Together We Prepare… for a Transit Strike

From the moment in December 2002 when New York heard the announcement about a possible transit strike, the American Red Cross in Greater New York instantly created a plan of action if the strike became a reality.  

The Red Cross arranged to have comfort stations in strategic locations such as bridges, and Emergency Response Vehicles were stocked and ready with snacks and hot drinks.  We also printed extra safety tips to distribute to New Yorkers and trained disaster mental health experts were on call. 

Red Cross Volunteer Corina Stonebanks Helps During Threatened Transit Strike

Corina Stonebanks, a volunteer with the Red Cross since 1999, is active in both Disaster Services and Media Relations. Following the events of September 11, 2001, she helped out as a shelter manager, assisted with media, and served as a disaster services volunteer at Ground Zero. A lawyer by profession, Corina has assisted the Red Cross in numerous disasters, including December’s threatened transit strike.

“I volunteered as a liaison between the Red Cross and the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management [OEM], relaying information between the two organizations as the city mobilized to handle millions of people without transportation. The OEM office was an exciting place to be. It was a hub of activity, with dozens of people staffing phones, organizing supplies and coordinating with other city, state and federal agencies. In the past two years, I have met great people at the Red Cross and have felt so fulfilled that I’ve been able to help. It is the most significant work I’ve ever done in my life.”

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