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Be Prepared American Red Cross is the light in an emergency. By Alyssa UrishPublished: August, 2006

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American Red Cross is the light in an emergency September is National Preparedness Month. So why not get a jump-start and find out how your local Red Cross can help. Headquartered in Santa Ana, Orange County Red Cross serves all areas throughout the county. Its mission: “to help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.” In order to meet the needs of the rapidly growing county, the Red Cross has two resources: supply trailers equipped with emergency supplies and volunteers. “We could not do what we do if it were not for our volunteers,” says Johanna Zavala, public affairs supervisor of the Orange County Chapter. From 2004-05, the Orange County Red Cross had 1,267 volunteers to provide more than 26,024 hours of service to the community. HOW TO HELP How can you get involved? Easy. The Red Cross welcomes volunteers, monetary donations and blood donations. In-kind donations, such as food and clothing, are not accepted by the Red Cross but can be donated to other agencies such as Goodwill. Financial donations fuel the Red Cross’s mission. Hurricane Katrina showed that money is the quickest way to provide emergency relief to disaster victims. Blood donations are always in need, especially here in Southern California. One pint of blood can save as many as three lives. Visit the Blood Services website at givelife.org. Volunteering opportunities are widely available; a volunteer orienbe found by calling 714.481.5835 or sending an email to volunteers@oc-redcross.org. Volunteers can take part in disaster services, public affairs, financial development, health and safety, bilingual needs, or general help. Youth service programs for ages 12-18 are also available. The majority of volunteer programs are during the school year as summer months are devoted to Leadership Camps. The only requirement for volunteering is attending a youth orientation, known as a Drop in Center, held every month. It would be the go-to agency in the case of a major disaster. The Red Cross relies on its volunteers to support both local and national relief efforts. In Orange County specifically, the Red Cross assists families with disaster-related needs from temporary housing to funeral expenses. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, thanks to donations of time and money. Orange County itself is vulnerable to a variety of disasters – many that come without warning. Earthquakes, floods, landslides and fires comprise a big part of that list. In Orange County alone, the Red Cross responds to more than 150 local disasters a year, the majority of which are house fires. “This is why the Red Cross can’t stress enough the importance of each household being prepared with enough supplies to last up to 72 hours,” Zavala  says. “In support of that, we offer courses and information to make disaster preparedness as easy as possible.” But it is up to the individual to sign up for these classes. The Red Cross offers training in first aid and CPR, water safety, earthquake and other disaster preparedness. Although the Orange County Chapter has only been officially recognized for 41 years, the Red Cross has been serving the area since 1898. The chapter is currently in the process of selecting a new chief executive officer. Current CEO Pat Baker announced his retirement come September after more than 26 years of service with  the Red Cross.  For more information visit oc-redcross.org.  EDITOR’S NOTE: See our Family@Home department in September for ways to make sure your family is prepared in the event of a disaster. JULY 2004-JUNE 2005 STATISTICAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR ORANGE COUNTY Services to the Community     •     Responded around the clock to 154 disasters throughout the county.     •     Provided immediate relief (warm meals, new clothing, a safe place to stay) to 1,066 individuals in 415 families impacted by disasters.     •     Provided 2,425 meals and 5,662 snacks to disaster victims and emergency workers.     •     Processed eight national disaster welfare inquiries to unite families who lost contact due to a major disaster.     •     Assisted 844 military families with 866 services, such as emergency communication, financial assistance, and counseling.     •     Provided information and referral service to 898 individuals.     •     Assisted 21 families/individuals in nine countries with international tracing and social services, including Holocaust and war victims tracing.     •     American Red Cross Lifeline service enabled more than 1,625 seniors to live more independently in their homes.     •     Over 455 youth volunteers provided more than 3,400 new toys to 2,864 needy children during the holiday season. •   Its 1,267 volunteers provided more than 26,024 hours to the community.

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