American Red Cross

Posted by Gary O'Rielly 
on Sep 09, 2013
 
The last presentation in our series on Disaster Prepardedness (September 6, 2013) was Chuck Morrison, Executive Director of the Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross. How prepared are we in our home or business for a major disaster? Think of the situation where a disaster occurs and three hours later would you know where your family members are and whether they are safe?  Chuck distributed EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION CARDS that can be used by every family member. Care and protection of our family members during a disaster is the most important issue for all family members. Calling 911 will likely not work due to the volume of calls because everyone will be trying to use the system.
 

Chuck, who has made presentations to our group before, talked about an initiative called Safe in the Sound. It is a three year program to reach over 1 million people in Puget Sound area and get people to get themselves ready for a disaster--big or small, but, ultimately for THE BIG ONE. So far in the first year they have reached over 462,000 of the 1 million. In the likelihood of a major disaster, Swedish Hospital in Edmonds will likely be not usable so Providence in Everett will be the key hospital in the region. He then talked about the recently discovered South Whidbey Island FAULT, He shared that it is the most dangerous fault in the area. From the south tip of Vancouver Island to Whidbey Island to Mill Creek stretching all the way to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation it is by far the longest and most dangerous fault in the continental United States.

Club members participated by reading prepared statements that Chuck had handed out earlier about the impact of a disaster......and the impact on fire and police........the impact on health care providers and schools....the ferry system which will be critical and other transportation systems and finally the impact on seniors and the disabled.

Government will not pay you back for your losses as many suspect that they will be there for all of us. Earthquake insurance is important which was music to Bill's ears. This type of insurance is an additional expense. He recommended that each of us go to this website to help prepare ourselves- ReadyRating.org covers a list of 123 questions for schools and businesses. Something to really thing about. There are also tools that you can use for your iPhone or Andriod based smartphones.

Mr. Morrison was one of 40 recipients honored at the National Level for his work on behalf of the American Red Cross. He has been the Executive Director of the local chapter since 2003.  And, as noted in the accompanying article is a member of the Rotary Club of Everett-Port Gardner. He served a term as President. Our own Jim Steinruck served on the Red Cross Board at one time until recently. Another absolutely fantastic program.