Gotbaum, Red Cross Launch Emergency Prep Tour

As New York City moves into the season of hurricanes and blackouts, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum has called on New Yorkers to take simple steps to prepare themselves. Gotbaum, joined by American Red Cross in Greater New York Chief External Affairs Officer Rosemary Mackey, announced the beginning of a citywide summer tour to spread awareness about disaster and emergency preparedness.

According to a 2005 study by Risk Management Company AIR, a large scale storm or hurricane in New York would cover John F. Kennedy International Airport in 20 feet of water and cost more than $100 billion in damages. Another firm, IFC Consulting, estimated that the citywide blackout of August 2003 resulted in damages between $7 and $10 billion.

Gotbaum urged New Yorkers to talk to their kids about emergency planning: pick a meeting place, plan an exit route, designate an out-of-state relative or friend and pack an emergency kit. As part of her fiveborough tour, Gotbaum will pass out pamphlets about preparedness and raffle off "Go Bags".

"Emergency preparedness isn't about scaring New Yorkers- it's about taking common sense steps for safety. As we all know, disasters can happen, and New Yorkers need to be prepared," Gotbaum said.

Mackey said, "It is imperative that all New Yorkers work closely with us to become trained to protect themselves and their families, and we ask that residents, organizations and business join us now as trained volunteers so they are able to help their fellow citizens during an emergency."

Summer Preparedness Tour Dates

(Dates are subject to change)

• July 26- Marty Markowitz Concert, Asser Levy Field, Brooklyn

• August 4- Jamaica Arts & Music Festival, Parsons Boulevard, Queens

• August 20- MLK Concert, Wingate Field, Brooklyn

• September 8- Annual Greek Festival, Richmond Avenue, Staten Island

• September 8- Richmond County Fair 44 Clarke Ave., Staten Island

• September 9- Third Avenue Street Fair, Third Avenue, Manhattan

• September 23- Irish Fair, KeySpan Park, Brooklyn

The New York City Office of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross recommend that families assemble disaster preparedness kits, or "Go- Bags", containing emergency supplies in an easy-to-carry container. The kit should include copies of vital documents, food and water, flashlights and batteries and first aid supplies. To learn more about becoming prepared for emergencies, visit www.nyredcross.org or www.nyc.gov.

The American Red Cross in Greater New York is a key humanitarian partner and a vital participant in New York's plans and programs to help the 9 million people in New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan Counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. 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.