Contingency Planning

American Red Cross to Promote Preparedness, Volunteerism at 2007 Essence Music Festival

July 5, 2007

The American Red Cross is joining forces with Essence Music Festival, presented by Coca-Cola, to promote disaster preparedness and community volunteerism in New Orleans and across the country. The Red Cross will be on hand during the event, today through July 8 in New Orleans at the Morial Convention Center, to help attendees "Be Red Cross Ready" for a disaster or emergency with three quick and simple steps: get a kit, make a plan and be informed.

According to an April 2007 poll conducted by the American Red Cross and Harris Interactive, only seven percent of the population has taken all three of the steps that Red Cross considers necessary to prepare for a disaster or emergency. And alarmingly, two-thirds of Americans living in hurricane-prone areas don't have a disaster supplies kit, and six out of 10 don’t have an evacuation plan.

"The Essence Music Festival is such a celebrated event and we are excited that the Red Cross can be a part of its return to New Orleans," says Mori Taheripour, Red Cross vice president for corporate diversity. "This is a great opportunity to show attendees that preparedness is critical, but it doesn't have to be time consuming or expensive, and that the American Red Cross is committed to supporting the New Orleans community as it rebuilds."

In addition to nightly concerts, the Essence Music Festival includes a variety of free empowerment seminars and exhibits focusing on educational and personal development topics that are open to the public. Red Cross videos will also air during the concerts, including a public service announcement featuring musician, producer and Red Cross volunteer Wyclef Jean.

"The Red Cross is committed to building a culture of preparedness across America, and this event will allow us to reach a huge audience in one of the country’s most unique cities," says Scott Conner, vice president for preparedness and health and safety services at the Red Cross. “We’re very excited to be a part of the Essence Music Festival and we look forward to helping attendees prepare their families, homes and communities."

- American Red Cross