Briggs & Stratton donates equipment to Red Cross for disasters

MILWAUKEE -- When disaster strikes the American Red Cross responds to render community assistance. The Red Cross got a boost Tuesday, May 29th with a $1 million "In Kind" donation from Briggs & Stratton.

Back in 2010, when a tornado struck Eagle, the American Red Cross responded immediately - establishing a command center at Eagle's Village Hall. However, their efforts were hampered.

"They didn't have any power for the very first few hours, and so a generator is most needed for that. We've got to get in there. We've got to have phones that are working, and that's what helps us get going," Red Cross Regional CEO Patty Flowers said.

It's a scenario played out with many Red Cross chapters at the worst possible time.

Milwaukee-based Briggs & Stratton has stepped in to help fill the gap.

"We're really proud to be able to do that, and partner with the Red Cross," Briggs & Stratton CEO Todd Teske said.

The company donated about $1 million worth of product to 183 American Red Cross chapters nationwide - some of which was rolled out at the Milwaukee chapter. The donation includes about 850 portable generators used to provide electricity when the power is out, and about 480 pressure washers.

"We started shipping out the product over the last few weeks. We're shipping it to various areas across the country, by and large focusing on areas where there are a lot of natural disasters," Teske said.

The equipment has already reached Red Cross chapters on the east coast, which may be using them as they deal with the ongoing threat of tropical storm Beryl.

The power washers will be used to clean up after disasters, like the July 2010 flooding in Milwaukee.

"We're ready to go so when an emergency occurs, we don't have to get on the phone with people saying can you help us. They've already helped us. It's wonderful," Flowers said.

A number of shipments of generators and power washers will take place later this year to the northeast, where ice and snow storms are common.

Briggs & Stratton will also have its dealer network help maintain the generators, service them and get them in proper condition for the Red Cross' use.