Directory Made Available to Bottlers and Public Makes Donating Supplies During Emergencies Easier.

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) today announced the release of the Emergency Response Directory (ERD) available only at http://www.bottledwater.org/.  The ERD contains a list of organizations and government agencies responsible for emergency and disaster response activities, so that IBWA members and other interested parties may successfully navigate the proper channels and help provide bottled water and other resources to those in need.

Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and the massive outpouring of bottled water aid to survivors in these communities, IBWA formed the IBWA Emergency Clearinghouse Working Group.  The purpose of this working group was to develop a plan so that emergency bottled water supplies may be quickly and efficiently donated to those who need it most.  The Working Group has prepared the ERD to provide IBWA members and other interested parties contacts at the federal, regional, and state levels. 

“During times of emergency, it is essential that drinking water, food, and other critical supplies reach directly those whom need it most,” said IBWA Vice President of Communications Stephen Kay.  “Time is of the essence for those who need emergency supplies, and this directory will help companies and individuals make contact with relief coordinators that can quickly and effectively get supplies to effected areas.”

The directory is divided by national, regional, state and local groups, which can be easily found in the index.  Additionally, this document is in Adobe Acrobat format and may be searched by using the “Search” function or by clicking on the binocular image in the toolbar once the document has been opened.  The ERD is available for download at http://www.bottledwater.org/public/downloads/erd.pdf.  To download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, please go to http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/.

For more information about IBWA or the Emergency Response Directory, please contact V. Tom Gardner, manager of communications, at 703-647-4607 or tgardner@bottledwater.org.