Community Corner

AAA, Red Cross Kick Off Disaster Training Program

The American Red Cross and AAA are forming the program to support emergency responders and prepare communities in the next major disaster.

—By Bay City News Service

The American Red Cross and AAA are teaming up to bring survival workshops in preparation for the next major disaster.

The "Ready, Set, Respond" disaster preparedness training will give AAA members the opportunity to understand the personal and community impacts in emergency situations.

Members in Northern California, Nevada and Utah will have the opportunity to learn about possible disasters that may occur in their area such as earthquakes, wildfires or landslides, Red Cross spokeswoman Cynthia Harris said.

The free 90-minute class taught by Red Cross responders will include lectures and exercises with scenarios touching on the roles of different response agencies. 

People will reflect on how a disaster will impact everyday aspects such as family and work then expand to the aftermath faced by community.

A news conference to kick-off the program was held Tuesday morning with remarks by Paul Gaffney, President and CEO of AAA Northern California; Mark Cloutier, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter and Oakland Fire Chief Teresa Deloach Reed.

The American Red Cross and AAA formed the program to support emergency responders and prepare communities in the next major disaster, Harris said.

Attendees will also learn about the Red Cross's app "Team Red Cross," where registered volunteers can receive information on what they can do when the next disaster hits, Harris said.

Volunteers are important during a major disaster as there is only one firefighter for every 280 people and one emergency medical technician for every 348 people, Harris said.

The training program hopes to educate 2,400 people in its first year, she said. Classes will be offered year-round depending on availability and interest, she said.

Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.


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