New York, NY (September 8, 2022) -- September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross in Greater New York is inviting all New Yorkers to join them for a public preparedness education event on Saturday, September 10 at J. Hood Wright Park (W. 173 St & Haven Ave, New York, NY 10033) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Trained Red Cross preparedness instructors will be at the park to educate the public on emergency preparedness through four program offerings: Hands-Only CPR, Be Red Cross Ready, Youth Preparedness (Prepare with Pedro and The Pillowcase Project), and Home Fire Safety Education. This event is hosted in partnership with the office of New York City Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa. 

“Emergencies are more common than you may think. In fact, the American Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes and is ready to respond 24/7. Through our preparedness education events, we aim to help our neighbors be ready to not only help their loved ones, but their neighbors too,” said Mary Barneby, Regional CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York. “We hope you will join us for this important and fun event.”

“This summer, we responded to at least three building fires in the district where several constituents were injured. Many tragedies are preventable with education. When we are well equipped with the tools we need to respond in an emergency, we are able to save more lives. We are grateful for organizations such as the American Red Cross of the Greater New York Region for their willingness to extend educational resources to our communities so that we can come together and keep each other safe,” said New York City Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa.

THREE EASY STEPS Three simple steps can help to keep your family safe during disasters — 1) Get a Kit. 2) Make a Plan. 3) Be Informed. 

1. Build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Also include a first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items. And don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.  
2. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans.

1. Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work and go to school, how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Include your pets in your emergency plans. Remember, if you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. It’s important to plan in advance to know which pet-friendly hotels are in your area, and where your pets can stay in an emergency situation. 

Take any special considerations into account as part of your emergency planning. Older adults or people with mobility, hearing, learning or seeing disabilities may need to create a support network of people that can help during an emergency. Create a plan that takes into account your capabilities, any help you may need and who can provide it, especially if you need to evacuate or if the power goes out for several days.

HELP YOUR COMMUNITY  

Red Cross volunteers play critical roles in their local communities. Join us as a Disaster Action Team volunteer to ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone or as a Community Preparedness volunteer to help prepare your community. Visit www.redcross.org/gnyvolunteer to sign up today. 

Learn lifesaving skills so you can help people in a crisis until medical professionals arrive. Sign up for a first aid, CPR or other classes available online or in-person. Visit www.redcross.org/class to learn more.

Event Details 

Date: Saturday, September 10, 2022 

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Training Schedule: 

• 11 a.m. Prepare with Pedro at recreation center 
• 1 p.m. The Pillowcase Project at recreation center 
• 1:30 p.m.- 3 p.m. Spokesperson available 

Address:    J. Hood Wright Park  

W. 173 St & Haven Ave. 

New York, NY 10033 

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.