 By Margaret Gillerman
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Friday, May 23, 2008
The American Red Cross chapter here announced Thursday it is the first in the nation to achieve the organization's top level of disaster readiness.
The rating ensures a better response in the event of an earthquake, tornado, severe storm, power outage, chemical explosion, flood or other major emergency.
"This means we have the people, resources, emergency supplies, shelter agreements, partnerships and leadership in this community," said Vivian Luce, St. Louis chapter board chairman.
To attain this level, a chapter must be able to take care of up to 600 displaced families on its own until outside help arrives.
The chapter covers the bistate metropolitan area, with service centers for St. Charles County, Metro East, Jefferson County and Scott Air Force Base.
About 150 volunteers and others gathered for the announcement at its headquarters just off North Lindbergh Boulevard.
In 2004, the chapter joined state and local emergency responders in a five-year preparedness campaign that includes helping individuals, families, schools and businesses make emergency plans and learn how to save lives.
The project is ahead of schedule with about 92,000 people trained.
"Our families, friends and children are counting on us," Luce said.
The chapter offers online courses in health and safety, and self-guided workbooks and DVDs on first aid and CPR. It also sells emergency supply kits ranging from $20 to $70.
"The reality is: We are at risk every day," Luce said. She told the story of a Missouri woman who used CPR learned from the Red Cross to save her own baby daughter after a tornado.
Joe Becker, a senior vice president of the American National Red Cross, joined St. Louis May Francis Slay and County Executive Charlie Dooley in congratulating the chapter.
Becker joked: "There are quite a few cities ... gritting their teeth because you got there first."
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