March is American Red Cross Month
Since 1943, the President of the United States has proclaimed March as Red Cross Month. It is a time for the Red Cross to commemorate its past accomplishments and to look forward to future goals. Mayor LaFortune proclaimed March as Red Cross Month in the City of Tulsa.
The goal of the American Red Cross is to remind the public about the importance of being prepared. Despite growing concerns about terrorism and manmade disasters, in addition to fires, tornadoes, floods and other natural disasters that the United States faces every year, Americans continue to go unprepared.
The Red Cross launched the Together We Prepare campaign in 2003, challenging individuals, businesses and communities to take responsibility for their safety and that of their families, homes and their neighborhoods. By following five basic steps we can all move toward greater safety.
- Make a plan. Design a Family (Home) Disaster Plan and a Workplace Disaster Plans.
- Build a kit. Assemble Disaster Supply Kits, which contain items that people may need if confined to their home for an extended period or if they are told to evacuate on short notice.
- Get trained. Learn to save lives. The Red Cross offers classes year round to individuals and businesses.
- Volunteer. Supporting the Red Cross mission, whether sharing time or money, means that we will be there to respond immediately whenever the need arises.
- Give blood. Become a regular and frequent blood donor to ensure a blood supply that meets all needs, all of the time. Only 5 percent of the eligible population donates blood.
In addition, American Red Cross is the trusted authority in sending emergency messages between members of the U.S. Military and their families and families with international health and welfare inquiries, tracing of missing relatives, delivering messages to prisoners of war and civilian detainees and family reunification.
Updated 03-28-2005
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