Port St. Lucie, Florida/May 19, 2009 - The 15 th Annual Red Cross & Expert Shutters Hurricane, Health, and Safety Fair will feature local experts offering tips and information that will help area residents prepare for, survive, and recover from a hurricane or tropical storm in addition to being better prepared for health and safety issues. "We are including a variety of experts presenting live on stage not only in the hurricane preparedness field but also health and safety," said Mary Sawyer, Executive Director, American Red Cross Martin County Chapter. The experts on stage will focus on the full spectrum of services and programs offered throughout the Treasure Coast to keep residents and businesses safe and secure during hurricane season and throughout the year. Experts who will be on stage include:

Saturday, May 30

11am - Mike Lyons, Chief Meteorologist, WPBF 25

12noon - Pat Pat Bonis, University of Florida Extension Service

1pm - John Matthews, Chief Meteorologist, WPEC Channel 12

2pm - Keith Holman, Martin County Emergency .Management

2:30pm - Ray Gosnell, Martin County Red Cross

Automated External Defibrillator Demo

Sunday, May 31

1pm - Steve Weagle, Chief Meteorologist, WPTV Channel 5

2pm - Vicki Williams, Florida Department of Financial Services

3pm - Warren Kern, St. Lucie Power Squadron

3:30pm - Ray Gosnell, Martin County Red Cross -

Water Safety for Kids

The 15 th Annual Hurricane, Health, and Safety Fair is presented by the American Red Cross Martin County Chapter and Expert Shutter Services, Inc. Sponsors are: Physicians Immediate Care, Gulfstream Aluminum & Shutter Corporation, Precision Shutter Systems, Humana, and Gran Park Self Storage. Each year, the event draws more than 50,000 people.

The 15 th Annual American Red Cross/Expert Shutters Hurricane, Health, and Safety Fair will be held at the Treasure Coast Square mall on May 30 and 31 during regular mall hours. American Red Cross once again will feature a special section on safety for children. Adults can receive free blood pressure screening both days of the Fair.

Experts are again predicting this Hurricane Season will be an active and destructive one for residents of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states. Do you know what to do before, during and after a hurricane? Don't gamble with your safety. Mark your calendar to attend the 15th Annual Hurricane, Health, and Safety Fair at the Treasure Coast Square mall May 30 and May 31. Contact Rob Shelt at the American Red Cross Martin County Chapter at (772) 287-2002 for additional information.

Your Martin County Chapter of the American Red Cross is funded by local dollars. The chapter receives no federal, state, or local tax dollars to support its local operations. To donate your dollars or time, contact the American Red Cross Martin County Chapter at (772) 287-2002 or visit the Chapter headquarters at 2750 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, Florida, 34994 You may also visit their website at www.martinredcross.org.

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