Whether it's an earthquake, wildfire, flood or terrorism, preparedness is the key to saving lives.
On Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Red Cross will be participating in a one-day emergency preparedness symposium titled Are You Ready? Preparing Portland for the Next Disaster at the A.A. Wells Community Center located at 1033 N. Sumner Street. The Oregon Trail Chapter will be presenting a seminar on individual and family preparedness at home as well as providing emergency preparedness informational materials and giveaways.
“We hope this will spur on people who have never thought about putting together a preparedness kit or making plans for emergencies,” said Linda Swift, Emergency Preparedness Manager for the Oregon Trail Chapter, “Being prepared here in the Northwest is important. We're not immune to disasters.”
The Are You Ready? event will also offer brief seminars throughout the day taught by other experts in emergency preparedness, home safety, business loss prevention and insurance. Families and business owners who attend one or more of the seminars will be eligible to receive 72-hour emergency survival kits free of charge while supplies last.
Portland Mayor Tom Potter is scheduled to appear and talk about the importance of emergency readiness, and Burgerville Restaurants will be offering free hamburgers and providing rides to children on its famous Burgerville train car. Snacks and beverages will be available at no cost.
NW Insurance Council, American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter, Portland Office of Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Emergency Management and B.E.A.N., Inc. are participating in the event. For more information, call (800) 664-4942 or visit http://www.preparingportland.org .
The Red Cross offers free Together We Prepare Oregon individual and family preparedness presentations throughout the year for groups. These classes cover: making emergency plans, reacting to emergencies such as earthquakes and fires, and building or buying disaster supply kits for your home, work, and car. To schedule a presentation, call (503) 528-5665.
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Local Oregon Trail Chapter volunteers respond to residential fires and other disasters an average of every 40 hours. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide shelter, food, clothing counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need. Call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org
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