ARE YOU READY FOR DISASTER?

The American Red Cross is offering "disaster-relief training" on Thursday, November 13, 2008, at 5:30 PM, at Brooklyn's Mount Zion Church of God 7th Day .

Here are the program's details:

 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke is Honorary Co-Host, with support from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, State Senator Kevin Parker, State Assemblyman N. Nick Perry and the nonprofit organization, We Are All Brooklyn.

Once trained, new volunteers may join together with neighbors in East Flatbush as a reserve disaster relief force to provide emergency services during large New York City emergencies such as coastal storms, large building fires, crane collapses and more.

This force will help augment the efforts of ARC/GNY's Brooklyn Disaster Action Team, which responds to smaller daily emergencies, including fires, floods, building collapses and blackouts. Last year, the Greater New York Red Cross Chapter responded to more than 900 disasters in Brooklyn. 

"The rare tornado that struck Brooklyn in 2007 was a perfect example of the kind of crisis handled superbly by the American Red Cross in concert with dedicated emergency response volunteers," said Borough President Markowitz. "I applaud the efforts of Pastor Monrose, the Mount Zion Church of God, and We Are All Brooklyn--and encourage Brooklynites to join the East Flatbush Disaster Relief Team to ensure that Brooklyn and all of New York City is safe, prepared, and ready for anything in the days ahead."

"Tragedies across the world serve as a serious reminder that emergency preparedness is important for us to learn," said State Senator Parker. "I am pleased to partner with these important organizations and to encourage my constituents to prepare themselves and their families for emergencies." 

"I commend Pastor Monrose and the congregation of Mt. Zion Church of God for their insight and vision, and I'm pleased to extend my support to make it a successful effort," said State Assemblyman Perry.

For more information, call Pastor Gil Monrose, 718-284-1097, or gmonrose@yahoo.com. To register, visit.www.nyredcross.org/partnerapplication.

Partner Organizations:

Mt. Zion Church of God (7th Day) is a community church that has been in East Flatbush for 40 years and has been on the forefront of fighting hunger, poverty and inequality. 

We Are All Brooklyn strives to promote and facilitate understanding, cooperation, mutual appreciation and respect among Brooklyn's richly diverse communities with coalition help from more than 60 communities.

The American Red Cross in Greater New York is a key humanitarian partner and a vital participant in New York's plans to helping the nine 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 power outages.

The Chapter also helps New York residents and businesses prepare for emergencies by offering hundreds of courses in first aid, CPR and aquatics. ARC/GNY is not a governmental organization, relying 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-RED CROSS (1-877-733-2767), or visit www.nyredcross.org

###