WHO: American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter

WHAT: Annual public board of directors meeting to nominate and elect new board members and a new board chairman as well as honor preparedness partners in the community for their help over the last year.

WHEN: 5:30-7:30 p.m. THURSDAY, Sept. 27, 2007

WHERE: Red Cross Chapter Headquarters, 225 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

WHY: An integral player in community disaster relief, the American Red Cross is at the scene when emergencies occur - from fires to floods and from individuals to entire communities - providing for immediate needs such as food, shelter and clothing. Community partners and volunteers help to support our mission and enable the Red Cross to continue its vital role in the four-county area of Allegheny, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties.

HOW: The meeting will begin with the new election of officers, members and then a description of the local Promise to Prepare campaign will be shared. Community partners, volunteers and special donor recognition will be honored with brief presentations and framed certificate distribution. Red Cross staff will also conduct a demonstration of a Red Cross shelter for the attendees.

PITTSBURGH - The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter would like to thank the fans that contributed to the local disaster relief collections at the Pittsburgh Steelers game Aug. 26.

"We normally would thank our donors with individual letters," said Red Cross CEO Tim Tassone. "But due to the nature of these collections at the various gates at the Steelers game, we are unable to know who each of the donors was. What we do know is the dedicated fans of our city’s football team were willing to support our local disaster relief mission---and we thank them."

Volunteers at the Steelers game collected nearly $4400 for local disaster relief such as fires, floods, chemical spills and other natural or man-made disasters. The Steelers will match the donation, bringing the total to nearly $8,800. The Red Cross responds to a local disaster nearly every 22 hours and the monies raised at the Steelers game will go toward helping families and individuals recover by providing for the immediate disaster-caused needs such as safe shelter, clean clothing, groceries and sometimes medical needs or emotional support.

Nearly $2,500 in donations will go toward the helping families affected by Aug. 9 Western Pennsylvania flooding

PITTSBURGH, PA - September is National Preparedness Month yet only 7 percent of Americans have taken the steps necessary to be prepared, according to the American Red Cross (1).  Why? Many people just don't have the time. In fact, an American Red Cross survey indicates that 82 percent of Americans say they would get prepared if it were easier to do (2). Additionally, among Americans who had not put together a disaster kit, 65 percent agreed that they would be more likely to have a kit if one were available for sale and contained basic items to get them started (3).

Your local Red Cross is using National Preparedness Month to urge every family to "Promise to Prepare"--prepare your family by doing one of four actions: make a plan, build a kit, get trained and volunteer. You can make a promise online at swpa.redcross.org and the Red Cross will stay in contact with you by providing information to help you see your promise through to completion.

One way the Red Cross has made it easier for families to get prepared is by offering a variety of first aid, health, safety and emergency preparedness items and trainings.

"Our trainings will help individuals and families learn the necessary steps to take in emergencies," said Red Cross CEO Tim Tassone. "Our chapter also has pre-made disaster and first aid kits for purchase to help families make a promise to be prepared and follow through with it."

Red Cross items available to the public include first aid kits, emergency preparedness kits, auto safety kits, and a variety of essential education guides. Additionally, the Red Cross offers various trainings for preparedness such as CPR and First Aid with Automated External Defibrillator and Lifeguarding.

Proceeds from the sale of these items or courses go directly back into supporting the mission of the organization. Over the last few months, the local Red Cross has responded to meet the needs of hundreds of disaster victims affected by local fires and floods; every dollar helps.

The Red Cross "Promise to Prepare" campaign is focused on helping people take action to better prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Follow these steps to prepare for what may come:

• Make a Plan
• Build a Kit
• Get Trained
• Volunteer

Join in National Preparedness Month-Be Prepared. To learn more about the American Red Cross or to make a promise to be better prepared, call 1-888-217-9599 or visit us at www.swpa.redcross.org.

(1)Harris Interactive, on-line survey of 2563 respondents, fielded April 10-16, 2007, with a margin of error of +/-2%; Survey provided as a pro-bono contribution to the American Red Cross in support of its disaster preparedness efforts.