Sears Makes $3,500 Grant To Queens Red Cross

The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY)-Queens has received a $3,500 grant from City Councilmember Helen Sears (D-25th District- Jackson Heights) to print Red Cross emergency preparedness information materials that Sears and her staff started distributing to district residents during the current hurricane season and will continue to provide through next May.

The grant by Sears to ARC/GNY-Queens will provide the residents of Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Rego Park, Woodside and Corona with guidance, tips and other important emergency preparedness information. The literature will inform residents about the actions they need to take prior to and during an emergency- creating an emergency supplies kit for sheltering at home or if they must evacuate, developing a household communications plan and practicing it, and remaining informed and following directions from authorities.

Sears, who serves on the council Health Committee, said that safety and preparedness must be a high priority for every household in Queens. "The American Red Cross in Greater New York's preparedness materials provide important information in simple and easy-to-use brochures that will help everyone prepare themselves and their families for emergency situations," she added. "I will be distributing these materials throughout my district and encourage anybody who would like a copy of the material to contact my district office." Sears' District Office address is 37-32 75th St., Jackson Heights, New York 11372; phone 718-803-6373, FAX 718-803-9832.

Emergency preparedness information available from the American Red Cross in Greater New York:

• Be Red Cross Ready!- explains the three most important actions in emergency preparedness: get a kit, make a plan and be informed.

• Guide to Preparing A Family Disaster Plan- provides information about creating a household disaster plan to develop equal responsibility and teamwork during an emergency.

• Guide to Preparing A Family Disaster Supplies Kit- provides a checklist of the essential items needed during an emergency.

"Throughout our chapter, we help people who have suffered through fires, flooding and other emergencies," Joan Foley, American Red Cross in Greater New York- Queens director, said. "We also provide residents with CPR and first aid training while also offering emergency preparedness programs in English, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and other languages. We urge everyone to be prepared and become a trained volunteer to help the Red Cross help the people of New York."

The Queens office of the American Red Cross in Greater New York is located at 138-02 Queens Blvd., Briarwood. For information about classes, programs and volunteer opportunities, call 718-558- 0053

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. Joan Foley, American Red Cross in Greater New York- Queens director, and City Councilmember Helen Sears (seated) review emergency preparedness information materials that were created for residents of Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Rego Park, Woodside and Corona.