Joan Foley, director, American Red Cross in Greater New York – Queens, and Council Member Helen Sears (25th District – Queens) review emergency preparedness information materials that were created for residents of Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Rego Park, Woodside and Corona. (Photo: Allen Salzberg)

ARC/GNY - Queens has received a $3,500 grant from Council Member Helen Sears (25th District - Queens) to print Red Cross emergency preparedness information materials that Ms. Sears and her staff started distributing to district residents during the current hurricane season and will continue to provide through next May.

The grant by Council Member Sears will provide the residents of Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Rego Park, Woodside and Corona with guidance, tips and other important emergency preparedness information. The literature will inform residents about the actions they need to take prior to and during an emergency – creating an emergency supplies kit for sheltering at home or if they must evacuate, developing a household communications plan and practicing it, and remaining informed and following directions from authorities.

Council Member Sears, who serves on the health committee on the New York City Council, said that safety and preparedness must be a high priority for every household in Queens.

"The American Red Cross in Greater New York's preparedness materials provide important information in simple and easy-to-use brochures that will help everyone prepare themselves and their families for emergency situations,” said Council Member Sears. “I will be distributing these materials throughout my district and encourage anybody who would like a copy of the material to contact my district office.”