In Case You Missed It - July 20

Long Island Red Cross staff and volunteers installing free smoke alarms at the Sinnecock Nation.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 110 adults and 45 children following 43 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Last Saturday, the Long Island Red Cross had an outstanding turnout for its Home Fire Preparedness Campaign in Southampton (Long Island). Working with many partners, the Red Cross visited over 200 homes of the Shinnecock Nation to install free smoke alarms.
• Metro New York North Red Cross was also out on Saturday doing pre-canvassing in Warwick for the following week’s smoke alarm installation event.
• Last Friday was the anniversary of the Queens Blackout of 2006. To mark the occasion, we encouraged residents to take the NYS online Citizens Preparedness Training.
• For three straight days last week, Disaster Cycle Services held its quarterly All-Hands Meetings with all the chapters of the region in Manhattan, Hawthorne and Lindenhurst. Future program information was shared and volunteers were recognized.
• Last Wednesday, GNY Service to the Armed Forces and the Bronx VA Medical Center held a BBQ for its veteran residents.

Upcoming Events 

• July 22: Sharknado is back! This is the third Sharknado to appear in as many years so we updated our Sharknado Preparedness Guide. We’ll also be live-tweeting the disaster at 9 pm, July 22 so please follow us on Twitter.
• July 20, 23, 24: Red Cross blood drives; 1 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• July 25: Volunteers will be canvassing neighborhoods in Warwick, N.Y. and Queens to teach fire safety and install free smoke alarms as part of the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. If you are interested in a full-time leadership position to help prevent home fires in New York City, check out the following listings: Regional Individual and Community Preparedness Manager, Operations Manager, Manager, Information & Planning, Lead Specialists for Brooklyn Operations and Bronx Operations.