As the Gulf Coast prepares for the start of hurricane season, the American Red Cross is recruiting and training local volunteers to help victims if another major storm strikes the Houston area. Disaster can strike quickly and with little notice. From setting up emergency shelters to distributing food, Red Cross officials today trained volunteers, including ExxonMobil employees, as part of the Ready When the Time Comes program. If a large-scale disaster occurs, the Red Cross will call on partner corporations like ExxonMobil, which recruits the largest number of volunteers, to immediately mobilize the trained force to help those in need.
"These employees have committed to provide help to the Houston area in a time of emergency,” said Michael Dooley, ExxonMobil Headquarters Community Relations Manager. “With hurricane season nearly upon us, the Red Cross’ training is preparing volunteers to immediately serve those in need if a major disaster strikes."
Ready When the Time Comes disaster training shows volunteers how to operate emergency shelters, including setting up cots and distributing food; how to assess damaged homes to determine what assistance is needed; and how to distribute food, clean-up kits, and other emergency items people need immediately following a disaster.
"ExxonMobil’s support in activating this important team of volunteers during such a critical time for our community will provide invaluable assistance,” said Steve Vetrano, CEO, The Greater Houston Area Red Cross. “When disaster strikes, resources are quickly exhausted, and support from trained volunteers fully prepared and available to help victims will greatly improve relief efforts."