100,000 BP employees in the United States and abroad, supported by corporate donations and matching funds, will be making contributions to assist in the recovery efforts underway in New York and Washington, D.C. An initial $5 million corporate donation will include:
- $2 million to be donated to an emergency services relief fund
called New York City Public/Private Investment, which serves the
members and families of police, fire and emergency medical
services departments.
- $1 million to the American Red Cross, which has set up disaster
relief and counseling centers in numerous US locations.
- $2 million in contributions to other organizations responding
to the relief efforts.
- 1 million gallons of fuel will be donated to New York emergency
services working on disaster relief. BP has been offering free
fuel to the effort since Tuesday in New York and Washington D.C.,
and Northeast US employees wish to recognize the bravery and
difficult work of these teams by providing immediate support.
- A BP Employee Disaster Relief Fund has been established in
response to interest expressed by employees. This fund allows BP
employees around the globe to make contributions to assist those
affected by this tragedy. For every dollar given by an employee,
BP will match those funds on a three to one basis.
- BP reiterates the commitment made on Tuesday not to increase
wholesale and retail gasoline prices and confirms we have
adequate stocks of fuel for the US market.
FIRSTGOV.GOV PROVIDES IMPORTANT PUBLIC INFORMATION HELPING AMERICANS RESPOND TO THE NATIONAL TRAGEDY
FirstGov.gov (http://www.FirstGov.gov), the official U.S. Government Internet portal to all Federal and state government information, went online Thursday with a special section providing information to assist the public in response to yesterday's tragic events in New York City and Washington, D.C.
The special feature section, "U.S. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AND RESOURCES IN RESPONSE TO THE SEPTEMBER 11 EVENTS," points to web-based information on relief services and organizations and status updates of those directly effected by the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
The site contains information from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency and other government and private organizations
that are providing response and recovery services to the public.
This is the first time the public has been able to go to one
place to find this information.
PFIZER CONTRIBUTES TO RELIEF EFFORTS IN NEW YORK CITY
Pfizer Inc and the Pfizer Foundation announced on Thursday donations totaling more than $10 million to relief efforts in New York City.
The Pfizer Foundation's donation includes $5 million for a relief fund being established by Mayor Rudy Giuliani and other city officials.
Pfizer Inc will make a major contribution to the September 11th Fund established by the United Way of New York City. Donations will also be made to the Red Cross and other organizations participating in relief efforts. In addition, contributions by Pfizer employees to relief organizations related to this emergency will be matched by the company.
"In the more than 150 years Pfizer has been based in New York, no greater tragedy has affected the people of our city," said Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hank McKinnell. "The attacks in New York and Washington were attacks on us all. Great heroism has been shown by the cities' fire, police and rescue personnel. Now, we stand ready to do whatever we can to help those in need."
In addition to financial assistance, Pfizer is also contributing
quantities of its medicinal products. Pfizer physicians are
working with area hospitals to assess where company volunteers
may be of use.
FOOD LION SENDS TRUCKLOADS OF PRODUCT, COLLECTS MONEY, GIVES BLOOD
When tragedy struck on Tuesday, Food Lion, a supermarket chain located in the Southeastern United States, was poised to step forward to help The American Red Cross. And even better, this grocery store chain is supporting the Red Cross in all three areas of critical need: product, blood and money.
At 2 p.m., Food Lion sent two truckloads of product to the American Red Cross Baltimore location that is supplying food to the volunteers and emergency personnel on-site at the Pentagon. The company had been waiting to hear from the national organization about exactly what product was needed, where it could do the most good and how to get it to the best location possible, according to John Mercer, vice president of retail sales for Food Lion.
The company donated the types of snacks and beverages that the Red Cross identified as being the most helpful during this time of emergency as well as the transportation of the product.
"As a company, we wanted to do what we do best ... feed the hungry," said Mercer. "Since we can't be there in person to help with this disaster, we can provide them with the nourishment that will help them make it through this strenuous and emotional time."
Keeping an adequate blood supply is also important. Food Lion is assisting the Red Cross on two levels. Local Food Lions are working hand-in- hand, responding to the needs of American Red Cross efforts to supply product used during the bloodmobile drives. Snacks and beverages are being donated by the company to ensure that those giving blood have the necessary nourishment to recover.
Food Lion's human resource department is also working to coordinate company blood drives on an as-need basis.
In addition, every Food Lion store in its 11-state operating area is an approved collection point for The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. In fact, the company was in the midst of its annual drive to raise money for this effort when tragedy struck on Tuesday.
Food Lion stores are also equipped with Red Cross Disaster Relief
Canisters for those who want to make a cash donation or for
children who might be collecting coins to assist with these
efforts.
VALERO AND ULTRAMAR DIAMOND SHAMROCK JOIN FORCES TO CONTRIBUTE $500,000 TO THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Valero Energy Corporation and Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corporation (UDS), through their UDS Foundation, announce that they have teamed up to contribute $500,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with the massive relief efforts needed as a result of Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. The two San Antonio-based refining and marketing companies announced in May plans for a merger which is expected to be completed later this year.
"This is a time for Americans to clearly demonstrate that we pull together in times of need," said Bill Greehey, chairman and CEO of Valero. "It's time to show the world that while terrorists may attempt to strike fear in the hearts of Americans, we're not afraid. And, it's time to show the world that this tragedy is only going to make us stronger. We should all do our part and show the world what Americans are made of."
"We may be separate companies, but we're absolutely unified in agreeing it's our responsibility to help the thousands of individuals and families who were impacted by this tragedy," said Jean Gaulin, chairman and CEO of UDS. "It's critical that we all do our part to support our neighbors in our national community."
In addition to the corporate contributions, the two companies are
also collecting individual pledges from their employees and
conducting food and blood drives.
AMERICAN PUBLIC JOINS THE RED CROSS IN UNPRECEDENTED RELIEF EFFORTS AROUND THE COUNTRY
Generous Americans are turning to the American Red Cross in the greatest wave of compassion that the organization has ever experienced, giving time, blood and money.
From multi-national corporations to small businesses and individual financial donors, cash contributions are flowing into the Red Cross to help provide lifesaving care and comfort for the thousands affected by this incomprehensible tragedy. These cash contributions are fueling the massive national Red Cross disaster relief mobilization in New York, Washington D.C., the Johnstown, Pennsylvania area and other locations where the bereaved have gathered in Newark, San Francisco, Los Angeles and northern Virginia.
The Red Cross opened more than 35 shelters/reception centers around the country to help those who were directly affected and also for the thousands of air travelers stranded at closed airports throughout the nation. Thousands of Red Cross disaster workers are providing shelter, food and other disaster relief all over the United States.
As the country suffers from a collective sense of shock, disbelief and loss that these catastrophes have brought about, hundreds of Red Cross Disaster Mental Health workers have fanned out across the country to help with the emotional trauma from the terrorist attacks.
"The impact of this goes way beyond those who have been directly impacted our whole nation has been affected and is grieving," said Margaret Pepe, a Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Services professional who is providing crisis counseling at the site of the United Airlines crash in Pennsylvania. "The American Red Cross is doing everything we can to help alleviate the suffering."
Pepe said that in the wake of "this incredible pain that was deliberately inflicted" on the United States, adults and children in affected and non-affected areas are experiencing feelings of vulnerability and trauma that are to be expected with this type of psychological tragedy. Here are some helpful tips in dealing with the extreme mental stress caused by this event.
- Avoid viewing repeated media coverage of the event.
- Talk about your feelings. Ask for help if you need it.
- Listen to other people and be especially kind to others.
- Spend time with your family. Return to your usual routine as soon as possible.
- Find a peaceful quiet place to reflect and gain perspective.
- Do something that helps others -- make an appointment to give
blood, take a first aid or CPR class.
In the first 24 hours following the attacks, the Red Cross received over one million calls to 1-800-GIVE-LIFE from those wanting to donate blood. Due to the continuing heavy volume of calls, callers are encouraged to be patient and keep calling to make appointments in the coming weeks and months.
The Red Cross is continuing to collect thousands of units of lifesaving blood to ensure that every need of every patient nationwide is met. This generous outpouring of volunteer blood donations allows the Red Cross to escalate establishing our national strategic blood reserve. The Red Cross will ensure that every unit of blood collected in the spirit of helping victims such as those affected by yesterday's disaster ? as well as those who may suffer from the tragedies of tomorrow, next week, next month and next year will not be wasted, and this includes freezing some types of blood donations. All Red Cross blood donations will be used to save and enhance lives.
On Tuesday, the Red Cross received the largest number of online
donations in the organization's history through
http://www.redcross.org nearly one donation per second,
totaling over $1 million in 12 hours. All American Red Cross
disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations
of time and money from the American people. To help people of
this emergency and others, contributions can be made to the
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW
or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Internet users can make a secure
online credit card contribution by visiting
http://www.redcross.org. Contributions to the Disaster Relief
Fund may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or
to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C.
20013.
EPA INITIATES EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTIVITIES, REASSURES PUBLIC ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman announced Thursday that EPA is taking steps to ensure the safety of rescue workers and the public at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon disaster sites, and to protect the environment. EPA is working with state, federal, and local agencies to monitor and respond to potential environmental hazards and minimize any environmental effects of the disasters and their aftermath.
At the request of the New York City Department of Health, EPA and the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have been on the scene at the World Trade Center monitoring exposure to potentially contaminated dust and debris. Monitoring and sampling conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday have been very reassuring about potential exposure of rescue crews and the public to environmental contaminants.
EPA's primary concern is to ensure that rescue workers and the public are not exposed to elevated levels of asbestos, acidic gases, or other contaminants from the debris. Sampling of ambient air quality found either no asbestos or very low levels of asbestos. Sampling of bulk materials and dust found generally low levels of asbestos.
The levels of lead, asbestos, and volatile organic compounds in air samples taken on Tuesday in Brooklyn, downwind from the World Trade Center site, were not detectable or not of concern.
Additional sampling of both ambient air quality and dust particles was conducted Wednesday night in lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, and results were uniformly acceptable.
Public health concerns about asbestos contamination are primarily related to long-term exposure. Short-term, low-level exposure of the type that might have been produced by the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings is unlikely to cause significant health effects. EPA and OSHA will work closely with rescue and cleanup crews to minimize their potential exposure, but the general public should be very reassured by initial sampling.
EPA and OSHA will continue to monitor and sample for asbestos, and will work with the appropriate officials to ensure that rescue workers, cleanup crews, and the general public are properly informed about appropriate steps that should be taken to ensure proper handling, transportation and disposal of potentially contaminated debris or materials.
EPA is taking steps to ensure that response units implement appropriate engineering controls to minimize environmental hazards, such as water sprays and rinsing to prevent or minimize potential exposure and limit releases of potential contaminants beyond the debris site.
EPA is also conducting downwind sampling for potential chemical and asbestos releases from the World Trade Center debris site. In addition, EPA has deployed federal on-scene coordinators to the Washington, D.C., Emergency Operations Center, Fort Meade, and FEMA's alternate regional operations center in Pennsylvania, and has deployed an on-scene coordinator to the Virginia Emergency Operations Center.
Under its response authority, EPA will use all available resources and staff experts to facilitate a safe emergency response and cleanup.
EPA will work with other involved agencies as needed to:
- procure and distribute respiratory and eye protection equipment
in cooperation with the Dept. of Health and Human Services
- provide health and safety training upon request
- design and implement a site monitoring plan
- provide technical assistance for site control and
decontamination
- provide some 3000 asbestos respirators, 60 self-contained
breathing apparatuses, and 10,000 protective clothing suits to
the two disaster sites
New York Governor George E. Pataki has promised to provide
emergency electric generators to New York City in efforts to
restore lost power caused by Tuesday's tragedy, and EPA will work
with State authorities to expedite any necessary permits for
those generators.
OSHA is also working with Consolidated Edison regarding safety
standards for employees who are digging trenches because of
leaking gas lines underground. OSHA has advised Con Edison to
provide its employees with appropriate respirators so they can
proceed with emergency work, shutting off gas leaks in the city.
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP à
Volunteer: Visit http://www.redcross.org. If this link doesn't work due to too much traffic, then find your local Red Cross Chapter at http://search.yahoo.com/bin/search?p=red+cross+chapters or contact Disaster Relief http://www.disasterrelief.org.
Give Blood: Visit http://www.redcross.org/donate/give/ or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment.
Donate Funds: Visit http://www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html (this allows you to donate online via credit card) or call 1-800-HELP-NOW
If you cannot get to the sites, please contact your local Red Cross Chapter to find out what you can do to help. Their number should be listed in your local telephone book.
Update on our traveling employees:
Pretlo Knight was in Brooklyn, NY on Tuesday teaching a class.
We're glad to report that she's fine and, thanks to her rental
car, has made it back to North Carolina. Brian Karnofsky (in
Indianapolis), Jimmie Campbell (in San Antonio), and John
Dougherty (in Las Vegas) were already on the road teaching on
Tuesday and we hope to get them back home soon. We'd especially
like to thank Jimmie and John for taking on additional teaching
duties this week when the instructors who were supposed to follow
them couldn't make it to those locations due to the grounding of
air travel.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY RESPONDS TO NATIONAL TRAGEDY
To assist the nation after Tuesday's attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., Ford Motor Company is doing the following:
- A moment of silence was observed at 10 a.m. local time Thursday
at all North American facilities and at 9 a.m. local time for all
global regional locations.
- The company will donate $1 million to the American Red Cross.
- The company donated 10 Ford Excursions to the New York Fire
Department.
- The company's southeastern Michigan facilities are coordinating
ongoing blood drives with the American Red Cross.
- The company will match all employee contributions to the
American Red Cross.
- The company has offered to meet other emergency and long-term
needs of New York City and is awaiting the city's response. Those
offers include emergency response team services and up to 48,000
square feet of office space for displaced government employees.
