MINEOLA, N.Y., Jan. 17, 2008—Though the American Red Cross has drastically increased Long Island’s level of preparedness with the pre-positioning of shelter supplies across the Island this past year, it still falls short in the number of volunteers it will need to man its shelters during a catastrophic event. That gap will be drastically shortened though, thanks to a new partnership forged between the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the American Red Cross in Nassau County. On Jan. 26, the entire regiment of midshipmen at the federal service academy will be trained in shelter operations.

MINEOLA, N.Y., Jan. 13, 2008– As a coastal winter storm moves into the area tonight and brings the threat of heavy snow into the morning, the Nassau Red Cross urges residents to exercise caution and be prepared.