City of Norwalk Being Honored by Red Cross

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The City of Norwalk has done an outstanding job creating multiple programs to better support its citizens and infrastructure in preparedness, response, and recovery – key milestones in the disaster cycle. The City’s commitment to building a resilient community has made it a strong and valued partner in the development and implementation of readiness and response programs.

The City of Norwalk was selected as a pilot site for the American Red Cross Pillowcase Project for schoolchildren. The project uses age-appropriate instruction and materials to help elementary school students in grades 3-5 prepare for disasters and share educational information with their families and friends to support family and community preparedness. Students receive a sturdy pillowcase that they decorate and personalize during the program and upon completion are encouraged to take the pillowcase home and build their personal emergency supplies kit.

The City of Norwalk involves all local departments in monthly safety meetings to allow for better preparedness and coordination throughout the community. The City has made great strides to increase volunteerism and community information sharing. The new Emergency Operations Center was the premier site for the Disaster Boot Camp trainings sponsored by the Red Cross in partnership with Volunteer Square to increase trained volunteer responders for the Red Cross and other area organizations.

The Norwalk Office of Emergency Management and Police Department also maintain a strong presence in social media to push more real-time information to citizens in an emergency. Additionally, the City of Norwalk maintains a Long-Term Recovery Committee since Hurricane Sandy affected the area two years ago and continues to identify and meet individual and community needs.

“The City’s commitment to building a safer, more resilient community and its willingness to work with partners to support this goal makes them an outstanding partner,” said American Red Cross Senior Director of Emergency Services Kristen Binau. “Norwalk is helping ensure a safer future for its residents.”