American Red Cross Offers Free Disaster Education Sessions Across Cape Cod

American Red Cross Offers Free Disaster Education Sessions Across Cape Cod

HYANNIS - In the wake of Hurricane Gustav and with Hanna, Ike and Josephine coming,  the Cape Cod and Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross has scheduled several free community sessions to provide local residents with important information on preparing for storms. 

Disaster Preparedness Presentations will be held as follows:

• Monday, Sept. 15th at 6:30pm                    
  Wellfleet Council on Aging, 715 Old King's Highway, off Cahoon Hollow Road
• Tuesday, Sept. 16th at 6:30pm
  Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, 869 Main St/6A, Brewster
• Thursday, Sept. 18th at 6:30pm
  West Barnstable Fire Department, 2160 Meetinghouse Way, exit 5 towards W. Barnstable
• Wednesday, Sept. 24th at 6:30pm
  Sandwich Recreational Department, 270 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, exit 3 towards E. Sandwich

In the three years since Hurricane Katrina, the American Red Cross has worked diligently to better prepare our communities for a disaster. As a component of Disaster Services, the Red Cross partners with emergency services groups to provide shelter, food, and comfort free of charge to anyone displaced by a disaster. Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket all have designated Red Cross shelters that, once town emergency managers choose to open them, are available to the public and are staffed by trained volunteers. 

The threat for a hurricane is present through the end of November, and Red Cross Disaster volunteers are ready to serve whenever a disaster hits. Residents, families, and visitors should be aware of how they can protect themselves before, during, and after a storm. The list of possible shelters and their locations is available on our web site at CapeCodandIslandsRedCross.org.  View the Cape Cod shelter map in PDF form here. Also, the Disaster Preparedness Guide for Seniors by Seniors is available in PDF form here.

The National Weather Service is currently tracking three tropical storms, including Hanna, Ike, and Josephine, all forming or moving over the Atlantic. Businesses, churches, and community groups can contact the Red Cross for a presentation by calling (508) 775-1540. These presentations can be geared towards any age, and includes information on helping those with specific needs, such as hearing or sight impairments.

Release courtesy of the Cape Cod and Islands Chapter of the Red Cross.