In fiscal year 2017, the Red Cross of Alaska opened 305 cases and assisted 958 people across 55 Alaskan communities. This is a 30 percent increase in cases opened and a 44% increase in individuals assisted over fiscal year 2016. The number of communities served also increased by 14 percent from 48 to 55.
The Red Cross of Alaska Schedule of Events at AFN
Thursday, October 19
Demonstration: How to Prepare a Disaster Emergency Kit for Your Home
10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Location: the Red Cross booth, #13 on the third floor in the Tikahtnu Foyer (booth donated by ExxonMobil)
Details: Demonstrations will last approximately 10 minutes, and discuss the fundamentals of what to include in an emergency preparedness kit.
Friday, October 20
Demonstration: How to Prepare a Disaster Emergency Kit for Your Home
10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Location: the Red Cross booth, #13 on the third floor in the Tikahtnu Foyer (booth donated by ExxonMobil)
Details: Demonstrations will last approximately 10 minutes, and discuss the fundamentals of what to include in an emergency preparedness kit.
New Emergency Response Vehicle Tour
12 p.m.
Location: The vehicle will be parked outside of City Hall, at the corner of 7th and H Streets.
Details: Kelley McGuirk, Red Cross of Alaska Regional Disaster Officer, will lead the tour through the new emergency response vehicle, highlighting its functionality and capabilities to serve Alaskans during a disaster. The demonstration will last approximately 15 minutes, and there will be an opportunity for questions at the end of the tour.
Afternoon Session Speaker: Red Cross of Alaska CEO, Tanguy Libbrecht
3:45 p.m.
Location: Dena’ina Center
Details: Tanguy Libbrecht, Red Cross of Alaska CEO will be a guest speaker during the afternoon sessions. Libbrecht’s 10-minute presentation will provide an overview of Red Cross support to Alaskan Native communities during times of disaster, and discuss ways to further partner in order to better prepare in the event of a disaster.
Saturday, October 21
6:30 p.m.
Location: Dena’ina Center
Details: Tanguy Libbrecht, Red Cross of Alaska CEO will speak at the Annual AFN Banquet
About the American Red Cross of Alaska:
The American Red Cross of Alaska offers food, shelter, comfort and hope to Alaskans when disasters strike. The Red Cross of Alaska is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers to perform its mission. It is not a government agency, and relies primarily on the generosity of fellow Alaskans and businesses to help fund its vital programs. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Alaska or follow us on Twitter at @redcrossak.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Miller
Regional Communications Officer
Telephone: (907) 782-7520
