The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region and the DTE Energy Foundation have launched a new program in Detroit area schools to teach area youths how to prevent and prepare for disasters such as fire.

This program, thanks to the generous funding and support from the DTE Energy Foundation, is being implemented at the elementary and high school levels by Red Cross staff and volunteers during the 2011-12 academic year.

The elementary school program kicked off at Paul Robeson—Malcolm X Academy at Hally on September 21. This one-week program teaches the fundamentals of preparedness and how to be “Red Cross Ready.” The program ends with a celebration and prizes for participating children. The celebration will take place on Thursday, September 29.

The high school program begins on September 29 at the Medical and Community Health Academy at Cody High School, in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Month. This 12-week service learning program not only teaches the fundamentals of preparedness but also teaches, Hands Only (Citizen) CPR, fire prevention and awareness.

"The DTE Energy Foundation is pleased to partner with the American Red Cross to invest in the safety, health and well being of our communities," said Fred Shell, president of the DTE Energy Foundation. "The foundation's support of this innovative Red Cross program is part of our company's broader commitment to develop metro Detroit's young people." Shell added that the company and foundation recently sponsored a back-to-school initiative, a summer jobs program and the 2011 Think Detroit PAL baseball season.

“We are grateful to the DTE Energy Foundation for their generous support,” states, Jim Laverty, Regional Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region. “Knowledge coupled with preparedness is the best defenses against disaster. We hope this program will inform our youth and help the community.”

The program will be offered in 11 other schools in the City of Detroit during the 2011-12 academic year.

About DTE Energy:

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan; MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan; and other non-utility energy businesses focused on gas storage and pipelines, unconventional gas production, power and industrial projects, and energy trading. Information about DTE Energy is available at www.dteenergy.com and at www.twitter.com/dte_energy.

About the DTE Energy Foundation:

The DTE Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its principal operating subsidiaries, Detroit Edison and MichCon.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. 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. To make a donation, please visit, www.redcross.org or call 1-800-Red-Cross