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Red Cross Urges Local Residents to Use Fire Alarms
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March 31, 2004 Make A Plan with the American Red Cross
March is American Red Cross Month
PITTSBURGH, PA – As part of March's Red Cross Month activities, your local Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure you know how to respond in case of emergency - at home and in the workplace. This is part one of a four part series.
In an effort to increase public awareness about preparedness for emergencies, the Red Cross created the Together We Prepare campaign. Together We Prepare emphasizes four actions that every individual and family can learn to be better prepared for what may come: Make A Plan, Build A Kit, Get Trained and Volunteer.
"Our chapter is dedicated to teaching the community how to be prepared for the unexpected," said Tim Tassone, Interim Chief Executive Officer. "Through these four actions, local individuals and families are now ready for unanticipated disasters."
The first action is Make A Plan. Emergencies happen beyond anyone's control. What helps keep them from reaching disastrous proportions is preparedness. In an emergency those who have planned ahead of time are calmer and more assured. Taking the time to talk, plan, learn, check supplies, tell and practice are important steps to take when making a plan.
Talk. Discuss what can happen. Talk with your family about why you need to prepare for these events. Calmly explain the potential dangers, and plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Make sure every family member knows his or her particular responsibilities. Designate an alternate in case a person is not there at the time.
Plan. Develop a communication plan. Plan where to meet after a disaster. Choose two places: right outside of your home, or outside of your neighborhood, depending on the circumstances of the situation. After determining your meeting places, you should also determine the best escape routes from your home, ask an out-of-town friend to be your "family contact", and find out how to care for your pets.
Learn. Each responsible family member should learn how and when to turn off utilities such as electricity, water and gas. Ask someone at the fire department to show you how to use the fire extinguisher you store in your home.
Check Supplies. Once a disaster supplies kit is assembled, do not forget about it! Review your disaster supplies and replace water and food every six months. Make sure a smoke alarm is installed on each level of your home and check their batteries every year. Check if you have adequate insurance coverage for each disaster.
Tell. Tell everyone in the household where emergency contact information is kept. Make copies for each member of the family to carry with them. Be sure to include an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to call out of the area if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.
Practice. Practice your plan. Conduct fire drills and practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassible or gridlocked. Practice earthquake and tornado drills at home, school and work. Commit a weekend to update phone numbers, disaster supplies and review your plan with everyone.
Join us in celebrating American Red Cross Month by taking the above steps to make a plan. To learn more about the American Red Cross or for further questions call 1-888-217-9599 or visit us at www.swpa-redcross.org.
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
March 31, 2004 Build A Kit with the American Red Cross
March is Red Cross Month
PITTSBURGH, PA – As part of March's Red Cross Month activities, your local Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure you know how to respond in case of emergency - at home and in the workplace. This is part two of our four part series.
In an effort to increase public awareness about preparedness for emergencies, the Red Cross created a four-step plan, with the second part being Build A Kit.
"Through building a kit our local community can be prepared for the unexpected.," said Tim Tassone, Interim Chief Executive Officer. " Our chapter is committed to doing everything we can to ensure that individuals and families know how to respond in case of an emergency. "
Build a Kit's goal is to encourage households to assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. Every family should have a Disaster Supplies Kit that will sustain each person in the household for three days. Disaster Supplies Kits contain items that people may need to have if they are: confined to their home for an extended period of time (after a disaster or winter storm) or told to evacuate on short notice.
To be prepared for such a disaster to happen, we ask everyone to make his or her own Disaster Supply Kit, so they can be prepared for the unexpected. Disaster Supply Kits should contain the following items: water, food, manual can opener, flashlight, First Aid Kit, radio, tools and equipment, duct tape and plastic sheeting, clothing, prescription and nonprescription medications, cash, sanitary supplies, important papers, contact information, and a map. Families with infants or elderly members can also include any special items that are necessary for these members.
Storing your Disaster Supply Kit can be simple. All you need is a sturdy, but easy to carry, container. These may include a trash container, overnight backpack, or even a duffel bag. To avoid damage to paper supplies keep them in a waterproof container inside your Disaster Supply Kit. Another good idea is to keep a smaller version of your Disaster Supply Kit in your vehicle.
Join us in celebrating American Red Cross Month by taking the above steps to build a kit. Pre-assembled Disaster Supply Kits are also available at your local Red Cross. To learn more about the American Red Cross or for further questions call 1-888-217-9599 or visit us at www.swpa-redcross.org.
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
March 31, 2004 Get Trained with the American Red Cross
March is Red Cross Month
PITTSBURGH, PA As part of March's Red Cross Month activities, your local Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure you know how to respond in case of emergency - at home and in the workplace. This is part three of our four part series.
In an effort to increase public awareness about our vital Health & Safety courses, the local chapter encourages individuals to Get Trained. In doing so, our community can help save lives with First Aid, Infant and Adult CPR/AED, workplace training and water-safety skills.
"Our chapter is dedicated to teaching the community health and safety courses, which provide them with basic life-saving skills," said Matt Clay, Director of Health and Safety Services. "After taking our Health & Safety courses, 45,000 local individuals are now trained for emergency situations."
The American Red Cross has also trained thousands of people to save the lives of victims of sudden cardiac arrest since including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training into workplace health and safety courses. AEDs could save as many as 50,000 of the 220,000 lives lost each year to sudden cardiac arrest, so the Red Cross will continue to advocate for increased public AED access and training. AEDs are becoming more readily available in hotels, malls, airplanes, and in the workplace.
Workplace training helps businesses protect the health and safety of their employees by ensuring that co-workers have the skills and equipment to respond if another co-worker falls victim to a slip, fall, or cardiac arrest.
Although this is not a replacement for an American Red Cross Health & Safety course, here are some tips to keep safe in the home and the workplace.
Workplace Safety Tips
Make sure to stay alert and aware of your workplace surroundings.
Use one hand to firmly grip railings when you are climbing or walking down stairs.
Carry items close to your body.
Get plenty of rest.
Take appropriate work breaks.
Maintain your center of balance by not reaching too far.
Regularly have your eyesight tested so you can always see where you are going.
Home Safety Tips
Post emergency numbers next to your telephone.
Always turn the handles of pots and pans on the stove inward so children cannot read them.
Do not leave small objects, plastic bags, cords, buttons, or coins within an infant or child's reach.
Children should only use tools with adult supervision.
Join us in celebrating American Red Cross Month by not only taking the above steps, but also getting trained. The Red Cross offers a variety of courses at various locations or at the site of your choice. To learn more about the American Red Cross or for further questions call 1-888-217-9599 or visit us at www.swpa-redcross.org.
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 Gran'parent 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
March 31, 2004 Volunteer with the American Red Cross
March is American Red Cross Month
PITTSBURGH, PA – As part of March's Red Cross Month activities, your local Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure that you know the health benefits of volunteering, as well as how you can get involved with the American Red Cross in your community. Volunteerism is the fourth and final part of our four part series.
It's a well-known fact that volunteering makes you feel good, but most people don't know that it can actually improve your health. In fact, experts say that the hours you spend volunteering can add years to your life, especially in the case of older adults.
One of the most well documented benefits of volunteering is that it expands a person's social network. Isolated people are more likely to die younger than those who are socially connected. A study at the University of Michigan showed that men who volunteered were two-and-a-half times more likely to live longer than men who did not. A Cornell study documented a similar trend for women. Those who volunteer are 16 percent less likely to experience a major illness during the course of their lifetime than those who do not.
"People with strong social support systems tend to be in better overall health than those who spend most of their time alone," said Michael Mingrone, Business Development Officer and Head of Red Cross Volunteerism. "Volunteering is a way for isolated individuals to meet new people, feel part of a community, contribute to society and build their self-esteem."
Spending time helping others also can have some of the same benefits as a good workout. Several recent studies have shown that volunteering boosts levels of endorphins, brain chemicals thought to be responsible for "runner's high." In addition to promoting self-esteem, endorphins can also relieve both stress and pain, and may play a role in lowering blood pressure. And in a survey of a large group of older adults, 90 percent reported that they suffered fewer colds and stomachaches when they volunteered at least once a week. Scientists believe this reported boost in immunity is probably also due to endorphin release.
And there are mental health benefits. Spending time volunteering is a healthy way to relieve career, family and personal stress. Many volunteer settings provide a new group of peers who are willing to lend a sympathetic ear to the volunteer's own daily ordeals. In the case of older adults, an active schedule and frequent interaction with others helps buffer the stress of aging. Research shows that people over age 60 are more likely to maintain their intellectual abilities and avoid depression when they feel they are having an impact on someone else's life.
“Consider taking time out of your busy schedule to help others, and encourage friends and family to do the same,” said Mingrone. “Besides making a difference in someone else's life, you might even prolong your own.”
Join us in celebrating American Red Cross Month by volunteering in your community. American Red Cross volunteers provide essential services to the people in their communities. Every day, here in Allegheny, Washington, Greene and Fayette counties, local Red Cross volunteers teach children how to swim, help families recover from disasters, and empower people with the skills they need to save a life. For more information about volunteer opportunities in the Red Cross, call (412) 263-3146 or visit us at
www.swpa-redcross.org.
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
March 31, 2004 American Red Cross and Mt. Lebanon School District Raises nearly $10,000 for Our Troops
Elementary Schools Raised Funds to Send a Touch of Home
to Our Men and Women in Uniform
WHO: American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania receives check from the Mt. Lebanon Elementary Schools as part of "Treasures for Troops." Representing our troops will be a member of the 171st Air Refueling Wing.
HOW: The American Red Cross and Mt. Lebanon School Districts teamed up for an exciting new American Red Cross program called "Treasures for Troops." This program gave students the opportunity to raise money for their troops and show their care, support, and concern. With the money that the children raised the Red Cross will provide our troops with lightweight, durable and reusable travel bags that are filled with entertaining and popular items such as: a deck of cards, candy, magnetic travel games, and more. These will bring a touch of home and relaxation to our men and women in uniform.
"We're very excited about Treasures for the Troops because we know the items sent to the military personnel are very much appreciated," says Ryan Miller, Director of Social Services for American Red Cross.
WHEN: Friday, April 2, 2004 at 9:30 A.M.
WHERE: Washington Elementary School , 735 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA
WHY: Although many soldiers are arriving home, many military members are still overseas or awaiting deployment. The American Red Cross continues to support all members of the U.S. military and their families with Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES). For American service members, the American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a lifeline, assisting on average 80 military families monthly with urgent messages regarding a serious illness, death of a loved one or the joyous birth of a child. Locally, volunteers annually expend more than 6,000 hours providing around-the-clock assistance to more than 2,800 individuals.
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, assists more than 1,000 military families by facilitating emergency messages between our deployed men and women in uniform and their loved ones here at home, as well as trains more than 45,000 individuals in vital lifesaving skills. The American R'd 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.
MEDIA NOTE: If you would like to attend this event, please contact Jill Berardi by Thursday, April 1, 2004 by 5 p.m. via phone at 412-263-3158 or email at berardij@usa.redcross.org.
March 8, 2004 American Red Cross, McDonald’s and Girl Scouts Partner to Provide Comfort to Children Affected by Disaster
Kicking Off New Red Cross Program Offering “Comfort Kits for Kids”WHO:
American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania; McDonald’s; Brownie Girl Scouts
WHAT:
McDonald’s and the American Red Cross are partnering to hold a publicity event that coincides with the Red Cross “Comfort Kits for Kids” program and McDonald’s current Happy Meal toy, Clikits.
Local McDonald’s restaurants are generously donating a supply of their new Happy Meal toy: Clikits. McDonald’s is working with the Girl Scouts to provide a new toy and a new reason to smile for children whose lives have been devastated by disaster.
Available at McDonald’s restaurants as part of the Happy Meal promotion from March 5 – April 1, Clikits feature “fashion designer kits” that allow children to build and personalize fashion jewelry items, fashion décor and room décor.
“We are very excited to partner with McDonald’s and Brownie Girl Scouts to build “Comfort Kits for Kids,” said Tim Tassone, Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “This new twist on the bags given to all affected individuals after a disaster will be specialized just for kids and the donation from McDonald’s and the work of the Brownies will make them unique.”
The bags contain travel-size toiletry items such as shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and more. The kid-size bags will also include coloring books, crayons, and/or a stuffed animal or other toy.
WHEN:
3:30 – 4:30 p.m., March 9, 2004
WHERE:
McDonald’s, Strip District, 1630 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh. PA 15222
WHY:
The American Red Cross provides humanitarian relief to families and children whose lives have been devastated by disaster. Toward that end, McDonald’s is helping the American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania kick off its “Comfort Kits for Kids” program which specifically comforts and supports children affected by disaster.
“McDonald’s has a longstanding and rich tradition of supporting children and causes that improve the lives of children,” said Paul Sweeney, president of the local McDonald’s Owner/Operators association. “That’s why we’re thrilled to support the American Red Cross in its kickoff of the ‘Comfort Kits for Kids’ program.”
Brownie Girl Scouts are participating in the event to support the American Red Cross to earn a “Try-It” community service project badge.
HOW:
McDonald’s is working with the Girl Scouts to provide a new toy and a new reason to smile for children whose lives have been devastated by disaster.
Brownie Girl Scouts ages 6 – 8 years from Troop #199 in Pittsburgh will create Clikits friendship gifts and add the personalized creations to American Red Cross “Comfort Kits for Kids.” American Red Cross will then deliver Comfort Kits to local child victims of fires and other disasters.
For more information about the new American Red Cross program, “Comfort Kits for Kids,” please call the Marketing and Communications Department at 1-888-217-9599 or visit our website at swpa.redcross.org.
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, assists more than 1,000 military families by facilitating emergency messages between our deployed men and women in uniform and their loved ones here at home, as well as trains more than 45,000 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.
McDonald's is the world's leading foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 restaurants serving nearly 46 million customers each day in more than 100 countries. Approximately 8o percent of McDonald's U.S. restaurants businesses are owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs who live in the communities where they do business.
