MOBILE, Ala. – September 10, 2010 – American Red Cross chapters across the country are working this September to help individuals, families, schools and businesses take action to “Be Red Cross Ready” for all types of disasters and emergencies by: 1) getting a kit, 2) making a plan, and 3) being informed.

“Preparing ahead of time will help you respond better in a disaster or emergency, and may even save your life,” said Leisle Mims, Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter Executive Director. “Prepared citizens mean better prepared communities. The Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter will always be there to provide relief in times of disasters, and want to teach people the skills they need to prepare for and keep their families safer in a disaster or emergency.”

September 2010 is National Preparedness Month, a time set aside for the last seven years to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities.  The Red Cross urges everyone to take steps now to be ready when emergencies happen. 

We will be holding a Disaster Preparedness Expo on September 11th.  This is where the public can get free disaster preparedness information from the American Red Cross and other local disaster response agencies.  We will also be holding a blood drive at this same time.

Who: American Red Cross & Partner Agencies
What: Disaster Preparedness Expo & Red Cross 9/11 Blood Drive
When: Saturday, September 11 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Where: American Red Cross located at 35 N. Sage Ave. in midtown Mobile

If you need more information about this event, call (251) 544-6141.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter urges area residents to make a renewed effort in September to prepare for emergencies such as fires, floods or storms.  The Red Cross has created a free online education program to make it easier for people to get prepared. The Be Red Cross Ready program walks people through three key preparedness steps: getting an emergency kit, making an emergency plan and being informed. You can learn how to “Be Red Cross Ready” in just three simple steps by visiting  www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady.

For more information about local activities during National Preparedness Month, contact the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter at (251) 544-6100 or log on to www.redcrossalcoast.org.  You can learn more about being prepared by visiting www.redcross.org.

You can help people affected by disasters like floods, fires, tornadoes and hurricanes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.