The new headquarters of the American Red Cross in Greater New York at 520 West 49th Street is enabling the chapter to better fulfill its mission to help New Yorkers prevent, prepare for and respond to any kind of disaster or emergency. The state-of-the-art facility enhances the chapter's ability to meet the preparedness training and disaster services needs of the nine million people in New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties.

Features of the building include:

• Convenient location for students, clients and visitors that is close to buses, subways and the West Side Highway.
  
• All services for visitors, clients, training partners and students are located on the first floor, including reception areas, classrooms, a large meeting hall, client service and counseling offices, the Red Cross Store, Red Cross Heritage Gallery and a refreshment area.
  
• Flexible meeting and training rooms to meet the organization"s changing needs. More than 10,000 square feet of classroom and training space doubles previous capacity to provide instruction in lifesaving, preparedness skills and disaster response to individuals, organizations, volunteers and employees.
  
• The technologically advanced Emergency Communications Center operates 24/7, allowing responders to instantly learn about, monitor and react to all emergency events in the Greater New York area.
  
• A tiered Emergency Operations Center, equipped with video monitors, permits improved management of responses to major disasters and coordination with city, state and federal government agencies and other non-profit partner organizations.
  
• Sophisticated computer and communication technology systems ensure that information is processed and shared quickly and efficiently.
  
• An on-premises transportation center enables emergency vehicles to be dispatched quickly to disaster sites with necessary personnel and supplies. Direct access to the West Side Highway and other major arteries will enhance disaster response times.
  
• A Red Cross Heritage Gallery, open to the public, commemorates the unique role of the Red Cross in New York, U.S. and International history. The Red Cross Store, also open to the public, is New York’s premier source for safety and preparedness information and materials, stocked with safety kits, go bags, books, teaching materials and Red Cross gifts and apparel.