Contact: Theresa House
Public Relations Representative
American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter
Office: 804.780.2297 § Cell: 804.396.0186
Email: houset@usa.redcross.org
http://www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2008
The Red Cross and SMARTBOX partner to provide supplies for Powhatan’s emergency management exercise
Richmond, Va.— On Thursday, July 10 at Noon, SMARTBOX will deliver a container to the Red Cross’ warehouse located in Henrico County. The container will immediately be loaded with pallets of emergency supplies and shipped to nearby Powhatan County for an emergency management exercise. Powhatan’s exercise is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 11.
This simulation illustrates the Red Cross’ strategy of pre-positioning relief supplies in advance of an expected major weather event, and underscores the partnership between the Greater Richmond Chapter and SMARTBOX of Richmond.
“SMARTBOX has really stepped up to the plate,” said Paul Hundley, Red Cross manager of disaster services. “Because they freely offer their services, we no longer need several volunteers to load and drive trucks for local relief efforts. Instead we can easily load pre-packed pallets into Smartbox units, and they take care of delivery.”
In August 2007, SMARTBOX, the Henrico-based portable storage and delivery company, offered to help the Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter. That means the chapter can deploy its resources for other activities such as opening and running shelters.
The Greater Richmond Chapter works with emergency management in the city of Richmond and the surrounding counties and has nine pre-approved facilities ready for use as shelters.
Posted by wcoates 
