Supporting Communities Through Disaster Preparedness and Response
At Toyota, we believe in the power of community and the importance of coming together, especially during times of crisis. Our partnerships with the American Red Cross and Buckle Up for Life exemplify this commitment by providing crucial support to those in need and enhancing disaster preparedness and response.
The National Operations Summary: A Comprehensive Toolkit for the American Red Cross Funded By Toyota
The American Red Cross has long been a beacon of hope and aid during disasters. With Toyota’s support, the Red Cross developed the National Operations Summary or “RC View”. The National Operations Summary is an advanced digital disaster management platform. This comprehensive toolkit is a game-changer in disaster response, offering advanced mapping and real-time situational awareness. With functionalities including the creation and sharing of maps, dashboards, and tracking of shelter locations, the National Operations Summary enables over 100,000 Red Cross members to efficiently coordinate and respond to emergencies. This initiative is a testament to how technology and collaboration can transform disaster management and improve recovery efforts.
This screengrab shows Red Cross service delivery statistics related to Hurricane Beryl. Some of these numbers are updated in real time while others, like shelter population, update at midnight daily. The four blue dots represent remaining open shelters related to Hurricane Beryl.
Buckle Up for Life: Helping ensure the safety of child passengers after a hurricane – and all year long
Similarly, our partnership with Cincinnati Children’s through the Buckle Up for Life program highlights our commitment to child passenger safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2020 more than 63,000 child passengers ages 12 and younger were injured. Proper use of car seats reduces injury risk in a crash by over 70%, while booster seats reduce the risk of serious injury by 45% for children ages 4-8, when compared to seat belt use alone.
But what about when disaster strikes? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season (see NOAA.gov). Through these storms, Toyota’s relationship with Cincinnati Children’s proves equally as critical to life-saving recovery efforts. For example, when Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida in September 2022 – wreaking havoc on Fort Myers Beach and Lee County – residents were displaced, lacking shelter and access to basic needs, including vehicle safety equipment for their children.
Through Toyota’s support, the Buckle Up for Life program through Cincinnati Children’s provided 100 car seats and 25 pack-and-play cribs to families in need. These items were distributed to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Ft. Myers, Florida.
Contributing to the Resiliency of Communities
Whether it’s engaging educational programs and community outreach throughout the year, or a direct response to discovery recovery efforts, Toyota’s relationship with our disaster resiliency partners American Red Cross and Cincinnati Children’s underscore our collective commitment to safety and preparedness.
Together, these partnerships underscore our belief in the strength of community support and the impact of working with experts to address pressing needs. Disasters and emergencies can affect any community, and by connecting with organizations that have the expertise and resources, we contribute to more resilient and prepared communities.
By collaborating with leaders like the American Red Cross and Cincinnati Children’s, we continue to drive positive change and ensure that we are all equipped to face challenges together.