By MARSHA S. ANDER
Residents could see an increase in taxes if local government must assume the roles provided by the Nassau County Red Cross, which operates on a yearly budget of $2.2 million.
"Without local volunteer organizations like the Red Cross, Nassau County and its villages would have to utilize paid staff to takeover their services and use taxes to purchase supplies," said Commissioner James Callahan, of the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management.
"We have seen an increase in the number of incidents requiring Red Cross assistance within the county," said Frank Cassano, chief executive officer of the Nassau County Red Cross. "Long Islanders need to realize that by investing in their local Red Cross chapter they are helping their neighbors and themselves."
Many of the incidents Cassano referred to are fires. Although they may not generate the attention given to catastrophic events like hurricanes or tornadoes, fires are just as tragic for those who must sift through the ashes for their belongings. He explained that unlike major disasters, which are funded at the national level, the local chapter is responsible for local emergencies.
"Just like any other entity, we expend a lot of funds to keep our vehicles fueled and to keep the lights on," said Cassano. "It's important for people to realize that we are not a government agency, nor are we supported with public tax money."
Jacqueline Katz, a Valley Stream resident and hurricane preparedness associate, said many people think the Red Cross only takes care of large natural disasters, but is called more often for local situations.
"There have been a lot of house fires recently," she said. "We've gotten more active and gotten more requests for assistance." Also part of the agency's Disaster Action Team, Katz is among first responders dispatched to local emergencies.
Earlier this month, she explained, three displaced Cedarhurst families received emergency aide from the local chapter of the Red Cross when their apartment building was declared unsafe by the Nassau County Building Department. Contractors working in a store below may have caused the building's problem and the residents were given shelter for one night in a local hotel.
Displaced families may be provided with toiletry items, food or money, besides being given blankets at the scene. "We have a National Red Cross Price list and that is how we determine what we give," Katz said.
"It is important that residents realize that entities like the Nassau Red Cross, who are experts in providing emergency services, can not do it without donations and I urge all residents to support their local chapter the best they can," urged Callahan.
To make a financial contribution or learn more about your Local Red Cross chapter you can call (516) 747-3500.
Comments about this story? MAnder@liherald.com or 516-569-4000 ext. 201.
