Prepare for an emergency? Bingo!!

Hurricane season hasn't even officially begun, and the Red Cross is already opening shelters in Florida in response to Tropical Storm Debby. The situation there is only expected to get worse, with up to 25 inches of rain possible over the next few days. This comes as multiple Red Cross shelters remain open to assist residents in Colorado and Utah who have been forced to evacuate by wildfires.

So you may be wondering...what does that have to do with us in Western New York? First of all, as always, our volunteers are ready to deploy to the affected areas if our assistance is needed, and we encourage everyone to help our neighbors in need by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts. In addition, while we are not currently affected, these situations show the importance of emergency preparedness. From flooding to house fires, hurricanes to wildfires, disaster can strike anywhere, anytime, often without warning.

Bingo! These ladies at Untied Church Manor Apartments
in West Seneca are better prepared for an emergency.

Do you want to learn more about the three steps everyone can take that can help make a difference? (By the way, they're Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed!) The Red Cross offers free emergency preparedness education programs, but don't worry--it's not like sitting through your college biology lecture. In fact, it's kinda fun! On Friday, our own Denise Herkey-Jarosch delivered a program at the United Church Manor Apartments in West Seneca, complete with a game of preparedness bingo! And really, who doesn't love a little bingo--only in this version, everyone wins some potentially life-saving information.


We offer free emergency preparedness education programs for everyone, from age four on up. Don't wait until it's Western New York's turn to deal with a disaster to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared. You may even get to practice your "BINGO" call before the next big game!!