The CAA Community Assistance Foundation has partnered with the Red Cross of Greater Columbus' Save the Day Program for 2010. The partnership includes communications with members and education for both members and our members' residents.

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CAA Announces Partnership with American Red Cross of Greater Columbus

When Homestead America President Dave Anderson received a late night call about a fire in one of his apartment communities, he was pleasantly surprised to find American Red Cross of Greater Columbus had arrived at the site within minutes of the fire call with food, hotel vouchers, travel kits - all the essentials to comfort a family coping with a frightening emergency.

Anderson said he was so impressed with Red Cross he wanted to learn more about their organization , what they do and provide -and explore potential synergies between Red Cross and CAA.

"Their mission is to get the word out to people - to educate and inform," said Anderson. "We have access to 1000s of people through our association and we have the vehicles and tools to help them communicate their messages, reach people and make an impact."

Anderson, a member of the CAA Foundation Board and former CAA president brought American Red Cross of Greater Columbus to the association as a potential partner.

CAA President Brett Kaufman and the CAA Board recognized the value of such a partnership for CAA members and associates and for the American Red Cross. Kaufman said CAA has committed $10,000 to American Red Cross of Greater Columbus as a Save the Day Lifesaver sponsor.

"We see this partnership as a win-win for the association, our members, our residents and associates," said Kaufman. "Red Cross has the opportunity to connect with our members and provide resources, information, support and guidance on a host of topics from H1N1 to fire prevention and pool safety."

According to the American Red Cross the house fire is America's more common disaster. In 2008, the Columbus Division of Fire responded to 1,176 home fires resulting in 10 deaths, 72 injuries and nearly $22 million in property damage. Family fire homes account for 80 percent of all structure fires in the U.S according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Many injuries related to home fires tend to be highest in elderly, minority and low-income populations.

The American Red Cross Save the Day program supports local disaster relief efforts in our community. The Red Cross seeks to provide effective and timely disaster relief, but also education and programs on disaster preparedness and prevention.

The CAA/Red Cross partnership has many benefits. Members will learn more about the programs and benefits in the coming months:
• One Minute Updates in the CAA online newsletter
• Discount on First Aid training and other health and safety training programs
• As an expert in disaster preparedness and prevention, the Red Cross will develop a comprehensive, year-long disaster preparedness and prevention plan in collaboration with CAA for its employees, members and their residents. This plan will be based on organizational structure and needs and may include the following: monthly content for electronic or print distribution; educational presentations on topics such as fire prevention, pandemic flu, weather-related disaster preparedness, and preparing disaster kits and plans.

> Learn more about the Foundation