American Red Cross speaks on emergency preparedness
04/01/2010, 11:16 pm

Jerrilyn Zavada, jzavada@mywebtimes.com, 815-673-6371

The American Red Cross was the guest at the Streator Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Eggs & Issues Thursday morning at Chipper's Grill.

April Fisher, of the American Red Cross, Heartland Division in Bloomington spoke on the organization's mission to prevent, to prepare for and to respond to emergencies.

"Emergencies come from a lot of different directions. We want you to be ready for what you should do in case of an emergency," she told those gathered.

As part of its Be Red Cross Ready, program, Fisher outlined guidelines for emergency preparedness.

* Get a kit: Include such basics as water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, weather radio, change of clothes, medications or list of medications and personal identification. A kit should be made based on individual family's needs and should be located to grab easily on the way out the door.
* Make a plan: Meet with family members beforehand to make an escape plan and where to meet if separated. Keep pets in mind for evacuation.
* Be informed: Learn what disasters can occur in your area. In the Streator area, possible emergencies include tornadoes, fires, floods and train derailments.

The American Red Cross Safe and Well Web Site is available through www.RedCross.org and assists people displaced by a disaster in alerting their family and friends that they are safe.

The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization mandated by a Congressional charter to provide emergency communications between military family members and to respond to national disasters. It is 100 percent funded by donations.

If there is a local emergency, the American Red Cross cannot respond on its own, it must be invited by appropriate government officials. The Heartland Division has a director of emergency services who is responsible for contacting professional services on the volunteer list to assist at disasters. Volunteers are not required to respond to specific emergencies, but provide dates and times when they would be available if called.

The Streator Chapter of the American Red Cross is directed by Jimmie Lansford.

The next local CPR/First Aid training will be at the City Hall community center Saturday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $45 per person.

To register, contact the Streator Chapter of the American Red Cross at 815-672-2682.