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
December 15, 2003 American Red Cross Partners with Middle School Students to Provide Holiday Cheer for Children in Need
Students delivering hundreds of gift boxes to various
outreach centers
Washington County – December 13, 2001 - The American Red Cross Washington County Branch is partnering with the students of Boyce Middle School, Upper St. Clair Township, in providing holiday gift boxes for children in need.
The gift boxes contain a variety of items such as candy, cookies, gloves, games, toys and other small presents. There will be more than 500 boxes to be delivered from Boyce Middle School and delivered to the Washington County Outreach, Washington County CYS, and the Washington City Mission.
The event begins at 9:30 a.m. Monday, December 15, at Boyce Middle School. All of the students at the school will make a human chain and pass each individual box from one end of the school to the other where they are loaded onto the American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle.
The students are greeted and thanked by the organizations’ Executive Directors and a Washington County Commissioner. Additional boxes will be taken to the Family Shelter of Washington County.
These organizations work with the Washington County Department of Human Services and the American Red Cross Washington County Branch’s Homeless Prevention Services and Mental Health Support Services. Homeless Prevention Services provides emergency funding to help low-income families pay for housing needs as well as utility assistance. Mental Health Support Services provides support for mental health consumers in living independently and maintaining a supportive home environment.
The American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania serves over 1.6 million people in Allegheny, Washington, Greene and Fayette counties. Locally, the Red Cross provides relief to the victims of more than 300 disasters each year, facilitates more than 2,600 emergency messages between our deployed men and women in uniform and their loved ones here at home, as well as trains more than 50,000 individuals in vital lifesaving skills. The American Red Cross in Southwestern Pennsylvania is honored to support two senior volunteer programs, The Foster Grandparent Program and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, as well as the Homeless Prevention Services of Washington County. The American Red Cross is not a government agency, nor does it receive funding from its national headquarters except during times of large-scale disasters. It is only through the generosity of the people of southwestern Pennsylvania that the local Red Cross is able fulfill its mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other lifesaving emergencies. To make a donation of time or treasure, contact the American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania by phone at 1-888-217-9599, by mail at 225 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 or online at swpa.redcross.org.
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December 5, 2003 ARE YOU PREPARED FOR WINTER STORMS?
AMERICAN RED CROSS OFFERS SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Pittsburgh area until Saturday morning. As the storm makes its way towards Pittsburgh, the American Red Cross has winter safety tips so you'll know what to do to protect your family from chilly hazards.
"Knowing what to do during a winter storm is your best protection,” said Rob Skertich, Director of Emergency Services. “Winter storm disasters can strike quickly, often confining you to your home. Being prepared makes sheltering in your home a safer and more endurable experience.”
Families can - and do - cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Share the responsibilities and follow these guidelines to create your family's winter storm plan.
Prepare a winter storm plan
Have extra blankets on hand.
Ensure that each member of your family has a warm coat, gloves, a hat and water-resistant boots.
Plan a location where you and your family can meet in case of disaster.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit that could include:
First aid kit and essential medications
Canned food and a can opener
Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days)
Extra warm clothing including boots, mittens, and a hat
Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your car, containing smaller amounts of the above.
In case of a power outage…
Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles; they can catch fire.
Turn off the electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.
Never burn charcoal or use your oven for heating indoors.
Leave one light on so you'll know when your power returns.
Stay tuned for storm warnings and know what they mean.
A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
A winter storm WARNING means the storm is headed for your area.
When a winter storm WATCH is issued…
Be alert to changing weather conditions.
Avoid unnecessary travel.
When a winter storm WARNING is issued…
Stay indoors during the storm.
If you must go outside, wear several layers of lightweight clothing. Wearing gloves and a hat will prevent you from losing body heat and a scarf will protect your lungs.
Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling affect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
If you shovel the snow after the storm, take several breaks to avoid overexertion.
Avoid traveling by car, but if you must…
Carry a disaster supplies kit in the trunk.
Keep the gas tank full for the trip and to avoid freezing.
Let someone know your destination so that if you do get stuck, help can be sent.
If you get stuck…
Do not try to walk to safety. Stay with your car.
Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna to signal for help.
Start the car and use your heater for 10 minutes every hour.
Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running in order to be seen.
Keep moving your arms and legs to get your blood circulating and stay warm.
Keep a window away from the blowing air open slightly to let air in.
The above information included here can be found through the American Red Cross brochure, Your Family Disaster Plan and on the American Red Cross website at swpa.redcross.org. For more information in keeping you and your loved ones safe during a winter storm, call the American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania at (888) 217-9599.
The American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania serves over 1.6 million people in Allegheny, Washington, Greene and Fayette counties. Locally, the Red Cross provides relief to the victims of more than 300 disasters each year, facilitates more than 2,600 emergency messages between our deployed men and women in uniform and their loved ones here at home, as well as trains more than 50,000 individuals in vital lifesaving skills. The American Red Cross in Southwestern Pennsylvania is honored to support two senior volunteer programs, The Foster Grandparent Program and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, as well as the Homeless Prevention Services of Washington County. The American Red Cross is not a government agency, nor does it receive funding from its national headquarters except during times of large-scale disasters. It is only through the generosity of the people of southwestern Pennsylvania that the local Red Cross is able fulfill its mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other lifesaving emergencies. To make a donation of time or treasure, contact the American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania by phone at 1-888-217-9599, by mail at 225 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 or online at swpa.redcross.org.
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VISIT OUR TOGETHER, WE PREPARE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PREPARING FOR WINTER STORMS AND OTHER EMERGENCIES.
