Get Ready at Eight Statewide Events during National Preparedness Month, Sept. 12

The American Red Cross and NW Natural are teaming up during National Preparedness Month to help Oregonians and Southwest Washingtonians prepare for a natural disaster or emergency. During the month of September, Get Ready events will be held in the eight communities of Portland, Vancouver, Salem, Albany, The Dalles, Seaside, Lincoln County, and Coos Bay. The events are free to the general public. The first 100 families will receive small Red Cross emergency kits. Free lunch will be provided at most locations, as well as safety demonstrations, kids’ activities and materials from local emergency groups. There is no need to register; attendees can just show up. “These community gatherings are fun and a great way to introduce family conversation about what to do, where to go and who to rely on should a disaster occur,” said Cara Sloman, regional disaster program officer for the American Red Cross Cascades Region. “A wealth of resources are on site at each event, thanks to the coordinating efforts of NW Natural.” Here are the details on who will be joining the American Red Cross Cascades Region and NW Natural for each event: * Get Ready Coos Bay, September 13 – Coos Bay Fire Station on Elrod Ave. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., joined by Coos Bay Fire Department, Coos County Emergency Management, Coos Bay Police, North Coos 911 Center, Bay Cities Ambulance, South Coast Preppers, Hazmat Team 15, Coast CPR, Pacific Power, Car Seat Coalition, Coos County Assessor’s Office, Salvation Army, Bay Area Hospital and more. “We’re pleased to host a series of readiness events with the Red Cross for the third year in a row,” said Von Summers, NW Natural community affairs manager. “Safety is a top priority for NW Natural and we want to help our communities prepare for any natural disaster that might occur.”