Red Cross Can Help You Be Prepared

For The Next Emergency

Take A Class, Download First Aid App To Help Save a Life

Recent events in Boston and Texas emphasize the importance of knowing what to do when an emergency occurs.  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. 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.

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.  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.

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.

FIRST AID/CPR CLASSES 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 register for these classes at redcross.org/takeaclass or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

 

ONLINE TRAINING Family and household members can learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies by taking the new Red Cross Family First Aid and CPR online course. The cost is $30. Family First Aid and CPR teaches you how to:

• Identify signals of medical emergencies.
• Give appropriate care for common first aid emergencies.
• Know when to call 9-1-1 and what to do until help arrives for critical cardiac and first aid emergencies.

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.

DOWNLOAD FIRST AID APP 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.

FROM CANADIAN TO MASSACHUSETTS BORDERS, VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN BUSY THIS WINTER

Response Rate Steadily Climbing Over Past 4 Years

 

As we start our day amidst sleet and rain, complaints will cross many of our lips.  However, for too many of our neighbors, this winter that never ends has been a lot tougher than just cold temperatures and cloudy skies.  It seems, at times, that house and apartment fires have been as much a part of the season as snowballs and skiing.  Last night was no different. 

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.  The family of four (parents, their adult daughter and a grandchild) were all displaced from the home that sustained major damage.  The family made arrangements for their own lodging, but the Red Cross assisted with financial support to help with food, clothing and storage containers.  In addition, the volunteers provided rehabilitative support in the form of food and hydration to the first responders at the scene. 

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.  He had a place to stay locally, but the Red Cross volunteers extended a helping hand through financial assistance for food, clothing and bedding. 

Just three years ago, Red Cross volunteers in our region responded to 106 events, predominately house and apartment fires.  Those numbers have steadily climbed.  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. 

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.  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.  To find out more about becoming an American Red Cross volunteer, go to www.redcross.org/vermont or contact Angela Russell at 802-660-9130, ext. 107 or angela.russell@redcross.org. 

To help people affected by fires as well as devastating natural disasters, a donation can be made to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.  Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org, call 802-660-9130, text REDCROSS to 90999, ext. 111, or mail your contribution to American Red Cross, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.

SEVERAL FAMILIES DISPLACED BY CANAAN, VT FIRE

Support to families and first responders provided

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE … (Canaan, VT – March 24, 2013)  As we know all too well in this region, the arrival of spring is often just a date on a calendar.  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.  The latest being an overnight fire in Canaan, VT.

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.  Quickly, they responded and drove directly to the scene of the blaze.  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.  Each family was provided temporary lodging and financial support to help with food and clothing.

Across the country, the American Red Cross responds to a disaster every 8 minutes, most are fires like the one suffered in Canaan overnight.  Our trained volunteers know that for the devastated families, recovery begins the moment disaster strikes.  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.

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.  As noted, in Canaan last night, our volunteers also supported the first responders by providing food and hydration.

 
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.  No prior experience is necessary and any training that is needed is provided without charge.  Anyone interested in learning more about the Red Cross volunteer experience is urged to go to www.redcross.org/vermont or to call locally at 802-660-9130, ext. 107.
 

To help people affected by fires as well as devastating natural disasters, a donation can be made to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.  Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org, call 802-660-9130, text REDCROSS to 90999, ext. 111, or mail your contribution to American Red Cross, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.

Shoveling Tips for the Heart and Back

Be heart healthy and back friendly while shoveling this winter with these tips:

·         If you are inactive and have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor before you take on the task of shoveling snow.

·         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.

·         Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold winter months as it is in the summer.

·        Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as needed.  Synthetic fibers help wick away perspiration better than natural fibers.

·         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.

·        Pick the right shovel for you. A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body.

·        Begin shoveling slowly to avoid placing a sudden demand on your heart. Pace yourself and take breaks as needed.

·       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.

·       Most importantly, listen to your body. Stop if you feel pain.

Red Cross Urges Generator Safety

As we face this ongoing winter storm, 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.

Under no circumstances should portable generators be used indoors.  This includes inside a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation. 

Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home.  The CO from generators can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death, but CO can't be seen or smelled.  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.

To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions.  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.  Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

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.  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.

Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling.  Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.  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.  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.

Plug appliances directly into the generator.  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.  Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.

Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as “backfeeding.”  This is an extremely dangerous practice that presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer.  It also bypasses some of the built-in household protection devices.

Winter Storm Preparedness Tips

The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by:

 

• Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: 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. 

 

• Heeding Storm Warnings: A Winter Storm WATCH 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 Winter Storm WARNING 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.

• Preparing Your Home and Car:  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.

 

• Use Technology to Prepare and Stay Safe: 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 www.redcross.org/mobileapps. “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.

For more information on winter storm preparedness, visit www.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross and Black History Month

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. 

Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, met Frederick Douglass shortly after the Civil War in 1865. 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."  Barton and Douglass forged a friendship that lasted many years. 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.

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.

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 American Red Cross Research and Development Program.

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.

Read more at:  American Red Cross History