2012 begins just as 2011 went out ... BUSY!

Red Cross disaster services volunteers provided 9 responses in the closing 2 weeks of 2011. For 2012, at least so far, it looks a lot like more of the same. Fortunately, that includes the continued compassion of those very busy volunteers.

In just the first 4 days of 2012, Disaster Action Teams have deployed to the scene of fires in Chittenden, Caledonia, Orleans and Windham counties. In each instance, the primary interest is to ensure that those affected by these disasters know that a helping hand is there should they need it. In those instances where assistance was requested, our volunteers have also provided support to first responders who battled these blazes.

Winter brings both the cold temperatures and the stark reality that home fires are the single most common disaster across the country. While the cause of each of these recent fires is not known, it is important to note that heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires. Nationally, nearly half of American families use alternative heating sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, or wood/coal stoves to stay warm; a figure that is likely higher in Vermont.

Fire Prevention Tips

• Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
• Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes.
• When buying a space heater, look for models that shut off automatically if the heater falls over as another safety measure.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and furnaces professionally inspected and cleaned once a year.

Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for more information on how to prevent heating fires.

5 Fires In 1 Weekend

The winter months usually prove the most eventful for our disaster services volunteers and if this weekend is any indicator, this pattern is set to repeat itself. In just two days, volunteers on our Disaster Action Teams across the region responded to 5 disasters.

A fire in Canaan, NH met with tragic results with the death of one person. Our volunteers reached out to the survivor of that tragedy to ensure that in addition to traditional services, such as lodging, food and clothing, they knew that we could offer disaster health and mental health services. The other four responses, ranging from a mobile home fire to a multi-family dwelling to a boiler explosion, brought devastating results to 7 families in just a two day period.

With generous support of donors and tireless work of volunteers, we were able to let all of the affected families and individuals know that their community, through the work of the Red Cross, is their with some support. If you want to be part of this response, either as a volunteer or a donor, contact us at 802-660-9130.

Shelter Initiative Receives Generous Boost

This is the time of year in which Sentinel Investments traditionally thanks its top producing representatives with a gift. Well, we all know that this has not been your average year. The Montpelier-based asset managment firm knows just how devastated its home state has been by natural disasters, first with the record-breaking spring flooding and then the historic destruction of Tropical Storm Irene.

Foregoing the gifts that they would distribute to their representatives, Sentinel has made an investment in preparedness here in Vermont. With a gift of $15,000, Sentinel has given their support for the local community shelter initiative being undertaken by the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross.

The shelter initiative, which was an idea already under consideration before Irene, came quickly into focus when the widespread,destructive forces of Irene demonstrated a need for heighten levels of community preparedness. While the Red Cross opened up 13 shelters across the region, some sheltering needs could not be immediately addressed.

Now, the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross intends to provide shelter equipment and training to Vermont's 251 communities and the 12 we serve in New Hampshire's Upper Valley. The idea is that every town will have some capacity to shelter its residents and the ability to deploy those assets until the help of the Red Cross and others can arrive.

Thank you to Sentinel for their generosity and foreshight to help build a stronger future for Vermont and New Hampshire's Upper Valley.

Help and Hope Delivered after Thanksgiving Fires

Thanksgiving was a tough day for several families across our region this year. However, the burdens faced by 5 families were made a little bit lighter through the help provided by local Red Cross disaster services volunteers.

In St. Albans, VT, 4 families lost their homes to an early morning fire on Lincoln Avenue. Five members of the Franklin County Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded, placing their own plans for the day on hold to help those in need. The DAT members opened the gym at St. Albans City Hall to provide a warm place for the displaced families and for the folks in the neighborhood who lost power for several hours that morning. The emergency needs of the 4 affected families was determined and help, including lodging and financial assistance for food and clothing, was provided as needed. DAT members also supported the first responders by having food and coffee at the scene.

Unfortunately, fire also struck in Newbury, VT, displacing a family of 3 early Thanksgiving morning. Members of the Upper Valley Disaster Action Team were called into action and provided assistance for food, seasonal clothing, and more. In response to both the St. Albans and Newbury fires, our disaster services volunteers were also sure to make referrals to state and community resources that would help each of the displaced families to take their next step in the recovery process.

All of this assistance was provided without charge to the families devastated by these fires. The support was available through the financial generosity of donors across our region and the generosity of time from our dedicated volunteers.

We are certainly thankful for all of our volunteers and the work they do throughout the year.

3 Fires in 3 Days

The past three days have shown the strength of our volunteer corps. In each of the VT & the NH Valley Region's three chapters, a Disaster Action Team (DAT) was called out to assist families displaced by fire.

Two families in St. Johnsbury, a mother and her two children in East Thetford and a family of 7 in Shaftsbury were all left homeless in the wake of three devastating fires in just a 72 hours. In response to each, a DAT team was in contact with the families and help provided.

The assistance, whether it is lodging or financial, is just a part of what disaster victims receive. The compassion, caring and understanding that the disaster services volunteers bring to their work is often just as valuable. In addition, the experience of our volunteers ensures that referrals are made to the appropriate local and state agencies, as well as other voluntary organizations, that will help the affected inviduals and families get back on their feet.

So, a big thank you to each of the responding DAT members and to all Red Cross volunteers who are ready to help their neighbors and communities.

A Chance to Celebrate in Rutland

For 52 years, Rutland has thrown a Halloween Parade with costumes, floats and always a lot of fun. Despite being pushed back two days due to weather, this year's parade was no different.

What was unique about this year was the decision by parade organizers to say a special thank you to those who stepped up to help the people of Rutland County in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene. Among those honored at the parade was the American Red Cross.

Praising the Red Cross volunteers, first responders, CVPS employees and others who were on hand to be recognized, Cindi Wight of the City Recreation Department said, “They went above and beyond. This is a way the community can give them a cheer and say thank you."

As those of you who read this Blog know, our volunteers are the very heart and soul of the American Red Cross. Often their work is done out of view of the public. The recognition of our volunteers, among other Irene responders, was an honor that was richly deserved.

$30,000 Grant Received from Newman's Own Foundation

Funds to Support Community Sheltering Initiative

The Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley Region of the American Red Cross today announced that it received a $30,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation, the private foundation started by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman. The grant will be used to support a community sheltering initiative being undertaken by the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross to address needs that were identified during the response to Tropical Storm Irene.

“The Newman’s Own Foundation grant is not only a generous gift, but is given with the recognition that Irene can serve as a learning opportunity and will help strengthen American Red Cross services in the future,” said Larry Crist, Regional Executive for the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross.

The community sheltering initiative that these grant funds will support builds upon the vital role of the American Red Cross to help individuals and communities prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters. The project, in recognition of our region’s historic self reliance, will provide each community with equipment and training necessary to meet their emergency sheltering needs when weather, road or other conditions prevent access to a Red Cross shelter.

“Newman’s Own Foundation salutes the tremendous strength and resolve of Vermonters and their nonprofit organizations in responding to the devastation from Irene,” said Lisa Walker, Vermont native and managing director of Newman’s Own Foundation. “We are proud to support the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross and the important work they are doing.”