News Archives 2003
Congressional Staff Step Forward to Help the
Red Cross in the Event of a Disaster
District office staff will be trained to help with increased
volume of casework should a large scale disaster strike the Portland
metro area and coastal communities
Portland, Ore.-The American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter today
announced a new relationship with congressional offices serving
seven counties in northwest Oregon. Caseworkers for Senators Ron
Wyden and Gordon Smith, as well as Representatives Earl Blumenauer,
Darlene Hooley and David Wu, will be ready to back up Oregon Trail
Chapter volunteers and staff during a large scale emergency.
Five congressional offices signed memorandums of understanding
(MOU) that establish a working partnership with the Oregon Trail
Chapter. The agreements provide a broad framework for cooperation
in rendering assistance and service to victims of manmade and
natural disasters.
“The more coordination and planning that can occur before
disaster strikes, the faster we will be able to respond and recover,”
said Senator Ron Wyden. “Our constituent representatives
will be ready to assist during an emergency.”
Following September 11, 2001, one of the largest relief operations
for the American Red Cross, chapters began looking for ways to
expedite casework so people could receive assistance as quickly
as possible. The Oregon Trail Chapter reached out to congressional
staff in Oregon, who will begin training on disaster operations
and Red Cross protocol and procedures this year.
“At a time when resources in our state are stretched, it
is important to identify ways to make Oregon as prepared as possible
for a disaster or an emergency,” said Senator Gordon Smith.
“It will also be beneficial for our caseworkers to have current
training in providing relief from disasters we may face in Oregon,
such as earthquakes, wildfires or floods.”
A 1905 congressional charter names the American Red Cross as
the agency responsible for domestic disaster relief and support
services to military personnel and their families. Although the
Red Cross is not a government agency, the federal government looks
to the Red Cross during times of war, emergencies and disasters.
“The American Red Cross has a unique relationship with the
White House and Congress,” Said Sue Hildick, executive director
of the Oregon Trail Chapter. “What we have done here in Oregon
is enhance that relationship so we have additional resources to
provide relief quickly to those in need. We are grateful to Members
of Congress serving Oregon for helping us become more prepared
to face the unexpected.”
According to scientific research, the Pacific Northwest has experience
at least 10 earthquakes, measuring an estimated magnitude nine,
with intervals between them ranging from 250 to 1,500 years. Evidence
indicates the last major earthquake to hit the Northwest coast
in 1700. “Oregon provides us with an exceptional quality
of life,” said Representative Earl Blumenauer. “What
many people may not realize is that our scenic beauty is a result
of considerable volcanic and tectonic activity. It is vital that
government and organizations be prepared for potential disasters
and I am pleased to be a part of that effort."
These signed agreements between a local Red Cross chapter and
congressional offices are the first of their kind and are another
step toward making Oregon the most prepared state in the nation
for natural and manmade disasters. Recent data indicates that
15 percent more Oregonians have built disaster supplies kits since
2001. Prepare Oregon, a statewide campaign, served as a model
for a national education program of the American Red Cross called
Together We Prepare.
Back
------ 2003 News Archives
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American Red Cross, Oregon
Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call
(503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters,
go to www.PrepareOregon.org
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