Red Cross Emergency Prep Plan Comes To Forest Hills

The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY)- Queens will provide a free emergency preparedness program on Thursday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. at P.S. 144, 93-02 69th Ave. (corner of 69th Avenue and Kessel Street) in Forest Hills. The presentation is co-sponsored by City Councilmember Melinda Katz and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi.

Ready New York is a free, two-hour event dedicated to preparing individuals and families for emergencies. Attendees receive a 45-minute emergency preparedness presentation that teaches New York City residents how to create a plan, build a supply kit and keep loved ones safe and informed during times of disaster. In addition, residents have access emergency experts from the Fire Department (FDNY), Police Department (NYPD) and the New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Participants receive an interactive CD that can be used to create a customized evacuation plan and other tools that will help any family become better prepared.

For more information, call Yesha Naik at ARC/GNY- Queens at 718-558-0053 or e-mail naiky@nyredcross.org .

ARC/GNY, the largest Red Cross chapter in the U.S., helps nine million people in New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan Counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. ARC/GNY- Queens is located at 138-02 Queens Blvd., Briarwood.

ARC/GNY provides immediate aid to more than 100,000 people affected by 3,000 emergencies a year, including fires, floods, building collapses and blackouts. Given the uncertainties of today's world, the chapter is accelerating its collaboration with partner agencies to develop and implement readiness plans to respond to major natural and man-made disasters. The chapter also helps New York residents and businesses prepare for emergencies by offering hundreds of courses in first aid, CPR and aquatics and free emergency preparedness training programs and resources.

ARC/GNY is not a governmental organization and relies on individual and corporate gifts, special events and grants from foundations and local, state and federal government to fund its essential programs and services. For more information about volunteering, donating and training, call 1-877 REDCROSS (1-877-733-2767) or visit www.nyredcross.org.