The American Red Cross and Grainger recently launched the Ready When the Time Comes initiative ensuring that volunteers are trained and ready to assist before a disaster strikes in South Florida.

“With the very busy hurricane season that is forecast this year, it’s even more important that our corporate neighbors be ready to help our community,” said Sam Tidwell, CEO of the American Red Cross South Florida Region. “Ready When the Time Comes and our friends at Grainger are helping us do just that. With their employees ready and trained, the American Red Cross will be better equipped to handle any disaster.”

While many people want to help during hurricane or other disaster relief efforts, having the right training is essential to an effective response.  Ready When the Time Comes, a program from the American Red Cross and facilities maintenance supplier Grainger, ensures that volunteers are trained and ready to assist before a disaster strikes in South Florida.

On Saturday, June 5, the local Red Cross will officially launch its Ready When the Time Comes program with employees from national founding sponsor Grainger and local lead sponsor Credit Suisse participating in a full-scale shelter simulation. The event, which coincides with the first week of the 2010 hurricane season, will also highlight the importance of preparedness throughout the South Florida community.

Key West, FL — One of the most important traits parents look for in babysitters is someone who is safe and responsible and knows what to do if things go wrong. Red Cross-trained babysitters know what to do in any situation.

Officer in Charge, Captain Julie Miavez, shown at center, honored the clinic's volunteers at the annual Appreciation Ceremony and Cake Cutting.  Shown from left to right are: Cindy McCausland, Volunteer Coordinator, Emily Riley, Stephen Parks, Marie Michel, Ombudsman Wilande Renelus, Captain Miavez, Sandra Kaster, Carmen Garcia, Martha Garcia, J. B. Hunt of the American Red Cross, Adinay Morffi, Dr Frank Freistak, LtCol(R) Tony Colmenares of the American Red Cross and seated, Ginny Probert, founder of the Branch Health Cliic, Key West Volunteer Program.

Naval Branch Health Clinic Key West honored American Red Cross volunteers at a recent awards ceremony and cake cutting in honor of National Volunteer Week.