American Red Cross Disaster Services Featured in Rascal Flatts' 'Every Day' Music Video

American Red Cross Disaster Services Featured in Rascal Flatts' 'Every Day' Music Video

WASHINGTON, April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a historical first for the organization, American Red Cross disaster relief services is prominently featured in a new Rascal Flatts music video, "Every Day" as one of several vignettes portraying everyday heroes responding to emergency situations. The video will debut on CMT, GAC, Yahoo Online, AOL, MSN and Clearchannel.com starting this week. In an instance of art imitating life this video comes at a time when Red Cross disaster relief workers are responding to severe weather emergencies in communities across the nation.

"It gives us great pleasure to be able to work with a wonderful organization like the American Red Cross because of the humanitarian service it provides to this country -- and around the world," said Gary LeVox, lead singer of the band.

The video depicts Red Cross disaster relief workers providing comfort and emergency assistance to neighbors in the aftermath of a disaster. This spring the American Red Cross has provided compassionate care to thousands of people affected by disasters such as the February tornadoes that devastated several southern states and flooding throughout the Midwest.

In addition to providing disaster relief, the Red Cross helps people prepare for disasters before they strike. The Red Cross recommends people take three simple actions to "Be Red Cross Ready" for a variety of disasters and other emergencies: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed.

1. Get a Kit: Purchase or assemble a kit with at least three days worth of essential items like water (1 gallon per person, per day), nonperishable food, and important medications. Other items include a flashlight, a battery-powered or crank radio, extra batteries, and a manual can opener.

2. Make a Plan: Pick two meeting places where family members can gather in a disaster; one right outside of your home and one out of the area. Choose an out-of-area emergency contact to get in touch with if local communication is disrupted.

3. Be Informed: Find out what types of disasters your area is at high risk for and how local authorities will contact you if a storm is headed your way. Get trained in lifesaving skills like first aid and CPR/AED.

Rascal Flatts (http://www.rascalflatts.com/) has been an active member of the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet since 2004. The award winning trio has taped public service announcements (http://www.redcross.org/news/other/entertainment/natcelebcab/rascalflatts.asp ) to encourage people to give blood, get prepared, and support the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. "Every Day" appears on their 'Still Feels Good' album on Lyric Street Records. Fans may also enjoy the video on Rascal Flatts website.

"We're grateful to the members of Rascal Flatts for highlighting the lifesaving work of our 'everyday heroes' -- the volunteers and staff who carry out our humanitarian mission," said Joe Becker, Red Cross Senior Vice President for Disaster Services. "Their compassion and gracious donations of time and talent will go a long way to help those in need."

For more information on how to prepare for emergencies and to make a donation to the Disaster Relief Fund, contact your local Red Cross chapter or log on to http://www.redcross.org/.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation's blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time, money and blood to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information please visit www.redcross.org.

About Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts, a country trio known primarily for its pleasing harmony, is comprised of Gary LeVox, Jay Demarcus, and Joe Don Rooney. Demarcus and LeVox, both from Columbus, OH, founded the group and later added Rooney, a Picher, OK, native. After landing a record deal with Lyric Street Records, Rascal Flatts recorded an eclectic mix of country, pop, R&B, and more, releasing it as the trio's debut self-titled album. "Prayin' for Daylight" became the group's first smash single. "This Everyday Love" soon followed, with almost as many accolades. The band's second album, Melt, appeared in October 2002. With the success of first single "These Days," Melt sold a million copies in eight weeks. A live album served as an amiable segue between Melt and 2004's chart-topping Feels Like Today, while Me and My Gang arrived in April 2006. Rascal Flatts' 2007 release, Still Feels Good, was certified Platinum that same year. The band has been members of the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet since 2004.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

http://www.redcross.org

Source: American Red Cross

CONTACT: Carrie Housman of the American Red Cross, +1-202-303-5551,
housmanc@usa.redcross.org

Web Site:

http://www.rascalflatts.com/

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