General Preparedness

With the heightened state of terror alert in the country, especially in the New York area, please be assured that Lutheran Disaster Response of New York is working closely with city and regional Offices of Emergency Management, FEMA, the American Red Cross and other key disaster-related agencies.

Lutheran Schools now have crisis and safety plans in place and will be first alerted through Marlene Lund, Lutheran Schools Association director, if she hears from the NYC Office of Emergency Management.

LDRNY Executive Director John Scibilia is in daily contact with emergency and response agency officials. Scibilia said: "Maintaining open and accessible lines of communication is of vital importance in emergency preparedness and response. The other is common sense. What was a good idea on September 10, 2001 is still a good idea today. Having a home kit containing food, water, first aid supplies and other essentials has always been a great idea. Other measures being suggested now can only be considered by each person individually as to their potential effectiveness. To say there is no reason for concern would not be fair. However, I can testify to the great work being done behind the scenes to make the greater New York area as safe as possible."

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Helpful Sites
In the meantime, you may want to check the following websites:
CERT Training
ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
Department of Homeland Security and Color-Coded Alert System
Ready NY Guide
Red Cross

Helpful Downloads
Create a Grab and Go Bag for Your Vehicle or Office
Red Cross Guide on "Becoming a Safe Family"