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Preparedness Month: Ready When the Time Comes

wbartels
Adventurer C
Following the tumultuous weather events of 2012, including Hurricane Sandy, Oklahoma tornadoes, and most recently, flooding in Colorado and the western region, being prepared in the wake of a disaster is more relevant than ever. While we can never predict such events, Southwest Airlines maintains relationships with disaster response organizations year-round to ensure we prepared to help in a time of need. Our three primary disaster relief organizations that we rely on to keep us informed are the American Red Cross, Team Rubicon, and All Hands. The American Red Cross is a distinguished corporate member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) which enables them to respond immediately to the needs of individuals and families impacted by disaster anywhere in the United States. We remain in constant communication with the American Red Cross to provide support as needed. In addition to the Red Cross, we also partner with Team Rubicon, an organization that unites the skills and experience of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. Southwest donated travel for Team Rubicon to provide relief after the Oklahoma tornados, and we are also donating tickets for Colorado relief efforts. Lastly, Southwest has partnered with All Hands in several volunteer deployments in the past. The organization exists to provide immediate and sustainable help to communities in need in the wake of natural disasters.  All Hands was instrumental in providing relief following the Oklahoma tornadoes, and they are already preparing to deploy once conditions are safe in Colorado. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can sign up any time at hands.org/volunteer. This month, Southwest has honored National Preparedness Month by informing Employees on how to be prepared at home, at work, and while on the go.  How do you stay prepared? Let us know by commenting below.
1 Comment
w5pda
Adventurer B
Having been trained in disaster and emergency communications, I can't help but smile when I read of companies like Southwest going the extra mile to help others in times of crisis, especially when it involves an organization like the American Red Cross, which I might add has helped us in the past after experiencing a fire and flood. Well-done Southwest :-) Paul Ahkolik, Radio Amateur W5PDA