Making the World a Safer Place for Children; GE's
Employers Reinsurance Corporation Educates Americans About the Dangers
of Flying Glass
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 2002--We all live
in a world surrounded by glass. But when disaster strikes, flying
glass can travel up to 300 feet per second and become a killer. When
children are in its path, the result can be tragic. With the onset of
the hurricane season beginning June 1, it is now more important than
ever to educate people about how to protect their families.
Employers Reinsurance Corporation (GE ERC), a GE company (NYSE:
GE), knows all too well the risks from natural or man-made disasters.
That's why it is sponsoring a community-based initiative called
Project Safeguard(SM) to educate people about the dangers associated
with flying glass.
GE ERC employees will volunteer their time to perform a safety
retrofit at the Homestead Family YMCA in Homestead, Florida (outside
Miami), on Wednesday, April 17, 2002. This center serves as a safe
haven for the community in disasters and as a child care center.
They will install safety and security film on the center's windows
in order to diminish the dangers of flying glass, and secure heavy
objects that could fall in a disaster causing injury.
Through Project Safeguard, GE ERC is demonstrating that people
can take some simple steps to reduce their exposure to risk -- whether
it be from severe weather, hurricanes or earthquakes, said Elaina
Boudreau, public relations leader for GE ERC.
Following the retrofit, volunteers and partners will gather for a
special ceremony at noon. Keynote speaker is Aren Almon-Kok, founder
of the Protecting People First Foundation.
Almon-Kok launched the Protecting People First Foundation in
memory of her daughter, Baylee, who was killed in the April 1995
terrorist attack at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma
City. It's hard to forget the Pulitzer Prize photograph of little
Baylee Almon being cradled in the arms of an Oklahoma City
firefighter. Almon-Kok carries that image with her as she travels the
country raising public awareness of flying glass dangers and the need
for greater prevention measures.
Almon-Kok will be joined by Homestead Mayor, Roscoe Warren, and
other local officials.
Also contributing to the safety retrofit are GE Lighting, GE
Silicones and CP Films. GE Lighting is providing shatter-resistant
light bulbs, GE Silicones is providing window sealant, and CP Films is
providing 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 http://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: All media are encouraged to attend. Project
Safeguard will provide excellent visual and interview opportunities.
Photos of the event are available on request.
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CONTACT: Barkley Evergreen & Partners
Jill Farrell, 816/512-9275
Cell: 816/522-7384
John Novaria, 816/512-9166
Cell: 816/547-7922
or
ERC
Elaina Boudreau, 913/676-6489
Cell: 913/706-2514
Jeff Wilson
GE Capital Corporate Finance
[email protected]
1-203-749-6340