tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11790569532751647222024-03-13T15:18:24.697-04:00American Red Cross, VT and the NH ValleyRedCrossVTNHVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07252892368147279372noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-48728303112437567302014-09-09T10:25:00.001-04:002014-09-09T10:25:36.076-04:00<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Red Cross Recruiting Franklin County Volunteers</strong></span><br />
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For the American Red Cross, volunteers make up over 90% of the organization’s work force and are key to fulfilling our humanitarian mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The help extended to neighbors in our communities, whether it is in the wake of a house fire down the street or large-scale disaster response, is possible due to this corps of dedicated and compassionate volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Over the past year, we responded to 200 house and apartment fires across our region, which includes all of Vermont and 12 Upper Valley communities in New Hampshire. At present, in Franklin County, we have only a handful of volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are working to build out this volunteer corps to ensure that we can provide timely responses to county residents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are times now where volunteers from other counties provide our response in Franklin County.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyone interested in learning more about what the American Red Cross is accomplishing in Franklin County and how they can be a part of this work is encouraged to come to an information meeting being held at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">St. Albans City Hall, 100 North Main Street, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2014</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meet with Red Cross Deputy Chief Response Officer Brent Garrow, Volunteer Manager Angela Russell and a few of the current members of the organization’s Franklin County Disaster Action Team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drinks and snacks will be provided.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3Fwcfszcsg/UlWrsfkUupI/AAAAAAAAAOA/Q8ALDX8K9kg/s1600/Teamwork+shelter+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3Fwcfszcsg/UlWrsfkUupI/AAAAAAAAAOA/Q8ALDX8K9kg/s200/Teamwork+shelter+photo.jpg" height="200" width="172" /></a>Becoming a Red Cross volunteer does <u>not</u> require any specialized experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any training a volunteer will need is provided at no cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red Cross volunteers come from all walks of life and all ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The work of a Red Cross volunteer may not always be easy, but it is rewarding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hear it from our volunteers that the reward for their efforts is knowing that they have helped take care of a person in need during what may be the most trying experience in their life,” said Deputy Chief Response Officer Brent Garrow.</div>
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We hope you will share information about this upcoming informational meeting with friends, family and colleagues in Franklin County. <strong>If you have any questions, contact Angela Russell at 802-660-9130, ext. 107 or <a href="mailto:angela.russell@redcross.org">angela.russell@redcross.org</a>.</strong></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-22275742457862524322013-11-15T16:07:00.003-05:002013-11-15T16:07:51.228-05:00Local Volunteer on International Assignment
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVdP48TumWM/UoaMUFc-eoI/AAAAAAAAAOo/a1BACTkD7Fg/s1600/Cristina+Hammond+with+children+in+Vietnam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVdP48TumWM/UoaMUFc-eoI/AAAAAAAAAOo/a1BACTkD7Fg/s1600/Cristina+Hammond+with+children+in+Vietnam.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Cristina
Hammond</strong>, a 20-year volunteer from the Upper Valley, is currently on a 5 week
Red Cross deployment in Vietnam. This is her 9<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> overseas
deployment to 7 different countries. Cristina is in Vietnam to assist
relief and recovery activities in the wake two other recent typhoons.
After striking the Philippines, Typhoon Haiyan was steaming toward
Vietnam. Cristina set her assignment aside and headed into the region of
Vietnam expected to be most affected, preparing to assist in an anticipated
recovery process. Here is Cristina’s journal entry as the typhoon
approach, as well as a brief postscript. It exemplifies the dedication
and compassion shown by our volunteer corps.</span></span></span></div>
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November 8, 2013 -- </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Night Train to Hue</span></strong></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>As I boarded the train last night to Hue, an old slogan
flashed through my mind:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do something
every day that scares you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am one who is so terrified of
things like roller coasters, that I can’t even watch others (especially my own
children) stand in line for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
always duck out of line before getting to the front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, when a disaster strikes, I am the first
on the ride to go help assist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this
case, it was a night train from Ha Tinh, Vietnam to Hue, Vietnam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, that doesn’t mean I didn’t feel
fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just didn’t step out of line.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>As word came in of the approaching Typhoon, my Vietnamese
co-worker Linh and I spoke to our boss in Hanoi. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the typhoon approaching, planned
activities for our cash grant program had been cancelled so Michael gave us
options: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) return to Hanoi until we can
restart our activities, or 2) move south into the path of the storm and help
the Viet Nam Red Cross (VNRC) in these Provinces prepare and respond. One thing
disaster response teaches you is to be flexible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another is to put humanity first. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, always we are to put our own safety
as a priority, but after that, do I want to be safe outside the affected area
if I believe I can not only be safe but also be useful within?</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Arriving in Hue, Linh and I soon saw the first visible signs
of storm preparation: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few young men
climbing a tree to cut it down so that it won’t be blown over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the day, we see many more trees
being trimmed and people taking down street ornaments, removing loose sheet
metal, and closing up shops. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For our
afternoon, I did my laundry in the tub and checked my supplies while watching
CNN report on the destruction just starting to be assessed in the Philippines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hotel staff came in to tape the windows.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Later in the afternoon, we had a meeting with the Vice Chair
of the Provincial Chapter of the Viet Nam Red Cross (VNRC). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained the evacuations and other
preparedness activities underway. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over
100,000 evacuated in this province with a total of 600,000 in evacuation
centers along the Central coast. We had an excellent conversation about the
good work being done and a review of past typhoons and floods. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lessons have been learned; new procedures to
release water and who and when to evacuate are in place. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels a little surreal to be at the hotel
now and waiting for the storm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that
is part of preparedness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expect (and
prepare for) the worst, hope for the best, and flexibly deal with whatever the
day’s reality throws at you.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>So here I am. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not in
line – nor on the train – just in the path of the eye of the hurricane.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Postlude:</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Thankfully, Haiyan veered sharply north and skittered along
up the coast of the Central Provinces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
intensity reduced to a weaker category 1 tropical typhoon as landfall occurred
in the Northeast. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the path changed,
the alerts went out and another 200,000 people evacuated in the northeastern
province coastal areas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The total of
over 800,000 evacuees was the greatest Viet Nam had ever done before. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We experienced heavy rains and seas with high
winds but, luckily, not the kind of devastation many feared. It was still a
significant storm event with 10 dead and more than 50 injured along with
millions of dollars of damage to homes, agriculture and aquaculture.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>With that storm past, the 5<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> in the last 7
weeks, I went back to the work I came here to do: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>assist the IFRC and VNRC with relief and
recovery activities associated with Typhoons Wutip and Nari. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These typhoons caused significant damages
(over $700 million US in economic loss) to many coastal communities in 9
Central Provinces (<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">nine
provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua
Thien-Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai)</span> destroying homes and
wiping out livelihoods. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The American Red
Cross deployed me here as a technical advisor to support the distribution of
household items and cash grants to assist some of the most vulnerable (elderly,
disabled, single-headed households, etc.) who had been severely affected by the
typhoons and did not have sufficient resources or coping capacity to recover on
their own.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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</span>VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-5272818804499843532013-11-08T16:04:00.000-05:002013-11-08T16:04:24.463-05:00Two Vermont Women Honored for WWII Service with Red Cross
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Veterans Day Weekend Poignant Time to Acknowledge Service
to Red Cross and Country<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE… (Castleton and Putney, Vermont – November 8, 2013) This Sunday, November 10th, the Red Cross will honor two local World War II era Red Cross workers who gave so much for their country; one giving their life. Veterans Day seems the appropriate time to pay tribute to their war-time service. Events in Castleton, VT and Putney, VT will provide the backdrop for Red Cross leadership to re-affirm its commitment to the Armed Forces and those that support the organization’s efforts to serve the men and women in uniform.<br /><br />Maxine Loomis, who was born and raised in Putney, Vermont, received training as a nurse at a Springfield, MA hospital. At age 26, she volunteered to be an American Red Cross nurse and to serve overseas at a hospital in London, England. The year was 1941 and war raged in Europe. While the United States had not yet entered the war, the American Red Cross headed to Europe in support of the organization’s humanitarian mission. Maxine’s commitment and passion for her work was cut short when, in late June 1941, aboard a ship bound for England, her life was lost as a result of a German submarine attack.<br /> <br /> Maxine Loomis was one of six with the Red Cross, one house mother and five nurses, who lost their lives when the SS Maasdam was torpedoed. To honor her service, the American Red Cross gave the family a plaque that read: <br /><br /> To Maxine C. Loomis<br />In honor of<br />her courage and resolution<br />in crossing the sea to serve<br />with the American Red Cross<br />Harvard field hospital unit<br />England<br />1915 – 1941<br /><br />This plaque was affixed to a grave stone in the family plot in Westminster, Vermont. In 2011, that plaque was inexplicably stolen. Maxine’s surviving sister-in-law, Marilyn Loomis recently reached out to the Vermont & the New Hampshire Upper Valley American Red Cross. To ensure that the memory of Maxine and the bravery and compassion she exemplified are not forgotten, the Red Cross has had made a new plaque, inscribed with the same message as the original. On Sunday, as part of a 2:00 p.m. Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park at the Town Hall in Putney, VT, this new plaque will be presented to the Loomis family and soon will be affixed to Maxine’s grave stone.<br /><br />If there are questions about other facets to the program scheduled for 2pm Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park at the Town Hall of Putney, contact Laurel Ellis of the Putney Veterans Memorial Committee at 802-387-4489.<br /><br />The commitment and dedication of Marjorie Burditt Anderson of Castleton, Vermont will also be honored this Sunday as part of special service at the Federated Church of Castleton (504 Main Street), which is slated to begin at 11:00 a.m.. Mrs. Anderson is still an active member of that church and will be on hand to receive a pin and certificate honoring her World War II service with the American Red Cross. <br /><br />Marjorie’s tenure with the Red Cross involved service both at home and abroad, including that as a Red Cross Service Club Director assigned to Camp Herbert Tareton near LeHavre, France. Upon her return to the states, she worked for the Red Cross at the VA hospital in White River Jct., buoying the spirits of wounded soldiers. Both abroad and at home, she helped provide relief and a piece of “home” for America’s soldiers. At times this was simply setting time aside to play a game of cards, while at other times it meant sitting down with a wounded soldier and helping to write a difficult letter home.<br /><br />The American Red Cross honors those who served overseas through the “Our Legacy Continues” project and will present Mrs. Anderson with a pin and certificate this Sunday. In addition, Mrs. Anderson is set to receive a copy of Senate Resolution 471, provided by Senator Patrick Leahy. The U.S. Senate Resolution is an acknowledgment of the work of Red Cross Clubmobile women. It was the Clubmobiles that delivered hot coffee and, as the Resolution says, “a vital connection to home to thousands of servicemen . . . .” While Mrs. Anderson was not a Clubmobiler, those women were her close friends and S. Res. 471 reflects on all of the women who “went to war” in support of our military during World War II.<br /><br />For further information Sunday’s event (11 a.m.) and the plans of the Federated Church of Castleton to recognize Mrs. Anderson, veterans and others who give to their community and country, contact Rob Noble at 802-558-2293. Noble is the Church’s minister.<br /><br /> ###</div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-11849292441709560552013-10-09T15:25:00.001-04:002014-09-09T10:17:55.178-04:00<h3>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Red Cross Recruiting Franklin County Volunteers</span></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iY9rsvHaQ00/UlWrWUEbgZI/AAAAAAAAAN4/NGXiaIEEIEI/s1600/Caseworker+and+fire+truck+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iY9rsvHaQ00/UlWrWUEbgZI/AAAAAAAAAN4/NGXiaIEEIEI/s200/Caseworker+and+fire+truck+2.jpg" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
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For the American Red Cross, volunteers make up over 90% of the
organization’s work force and are key to fulfilling our humanitarian
mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The help extended to neighbors
in our communities, whether it is in the wake of a house fire down the street
or large-scale disaster response, is possible due to this corps of dedicated
and compassionate volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
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Over the
past year, we responded to 200 house and apartment fires across our
region, which includes all of Vermont and 12 Upper Valley communities in New
Hampshire. At present, in Franklin County, we have only a handful of volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are working to build out this volunteer corps to ensure that we can provide timely responses to county residents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are times now where volunteers from other counties provide our response in Franklin County.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyone interested in learning more about what the American Red Cross is
accomplishing in Franklin County and how they can be a part of this work is
encouraged to come to an information meeting being held at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">St. Albans City Hall, 100 North Main Street,
at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2014</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meet with Red Cross Deputy Chief Response
Officer Brent Garrow, Volunteer Manager Angela Russell and a few of the current members of the organization’s
Franklin County Disaster Action Team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Drinks and snacks will be provided.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3Fwcfszcsg/UlWrsfkUupI/AAAAAAAAAOA/Q8ALDX8K9kg/s1600/Teamwork+shelter+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3Fwcfszcsg/UlWrsfkUupI/AAAAAAAAAOA/Q8ALDX8K9kg/s200/Teamwork+shelter+photo.jpg" height="200" width="172" /></a>Becoming a Red Cross volunteer does <u>not</u> require any specialized experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any training a volunteer will need is
provided at no cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red Cross
volunteers come from all walks of life and all ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The work of a Red Cross volunteer may not
always be easy, but it is rewarding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I hear it from our volunteers that the reward for their efforts is
knowing that they have helped take care of a person in need during what may be
the most trying experience in their life,” said Deputy Chief Response Officer
Brent Garrow.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We hope you will share information about this upcoming informational meeting with friends, family and colleagues in Franklin County. <strong>If you have any questions, contact Angela Russell at 802-660-9130, ext. 107 or <a href="mailto:angela.russell@redcross.org">angela.russell@redcross.org</a>.</strong></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-45642684792939341972013-06-27T10:55:00.000-04:002013-06-27T10:55:56.738-04:00
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>RED CROSS PREPARES
FOR HEAVY RAINS; </strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>URGES OTHERS TO DO THE SAME</strong></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Heavy rains expected to soak
already saturated ground</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 1.4pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca5q-nqnIO4/UcxR9k2a9xI/AAAAAAAAANo/2m0CD6_UXr0/s1600/ND+Flooding+with+sandbags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca5q-nqnIO4/UcxR9k2a9xI/AAAAAAAAANo/2m0CD6_UXr0/s200/ND+Flooding+with+sandbags.jpg" width="200" /></a>June 27, 2013 -- The American Red
Cross of Vermont & the New Hampshire Upper Valley is urging people to be alert
and take steps in advance of the heavy rain expected over the next
24-hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few steps taken before,
during and after potential flooding will help ensure people weather the storm
safely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Red Cross is heeding its own
advice as it takes steps to prepare for a potential response to anticipated
flooding.<o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
Already saturated ground that is expected to receive significant rain in
the coming days creates a potential need in communities across the region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The steps being taken by the American Red
Cross of the Vermont & the New Hampshire Upper Valley to ready itself include:<span style="font-size: 6pt; line-height: 135%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;">Red Cross volunteers have been asked to advise
of their availability through the weekend; more than 60 have already
responded<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;">Vehicles and equipment are being readied<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;">Outreach has begun to potential shelter sites<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;">Lines of communication are open with State and
local emergency planners<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;">Red Cross disaster services workers are being
lined up to staff the State Emergency Operations Center</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
As conditions warrant, the Red Cross will look to open shelters to serve
communities that may be hard hit by the anticipated severe weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additional services to impacted towns will be
assessed in consultation with local and state officials.<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
While the Red Cross, locally, is hard at work to ensure it is prepared
should the need for its service arise, the organization is urging individuals
to take steps to prepare for the potential for rapidly rising water along
streams, rivers and in low-lying areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Red Cross suggests:<span style="font-size: 6pt; line-height: 135%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Before</b>
-- Ensure that you have available and ready to go items that you may need
if you must evacuate your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This includes everything from a flashlight, to a fully-charged cell
phone, baby and pet supplies, medications and more.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">During</b>
-- Stay informed and safe during a flooding event by ensuring you have a
crank or battery-powered radio; head to higher ground as warranted; stay
away from flooded roads while driving; and keep curious children away from
flood waters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just six inches of
swiftly moving water can sweep a person off their feet and a car can be
swept away in less than two feet of water.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">After</b>
-- Only return home after it has been declared safe; look for and avoid
downed power lines; wear protective gear (gloves, boots, mask) during clean
up; and ensure your water supply is safe.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
A great deal more preparedness information is available at <a href="http://www.redcross.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.redcross.org</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Red Cross strongly encourages people to
go to this site, take the time to review their safety plan, create an emergency
kit for their home and car and to stay informed before, during and after
storms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To put much of this helpful
information right at your fingertips, the Red Cross also encourages people to
download its <u>free</u> First Aid and other preparedness apps from the iTunes
Store or Google Play for Android users.<o:p></o:p></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-7041016038348359062013-06-09T08:25:00.003-04:002013-06-09T08:25:58.755-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="color: red;">SHAFTSBURY
FAMILY OF FIVE LOSES HOME TO FIRE</span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 1.4pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Red Cross Volunteers
Provide Hope and Help to those Displaced</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 135%;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></i></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 135%;"> … </span></b>(Shaftsbury,
VT – June 9, 2013) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night, a
Shaftsbury, VT family of five, including three children ages 5 to 15, lost
their home to fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cleveland Avenue
blaze devastated the home, causing the family to lose everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red Cross disaster services volunteers with
the organization’s Bennington County Disaster Action Team took action to extend
a helping hand.<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
Knowing that a displaced family’s recovery begins the moment disaster
strikes, the volunteers responded quickly to determine the family’s emergency
needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Red Cross made arrangements
for the five to stay in a local hotel for the next few nights and provided
financial assistance to replace food and clothing lost in the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With these immediate needs addressed, the
trained Red Cross caseworkers set a follow up meeting for today to determine
what other forms of assistance or referrals can be offered to help in the
recovery process.<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
“This family, as with each family that loses their home to fire, faces a
difficult road ahead,” said Doug Bishop, spokesperson with the Vermont &
the New Hampshire Upper Valley Region of the American Red Cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are thankful for the work of our
volunteers and for the support of others in the community that help ensure a
Red Cross response is there for each family in need.”<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
Red Cross volunteers with the 12 Disaster Action Teams throughout our
region strive to meet with disaster victims as soon as possible, ensuring that
both emotional support and immediate assistance are available. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the lodging, food and clothing
support that is traditionally provided, volunteers can connect the displaced
with Red Cross disaster health and disaster mental health services and offer
referrals to state, local and charitable resources in the area that can help
the impacted residents as they begin their difficult road to recovery.<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A vibrant volunteer corps helps
the organization maintain its ability to provide timely and compassionate
assistance to people across our region that have been impacted by
disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be a part of our group of
dedicated volunteers, no prior experience is necessary and all the training
that is needed is free and will be provided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To learn more about the American Red Cross volunteer experience, go to <a href="http://www.redcross.org/vermont"><span style="color: blue;">www.redcross.org/vermont</span></a> or contact
Angela Russell at 802-660-9130, ext. 107 or <a href="mailto:angela.russell@redcross.org"><span style="color: blue;">angela.russell@redcross.org</span></a>.</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To help people affected by fires
as well as devastating natural disasters, a donation can be made to support
American Red Cross Disaster Relief. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional
support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit <a href="http://www.redcross.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.redcross.org</span></a>, call 802-660-9130, ext.
111, or mail your contribution to American Red Cross, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington,
VT 05401.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center;">
###<o:p></o:p></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-7894137805329836162013-05-31T14:29:00.000-04:002013-05-31T14:29:01.670-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 24pt; mso-effects-shadow-align: none; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 50.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 13500000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 2.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 50.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #BFBFBF; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NEWS RELEASE</span></span></i></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.4pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">RED CROSS CONDUCTING
OUTREACH TO FLOOD-AFFECTED TOWNS<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Volunteers to perform
damage assessment and provide client casework<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><i><span style="color: black;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></i><span style="color: black;">
… </span></b>(Jericho/Underhill, VT – May 31, 2013) A week ago, heavy
rains and flash flooding struck several Vermont towns, perhaps none as hard as
the communities of Jericho and Underhill. While a few affected families
have reached out to the Red Cross for assistance, the anecdotal reports of
damage would suggest that greater need remains to be addressed. Tomorrow,
the Red Cross is sending three teams of volunteers to Jericho and Underhill to
conduct damage assessment and provide client casework services as needed.<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 135%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Volunteers
working out of the Underhill Town Clerk’s office at 12 Pleasant Valley Road as
their base of operation for the day’s work will be supported by three teams
going directly into the field. The damage assessment data will help
inform the Red Cross as to what additional supports may be needed in the
affected communities. Members of these volunteer teams will also provide
client casework services as necessary, sharing information as to how the Red
Cross may be able to support recovery and offering information about other
resources that may be available to help a family through the recovery process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: red;">WHO:</span></b> American
Red Cross<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: red;">WHAT:</span></b> Damage Assessment
and Support to Communities Impacted by Recent Flooding<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: red;">WHEN:</span></b> Saturday, June 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>,
9am – 5pm<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: red;">WHERE:</span></b> Jericho and Underhill Vermont<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: red;">HOW:</span></b> 3 Mobile
Teams and an Operations Headquarters at the Underhill Town Clerk’s Office </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
(12 Pleasant Valley Road, Underhill). Community members in need can look
for our </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">mobile teams, go to the Underhill Town Clerk’s Office or contact a temporary
hotline</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
(tomorrow only) of (802) 355-1209.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the focal
point of the mobile teams will be Jericho and Underhill, members of surrounding
communities impacted by last week’s flooding can stop by the Underhill Town
Clerk’s Office between 9am and 5pm or call our temporary help line (tomorrow
only) at (802) 355-1209. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-52686228863557932332013-05-21T14:09:00.002-04:002013-05-21T14:09:51.115-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">RED CROSS MOBILIZES
IN WAKE OF DEVASTATING STORMS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Moore, OK tornado and other recent storms
create need<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The American Red Cross is working around the clock to provide food and
shelter to all of those whose lives have been affected by the deadly tornado in
Moore, OK, as well as other tornadoes and storms over the past several days in
Texas, Kansas and other parts of Oklahoma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shelters, food, supplies and other resources have been, and will
continue to be, brought to bear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09qYw-kwZsM/UZu4NShAG2I/AAAAAAAAANU/O9Rr3dIsrtM/s1600/torndo+recovery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09qYw-kwZsM/UZu4NShAG2I/AAAAAAAAANU/O9Rr3dIsrtM/s1600/torndo+recovery.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Key Red Cross
Activities in Affected Areas:</span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shelters are open and emergency aid stations will be
open where people can get food and snacks, mental health and health care
services and information about what help is available.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">More workers, supplies and equipment are on the way
to help the people of Oklahoma. Almost 30 emergency response vehicles are
enroute to distribute food, water and relief supplies to people in need.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Red Cross is working with the Southern Baptist
Convention, a frequent disaster relief partner, who is making two kitchens
available with the ability to make tens of thousands of meals a day. The
Red Cross also has kitchen support and relief supply trailers on the way
to help those forced from their homes.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Red Cross disaster mental
health workers are available to help people cope with the aftermath.</span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We also are operating shelters and supporting people
affected by Sunday’s storms in Shawnee and other parts of the Oklahoma
City area.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Red Cross will be on the ground in
these affected areas for the foreseeable future to help people get back on
their feet.<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Activities in our Region:</span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">For those who are looking
to support the relief operations in Moore, OK and other areas hard hit by
tornadoes over the past few days, donations can be made at </span><a href="http://www.redcross.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.redcross.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">, by texting REDCROSS
to 90999, or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Red Cross volunteers
across the country, including our own region, have been asked to update
their availability status so that this information is known as additional
resources are mobilized in the coming days.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our experience is that
after a large disaster, many people have the impulse to learn more about
how they can volunteer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout
the region, over the next two weeks, we are offering a class entitled
“Disaster Services:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An
Overview.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This introductory class
is the first step in becoming a Red Cross volunteer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It runs 3 hours and is being offered on
the following dates and locations:</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Burlington, VT – May 28<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>
at 6pm – 29 Mansfield Avenue (Red Cross office)<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rutland, VT – June 3<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>rd</sup>
at 6pm – 117 Strongs Avenue (Red Cross office)<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Brattleboro, VT – June 4<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>
at 6pm – 81 High Street St. (Red Cross office)<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bennington, VT – June 4<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>
at 6pm – 120 McKinley Street (Bennington Rescue)</span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">To sign up for these classes,
go to </span><a href="http://www.redcross.org/vermont"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.redcross.org/vermont</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
and click on “Volunteer.”<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Reconnecting with
Friends and Loved Ones:</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Red Cross “Safe and
Well” website is active, helping to reconnect people with loved ones in the
storm affected areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To access Safe and
Well, visit </span><a href="http://www.redcross.org/safeandwell"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.redcross.org/safeandwell</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once at that site,
you can click on “Search Registrants” to see if your friend or loved one has
registered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Disaster victims can also
update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well website.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Coping
with Disaster:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">In
addition to bringing mental health resources to bear in Oklahoma for victims of
recent tornadoes, the American Red Cross knows that those far from the scene of
a disaster can be impacted emotionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The following tips may be helpful to consider as we continue to hear the
news of devastation:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">People may be
experiencing a variety of difficult feelings and thoughts – fear, anger,
confusion, shock, disbelief, sadness and grief. These are all normal
feelings associated with experiencing a disaster like this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Reacting to a
disaster like this can affect not only how someone feels, but the way they
think and what they think about, their sleep, their daily lives and the
way they interact with others. Children and the elderly are especially at
risk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">People should
try to limit their exposure to the disaster.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">They should
reach out and accept help from others and stay connected with family and
other support systems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Allow
children to feel upset and encourage them to express their feelings and
thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Return to a
daily routine as much as possible.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Red
Cross and the blood supply:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">The Red Cross stands ready to help meet
the blood needs of patients in and around Oklahoma City if needed. There is
currently enough blood on the shelves to meet patient demands.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Type O negative blood is often used
during emergencies, when there is no time to determine the patient’s blood
type. A situation like this highlights the importance of already having enough
type O negative blood on hand at a moment’s notice. We encourage eligible
donors with O negative blood to make a blood donation appointment as soon as they
are able.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">The Red Cross has the ability to move
blood around the country to where it is needed most during shortages, or in
times of natural or man-made disasters. Through its national inventory system,
the Red Cross is able to support the shipment of blood and blood products
wherever and whenever they are needed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We depend on generous volunteer blood
donors to provide lifesaving blood for those in need – each and every day – not
only during times of national disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.redcrossblood.org</span></a>
to make an appointment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-19689368549766124802013-05-17T15:08:00.000-04:002013-05-17T15:08:43.587-04:00Texas Tornadoes -- Red Cross Supporting Response and Recovery
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Since the storms passed Wednesday night and even into
Thursday afternoon, the American Red Cross has been working to open shelters,
assess damage and plan for the days and weeks ahead in more than five counties
across Texas. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Thanks
to generous supporters like you, we have been able to shelter dozens of people
in two Red Cross emergency shelters, serve nearly 1,400 meals and snacks, and
mobilize nearly 100 trained disaster responders to support relief efforts
caused by the 12 tornadoes now reported.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Five emergency
response vehicles circulated the affected counties, handing out needed items
and providing health and emotional support.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Red Cross has established a Disaster Assistance
Hotline for anyone across Texas who has sustained damage to their homes as a
result of last night’s storms. Affected residents are urged to call
866-505-4801.</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br />
Red Cross teams have spent the bulk of the last two days assessing damage
across the area. In the Ranch Brazos community in Hood County, teams discovered
that nearly 100 homes were affected with more than half of them being destroyed
or unlivable for an extended amount of time. An additional 130 homes across the
North Texas area have damage of some nature, but teams are still working on the
damage breakdowns. These assessments assist the Red Cross in determining where
the need is greatest.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Red Cross is also working with community partners
such as Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, Islamic Relief USA, and the
Southern Baptist Convention to ensure that families get what they need to help.
Red Cross caseworkers are also on hand to point those impacted toward recovery
resources. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Red Cross is planning to distribute thousands of
needed relief items for clean-up over the weekend. Relief items can include
things like shovels, rakes, work gloves, trash bags and more. Areas will be
established in impacted neighborhoods so that residents can pick up their
supplies near their homes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">With the threat of more severe storms across Texas, the
Plains and the Midwest over the weekend, the Red Cross continues to prepare and
be ready for what’s to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_iWM9P_NOfw/UZZ_YGSHF_I/AAAAAAAAAM8/6_65Cz3vK3c/s1600/Disaster+Services+Workers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_iWM9P_NOfw/UZZ_YGSHF_I/AAAAAAAAAM8/6_65Cz3vK3c/s320/Disaster+Services+Workers.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Red Cross' Anita Foster public affairs, discusses the damage assessment survey with Ray Fishencord (left) and Alan Sloan (right) Nearly 100 homes were impacted in this neighborhood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;"></span><br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-85911910956194037012013-04-29T11:08:00.003-04:002013-04-29T11:22:10.132-04:00<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vermont has experienced several
brush/wildfires in just the past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Red Cross volunteers have responded with support for firefighters in the
form of food and hydration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Allow us to
share prevention tips from the Vermont Department of Public Safety.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; mso-outline-level: 4; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vermonters can help prevent
and prepare for wildfire:</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 6; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9wL3M_hicc/UX6L87taOoI/AAAAAAAAAMg/d9dFCUgdCOA/s1600/Wildfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9wL3M_hicc/UX6L87taOoI/AAAAAAAAAMg/d9dFCUgdCOA/s320/Wildfire.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Obey all local and state laws or restrictions on
open burning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 6; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• By state law, a “Permit to Kindle Fire” (an open
burning permit) MUST be obtained from the Town Forest Fire Warden and is
REQUIRED before you start to burn any natural wood or vegetation outdoors. The
fire warden will issue a permit if the weather and fuel conditions are
favorable for a controlled burn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 6; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Avoid burning on dry, windy days or when Fire
Weather Watches or Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather
Service.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 6; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• If you can legally and safely burn: Burn small
piles; gradually adding to the fire as it burns down. Large piles of burning
debris generate intense heat capable of carrying burning embers up and into
other areas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 6; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Clear all dry grass and weeds from around your
burn area, and around your home and out-buildings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 6; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Always have tools handy while you burn - including
water, a hose, a rake and a shovel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 6; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• If burning a large agricultural area, please check
with your local fire department for advice about burning it safely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 6; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• CALL 911 or your local fire department if your
burn gets out of control and becomes a wildfire. If you delay calling for help,
you may have disastrous results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 6; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• DO NOT attempt to suppress a wildfire, if it
cannot be done EASILY with the tools and water you have on hand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 6; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• DO NOT burn
household trash. The use of burn barrels to burn trash is illegal in Vermont.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-21608752854767534032013-04-27T11:42:00.004-04:002013-04-27T11:42:57.117-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="color: red;">A WEEK TO REMEMBER IN CALEDONIA COUNTY</span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 1.4pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What starts wtih a drill turns quickly to reality</span></i></div>
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 135%;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></i></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 135%;"> … </span></b>(Caledonia
County, VT – April 27, 2013)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a week
ago, the Disaster Action Team in Caledonia County conducted a drill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such an exercise helps to build skills and
allows the team to maintain a degree of readiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they concluded the drill, it would have
been hard for them to imagine all that they would be called upon to accomplish
in the week ahead. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql_f3HnOyUY/UXvxt3ml9DI/AAAAAAAAAME/tJ10QebZEr8/s1600/Group+volunteer+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql_f3HnOyUY/UXvxt3ml9DI/AAAAAAAAAME/tJ10QebZEr8/s1600/Group+volunteer+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql_f3HnOyUY/UXvxt3ml9DI/AAAAAAAAAME/tJ10QebZEr8/s320/Group+volunteer+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a>Mirroring the real-life experience of an American Red Cross volunteer,
the drill was not held at a convenient time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, last Saturday night’s drill <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">started
</i>at 11pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Team members assembled and
with the help of others, they practiced how they would respond to a house fire
in Danville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The volunteers provided
assistance to their imagined fire victims and organized support for the
non-existent first responders on scene at the mock fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a few unexpected twists thrown in by the
drill organizers to keep them on their toes, the team performed exceedingly
well.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
What followed this week put their skills to the test in some very real
world situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Monday, the first
of several calls came in for assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A Concord family of five was displaced from their home by fire. Volunteers
trained in client casework met with the affected family to help assess their
emergency needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Support was provided to
replace food and clothing lost in the fire.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
On Wednesday, the pace really picked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A tragic boating accident on the Passumpsic River in Barnet left a
canoeist missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Red Cross was
asked to provide support at the scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Food and beverages were the direct assistance delivered to first
responders and family, but it was the warmth and compassion of the volunteers
that was probably the most important element of their work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the course of two and a half days, the
corps of Red Cross volunteers remained on scene to lend support.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
Wednesday also brought another fire to the region, this time striking two
homes in Lyndonville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, volunteers
met with the displaced and provided financial support to replace lost food and
clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This response took place while
other team members remained on scene at the search and rescue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
A bright spot for the tired team came on Thursday as they spent the day with
the K-12 students of Concord talking about preparedness and displaying several
of the Red Cross tools used in disaster response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This included an Emergency Response Vehicle from
which food and supplies can be delivered across our region during times of
disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That same vehicle only
recently returned from a long stint in New York in the wake of Hurricane
Sandy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, the team set up an
all-in-one trailer and tent Emergency Response System (ERS) built by MMIC, a
Caledonia County business that has loaned the ERS to the Red Cross.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
Today, team members are back at it with another fire response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night, the home of another Concord
family was struck by fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it
appears they have made arrangements for lodging, they will be provided support
for food and clothing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
In all, at least 11 Red Cross Disaster Action Team members from Caledonia
County engaged in this week’s activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Judy Kennedy and Barb Byrne, the Co-Coordinators for the Caledonia
County team have devoted considerable time in recent months to ensuring the
readiness of their team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week, that
work paid off for the people of Caledonia County.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<o:p>A</o:p>merican Red Cross staff work hard to ensure that the material and
financial resources needed by our volunteers is there when it is needed most,
but it is the hard work, compassion and tireless dedication that the volunteers
bring to their work that allows the Red Cross to deliver the kind of service
provided in Caledonia County this past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In all, 90% of the American Red Cross disaster services workforce is
comprised of volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without their
efforts, the organization simply could not deliver on its mission.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To support the work of Disaster
Action Teams like this one across our region, a donation can be made to support
American Red Cross Disaster Relief. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional
support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit <a href="http://www.redcross.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.redcross.org</span></a>, call 802-660-9130, text
REDCROSS to 90999, ext. 111, or mail your contribution to American Red Cross,
29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-41575593000463149422013-04-18T14:32:00.001-04:002013-04-18T14:32:56.386-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>Red
Cross Can Help You Be Prepared <o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><strong>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For
The Next Emergency<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Take A Class, Download First Aid App
To Help Save a Life<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Recent events in <st1:city w:st="on">Boston</st1:city> and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state>
emphasize the importance of knowing what to do when an emergency occurs. </span><strong><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Even as first responders
rushed into help at both scenes, much of the initial care to the injured was
provided by friends, neighbors and bystanders who were trained in CPR and first
aid. </span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Whether
the emergency is community-wide and involves numerous injuries, or involves a
single individual being hurt at home, it is vital that someone close by knows
what to do when such an emergency occurs.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FVyPEv80aOo/UXA76VrgVUI/AAAAAAAAALs/ixl8qTqtvt4/s1600/CPR+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FVyPEv80aOo/UXA76VrgVUI/AAAAAAAAALs/ixl8qTqtvt4/s320/CPR+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A3"><span style="mso-ansi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Getting yourself and your
family more prepared for disasters can bring peace of mind during trying times
and can help save someone’s life during future emergencies. </span></span><span class="A3"><span style="mso-ansi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Taking an action like downloading our first aid, taking a first aid class or
building a disaster supply kit can help people feel empowered to act when
disaster strikes.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The
American Red Cross has numerous ways people can get the information and
training they need to be able to help when an emergency occurs and urges
everyone to be better prepared by taking advantage of training and mobile apps
available to teach them what to do when someone needs assistance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/program-highlights/cpr-first-aid/workplaces-schools-individuals"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: Arial;">FIRST
AID/CPR CLASSES</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Red Cross has
classes available that emphasize hands-on-learning of First Aid,
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and use of an Automated External
Defibrillator (AED). The courses teach someone the skills they need to help
save a life. Participants learn how to respond to common first aid emergencies,
how to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies in adults and how to use
AEDs. There are also options available to learn how to help infants and
children. People can </span><a href="http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: Arial;">register
for these classes</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> at </span><a href="http://www.redcross.org/takeaclass"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: Arial;">redcross.org/takeaclass</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">
or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/course-dowbt000000000010278"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: Arial;">ONLINE
TRAINING</span></a></span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Family and household
members can learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies by taking the new
Red Cross </span><a href="http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/course-dowbt000000000010278"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: Arial;">Family
First Aid and CPR online course</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">. The cost is $30. Family First Aid and CPR
teaches you how to: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Identify signals of medical
emergencies.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Give appropriate care for common
first aid emergencies. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Know when to call 9-1-1 and what
to do until help arrives for critical cardiac and first aid emergencies.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">This
course is for people who do not require OSHA-compliant certification. It takes
about 2 hours to go through the Adult CPR and First Aid content. Pediatric
modules are also available.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7wPOucyxEA/UXA8LPTAd6I/AAAAAAAAAL0/nRxJyBWyzv8/s1600/red-cross-app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7wPOucyxEA/UXA8LPTAd6I/AAAAAAAAAL0/nRxJyBWyzv8/s320/red-cross-app.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/first-aid-app"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: Arial;">DOWNLOAD FIRST
AID APP</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">People can also download the free Red Cross First Aid App for iPhone and
Android mobile devices which puts simple lifesaving information at someone’s
fingertips. Features include step-by-step instructions to guide someone through
everyday first aid scenarios, full integration with 9-1-1 to call emergency
services from the app and preloaded content to have instant access to information
even without device reception or internet connectivity. The app is available in
the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store by searching for American Red
Cross. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-17866932587908892332013-04-12T14:29:00.000-04:002013-04-12T14:29:14.103-04:00
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 1.4pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">FROM CANADIAN TO MASSACHUSETTS BORDERS, VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN BUSY THIS WINTER<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 1.4pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">Response Rate Steadily Climbing Over Past 4 Years</span></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 1.4pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CYN9SyN038/UWhRkCSwK5I/AAAAAAAAALc/d1IGArMpm10/s1600/Caseworker+at+fire+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CYN9SyN038/UWhRkCSwK5I/AAAAAAAAALc/d1IGArMpm10/s400/Caseworker+at+fire+photo.jpg" width="400" /></a>As we start our day
amidst sleet and rain, complaints will cross many of our lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, for too many of our neighbors, this
winter that never ends has been a lot tougher than just cold temperatures and
cloudy skies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems, at times, that house
and apartment fires have been as much a part of the season as snowballs and
skiing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night was no different.<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
Red Cross disaster services volunteers from Franklin County were on scene
last night at a single-family house fire at 4356 West Berkshire Road in
Berkshire, VT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The family of four (parents,
their adult daughter and a grandchild) were all displaced from the home that
sustained major damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The family made
arrangements for their own lodging, but the Red Cross assisted with financial
support to help with food, clothing and storage containers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, the volunteers provided
rehabilitative support in the form of food and hydration to the first
responders at the scene.<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
Late Wednesday, members of our Bennington County Disaster Action Team
assisted a gentleman left homeless after fires struck his 60 Lincoln Street
home in Pownal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a place to stay
locally, but the Red Cross volunteers extended a helping hand through financial
assistance for food, clothing and bedding.<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
Just three years ago, Red Cross volunteers in our region responded to 106
events, predominately house and apartment fires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those numbers have steadily climbed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For our fiscal year 2011, that number climbed
to 117, in 2012 the number hit 137 and this year it is projected to be in the
range of 155 to 160 responses.<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The American Red Cross is always
seeking new volunteers, an effort that helps the organization maintain its
ability to provide timely and compassionate assistance to people across our
region impacted by disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be a
part of our group of dedicated volunteers, no prior experience is necessary and
all the training you will need is free and will be provided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To find out more about becoming an American
Red Cross volunteer, go to <a href="http://www.redcross.org/vermont"><span style="color: blue;">www.redcross.org/vermont</span></a>
or contact Angela Russell at 802-660-9130, ext. 107 or <a href="mailto:angela.russell@redcross.org"><span style="color: blue;">angela.russell@redcross.org</span></a>.</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To help people affected by fires
as well as devastating natural disasters, a donation can be made to support
American Red Cross Disaster Relief. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional
support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit <a href="http://www.redcross.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.redcross.org</span></a>, call 802-660-9130, text
REDCROSS to 90999, ext. 111, or mail your contribution to American Red Cross,
29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-45212759060281937282013-03-24T08:51:00.002-04:002013-03-24T08:51:45.153-04:00
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 1.4pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="color: red;">SEVERAL
FAMILIES DISPLACED BY CANAAN, VT FIRE<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt;">Support
to families and first responders provided</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt;"></span></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b> </div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cvnFpWvIVWE/UU72ihHUv-I/AAAAAAAAALM/TPQtKVTxwls/s1600/Join_Us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cvnFpWvIVWE/UU72ihHUv-I/AAAAAAAAALM/TPQtKVTxwls/s320/Join_Us.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 135%;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></i></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 135%;"> … </span></b>(Canaan, VT
– March 24, 2013) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we know all too well
in this region, the arrival of spring is often just a date on a calendar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the American Red Cross, a busy winter
fire season appears to continue unabated, despite the calendar, with two fire
responses in just the past two days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
latest being an overnight fire in Canaan, VT.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
Around midnight, members of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team working
out of the Northeast Kingdom received the call that fire had struck a
multi-unit apartment building located at 10761 Route 253 in Canaan, VT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quickly, they responded and drove directly to
the scene of the blaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the sun rose,
three families, totaling more than 10 people, had sat down with those Red Cross
volunteers and had begun their road to recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each family was provided temporary lodging
and financial support to help with food and clothing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
Across the country, the American Red Cross responds to a disaster every 8
minutes, most are fires like the one suffered in Canaan overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our trained volunteers know that for the
devastated families, recovery begins the moment disaster strikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is through our corps of volunteers, who
comprise 90% of the Red Cross workforce, that we can ensure that help and
compassion are there for those whose lives have been turned upside down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 135%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
In addition to the lodging and other direct assistance provided by the Red
Cross, our volunteers make referrals to state, local and other charitable
resources that can help a disaster victim take that next step in their recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As noted, in Canaan last night, our
volunteers also supported the first responders by providing food and hydration.<o:p></o:p></div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
To maintain the ability to respond quickly and with the help that is
needed, the American Red Cross constantly works to build the ranks of its
volunteer corps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No prior experience is
necessary and any training that is needed is provided without charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone interested in learning more about the
Red Cross volunteer experience is urged to go to <a href="http://www.redcross.org/vermont"><span style="color: blue;">www.redcross.org/vermont</span></a> or to call
locally at 802-660-9130, ext. 107.<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To help people affected by fires as
well as devastating natural disasters, a donation can be made to support
American Red Cross Disaster Relief. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional
support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit <a href="http://www.redcross.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.redcross.org</span></a>, call 802-660-9130, text
REDCROSS to 90999, ext. 111, or mail your contribution to American Red Cross,
29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-21746710826220688782013-02-08T10:23:00.000-05:002013-02-08T10:53:50.241-05:00Shoveling Tips for the Heart and Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZBIxPg6RFA/URUfLzDec6I/AAAAAAAAAK8/vO_H_LsRXXI/s1600/Shoveling.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZBIxPg6RFA/URUfLzDec6I/AAAAAAAAAK8/vO_H_LsRXXI/s1600/Shoveling.png" /></a><em><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Be heart healthy and back friendly while shoveling this winter with these tips:</span></em></div>
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If you are inactive and have a history of heart trouble, talk to your
doctor before you take on the task of shoveling snow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Avoid caffeine or nicotine before beginning. These are stimulants,
which may increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to constrict.
This places extra stress on the heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold
winter months as it is in the summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Synthetic fibers help wick away perspiration
better than natural fibers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Warm your muscles before shoveling by walking for a few minutes or
marching in place. Stretch the muscles in your arms and legs because warm
muscles will work more efficiently and be less likely to be injured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Pick the right shovel for you. A smaller blade will require you to
lift less snow, putting less strain on your body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Begin shoveling slowly to avoid placing a sudden demand on your
heart. Pace yourself and take breaks as needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Protect your back from injury by lifting correctly. Stand with your
feet about hip width for balance and keep the shovel close to your body. Bend from
the knees (not the back) and tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the snow.
Avoid twisting movements. If you need to move the snow to one side, reposition
your feet to face the direction the snow will be going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Most importantly, listen to your
body. Stop if you feel pain.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h2>
</h2>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-12493620032783592752013-02-08T09:50:00.002-05:002013-02-08T09:50:55.422-05:00Red Cross Urges Generator Safety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv20E2YM__g/URUQXFEKw7I/AAAAAAAAAKs/3DsclEH06ck/s1600/Smoke+Detector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv20E2YM__g/URUQXFEKw7I/AAAAAAAAAKs/3DsclEH06ck/s320/Smoke+Detector.jpg" width="320" /></a>As we face this
ongoing winter storm, <span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">some
in our region may plan to utilize back-up generators if there is a power
outage. While generators are handy to have during inclement weather, it is
important to practice generator safety to protect your home from dangerous
carbon monoxide fumes and generator misuse.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 9.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Under no
circumstances should portable generators be used indoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;">This includes inside a garage, carport, basement,
crawlspace, or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 9.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Opening doors
and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home.</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The CO from generators can rapidly lead to
full incapacitation and death, but CO can't be seen or smelled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you
may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while
using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY - DO NOT DELAY.<b><span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;">To avoid electrocution, keep
the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions.</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To protect the generator from moisture,
operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under
a tarp held up on poles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not touch
the generator with wet hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It is a good idea to install
battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your
home, according to the manufacturer's installation instructions.</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If CO gas from the generator enters your home
and poses a health risk, the alarm will sound to warn you. Test the battery
frequently and replace when needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Be sure to turn the
generator off and let it cool down before refueling.</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could
ignite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, store fuel for the
generator in an approved safety can and do not keep this can near a
fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the fuel is spilled or the container is not
sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and
can be ignited by the appliance's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches
in the appliance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Plug appliances directly
into the generator.</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated
extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of
the connected appliance loads. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check
that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three
prongs, especially a grounding pin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Never try to power the house wiring
by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as
“backfeeding.”</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is an extremely dangerous
practice that presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors
served by the same utility transformer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
also bypasses some of the built-in household protection devices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-43883818603989214972013-02-07T11:57:00.000-05:002013-02-07T11:57:37.648-05:00Winter Storm Preparedness Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3I_DevSS_GY/URPcorsyShI/AAAAAAAAAKU/qwzp_mqpbcg/s1600/Snow+Plow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3I_DevSS_GY/URPcorsyShI/AAAAAAAAAKU/qwzp_mqpbcg/s320/Snow+Plow.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families
prepare for winter storms by:
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Assembling an Emergency Preparedness
Kit:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">
Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens
or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm
clothing for each family member. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good
to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery.
Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and a supply of essential
medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a
battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a
power outage. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span> </div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Heeding
Storm Warnings:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">
A <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Winter Storm WATCH</b> means
winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours.
People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay
informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio
or television stations. A <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Winter
Storm WARNING</b> means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions
have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area
should take precautions immediately. Stay tuned to local media to keep up
with forecasts.</span></li>
</ul>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Preparing Your Home and Car:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas
tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. Make sure
your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering
windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain
heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every
year. If you lose power and heat, running water at a trickle from a faucet
helps to prevent pipes from freezing.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Use Technology to Prepare and Stay Safe:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> Download Red
Cross preparedness apps for your smartphone. Our free apps have tips and
real-time information to help you prepare, as well as tools to help you
keep in touch during and after a major storm. Get the apps for iPhones or
Android phones at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">www.redcross.org/mobileapps</i></b>.
“Our Hurricane app has useful information for any kind of storm, including
the ability to set your location and get fast notification of weather
alerts.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">For
more information on winter storm preparedness, visit <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.redcross.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.redcross.org</span></a></i></b>.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-71480462746514310232013-02-06T10:20:00.000-05:002013-02-06T10:20:00.860-05:00The American Red Cross and Black History Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEceK-WOsGU/URJzeFC63-I/AAAAAAAAAKA/lbya1g9NgTQ/s1600/Frederick+Douglass.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEceK-WOsGU/URJzeFC63-I/AAAAAAAAAKA/lbya1g9NgTQ/s1600/Frederick+Douglass.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">February is Black History Month and the American
Red Cross is celebrating the contributions of African Americans to the Red
Cross mission and legacy. African Americans have proudly shared in the
humanitarian work of the American Red Cross since its founding in 1881. From
Frederick Douglass to Dr. Jerome H. Holland to everyday working volunteers and
staff, African Americans were and continue to be supporters, contributors, and
change makers in the Red Cross organization.<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Clara Barton, the
founder of the American Red Cross, met Frederick Douglass shortly after the
Civil War in 1865. <span style="color: #333333;">Barton's assistance to African
American soldiers during the war was well known, especially her assistance to
the all-black Massachusetts 54th Regiment, which had been recruited by
Frederick Douglass. The bravery of the soldiers of the 54th Regiment was well
documented and formed the basis for the 1991 film "Glory." </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barton and Douglass forged a friendship that
lasted many years. <span style="color: #333333;">Douglass lent his support as one
of the founding members of the American Red Cross. His name appears on the 1882
United States Ratification of the Geneva Convention, signed by President
Chester A. Arthur.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The legacy of
Jerome H. Holland, African American educator, businessman, author, civil rights
proponent, diplomat and 1985 Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, lives on
through his mission of helping to provide the safest blood possible to those in
need. The American Red Cross Jerome H. Holland Laboratory for the Biomedical
Sciences is named in his honor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Holland was the
driving force behind the current phase of biomedical research and development
at the Red Cross; the national center for biomedical research and development.
A true visionary, Holland recognized the importance of blood research and the
benefits it could bring to human health. The Holland Lab continues his legacy
today through the </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">American
Red Cross Research and Development Program</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">African Americans continue to
contribute significantly to the work of the Red Cross. Leaders such as
Gwendolyn T. Jackson, Red Cross National Chairman of Volunteers, 1989-1991,
helped pave the way for generations to come. African Americans continue to work
and volunteer in leadership positions at the American Red Cross. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Read more at: <a href="http://www.redcross.org/about-us/history/red-cross-american-history/contributions-people-of-color" target="_blank">American Red Cross History</a></span></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-84725356384881409852013-01-16T09:29:00.000-05:002013-01-16T13:18:30.803-05:00Then and Now, Young Americans Support the Red Cross<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">It Began with Six Young
Volunteers</span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
1884, six children put on a play that raised $50 that they donated to the then
three-year-old American Red Cross. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red
Cross founder Clara Barton used the money to aid a family affected by severe
Midwestern floods.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Students
became involved for the first time in a war effort in 1898, when they helped
provide medical support and comfort to American soldiers and their families
during and after the Spanish-American War.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtf5TtNX10c/UPbuGWo9VbI/AAAAAAAAAJs/n6o2mMhTcz4/s1600/Youth+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtf5TtNX10c/UPbuGWo9VbI/AAAAAAAAAJs/n6o2mMhTcz4/s400/Youth+photo.jpg" width="400" /></a><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The Junior Red
Cross</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">World
War I inspired an official organization for young people: the American Junior
Red Cross. Students knit scarves, rolled bandages and built furniture for
hospitals and convalescent homes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
prepared and sent Friendship Boxes containing school and personal items to
students overseas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They worked in
Victory Gardens (vegetable gardens that added to the nation's food supply) and
raised funds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Junior Red Cross
members contributed an amazing $3,677,380 to the Red Cross during the war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During World War II, Junior Red Cross
membership grew to almost 20. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Today’s Youth and Young Adult
Program</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thousands
of civic-minded youth help us fulfill our humanitarian mission. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Local community clubs and Red Cross School
Clubs provide opportunities for leadership development, community service and
training in life-saving skills.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Young
Red Cross volunteers and the work they accomplish are as diverse as the U.S.
population. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">n<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">middle school students educating fellow
students about disaster preparedness;<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">n<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">high school students raising funds to
vaccinate children in third-world countries;<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">n<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">athletes organizing blood drives on college
campuses; and</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">n<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">they are nursing students training to serve
in community disaster shelters.</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every
day, youth make a difference in their community through their work with the
American Red Cross. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join our efforts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To find out how you can become a young
humanitarian working with the Vermont & the New Hampshire Upper Valley
American Red Cross, contact Angela Russell at (802) 660-9130, ext. 107 or <a href="mailto:angela.russell@redcross.org"><span style="color: #3c7fad;">angela.russell@redcross.org</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-41295493961370769982013-01-15T08:19:00.001-05:002013-01-15T08:19:34.420-05:00Get the Better of the FluNo one wants to be laid out on the couch or in bed with the flu. However, with widespread influenza being reported in just about every state, including Vermont, beating the flu is getting to be more of a challenge.<br />
<br />
Follow this link for an article on <a href="http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Steps-to-Avoid-the-Flu" target="_blank">Tips to Avoid the Flu.</a><br />
<br />
A couple of quick things you will want to remember are:<br />
<br />
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when
coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use – don’t store it in
your pocket and find it next winter. And remember: you have an elbow to sneeze
or cough into if tissues aren’t available. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. </span>
Kill germs – wash your hands. No soap and water? Grab some hand sanitizer and
go to town. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. </span>Don’t touch your eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. </span>
It’s tough, but try to avoid sick people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. </span>
Sick? Stay home and prevent others from getting sick. Your co-workers will
high-five you upon your healthy return. <o:p></o:p></div>
VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-53394640710169862632013-01-03T11:53:00.000-05:002013-01-03T11:53:13.136-05:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Frostbite and Hypothermia</span></strong>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related emergencies that may quickly become life or limb
threatening. Preventing cold-related emergencies includes not starting an activity in, on, or around cold
water unless you know you can get help quickly in an emergency. Be aware of the wind chill. Dress
appropriately and avoid staying in the cold too long. Wear a hat and gloves when appropriate with layers
of clothing. Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Stay active to
maintain body heat. Take frequent breaks from the cold. Avoid unnecessary exposure of any part of the
body to the cold. Get out of the cold immediately if the signals of hypothermia or frostbite appear.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Frostbite </strong>is the freezing of a specific body part such as fingers, toes, the nose or earlobes.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Signals of frostbite include:</em></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
1. lack of feeling in the affected area;
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch, or is discolored (flushed, white or gray, yellow or blue).
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>What to do for frostbite:</em></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Move the person to a warm place.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Handle the area gently; never rub the affected area.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm water (100–105 degrees F) until it appears red and
feels warm.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Loosely bandage the area with dry, sterile dressings.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. If the person’s fingers or toes are frostbitten, place dry, sterile gauze between them to keep them
separated.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Avoid breaking any blisters.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. Do not allow the affected area to refreeze.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Seek professional medical care as soon as possible.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Hypothermia is another cold-related emergencies.</strong> Hypothermia may quickly become life threatening.
Hypothermia is caused by the cooling of the body caused by the failure
of the body’s warming system. The goals of first aid are to restore normal body temperature and to care
for any conditions while waiting for EMS personnel.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Signals of hypothermia include:</em></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. shivering, numbness, glassy stare;
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. apathy, weakness, impaired judgment;
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. loss of consciousness.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>What to do for hypothermia:</em></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
1. CALL 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Gently move the person to a warm place.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Monitor breathing and circulation.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Give rescue breathing and CPR if needed.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Remove any wet clothing and dry the person.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Warm the person slowly by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on the person. Hot water
bottles and chemical hot packs may be used when first wrapped in a towel or blanket before applying. Do
not warm the person too quickly, such as by immersing him or her in warm water. Rapid warming may
cause dangerous heart arrhythmias. Warm the core first (trunk, abdomen), not the extremities (hands,
feet). This is important to mention because most people will try to warm hands and feet first and that can
cause shock.</span>VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-16156629254139974442012-03-26T09:06:00.002-04:002012-03-26T09:28:30.818-04:00Disaster Response -- Preparedness Planning and In PracticeThis past weekend was a busy one for Red Cross disaster services in our region. Activities included both response and preparedness work.<br /><br />A family in Wilder, VT was in need of Red Cross assistance after a kitchen fire caused enough damage, including smoke and water, that they could not immediately return home. With a few nights lodging provided, and some assistance for food and clothing, the mother, father and daughter received much needed support as they begin their recovery process. The helping hand was extended to this family through the work of our local disaster action team volunteers.<br /><br />Meanwhile, disaster action team members in Chittenden County were on scene at a Burlington apartment fire, lending needed support to firefighters with rehabilitative services. The food and hydration offered were, as always, a welcome relief to first responders who are often working in difficult circumstances.<br /><br />This weekend's disaster activities also included a bi-monthly meeting of the Vermont & New Hampshire Valley's Regional Disaster Coordination Team. These gatherings serve as an opportunity for staff and volunteer disaster leadership to review and plan our disaster services response activities. While no two events are alike, and the timing of when a disaster will strike is beyond our control, there is much that can be achieved through working to coordinate our response efforts in advance of an incident. Having this group come together provides invaluable opportunities to keep updated as to the many activities taking place in our constant efort to bring preparedness to ever increasing levels.VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-18849218232571852392012-03-14T14:49:00.003-04:002012-03-14T15:09:00.371-04:00Governor's Proclamation Declares March as Red Cross Month<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tsz5vlgQyc/T2DsAxqNL-I/AAAAAAAAAJY/IIF0cMcDSRY/s1600/Governor%2BShumlin%2BProclamation%2BSigning%2BMarch%2B2012%2B006.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tsz5vlgQyc/T2DsAxqNL-I/AAAAAAAAAJY/IIF0cMcDSRY/s200/Governor%2BShumlin%2BProclamation%2BSigning%2BMarch%2B2012%2B006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719831024835047394" /></a>The work of the American Red Cross was honored today in a State House ceremony when Governor Peter Shumlin signed a proclamation declaring March as American Red Cross Month. <br /><br />Among the special guests in the Governor's ceremonial office for the occasion was Ralph Barrows, who has been a volunteer with the Red Cross for more than 35 years. Ralph, who was an educator for more than 30 years, lives in Stowe. He has been volunteering his time and energy as an American Red Cross health and safety instructor for over three decades, teaching vital lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid.<br /><br />Governor Shumlin's proclamation praises the good work of our organization, from the close to 50,000 units of blood collected annually, to the valued and historic ties to members of the armed services and their families, to the vital disaster services provided to Vermonters in need, and more. The Governor took the opportunity to provide particular praise for the work of our disaster services volunteers who supported Vermonters during historic spring flooding and the devastation of Tropical Storm Irene.<br /><br />In the photo here, Governor Shumlin is seen putting on a disaster services vest before signing the proclamation.VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-40934910891595466052012-03-10T08:56:00.004-05:002012-03-10T09:23:34.981-05:00Unusually Busy Year -- Join Our Team & Help<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IoU1hGzWlDQ/T1teKJKOhkI/AAAAAAAAAJM/boxJjMdrkMM/s1600/Winooski%2BFire%2BMarch%2B9%2B2012%2BJack%2BMcKnight.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 153px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718267680227493442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IoU1hGzWlDQ/T1teKJKOhkI/AAAAAAAAAJM/boxJjMdrkMM/s200/Winooski%2BFire%2BMarch%2B9%2B2012%2BJack%2BMcKnight.jpg" /></a><div>With requests for Red Cross assistance locally up by 20% versus this same time last year, it is more important than ever to have a strong corps of disaster services volunteers.</div><div><br />At an afternoon fire in Winooski yesterday, the four responding volunteers included one disaster services veteran of 20+ years and one who was out on her first call. There is a tremendous need in the community for Red Cross services. Therefore, we must continue to recruit and train new volunteers.</div><div><br />March is Red Cross month and to help mark the occasion, we are offering "Disaster Services: An Overview" at six locations around the region. This class is the starting point for new volunteers, but we also encourage anyone with an interest in the Red Cross to attend. The class is free and there is no commitment involved upon completion. </div><div><br />The courses are being offered in the following locations:</div><div><br /> </div><div>· <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">March 15th, Bennington</span> – 6:00pm to 9:30pm at Bennington Rescue, 120 McKinley Street.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>· <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">March 19th, Hartford </span>– 6:00pm to 9:30pm at the Hartford Fire Department, 812 VA Cutoff Road, White River Jct.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>· <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">March 21st, Springfield </span>– 6:00pm to 9:30pm at 201 Union Street, Springfield.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">March 21st, Berlin</span> – 6:00pm to 9:30pm at Berlin Elementary School, 372 Paine Turnpike North, Berlin.<br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>· <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">March 29th, Rutland </span>– 6:00pm to 9:30pm at the Rutland Red Cross office, 117 Strongs Ave.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>· <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">March 31st, Burlington </span>– 9:00am to 12:30pm at the Burlington Red Cross office, 29 Mansfield Ave., Burlington.<br /></div><div> </div><div><br />To register, contact Natalie Barrett at <a href="mailto:barrett@nvtredcross.org">barrett@nvtredcross.org</a> call 802-660-9130, ext. 106 (Natalie) or ext. 107 (Angela Russell).</div>VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179056953275164722.post-72820858642272972112012-03-01T16:29:00.002-05:002012-03-01T16:41:02.375-05:003 Days, 3 Fires, 3 ResponsesIt started with an afternoon fire in Charlotte, VT on Tuesday. Then, in the early hours of yesterday, a fire put the residents of a 4-unit apartment building in Morrisville, VT out of their homes. Today, for the 3rd time in 3 days, fire has again struck our area. This afternoon, a Bethel, VT couple has lost their home to fire. In each case, disaster services volunteers with the Vermont & the New Hamphsire Valley American Red Cross responded to help our neighbors in need.<br /><br />On average, our region has 100 to 115 responses each year. With four months left in this reporting year, today's resposne marked the 90th time our volunteers have been their to help when an individual, a family or multiple families have been struck by fire, flood or other natural or man-made disaster. We can't say that there have been any more fires this year than last, just that the rate at which the Red Cross is being contacted and asked to respond has certainly increased.<br /><br />While we would much prefer that the people of our region be unscathed by disaster, if disaster is going to strike, we are glad that people know that we are there as a resource to help in the recovery process.VT and NH Valley Red Cross Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729689342829390178noreply@blogger.com