New York City Council Member James Sanders, Jr., informs Rockaway residents about the importance of becoming prepared for local emergencies. With him are Dianne Smith, Red Cross Queens community outreach volunteer, Joan A. Foley, director, American Red Cross in Greater New York-Queens, and Joseph Marcellino, New York City Office of Emergency Management health and medical preparedness coordinator. (Photo: Lana Kupuniya)

At the Thursday, September 28, town hall meeting hosted by New York City Council Member James Sanders, Jr., approximately 90 Rockaway residents received important information about becoming personally prepared for a local emergency.

Held at the New York City Housing Authority Edgemere Community Center (57-10 Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway), the American Red Cross in Greater New York-Queens was among the presenters. The organization provided residents with details about preparing for fires, floods and coastal storms.

Council Member Sanders was very interested in the Red Cross disaster back pack, also known as a "Go Bag.” It contains supplies (including water, food bars, flashlight and batteries) that people will need if an emergency forces an evacuation from apartments and houses. The emergency kit is available from the Queens office of the Red Cross (138-02 Queens Boulevard - 718-558-0053) or online at the Red Cross Store. Its contents should be supplemented with personal items such as important documents, prescription glasses and medications.

Red Cross volunteers provided attendees with information about the programs and services, including classes that are available from the organization throughout New York City. Queens volunteers Vladimir Stoyanov, Dianne Smith and Jackie Ayer explained the various reasons they choose to volunteer for the Red Cross and how they enjoy helping fellow New Yorkers during their time of need.