[Press Release] : Haitian Earthquake Reaction

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2010

CONTACT: Zim Schwartze, OEM Director, or  Scott Smith, Public
Information Officer - 573-874-7400

Haitian Earthquake Reaction	
								
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - In the wake of the massive 7.0-magnitude
earthquake on January 12, the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency
Management (OEM) wishes to express sympathy for the people of Haiti.
	OEM Director Zim Schwartze said that she's fielded many
questions on how to assist with relief efforts.
	"The Mid-Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross has informed
us that the best way to help the response effort is to give monetary
donations to their International Response Fund," Schwartze said. "The
Red Cross tells us that it purchases urgently needed items in bulk and
can get them to Haiti much more quickly than donations of supplies or
materials. Those require more logistical attention and transportation
costs."  
	Schwartze said the tragedy also serves as a reminder for
mid-Missourians. 
	"With the New Madrid Fault line just a few hundred miles away,
it's not out of the realm of possibility that a similar major earthquake
could impact our area. All individuals, families, schools, businesses
and others are wise to include earthquakes in their disaster
preparedness and response plan." Schwartze said.  
	To learn more about the Red Cross relief effort in Haiti, go to
their Web site at www.redcross-midmo.org. Monetary donations will be
accepted at the office, 1805 W. Worley. Visit 
http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/howtohelp.shtm or www.fema.gov
for information on providing donations and assistance to Haiti. For
information on disaster preparedness, log on to the Office of Emergency
Management page of the city's Web site at www.gocolumbiamo.com/EM.

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