Binghamton Region of the American Red Cross Practices For Next Big Disaster

From American Red Cross Southern Tier Chapter:

Binghamton Region of the American Red Cross Practices For Next Big Disaster

Endicott, NY (Nov 17, 2009) – More than 50 staff and volunteers from throughout the Binghamton Region of the American Red Cross are participating in a practice disaster drill. The Binghamton Region is comprised of five chapters covering 11 counties. The Chapters participating are: Southern Tier, Cortland County, Greater Steuben, Sullivan Trail, and Tompkins County. The drill will be held at the Tioga County Public Safety facility, November 20, 2009 at 8:30 am.

The purpose of this drill is to give staff and volunteers practice in managing and responding to a large disaster incident in a non-stressful environment. Additionally, the drill tests the capacity, human and material, of all the participating Chapters to respond to an incident such as the flood of June 2006.

The American Red Cross is committed to helping families and neighbors through disasters large and small. In times of major disasters, not only do our local volunteers deployed across the country make a difference in the lives of strangers, but they return home having gained invaluable experience that we will put to use in our community. These are the same volunteers who may be there to help you in a time of crisis. The investment we make today in training them, and that they make in giving of themselves, makes our community and our country stronger.

The Binghamton Region has well over 450 disaster volunteers. We urge you to consider supporting the work of the Red Cross. You are welcome to direct your donations to the Chapter or to the National Disaster Relief Fund. Contributions to the Southern Tier Chapter may be sent to the American Red Cross STC, 620 E. Main St., Endicott, NY 13760 or by making a secure online contribution at www.southerntierredcross.org, or by calling the Chapter at (607) 785-7207. Contributions for the National Disaster Relief Fund may also be made through the Chapter, with a clear indication of your intent, or online at www.redcross.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.