Grenada Red Cross reaches out to community; offers tips on hurricane preparation

Grenada Red Cross (GRC) volunteers briefed scores of people on tips to better prepare for the expected intense Hurricane season 2007.

On June 1, the official start of the Hurricane season in the Caribbean, many visited the GRC booth at the Grenville Car Park. Inspite of the inclement weather, the event attracted a great cross section of persons from different villages in the St Andrew area. It was held during Disaster Awareness Week.

During the first five minutes of setting up our booths however, the Red Cross First Aiders   had to assist a young man who accidentally cut his hand while sharpening a cutlass.

Medical personnel from the Ministry of Health were assisted by First Aiders to control the bleeding. The young man was referred to the Princess Alice Hospital for stitches and further dressing.
 
The Red Cross booth consisted of displays by the different departments - HIV/STIs, Psycho-Social Support, First Aid and Disaster Preparedness. Brochures, flyers, posters displaying community training campaigns and other promotional items were distributed and displayed.

Two First Aid kits were raffled and won by visitors Betty-Ann Noel of Mt. Horne community and Kathlyn Charles of Carrier community.

Visitors were responsive to the information shared and many gave the assurance of continuing or starting their hurricane season preparation.

Approximately 99 persons visited the booth, with 30 registering for First Aid training. Many expressed high interest in becoming volunteers or members of the GRC.