Message from Paul Schulz

Chief Executive Officer
American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles

Shortly after the July 29 earthquake, telephone calls started pouring into the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles. People wanted to know how get ready for the "the Big One." Hopefully, that small quake was a big wake-up call, since most people admit to being unprepared for a disaster.

In a 2007 national survey conducted by the American Red Cross and the Council for Excellence in Government, 23 percent of more than 1,000 adult respondents said they had not taken any action to prepare for a catastrophe. Only 4 percent of those surveyed said they were ready.

Since September is National Preparedness Month, I urge you to take time now to create a preparedness plan and keep disaster kits at home, at work and in your cars. The Red Cross is here to help. For assistance, please visit www.RedCrossLA.org.

Sept. 2008 | Edition 191
Upcoming Events

September
National Preparedness Month

The American Red Cross is joining a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of getting prepared for the unexpected, whether it's a hurricane or a heart attack. Click here to learn how to "Be Red Cross Ready."

Sept. 9, 10, 11 16 & 18
Volunteer Orientations

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Once Upon a Time...
in Our Chapter
1960 - Chapter Disaster Director Ed Russell (on truck bed) helps unload supplies collected by the Junior Red Cross for victims of a major earthquake in Chile. » Read more
UP FRONT
As part of National Preparedness Month, Latino singing sensation Chayanne, a member of the Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet, is helping people "Be Red Cross Ready” through an online education video that encourages people to 1) Get a Kit, 2) Make a Plan, and 3) Be Informed. » More
Local American Red Cross relief workers have been busy this summer helping disaster victims in the Los Angeles area and across the country. During the first week of July alone, the Greater Los Angeles chapter provided $13,000 in assistance for food and clothing, hotel stays and household items to 26 adults and 13 children. This kind of help is provided to local disaster victims every day of every year. » More
When flash floods and mudslides destroyed 22 homes along Inyo County’s Oak Creek in July, Los Angeles chapter-based volunteers quickly mobilized and were on-site within 24 hours. Although Inyo County is 170 miles north of Los Angeles, Inyo County and nearby Mono County are areas served by the Los Angeles chapter. » More
The May 12, 2008 earthquake in China hit close to home for Malibu-based toymaker JAKKS Pacific, which has hundreds of employees based in China and thousands of factory employees who were affected by the disaster. JAKKS Pacific's U.S. and Hong Kong employees rallied together to generously raise money for the American Red Cross to help support children and families affected by the disaster. » More
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