| Releases
& Statements
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9, 2007
Contact: John Collins
(212) 669-4193; (917) 496-4587
Release #: 032-2007
Public
Advocate Gotbaum Launches Emergency Prep Tour
- Public Advocate, American Red Cross
launch Summer Tour on City Steps -
MANHATTAN
– As the City moves into the season of hurricanes and blackouts,
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum today called on New Yorkers to take
simple steps to prepare themselves. Public Advocate Gotbaum, joined
by American Red Cross in Greater New York Chief External Affairs
Officer Rosemary Mackey, announced the beginning of a citywide
summer tour to spread awareness about disaster and emergency preparedness.
According
to a 2005 study by Risk Management Company AIR, a large scale
storm or hurricane in New York would cover JFK in 20 feet of water
and cost over $100 billion in damages. And IFC Consulting estimated
that the citywide blackout of August 2003 resulted in damages
between $7 and $10 billion.
Public
Advocate Gotbaum urged New Yorkers to talk to their kids about
emergency planning: pick a meeting place, plan an exit route,
designate an out-of-state relative or friend, and pack an emergency
kit. As part of her five borough tour, Public Advocate Gotbaum
will pass out pamphlets about preparedness and raffle off “Go
Bags”.
Public Advocate Gotbaum said, “Emergency preparedness isn’t
about scaring New Yorkers – it’s about taking common
sense steps for safety. As we all know, disasters can happen,
and New Yorkers need to be prepared.”
American Red Cross in Greater New York Chief External Affairs
Officer Rosemary Mackey said, “It is imperative that all
New Yorkers work closely with us to become trained to protect
themselves and their families, and we ask that residents, organizations
and business join us now as trained volunteers so they are able
to help their fellow citizens during an emergency.”
Summer Preparedness Tour Dates
(Complete list at www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov)
July
11 Philharmonic Concert Central Park, Manhattan
Aug
4 Jamaica Arts & Music Festival Parson Boulevard, Queens
Aug
5 Orchard Beach Orchard Beach, Bronx
Aug
9 Marty Markowitz Concert Asser Levy Field, Brooklyn
Aug
20 MLK Concert Wingate Field, Brooklyn
Sept
8 Annual Greek Festival Richmond Ave, Staten Island
Sept
8 Richmond County Fair 44 Clarke Ave, Staten Island
Sept
23 Irish Fair Keyspan Park, Brooklyn
The
City Office of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross
recommend families assemble disaster preparedness kits, or “Go-Bags,”
containing emergency supplies in an easy-to-carry container. The
kit should include copies of vital documents, food and water,
flashlights and batteries, and first aid supplies. To learn more
about becoming prepared for emergencies, visit www.nyredcross.org
or www.nyc.gov.
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