BURGETTSTOWN — The American Red Cross, in partnership with 46th District Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-South Fayette, held an educational and entertaining program on disaster preparedness at the Greater Burgettstown Area Senior Center Monday.

“Disaster” bingo combined the favorite game with education on preparing for potential emergencies.

Tina Hammett, American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania disaster program specialist, said this was just one of several programs to increase disaster awareness.

The programs also includes “Mickey and Friends” for children in kindergarten through second grade and the “Pillowcase Project” for children in third through fifth grades.

“Pillowcase Project helps teach the kids coping skills,” Hammett said.

Volunteer Becky Veltre explained that the Red Cross encourages seniors to have a bag packed with items that would be helpful in an emergency, such as blankets, changes of clothes, water and flashlights, and keep it in the same place.

“That way, if someone comes to the door and says ‘we’re asking everyone to evacuate,’ all they need to do is pack their medication and go,” she said. “They’re not scrambling, looking for the things they need.”

Hammett noted the organization is currently installing 10-year smoke detectors throughout Washington and Greene counties. Red Cross volunteers will install the devices and offer education on fire safety at no cost.

Those interested in the smoke alarm program, volunteering or making a donation to the program can call Hammett at (724) 350-1827.

BREAUX BRIDGE, La. (KLFY) – FEMA disaster recovery centers are popping up in Acadiana, giving flood victims a sense of relief.

It’s been 12 days since historic flood waters swept across Acadiana leaving thousands displaced from their homes.

St. Martin Parish opened a FEMA center in Breaux Bridge. FEMAa media relations specialists Sharon Karr encourages anyone to apply.

“They should apply whether they have insurance or not because sometimes people are under insured, so we can help them if the circumstances permit,” said Karr.

Computers are provided, but Karr suggests registering before coming to the center if at all possible. Karr also urges residents to take pictures of damage and save receipts when buying relief supplies.

“The more documentation a person has to prove what they have lost the better it is,” said Karr.

Flood victims will need a social security number, address of damaged residence, description of damage, insurance coverage information, phone number, mailing address, and routing number to a bank account.

Karr said FEMA’s goal is to get residents back on their feet as soon as possible.

A FEMA recovery center also opened on Darnall Road in New Iberia.

Both FEMA centers in Breaux Bridge and New Iberia are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

For more information on FEMA assistance and registration log on to www.disasterassistance.gov .