Asheville Disaster Preparedness by ARRR

ARRR Takes Disaster Education to New Levels

Written by Sonia Hendrix September 8, 2009

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each year to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. American Rainbow Rapid Response (ARRR), a popular local Asheville hurricane relief and educational chapter, is announcing in corroboration with September's National Preparedness Month, the opportunity to sit in on free classes teaching local citizens how to stay informed and updated on ongoing emergencies in the Asheville area. The classes are sponsored by "The Ready Campaign," a national public service advertisement sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the Ad Council and National Citizen Corp. The program will be taught at 98 ½ N. Lexington at the Livin' Roots Center on Thursday, September 24 at 6pm. A second class will be held Saturday 26 at 11am. Seating is limited. To reserve a seat email an ARRR representative at r.proxy@hotmail.com .

"Asheville is certainly a strong city, but we are still not safe from severe weather such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and even earthquakes. We want to take safety education to a whole different level by revamping the curriculum to make it exciting and combine this opportunity to learn and have fun while doing that," said Aaron Funk, director of the ARRR Asheville Chapter.

As a result, ARRR is also collaborating with local musicians from the Asheville area in an effort to raise support for their past and upcoming relief efforts by announcing "Bringing Down the House," where music and hurricanes will collide, Friday September 25 at the Rocket Club. Bringing Down the House, will premiere local hip hop, rock, and blues artists, along with some of our city's finest Asheville icons. The lineup starts with a local up and coming singer/songwriter Matt Williams, known for his one-man band style and soulful sound. Followed by Habibigy, a world folk group noted for their sweet rhythms with band members Ian Harrod on bass, Melissa Hyman on cello, Jason Moore on tenor sax, Michael Lott on drums, Spencer Taylor on mandolin, and Barrell House Mama's, Eleanor Underhill on banjo. Members of Granola Funk Express, also known as G.F.E. and Big Money Band will then perform starting with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Dr. Strange Mouth, DJ Adam Strange, finishing up with a nice head banging session from rock group, Super Collider. Doors open at 9pm with music starting by 10pm. All proceeds will benefit American Rainbow Rapid Response.

Disaster education classes will be held the day before and after Bringing Down the House. A swine flu question and answer segment is tentatively being held for 6pm, September 26 where citizens are encouraged to come and sit in with a panel of local epidemiologists.

To find more information visit ARRR at www.americanrainbowrapidresponse.org