Letter to the Editor from Paramus Resident John Uzzi

To The Editor:

When many of us think of American Red Cross disaster response, images of hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes often come to mind. In addition to the large-scale relief operations that follow natural disasters, the Red Cross is out in our local community providing disaster relief every day.

Home fires represent the majority of the approximately 70,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to each year. When a home fire displaces families in our community members of the Red Cross Disaster Action team are called to the scene to help. In addition to providing much needed emotional support, the volunteers meet with families to ensure their urgent needs, including temporary lodging, food and clothing are met. The Red Cross also helps guide families through the next steps toward recovery.

Last year, here in the northern half of the state, the Red Cross North Jersey Region responded to 486 local disasters, helping more than 1,130 displaced families.

September is National Preparedness Month and the Red Cross is encouraging families become better prepared for potential disasters by helping them develop an emergency plan; showing them how to build an emergency kit; and providing valuable preparedness information and resources. I urge everyone to become better prepared for disasters by talking with Red Cross volunteers at preparedness events being held throughout the region or by visiting www.redcross.org/prepare.

Join me in supporting the Red Cross during National Preparedness Month at the 31st Annual World Class Jazz Concert & Brunch, to be held Sunday, September 21 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes. The fundraising concert will feature Warren Vaché, Bucky Pizzarelli, Derek Smith, Rufus Reid, Bill Easley, Steve Johns, and Antoinette Montague.

Tickets for the 31st Annual World Class Jazz Concert & Brunch may be purchased online at www.redcross.org/NorthJerseyRegion or by calling (973) 579-1600 x102.

We are grateful for the generosity of supporters and the commitment of volunteers who help the Red Cross provide essential programs and services in our community.

Sincerely,

John Uzzi

Paramus Resident

Committee Chair

Red Cross World Class Jazz Concert & Brunch