In the wake of Hurricane Floyd's 10th Anniversary, the Triangle Area Red Cross will launch a first-of-its-kind preparedness program, the Red Cross Ready RatingTM Program. Recent research has shown more than 40 percent of businesses will never reopen following a disaster, and of the remaining companies, 25 percent will close within 2 years. These results highlight a need for readiness initiatives to guide businesses, organizations, and schools and mitigate post-disaster losses.

The uniquely designed Red Cross Ready RatingTM Program has much to offer the Triangle Area. The program's detailed criteria with clear steps help improve preparedness. Membership in the program allows local businesses to access a wealth of web-based tools to assess needs and provide direction and resources. These include detailed preparedness checklists, online assessments, internal and public communications tools, and ideas for implementation. Online tools are complemented by connections with other member businesses and personal guidance from the Red Cross Ready RatingTM Program Coordinator. ¬ In return for implementing changes member businesses minimize losses during an emergency, enhance productivity, and obtain a member seal for public display. Members receive further benefits within the community and business sector with their Red Cross Ready RatingTM Program Membership Seal, as it represents their business's commitment to improving their level of preparedness. The seal can be displayed at the business's facility, included on internally produced materials, and placed on the business's website. Additionally, member schools benefit from an annual unrestricted $300 safety stipend from the Triangle Area Red Cross as well as training scholarships for Red Cross courses such as CPR and First Aid.

The Red Cross Ready RatingTM Program, developed by the St. Louis Red Cross with the national founding sponsor, Anheuser Bush, boasts a 98 percent renewal rate of charter members. Members of the program in the St. Louis area rate the program's ease of use at 9 on a 1-10 point scale.

Through measuring and increasing visibility of readiness, the Triangle Area Red Cross hopes to diminish impacts of emergencies and disasters like Hurricanes Floyd and Hugo.