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Local Red Cross Programs in Place for Military Personnel and Families
'Together We Prepare' Initiative to Offer 5-Step Disaster Preparedness Information

GASTONIA, February 13, 2003 – As additional troops are deployed and the government issues heightened terror alerts for US residents, the American Red Cross has plans in place to meet the needs of military personnel and their families, and to prepare for disaster or other emergencies on the home front.

Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES)
Local Red Cross units across the country, including the Gaston County Chapter, have an Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) program in place to support military personnel and their families, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. Through this program the Red Cross is equipped to deliver emergency messages in times of birth, sickness, death and financial hardships to military personnel and their families around the world.

Last year the chapter delivered 766 emergency messages for members of the Armed Forces and their families in Gaston County.  As the number of those deployed increases, the chapter expects to see an increase in the number of emergency messages sent.

"Our role is to support these families left behind and assist them if there is an emergency," said Carey Roberts, chapter spokeswoman.  "It's always scary to deal with a family emergency, but it's especially difficult when part of the family isn't here to help cope.  Our dedicated volunteers and staff work to deliver the emergency message timely and efficiently in support of the family member here."

"The great thing about this program is that it's free and there is always someone available for these families to talk to," added Mary Tyler, United Way of Gaston County executive director.

In case of an emergency, family members may contact the Gaston County Chapter at (704) 864-2623.  Callers are asked to have the military personnel's full name, social security number, rank, branch of service and military address.  Emergencies must be verifiable by a physician, funeral home or other authority.

Together we Prepare
The Gaston County Chapter joins more than 1,000 American Red Cross chapters, Blood Services regions and Armed Forces Emergency Services stations nationwide in working to make the United States safer from disaster through the 'Together We Prepare' campaign. The Gaston County Chapter is encouraging Gaston residents to join a grassroots effort to make sure Gaston County is better prepared should disaster strike by doing five simple things: make a plan, build a kit, get trained, volunteer and give blood.

“With the possibility of war, terrorist attacks, natural disasters and everyday emergencies, being prepared can help save lives,” says Roberts. “These five actions of ‘Together We Prepare’ will help local residents make their homes, schools, workplaces and communities safer.”

From a local house fire to a major regional hurricane, the American Red Cross has been there helping people prepare for and respond to disasters for more than 100 years.

"The Red Cross is in nearly every community across the country" Tyler said, “so they are well positioned to organize preparedness activities.” "United Way is proud to collaborate with our local Red Cross chapter to provide these vital services for Gaston residents."

For more information, please call the Gaston County Chapter of the American Red Cross at (704) 864-2623.

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© 2002 American Red Cross, Gaston County Chapter
190 S. Oakland Street | Gastonia, NC  28052
(704) 864-2623 | (704) 864-7904 (fax)

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