California Earthquake Remembered Today; American Red Cross Urges Americans to Prepare for Earthquakes and Other Disasters

Summary

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In the midst of this tragedy, chaos and confusion, families once again turned to a most-trusted symbol for help -- the American Red Cross. Relief workers from throughout the country operated 47 shelters in response to the quake, housing more than 22,000 men, women, and children. Volunteers prepared and served more than 1,730,000 meals. Disaster mental health counselors reached out to help 39,700 cope emotionally with the aftermath. Caseworkers interviewed more than 33,600 families, providing recovery assistance and helping them map out their recovery. In all, the American Red Cross mobilized 15,108 volunteers and employees, and spent more than $35.7 million on the relief effort.

"Looking back at a major disaster anniversary reminds us all just how important it is to be prepared," said Joe Becker, Vice President of Response for the American Red Cross. "Earthquakes strike without warning. In fact the Red Cross has responded to six earthquakes in the decade since Northridge. With an earthquake, there is no time to write a plan or buy supplies. That's why it is vital for families to plan for emergencies long before an event occurs, review and refresh those plans and supplies regularly, and donate your time or financial gift to help keep the Red Cross ready to respond."

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California Earthquake Remembered Today; American Red Cross Urges Americans to Prepare for Earthquakes and Other Disasters

In Northridge that preparedness would have been crucial because several aftershocks, up to 5.0 in magnitude occurred ...

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