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BOSTON - The American Red Cross and the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) have joined forces to promote disaster mitigation to make America safer from natural disasters. Disaster mitigation involves positive action by families, businesses and communities to lessen the effects of foreseeable disasters. The Red Cross and IBHS will work together to raise public awareness of timely and cost-effective mitigation measures necessary to reduce the vulnerability of families to disasters.
Mitigation actions reduce the long-term vulnerability of people and property to disasters. Mitigation measures include: using hurricane straps and clips to strengthen houses in hurricane-prone areas; securing bookcases and other furniture to wall studs in areas threatened by earthquakes and elevating water heaters, other appliances and, in some cases, entire homes in areas susceptible to floods.
Under the statement of understanding signed by Red Cross President Elizabeth Dole and IBHS President and Chief Executive Officer Harvey Ryland, the two organizations will vigorously pursue proven and new initiatives that prevent or reduce human suffering and property losses. The agreement between the Red Cross and IBHS, formerly the Insurance Institute for Property Loss Reduction, provides a broad framework for cooperative efforts to reduce the harm that disasters inflict on people and communities. For example, the Red Cross will play a key role in supporting the IBHS' "Showcase Community" project which is aimed at developing disaster resistant communities across the nation. A key part of this effort will be to encourage the formation of local, state and regional committees and public-private partnerships to support community-based disaster loss reduction policies and initiatives.
"Some of the most effective disaster mitigation measures are also the easiest and should be taken before disasters strike," said Mrs. Dole. "The growing partnership between the American Red Cross and the Institute for Business & Home Safety will help families to better prepare for, cope with and reduce the effects of disasters."
"Natural disasters are a tragedy, but that tragedy is compounded when people are unaware of the methods available to reduce those losses," said Ryland. "Our work with the Red Cross is an important step in helping to limit the harm that disasters cause by increasing people's awareness of measures they can and should take to protect themselves and their homes."
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