The Official Site of the city of Albany, NY Saturday, May 17, 2008
NAVIGATION
You are here: Skip Navigation LinksNews Articles

Mayor Jennings and the Red Cross Collaborate on a New Preparedness Initiative

10 Sep 2007

by: Bob Van Amburgh - (518) 434-5100

Mayor Jennings and the Red Cross Collaborate on a New Preparedness Initiative

Albany, NY–Mayor Gerald D. Jennings and Mr. Gary Striar, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York (ARCNENY), along with leaders from the Albany Fire and Police Departments, the Albany Housing Authority, Department of Recreation, and the Department of Youth and Workforce Services, gathered at City Hall to announce the new community emergency preparedness initiative, Preparing Albany.

Kicking off in September, which is National Preparedness Month, Preparing Albany, will be an ongoing community initiative offering the following:

  • Regularly-scheduled Get Ready-Be Safe programs for City residents and employees.
  • Training for City employees so that they can become Red Cross-certified Get Ready-Be Safe instructors.
  • Mailings of preparedness tips and other useful information to City residents.
  • Posters and pertinent information will be posted in City offices, public housing, and other facilities.
  • Other Red Cross courses, such as CPR, first aid, and babysitting training, will be offered so that all City residents, particularly our youth, will be better equipped to respond to all types of emergencies.

“ I encourage all of Albany’s residents to take advantage of this vital program,” said Mayor Jennings.  “Just a few simple steps can help us to respond to emergencies in an effective way.  I am grateful to the American Red Cross for partnering with our City to provide this opportunity for our residents.”

"At the Red Cross, we see firsthand what can happen when people are not prepared to respond to disasters.  We can change--even save--people's lives by giving them these skills.  I thank the City of Albany and Mayor Jennings for joining us on this initiative," Mr. Striar stated.

For more information, interested individuals may contact the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York at 458-8111.