This weekend on In Focus, we’re taking a closer look at emergency preparedness. 

JoDee Kenney sits down with Ken Turner, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross. He spoke about the preplanning the Red Cross does all year long. Turner says they have a cycle - planning, readiness, response, recovery and lessons learned.

Even before a disaster occurs, the Red Cross is continually recruiting volunteers, training them and matching their skill sets and interests. Turner says the only thing a possible volunteer needs is a willing heart.

During a preplanning stage ahead of a disaster, the Red Cross works with emergency officials about where their help is most needed. As for blood donations, Turner spoke about the constant need for them. He says the Red Cross handles all the testing and distribution of the donated blood.

You can watch the full interview above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.