It is the anniversary of the first disaster response in Michigan. On Sept. 4, 1881, the first documented American Red Cross disaster response effort occurred after volunteers of the Red Cross of New York sent clothing and food to assist victims of forest fires that burned more than one million acres, left 282 dead and caused more than $2 million in damage throughout northern Michigan.
In memory of the event, Gov. Rick Snyder proclaimed Sept. 4 “American Red Cross Preparedness Day” in 2011.
Source : Red Cross News Release, September 2, 2011.