Millstone resident Amy Costain is welcomed by Bill Murray, the CEO of the Jersey Coast Chapter of the Red Cross. Costain was recently appointed as the coordinator of disaster relief services.

Millstone resident Amy L. Costain has been appointed the new disaster services coordinator for the Jersey Coast chapter of the American Red Cross.

Costain’s responsibilities will include staff response for both major and minor community disasters; coordination of daily disaster response 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and deployment of local volunteers who are trained to assist during large, out-of-state disasters.

The Jersey Coast chapter covers all of Monmouth and Ocean counties.

"I originally became a disaster volunteer in 1997 in order to help run a local shelter at my church in the event of an emergency. Then Hurricane Floyd hit in Bound Brook, which is where most of my family lives," she said.

Costain worked in the shelter for 17 days during that event.

In 2000, Costain said, she was offered the position of office manager at the Greater Somerset County chapter of the Red Cross. From that position, she was promoted to director of emergency services.

According to Costain, she has responded to numerous local disasters.

"As for larger operations, I have worked in Burlington County at a plane crash, at floods in Sussex and southeastern Morris [counties], and during Hurricane Floyd," she said.

When asked if the focus of the Red Cross has changed in any way since 9/11, she said, "Although Sept. 11 has heightened the public’s awareness to terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, the Red Cross has been working on additional training for its staff and volunteers in this realm for quite some time."

Costain said that in October she attended a training session, "Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism Leadership," at the Clara Barton Center for Domestic Preparedness in Pine Bluff, Ark.

Whatever the nature of the event, families should have a plan to help them better prepare for disasters, she said.

Costain recommended "meeting with your family to discuss why you need to prepare for disasters.

"Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team," she said.

Costain suggested picking two places to meet, one "right outside your house in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire," and the other, "outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number."

She added, "Ask an out-of-state friend to be your family contact. After a disaster, often it’s easier to call long-distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number."

Families should also discuss what to do in an evacuation, and plan on how to take care of pets, she said.

She said that it is recommended that each family member know how to turn off the utilities (water, gas and electric) at the main switches.

Emergency numbers for fire, police and ambulance should be posted by the phone, and children should be taught how to dial 911. Smoke detectors should be installed on each level of the home, especially near bedrooms. The best escape routes from the house should be predetermined, with two ways out of each room.

Costain also recommends taking a Red Cross first aid and CPR course, and getting training from the fire department for each family member on how to use a fire extinguisher.

"There are six basics you should stock for your home," according to Costain. "Water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items.

"Keep the items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, camping backpack or duffel bag."

Costain attended Rutgers University, New Brunswick, majoring in labor relations and human resources management.