As Hurricane Season Nears, Red Cross Trains Volunteers to Be 'Ready When the Time Comes'
ExxonMobil Employees Make up Largest Number of Volunteers Ready to Jump into Action
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 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."
About American Red Cross Ready When the Time Comes
Each year, the American Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disaster incidents - hurricanes, fires, storms, floods, tornados, explosions, etc. - serving those affected with food, shelter and financial assistance.
Employees of companies who join the RWTC volunteer program receive Red Cross disaster training. The companies agree to make those employees available during disasters to staff Red Cross shelters, assist in mass feeding and bulk distribution, provide damage assessment and staff phone banks. Currently, 12 companies in the Houston area participate in the program.
About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world's growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world. For more information, visit www.exxonmobil.com.
Source: Exxon Mobil Corporation
Released May 18, 2010