Chautauqua County Citizen Corps, working cooperatively with the American Red Cross and Chautauqua County Child Care Council supply Disaster Preparedness Kits for children in the county child care settings.

The kits contain all the necessary items for the children to remain safely at the child care center if a disaster occurs.

In our rural county, we are familiar with snow and ice storms and other severe weather - all causing either power outages or transportation problems. The disaster preparedness kits are designed to accommodate the child if and when a disaster occurs and they need to remain at the child care center for an extended period of time.

"In the case of a disaster such as a power outage, Child Care Centers need to have the capacity to be self-sustaining until first responder help arrives. This includes some food, water, and blankets to keep the children warm. In the case of an evacuation the blankets will also comfort the child during relocation to a suitable shelter," stated Vince Horrigan, CEO of the Southwestern NY Chapter for the American Red Cross.

The handmade blankets are sized approximately 36-inches by 48-inches and are knit, crocheted, or sewn. They are not only a practical addition to the kits but are beautiful creations.

If you would like to know more about this project or other volunteer placements, please consider calling Chautauqua County RSVP at 665-3038. RSVP is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, sponsored locally by Lutheran Social Services, funded by NYS and Chautauqua County Office for the Aging and is a United Way agency.