Oregon

Together We Prepare: Red Cross and State Farm Strengthen Their Partnership in Oregon

August 2011 - State Farm has been a national and local partner with the American Red Cross for many years. Since 2000 State Farm has donated over $20 million to the Red Cross in support of disaster relief and disaster preparedness programs.

Here in Oregon, State Farm and the American Red Cross further that partnership by preparing Oregonians to prevent emergencies and respond swiftly in the event of a disaster. The Oregon Trail Chapter's Together We Prepare program provides door-to-door campaigns to bring safety information and supplies to residents of neighborhoods with historically high rates of Red Cross response and assistance.

The program also teaches Oregonians simple steps that can save lives and prepare them to be self-sufficient after a major disaster. Participants learn how to make a family disaster plan and build an emergency kit; hear about getting financially prepared, discuss what to do about utilities, food storage, and water safety in a disaster, as well as learning specific information about home fires, severe storms, floods, earthquakes, hazardous material accidents, wildfires, and tsunamis. Red Cross employees and volunteers proudly present this information at churches, businesses, schools, service groups, senior centers, child care and Head Start programs, associations, and many other locations.

In addition to this program State Farm is partnering with Red Cross on the ALERT youth program. This innovative educational program provides high school students with leadership and career development opportunities and brings vital safety and disaster preparedness information to younger children. Teens are trained as instructors to teach elementary age children basic safety skills related to fire, earthquake, and weather emergencies. Songs, stories, and puppets make learning about safety and preparedness fun and easy to remember. The younger children gain valuable knowledge to keep themselves safe, while the older youth gain important experience and skills in public speaking, community service, and working with children.

State Farm is proud to partner with the American Red Cross both nationally and here in Oregon. For more information on these programs or how you can get involved with the Oregon Red Cross visit their Web site: OregonRedCross or follow them on twitter @RedCrossPDX