Red Cross outlines disaster response, preparedness programs and local support after Northeast Philadelphia plane crash

Mary Anne Santangelo and Isaiah Gamache of the American Red Cross briefed Brookhaven Borough Council on Feb. 3 about the Red Cross’s local disaster-preparedness and response programs and the organization’s current work related to a recent Northeast Philadelphia plane crash.

Santangelo identified herself as the Delaware County Community Volunteer Lead and Gamache as the Delaware Valley Disaster Services manager. Gamache said the Red Cross works with government partners to plan and respond to disasters and highlighted preparedness programs such as Prepare with Pedro for youth, the Sound the Alarm smoke-alarm installation campaign, and hands-only CPR training for community members. “We mobilize our disaster action team volunteers,” Gamache said, explaining the Red Cross role in damage assessments, immediate assistance and follow-up casework including mental-health and spiritual counseling.

When asked about Red Cross activity related to the Northeast Philadelphia plane crash, Gamache described the NTSB as the lead investigator and said the Red Cross coordinates with authorities to meet needs as they are identified. He said services can include congregate sheltering, damage assessments and ongoing case-management and counseling resources for affected families.

Santangelo noted other Red Cross programs available locally: youth education, smoke-alarm installs (free to qualifying homes), hands-only CPR training, blood drives and Ready Rating — a free business preparedness tool. She also said the Red Cross can support armed forces members and families through the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program and can provide messaging or outreach materials for borough websites.

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Council members thanked the Red Cross for the presentation. Red Cross representatives said they would provide follow-up materials and business cards and assist with local outreach when requested.