News Release from: American Red Cross - Oregon Region
OREGONUAKE ANNIVERSARY REMINDER OF OREGON'S NEED TO PREPARE
Posted: March 11th, 2013 10:49 AM
Oregon Red Cross representatives are available to discuss and reiterate this message of preparedness. Contact Julie Miller at (503) 528-5633 or julie.miller@redcross.org to schedule an interview.
Earthquake anniversary reminder of Oregon's need to prepare
Today is the two-year anniversary of the Japan earthquake. While it's still hard to imagine the havoc wreaked by this horrific disaster, the country's comeback is an example of incredible human and structural resiliency. New hospitals and homes have been rebuilt, and a range of emotional support programs continue to be provided.
In the aftermath of this terrible event, The American Red Cross is keenly focused on disaster preparedness. We've heard time and again that the Japan's culture of preparedness helped to save thousands of lives after the earthquake. That's the message that is key to our communities in Oregon as we recognize the anniversary of what happened in Japan.
According to a survey conducted by the Oregon Red Cross in July 2012, More than two-thirds of Oregon and southwest Washington residents believe that it is very important to be prepared for an emergency or natural disaster. And, while many people have taken steps toward readiness including having a preparedness kit at home, an emergency kit in their vehicle and a household evacuation plan, there are still significant gaps in the numbers of those who are prepared and those who aren't, says Maree Wacker, Oregon Red Cross chief executive officer. More than 65 percent of those surveyed have not received first aid or CPR training, and have not participated in any disaster preparedness activities. Yet, nearly 80 percent of respondents have experienced an emergency or disaster situation one to five times.
"Making a plan, building a kit and getting informed are the key elements in emergency preparedness," says Maree Wacker, regional executive for The American Red Cross Oregon Region. "These are simple steps to safety and to building a resilient community."
The Red Cross is offering free disaster preparedness classes around the state in late March: 6-7 p.m. on March 26 in Portland and Salem and 6-7 p.m. on March 28 in Eugene. To register for the sessions, contact 503-528-5783 or ryan.mcgoldrick2@redcross.org (Portland event), or 503-585-5414 or nathan.keffer@redcross.org (Salem, Eugene events).
For additional disaster preparedness information, visit www.redcross.org/oregon.
Replies to this message do not go back to the sender.
Go to http://FlashAlert.net/login.html to change or delete these messages.
