The American Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter, along with key partners recently announced a region-wide initiative called Prepare San Diego. A key goal of the initiative is to facilitate a cultural shift to increase individual, organizational and business preparedness. The Red Cross hopes that the initiative will result in one million people in San Diego County making an emergency plan, building a disaster kit or getting trained to effectively respond to emergencies over the next four years.
 
The Red Cross has developed a Business Council which is a terrific way to become a key partner in Prepare San Diego. The group of dynamic business leaders will partner together to create a sustainable network that encourages preparedness, carries out response and recovery, and strives for resiliency in the face of disaster. The Prepare San Diego Business Council brings together key members from the region to ensure successful long-term recovery and reduce economic impact. 
 
For more information about Prepare San Diego and how to get involved, contact Barbara Fiorina at Barbara.Fiorina@redcross.org, (858) 309-1276, or visit www.preparesandiego.org.
 
Additionally, the Red Cross offers many resources for businesses. One in particular is called Ready Rating, a first-of-its-kind membership program designed to help businesses, organizations and schools become better prepared for emergencies. Members join this free, self-paced program and complete a 123-point self-assessment to identify your level of preparedness and reveal areas for improvement. Learn more and get started at www.readyrating.org.