Red Cross to offer hurricane preparedness training

The American Red Cross announced plans on Monday to offer a series of free hurricane-preparedness training sessions to Long Beach residents during what is expected to be an “extremely active” hurricane season.

Red Cross and city officials made the announcement at a press conference in front of City Hall. The program, titled “Be Red Cross Ready,” will help residents learn how to assemble a disaster kit, create a family plan and be better informed.

“As we are now in storm season, we are focusing on preparedness not only as a city, but also by working with the Red Cross to help our homeowners be well prepared,” City Manager Jack Schnirman said.

The Red Cross will offer four training sessions throughout the summer, which will take place in the sixth-floor auditorium of City Hall on July 11 and 31 and Aug. 14 and 21, all at 6 p.m. A presentation geared specifically to senior citizens will be held at the Senior Center, 650 Magnolia Blvd., on Aug. 14 at 11:15 a.m.

“To help ensure that Long Beach residents are better prepared,” said John Miller, CEO of the American Red Cross on Long Island, “we’re proud to partner with the Long Beach City Council to offer free Be Red Cross Ready presentations throughout the summer.”

In addition to the presentations, residents are encouraged to download the free Red Cross Hurricane app to their smartphones. The app is available for iPhone and Android devices through the Apple and Google stores. More information can be found online at www.redcross.org/mobileapps.

Officials said that while the training sessions would offer help for all emergencies, they will focus on hurricanes. “Superstorm Sandy was devastating, and together we are rebuilding,” said City Council President Scott Mandel. “Yet recovery is more than seeing homes fixed or the return of the boardwalk; it’s about helping our residents and community to be better prepared. We thank the Red Cross for their continued support.”