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
October 26, 2004 American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania Inducts Eight New Board Members
American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania Inducts Eight New Board Members
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – October 26, 2004 – The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter welcomes eight new members to its board of directors for a term of three years.
• Mike Berry, Sports Marketing Consultant
• Edwin L. Edwards, Jr. Attorney at Law
• Jim Garraux, Vice President, Labor Relations US Steel Corp.
• Bob Kerr, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Gateway Bank
• William M. Lambert, President, MSA
• Audrey J. Murrell, PhD, Associate Professor of Business Administration, University of Pittsburgh, The Katz School of Business
• Bill Simon, Vice President, HJ Heinz Company
Category Development & Strategic Sales Services
• Dmitri Shiry, Partner, Deloitte
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The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter serves more than 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 Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter by phone at 1-888-217-9599, by mail at 225 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 or online at swpa.redcross.org.
October 20, 2004 BE SAFE: American Red Cross Offers Tips for Halloween Safety
BE SAFE: American Red Cross Offers Tips
for Halloween Safety
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 20, 2004 – It’s that time of year again when old and young alike dressed as their favorite character or ghoul descend on neighborhoods across America on Halloween night. In order to make it a safe and fun evening, the American Red Cross offers parents and families some safety tips to help prepare for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat outing.
“By following a few simple safety tips, families can make this Halloween a safe and fun time,” said Rob Skertich, Chief Operations Officer for the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter. “Most Halloween injuries are preventable, if everyone takes some simple precautions.”
The following “lucky 13" safety tips are for trick-or-treaters to prevent injuries at Halloween:
American Red Cross Halloween Safety Tips:
• Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.
• Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards and brooms)
• Use face paint rather than masks or things that cover your eyes.
• Cross the street only at corners.
• Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.
• Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.
• Walk, slither and sneak on sidewalks; not in the street.
• Carry a flashlight to light your way.
• Visit homes that have the porch light on.
• Keep away from open fires and candles. (Keep in mind that costumes can be extremely flammable.)
• Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house.
• Be cautious of strangers and animals.
• Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don’t eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.
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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October 18, 2004 Red Cross Closes Etna Service Center
Red Cross Closes Etna Service Center
Flood victims needing help are urged to call
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – October 13, 2004 – The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter will be closing the Etna Service Center located at the American Legion Post, 318 Butler Street today. Flood victims who have not sought Red Cross assistance or who are still in need of assistance should call the Red Cross at their county location (see below).
• Allegheny County: 412-263-3132
• Washington County: 724-222-4750
• Greene County: 724-627-3834
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October 8, 2004 RED CROSS RELOCATES MILLVALE SERVICE CENTER TO ETNA
RED CROSS RELOCATES
MILLVALE SERVICE CENTER TO ETNA
PITTSBURGH, October 6, 2004 — The Red Cross Service Center in Millvale will be relocated to Etna starting today.
The Service Center, which was originally located at the Millvale Recreation Center on 418 Lincoln Avenue will relocate to the American Legion Post, 318 Butler Street in Etna. The Etna location will be open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
Red Cross Service Centers are open to help families who were affected by recent flooding. Other locations include:
(1) Carnegie Municipal Building, One Veterans Way, Carnegie (9 am -5:30 pm)
(2) Inside FEMA’s Recovery Center, CCAC, Northside (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
(3) Evans City Fire Station, Forwood Township (11am -7 pm; Sunday noon -7pm)
(4) Butler County American Red Cross, 312 Mercer Avenue, Butler (9am -4 pm)
(5) Beaver County American Red Cross, 133 Friendship Circle, Beaver (8 am -5pm)
o Affected families who live in Greene County should call Red Cross at 724-627-3834 (between 8:30-3:30 pm) to arrange a visit with a Red Cross volunteer.
o Affected families who live in Washington County should call Red Cross at 724-222-4750 (between 7:30 – 4:30 pm) to arrange a visit with a Red Cross volunteer.
(more)
Service centers are for flood-affected families. Families should bring proof of residence and identification, such as a driver's license.
According to Red Cross damage assessments, at least 3,677 residences suffered flood-related emergencies in Allegheny, Washington, and Greene Counties and may be eligible for Red Cross financial assistance.
The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and relies on charitable contributions from the community. You can help the victims of recent flooding, Hurricane Charley, Frances and Ivan as well as other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP-NOW or visit www.redcross.org
You may also visit www.swpa.redcross.org for local statistics and flood information, which is updated daily.
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October 8, 2004 Local Red Cross Trains More than 50 Deloitte Volunteers to be “Ready When the Time Comes”
Local Red Cross Trains More than 50 Deloitte
Volunteers to be “Ready When the Time Comes”
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – October 08, 2004 — Today the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter formed a long-term commitment to use Deloitte employees as Red Cross volunteers. The agreement for today commits the Red Cross to provide 6-12 hours of free disaster training for the Deloitte employees.
The personnel from Deloitte will be trained for distributing food and supplies during a disaster as well as opening and operating a shelter. The “Ready When the Time Comes” corporate volunteer training is an effort to increase the volunteer needs of the Red Cross chapter before disaster strikes and to provide an opportunity for local organizations to give back to their community.
Disasters affect individuals, families and businesses in our community every day and they often occur without warning. Disaster volunteers for the American Red Cross respond to emergencies whenever and wherever they strike and work to meet the emergency- or disaster-related needs of the community. Through today’s training, the Red Cross can help Deloitte volunteers prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other lifesaving emergencies.
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The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter serves more than 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 Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter by phone at 1-888-217-9599, by mail at 225 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 or online at swpa.redcross.org.
October 5, 2004 Be Prepared for Fire Prevention Week
Be Prepared for Fire Prevention Week:
Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania Offers Fire Prevention Tips
Pittsburgh, Pa.,– October 4, 2004 – Sunday marked the beginning of Fire Prevention Week and the American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania wants to ensure the families in the Pittsburgh region are aware of important fire prevention tools for their safety.
Locally, the Red Cross responded to 357 incidents from July 2003 to June 2004 and 323 of them were fires. This response led the Red Cross to help 540 families that totaled 1,764 individuals.
“As the colder temperatures move into the forecast, it is essential for families to be responsible when using additional heating sources,” said Ryan Miller, Director of Social Services for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter. “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.”
Disasters such as fires can strike quickly so it is important for people to know what to do and where to go in the event of a disaster. In an effort to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to fires, the Red Cross offers the following tips:
• Install smoke alarms inside and outside of each sleeping area, outside of the kitchen and on every level of the home. Proper maintenance of smoke alarms requires monthly tests, replacing batteries annually and replacing the actual alarm every 10 years.
• Post phone numbers for local emergency services (usually 9-1-1) and the Poison Control Center near each telephone in the home.
• Run extension cords only on top of floors and carpets not under them.
• Keep combustible/flammable items and materials, such as curtains, chairs and firewood at least three feet away from stoves, portable space heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, etc.
• Contact your heating and cooling professionals to inspect your chimney and heating system annually.
• Use flashlights for emergency lighting if you lose power, do not use candles.
For more detailed instructions on fire prevention and developing a family disaster plan, visit the Southwestern Pennsylvania chapter Web site at www.swpa.redcross.org.
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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.
October 5, 2004 LOCAL BUSINESSES CAN HELP FLOOD VICTIMS – AND BENEFIT, THROUGH RED CROSS PROGRAM
LOCAL BUSINESSES CAN HELP FLOOD VICTIMS –
AND BENEFIT, THROUGH RED CROSS PROGRAM
PITTSBURGH – Local businesses that want to help disaster victims can do so by joining the American Red Cross disaster vendor list.
Businesses that join the vendor list agree to accept Red Cross disbursement orders from families affected by disasters. The American Red Cross gives families disbursement orders to help them purchase emergency items lost in the disaster.
Items for redemption are typically groceries, clothing, shelter, shoes, prescriptions, and minor medical supplies.
If your business or organization would like to be included in the Red Cross disaster vendor list, please fax a letter (on your company letterhead) to the Accounting Office of the American Red Cross at 412-263-5269. Your letter should include your tax ID #, contact name and business phone number.
Companies on the disaster vendor list should expect disaster-affected families to arrive at their locations with disbursement orders to purchase items from their store. Vendors are expected to honor the intent of the voucher, complete appropriate payment information and remit to Red Cross for payment.
For questions about this program, call the Red Cross at 263-3145.
