HOMESTEAD, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2002--With hurricane season coming, South Floridians are taking special precautions.
Local GE employees recently performed a safety retrofit at the Homestead Family YMCA in Homestead. They installed safety and security film on the center's windows to reduce the dangers of flying glass and secured heavy objects that could fall in a disaster, causing injury. Studies show flying glass can travel up to 300 feet per second as a result of an explosion or high winds.
"It's hard to believe, but this is the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew," said Heriberto Colon of GE's Employers Reinsurance Corporation in Coral Gables. "Through Project Safeguard, we're demonstrating that people can take some simple steps to reduce their exposure to risk whether it be from severe weather, hurricanes or earthquakes."
Following the retrofit, volunteers and partners gathered for a special ceremony and presented a safety plaque to the YMCA's Developmental Learning Center. The center serves more than 120 children, and also as a safe haven for the community in disasters.
GE Lighting, GE Silicones, CPFilms and the Protecting People First Foundation also contributed to the retrofit. GE Lighting provided shatter-resistant light bulbs, GE Silicones provided window sealant, and CP Films provided safety and security film and installation.
Employers Reinsurance Corporation, a GE company (NYSE:GE), is the world's fourth-largest reinsurer. The top financial security rating companies reaffirm GE ERC's strength and stability with the highest ratings in the industry: AAA from Standard & Poor's, A++ from A.M. Best Company and Aaa from Moody's. More information on GE ERC is available at www.ercgroup.com.
GE (NYSE:GE) is a diversified technology, services and manufacturing company with a commitment to achieving customer success. GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs approximately 310,000 people worldwide.
Note to media: This story is a good resource for future hurricane-related stories. Video and photos are available on request.
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CONTACT: GE Employers Reinsurance Corporation
Elaina Boudreau, 913/676-6489
Cell: 913/706-2514
or
Barkley Evergreen & Partners
Jill Farrell, 816/512-9275
Cell: 816/522-7384
John Novaria, 816/512-9166
Cell: 816/547-7922
Jeff Wilson
GE Capital Corporate Finance
[email protected]
1-203-749-6340