September 2010 is National Preparedness Month, a time set aside for the last seven years to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. The Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania urges everyone to take steps now to be ready in case of an emergency.

To mark National Fire Prevention Month, staff and volunteers from the SEPA Chapter will blanket the region with fire safety kits in the month of October.

Chief Operating Officer Donna Palmieri took the reins of the American Red Cross Southeastern PA (SEPA) Chapter as Interim Chief Executive Officer on August 1.

SEPA Chapter Interim CEO Donna Palmieri accepted the 2010 Distinguished Person of the Year Award from the Eagles Award Association for humanitarian service to the Liberian Community.

The American Red Cross Southeastern PA Chapter was well represented at the two-week training for the elite Red Cross International Disaster Response team this summer.

The global Red Cross Red Crescent movement has brought its resources to bear on some large-scale disasters. An update on major responses around the world

• Haiti Earthquake
• Pakistan Floods
• Hurricane Katrina - Five Years Later

News from the Red Cross response team, responding to disasters 24/7/365 throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.

• Duck Boat Accident
• Flood Safety Walkthrough
• Summer Response

Since many disasters occur with little or no warning, it is essential that all members of our Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) system for response to national disasters are ready to help when the call comes in.

The Emergency Services department has finished up a busy year for FY10. Between July 2009 and June 2010 our staff and volunteers proudly served the five-county region. Here are the highlights from our Preparedness, Response and Recovery (Red Cross House) areas.

In late 2009, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter was awarded $58,000 to build the capacity of its Service to the Armed Forces program.

Volunteers with the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Chapter will be honored at the 2010 Annual Meeting and Celebration of Volunteers in September.

News from the Red Cross Clubs and our Youth Services team.

• Red Cross Clubs Win "Youth in Philanthropy" Award
• Camp Save-a-Life Teaches Youth Valuable Lessons

The American Red Cross Southeastern PA Chapter is honored to host its 14th class of AmeriCorps National Preparedness and Response members.

An update on the people who help the American Red Cross achieve its mission.

On August 12th, 2010, SEPA Chapter leadership bid farewell to Mary Ann Tierney as she stepped down from her position as the Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management for the City of Philadelphia. Mary Ann has accepted a position as the Regional Administrator for Region III with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

In early August, a team of relief workers from the American Red Cross and other Red Cross societies around the world met in Haiti for a training to prepare for the Emergency Response Unit, an integral part of the Red Cross Movement that is sent to assess disasters and collaborate with host National Societies to implement relief efforts.