DETROIT—June 20, 2011—With seemingly daily reminders this spring of how suddenly and devastatingly disaster can overwhelm a community, the General Motors Foundation and the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region are working together to help Metro Detroit residents become more prepared for disasters that have the potential to strike our region.

On Tuesday, June 21 they will hold “The American Red Cross and The GM Foundation Be Red Cross Ready Day” at the GM Wintergarden in the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. The public is invited to the free event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will feature a mock shelter set-up by the Red Cross, information on disaster preparedness for specific disasters, information on how to become a Red Cross volunteer to assist during disasters in our community or around the country and more. Red Cross staff and volunteers, including individuals who have responded to this year’s string of severe weather disasters across the United States, will be available to discuss disaster preparedness and response with attendees.

"Through our partnership with the American Red Cross, the GM Foundation has been able to help victims of floods, earthquakes and other tragedies that have hit communities around the world unexpectedly," said Vivian Pickard, president, GM Foundation. "We're thankful to have those experts join us to help us all get prepared for disasters that can strike anytime and anywhere."

Attendees will be able to take home educational and planning materials to help themselves and their families become more prepared for disasters.

“From Japan to Joplin, we’ve seen how quickly a disaster can strike a quiet and safe community,” said Glen Hendricks, Director of Disaster Services for the Southeastern Michigan Region of the American Red Cross and a recent returnee from a Red Cross Joplin tornado recovery deployment. “With the support of the General Motors Foundation and our other community supporters, the Red Cross is dedicated to making Southeastern Michigan ‘Red Cross Ready’ for potential disasters in our communities.”

About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region:
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe and St. Clair Counties. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.semredcross.org.