Previous Story
ARC Pacific officials visit Saipan
Two officials of the American Red Cross updated Gov. Ralph DLG Torres last week on some of the programs the ARC Pacific Islands are working on that would help the CNMI’s disaster preparedness program.
American Red Cross Pacific Islands chief executive officer Coralie Chun Matayoshi and chief development officer Jennifer L. Dotson were joined by legislators and local ARC officials when they paid a courtesy visit on Torres last week.
Torres said that Matayoshi and Dotson showed them a pillow case-like bag that could help the community in times of disaster, especially after Typhoon Soudelor.
The bag contains a blanket, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other essentials that would help you if a typhoon hits. It also acts as an emergency bag for important documents.
“They just presented that bag to us and showed us the other programs that they are working on. The bag would simply help you in clearing and storing your stuff for emergency. You can just put everything in one bag,” said Torres.
Acting Senate president Steve K. Mesngon (R-Rota), House Speaker Rafael S. Demapan (R-Saipan), special assistant for management and budget Virginia Villagomez, Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Clyde Norita, CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management special assistant Gerald Deleon Guerrero, HSEM operations center manager Joey Dela Cruz, and financial analyst Tracy Norita were the other officials that joined Torres.
ARC-NMI Chapter executive director John Hirsch, ARC board chair Tayna Belyeu-Camacho, vice chair Larry Lee, and services director J.D. Tenorio were also present, along with three Northern Marianas College interns Shawn Camacho, Christine Roque, and John Capuyon.
DFEMS, in cooperation with ARC-CNMI and the Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts, has been installing fire alarms in houses. Torres said more than 250 have already been installed since October and there are still 800 alarm systems available.
He encouraged the public to avail of the alarm systems. “There are still alarm systems available. All you have to do is get in touch with DFEMS or the Red Cross since this is a joint project.”
