Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
RENO, Nev. (Aug. 22, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada will host a delegation of scientists and engineers from Kazakhstan to discuss strategies for enhancing earthquake preparedness. The meeting will take place today, Thursday, Aug. 22, at 9 a.m. at the Red Cross office in Reno, located at 4750 Longley Ln., Suite 101. Media representatives are encouraged to attend.
“The American Red Cross is committed to helping communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters, like earthquakes,” said Tiandra Rushing, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “We are thrilled to share our knowledge and learn from the esteemed professionals visiting from Kazakhstan. This exchange of ideas is essential for advancing our collective ability to save lives and reduce the impact of disasters.”
Earlier this year, a significant earthquake in Kazakhstan's largest city revealed gaps in the country’s disaster preparedness, as highlighted by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The incident underscored the need for better emergency management and public awareness.
Sharing preparedness education strategy
The visit underscores the importance of preparedness and the proactive measures that can be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of communities. By sharing best practices, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada, aims to provide the Kazakhstani delegation with knowledge to make significant strides in earthquake preparedness.
Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff will present various programs used to prepare local residents for earthquakes and other disasters. One such program, “Prepare with Pedro,” teaches children in kindergarten to second grade how to be prepared and respond during emergencies.
“Teaching children about preparedness from a young age instills a sense of responsibility and awareness that can dramatically impact their safety and the safety of those around them,” Rushing said. “By equipping them with knowledge and skills, we empower the next generation to face emergencies with confidence and resilience, ensuring they contribute positively to their communities in times of crisis.”
In addition to child-focused education, Red Cross officials will share broader preparedness strategies that emphasize community resilience. These strategies include arming residents with the knowledge and training to act immediately when an earthquake occurs, rather than waiting for an alert. For more information on what to do before, during and after an earthquake, visit redcross.org/earthquake.
About the Northern Nevada International Center
The Kazakhstani delegation's visit is facilitated through the University of Nevada, Reno’s Northern Nevada International Center. This discussion is part of an exchange under the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange initiative. Launched in 1940, the IVLP builds mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully curated short-term visits for current and emerging foreign leaders. For more information, please visit unr.edu/nnic.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.