Red Cross Helps Allegheny County Libraries Prepare Patrons for Flu Season
PITTSBURGH – With extensive reference materials, computers and class offerings, Allegheny County libraries provide a wealth of information to the community. Amid flu season, however, the America
PITTSBURGH – The holidays are a time for excitement, celebration and laughter. With this holiday season quickly approaching, people throughout the region are decorating homes; while the American
Red Cross Urges Local Residents to Use Fire Alarms
PITTSBURGH - The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants you to be safe and ready in the case of a fire. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) release
November 27, 2002 American Red Cross Offers Safety Tips to Keep Safe in Winter Weather During Holiday Weekend
Winter Weather Predicted for Thanksgiving Weekend
PITTSBURGH, PA – The American Red Cross recommends planning ahead to keep safe and warm during the holiday weekend, predicted to include snow and low temperatures with the turkey and stuffing.
“Winter weather can sometimes sneak up on us without much notice,” explains Rob Skertich, Director of Emergency Services for the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter. “Being prepared for a winter storm can mean the difference between life or death.”
The Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter offers these tips for residents:
Prepare a Winter Storm Plan.
Have extra blankets on hand.
Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing:
A first aid kit and essential medications
A battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
Canned food and a non-electric can opener
Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days)
Keep Safe and Warm.
If a winter storm warning is issued:
Stay indoors. If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
Avoid overexertion.
Change your activity level according to the temperature.
Take frequent breaks.
Drink large amounts of fluids.
The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter is dedicated to keeping the families and communities of Allegheny and Washington Counties safe. A humanitarian service organization currently servicing more than 1.5 million people, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter annually mobilizes relief to the victims of more than 300 disasters and sends nearly 1,000 emergency messages to U.S. service members separated from loved ones. The American Red Cross trains more than 45,000 people in vital lifesaving skills such as First Aid and CPR. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter also locally supports senior volunteer services like the Foster Grandparent Program and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. To make a donation of time or treasure, contact the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter by phone at (412) 263-3100, by mail at 225 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 or online at swpa.redcross.org.
November 26, 2002 American Red Cross Joins Area Coalition to Aid Sudden Cardiac Arrest Victims
PITTSBURGH - The American Red Cross has joined PULSE, a coalition of city emergency, human service and private, non-profit organizations to aid victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
PULSE, or Pittsburgh United for Life-Saving Emergencies, announced November 25 that it will begin deployment of the first of 500 automated external defibrillators in transportation sites, downtown building lobbies and public spaces in Pittsburgh.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable, computerized device that delivers a shock to restore a normal heartbeat and is used to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA strikes 220,000 people each year, often without any history of heart disease. The only treatment for SCA is immediate CPR and early defibrillation with an AED - within three to five minutes after collapse. After five minutes, survival rates diminish rapidly.
With American Red Cross-certified CPR/AED training, a non-medical person can learn to safely and effectively use an AED in an emergency.
For more information about American Red Cross CPR/AED training, call Red Cross Health and Safety Services at (412) 263-3106 or visit their homepage here.
To learn more about PULSE, call Nancy Auman, Program Coordinator, at (724) 433-1250 or visit the Red Cross PULSE page here.
November 22, 2002 The American Red Cross Offers Tips to Keep Your Family Safe During "Fire Season"
PITTSBURGH, PA - Over the past year, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter has responded to over 395 emergencies...385 were fires. The are now preparing for this year's "Fire Season," the months of October through March when they respond to more than a fire a day.
The cold weather keeps people in the warmth of their homes, a place where most accidents occur," explained Rob Skertich, Director of Emergency Services. "During the cold months people tend to forget to turn off kerosene heaters, electric blankets, or the stove and generally aren't thinking about the precautions their families should be taking."
The Red Cross wants to make sure the families of Allegheny and Washington counties are preventing fires and can respond if one occurs and are offering the following guidelines to keep safe during "Fire Season."
Create a Disaster Plan
Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire and other disasters. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
Pick two places to meet:
1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency.
2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
Complete This Checklist
Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.
Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
Get training from the fire department for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
Conduct a home hazard hunt.
Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.
Practice and Maintain Your Plan
Quiz your kids every six months or so.
Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
Replace stored water and stored food every six months.
Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
More Fire Safety and Prevention Tips:
Do not smoke cigarettes while in bed.
Do not dispose of cigarette butts in trash receptacles.
Make sure candles are stable and a safe distance away from combustible materials.
Sleep with the bedroom doors closed to deter smoke and give you more time to escape.
Get out fast and never go back in.
Feel doors for heat from the fire before opening them.
Crawl low underneath smoke.
Stop, drop, and roll if your clothes catch on fire.
Do not use frayed or damaged electrical cords and do not run wires under carpet.
Do not use outdoor electrical equipment during inclement weather.
For more information on fires safety tips or how to complete a Family Disaster Plan, call the American Red Cross at 412-263-3100.
November 7, 2002 American Red Cross Looking for Volunteers to Help Local Fire Victims
Program Provides Opportunities for Local Schools and Organizations to Create “Comfort Kits”
PITTSBURGH, PA – The American Red Cross needs volunteers to help ensure local residents have the basic necessities that they may have lost along with so much more after becoming victims of fire.
Schools, companies and community organizations are needed to help the American Red Cross in their year-long campaign, “Fire Hurts…You Can Help.” The goal is to collect essential, personal care items (toiletries) needed by local families who suffer the devastation caused by fires, flooding or other emergencies.
“On average, Red Cross volunteers respond at least once a day to the scene of a local emergency,” said Rob Skertich, Director of Emergency Services of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Over 1,500 children and adults depend upon the Red Cross for emergency help every year, many times escaping disaster with only the clothes on their backs.”
Red Cross volunteers provide all family members with the comfort bags, which include basic items needed to attend to personal hygiene. In the past, schools such as Paynter Elementary and Pleasant Valley Elementary have participated. Participating companies include AT&T Wireless and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Various Girl and Boy Scout troops have put together hundreds of bags. All of those participating are reaching out to their neighbors, as well as other communities in Allegheny and Washington Counties by filling these bags.
If you or your organization or school is interested in participating in the Fire Hurts…You Can Help campaign, please call the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter at 412-263-3158.
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November 7, 2002 Local Seniors Recognized For Exceptional Volunteer Work
Seniors Prove Volunteerism Is Ageless
PITTSBURGH – Recently the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Allegheny County recognized four seniors, all over the age of 75, for their outstanding volunteer work.
RSVP, locally sponsored by the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter, marks its 30th anniversary of providing meaningful volunteer opportunities for seniors 55 years and older in the greater Pittsburgh area.
Melvin Roberts, 90, of Highland Park, received the RSVP Volunteer of the Year Award in honor of his service at the East End Cooperative Ministry. Mr. Roberts began delivering Meals On Wheels when he retired at the age of 65. He arrives each Thursday at 8:00 a.m., helps to prepare the food and then leaves to deliver the meals on his route.
According to his volunteer administrator, Susy Robison, this exceptional volunteer “encourages others and improves the quality of life for everyone with whom he comes into contact. The fact that he is a blessing to everyone is increased when I realize that he has been doing this route for 25 years.”
Abe Glick, 89, of Squirrel Hill, received the Outstanding Volunteer in Community Service Award in recognition of his service at the Jewish Community Center. Early each weekday morning, this enthusiastic volunteer arrives before any of the staff to set tables and arrange rooms for a breakfast club and senior center.
When nominating Mr. Glick for the award, JCC volunteer administrator Laurie Herstig wrote, “At the age of 89, he continues to make the most out of life, giving his all with each task he begins. He always has a ‘hello’ and a smile for each senior center participant who enters the center. He puts his heart and soul into everything he does. He has been volunteering since his wife passed away in 1998, and he will tell you that volunteering gives him a reason to get up in the morning.”
Fred Martelli, 75, of South Side, received the Outstanding Volunteer in Community Service Award in honor of his commitment to St. Paul’s Monastery Food Pantry.
Mr. Martelli reports each Thursday to volunteer his time at the food pantry. His duties include unloading and bagging baked goods, driving to pick up donations, unloading deliveries from the main food bank, cleaning up and even carrying clients’ food up a steep stairway.
Frank O’Reilly, manager of the food pantry, explained, “Fred is the kind of volunteer who needs very little direction. He knows what has to be done and does it immediately. In all my managerial career, some 50 years, I have never had a better employee.”
Marge Vlastelica, 82, of Cheswick, received the Outstanding Volunteer in Health Services Award in recognition of her volunteer service at the VA Medical Center – Heinz.
As a volunteer in the ceramics, Ms. Vlastelica will “do whatever is needed,” according to her supervisor, recreational therapist Jim Cristillo. “Marge serves as a role model for other volunteers and will keep the ceramics clinic open even if staff is on leave.” Over the past 20 years, this outstanding volunteer has given more than 9,300 hours of volunteer service.
The Volunteer of the Year and the other award recipients were selected by a panel of judges: Ruth V. Buckley of the Allegheny County Library Association, Rev. John T. Campbell of Pittsburgh Presbytery UPCUSA, Honorary American Red Cross Board Member Janet Gonzalez, and Chris Moore of WQED-TV and KDKA Radio. HealthAmerica Advantra, the Fragasso Group, Inc. and Duquesne Light sponsored the RSVP awards.
The RSVP 30th Annual Recognition Luncheon, “Volunteers are Special Treats,” will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Sheraton in Station Square.
More than 1,000 seniors 55 years and older stay active – and make many services possible at Children’s Hospital, Carnegie Library, YWCA and other agencies in Allegheny County – through the local RSVP program.
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For more information about the RSVP Program, click here.
