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 27, 2004 American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania Accepting Donations for Tsunami in Southeast Asia
American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania Accepting Donations for Tsunami in Southeast Asia
December 27, 2004--An earthquake off the west coast of Indonesia December 26, measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale, triggered a number of tsunami waves that caused massive flooding and damage in several countries in southeast Asia.
American Red Cross and Red Crescent society partners in the region have begun to mobilize staff and volunteers and deploy teams to the affected areas. Emergency assessment and first aid teams have been deployed to some areas.
You can help those affected by this crisis and countless others around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW.
Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter at 225 Boulevard of the Allies or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Please ensure that your donation is made to the American Red Cross and marked “International Response Fund”. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting 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.
December 15, 2004 Red Cross Thanks Target Corporation with Top Award
Red Cross Thanks Target Corporation with Top Award
Circle of Humanitarians Given for
Hurricane relief and Ongoing Support
PITTSBURGH, PA – Tuesday, December 14, 2004 — This week, American Red Cross President and CEO Marty Evans presented the organization’s highest financial support honor, the Circle of Humanitarians, to Target Corporation. Accepting on behalf of Target was Vice President of the Target Foundation and Community Relations, Laysha Ward. The award recognizes Target’s financial and in-kind support of Red Cross hurricane relief efforts and the decade-long relationship that exists between Target Corporation and the community-based organization.
Throughout the 2004 hurricane season, Target proved to be a top Red Cross supporter by donating $500,000 to the unprecedented hurricane relief efforts and providing budget-reducing donations of supplies. These generous gifts were made in addition to Target’s annual commitment of $400,000 to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, through its membership in the organization’s Annual Disaster Giving Program. Target’s annual contribution helps provide a stable source of funding to respond immediately to disasters nationwide.
In addition to Target’s consistent offers of financial and in-kind donation support, the Red Cross and Target are exploring nationwide volunteer opportunities to help support Red Cross volunteer needs and answer Target employees’ call for volunteer opportunities. Target has demonstrated its support of other Red Cross programs by funding the Red Cross’ Armed Forces Emergency Services program with a $100,000 donation, and contributing $1 million to the national headquarters and local chapters through a cause marketing promotion with Warner Home Video and the hit TV show “Friends.”
“The American Red Cross relies on Target as an essential partner to be there for us, both during times of disaster and year-round. Through generous financial commitments and support of chapters nationwide, Target furthers the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross,” said Evans. “The Red Cross and those we serve are grateful for Target’s involvement, and we look forward to many years in which the creative individuals at Target and the Red Cross will find innovative ways to help save lives together, in communities across the country.”
“This award reflects the incredible partnership between the Red Cross and Target, and illustrates Target’s commitment to supporting the Red Cross financially, logistically and programmatically,” said Ward. “On behalf of Target, I am honored to receive this special award.”
Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, the American Red Cross is a nationwide network of nearly 900 field units dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Led by 1 million volunteers and 36,000 employees, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 70,000 disasters, trains almost 12 million people in lifesaving skills and keeps U.S. military families connected worldwide. The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to more than 3,000 hospitals across the nation and also assists victims of international disasters and conflicts at locations worldwide. Marsha J. Evans is the President and CEO of the American Red Cross.
December 13, 2004 Are You Prepared for Winter Storms?
Are You Prepared for Winter Storms?
American Red Cross Offers Safety Precautions
Pittsburgh Area, PA - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - As the snowflakes fall on the Pittsburgh area, the American Red Cross offers winter safety tips on how to protect yourself and your family.
Disaster can strike quickly - forcing you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. Local officials and relief workers will help in any emergency, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Knowing what to do is your best protection - and your responsibility.
Families can 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 an emergency. Share the responsibilities and follow these guidelines to create your family's winter storm plan.
Prepare a winter storm plan:
- Have extra blankets
- 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, a critical - yet often over-looked – initiative.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit that could include:
- 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
- Enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days.
- 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.
If you must travel by car…
- 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 www.redcross.org. For more information in keeping you and your loved ones safe during a winter storm, call the American Red Cross Southwestern Chapter at (412) 263-3100 or go online at www.swpa.redcross.org.
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MEDIA NOTE: Interviews can be coordinated if you'd like to report on this story. Please call Jill Berardi at 412-263-3158 to make arrangements.
December 13, 2004 American Red Cross and Boyce Middle School Partner to Provide Holiday Cheer for Children in Need
American Red Cross and Boyce Middle School Partner to Provide Holiday Cheer for Children in Need
Students deliver hundreds of
gift boxes to outreach centers
Washington County – December 15, 2004 - The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter’s Washington Branch is partnering with the students of Boyce Middle School, Upper St. Clair School District, to provide holiday gift boxes for children in need.
More than 500 gift boxes will be assembled by Boyce Middle School students and Red Cross volunteers and staff at Boyce Middle School on Wednesday, December 15, starting at 9 a.m. To assemble such a large amount of boxes, the students traditionally line up – assembly style - and pass each individual box from one end of the school to the other - where they are then loaded onto the American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle.
The Red Cross will distribute the gift boxes to Washington County Outreach, Washington County Children and Youth Services and other Homeless Prevention Programs.
The gift boxes contain items such as toiletries, gloves, hats, games, toys, candy and other small presents.
Homeless Prevention Services provides emergency funding to help low-income families pay for first months rent and/or security deposit as well as utility assistance.
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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MEDIA NOTE: Interviews can be coordinated for this very visual event by contacting Jill Berardi at 412-263-3158 or via pager at 412-270-4031.
December 2, 2004 CHOOSE HOLIDAY GIFTS THAT CAN HELP SAVE LIVES
CHOOSE HOLIDAY GIFTS THAT CAN HELP SAVE LIVES
PITTSBURGH, PA – During the hustle of holiday shopping this season, consider giving a gift that could help save a life. Choose from a variety of American Red Cross health and safety products or courses for your friends and family to help them be more prepared this upcoming year. These emergency preparedness gifts are not only unique, but they also are an opportunity to give back to the community. All proceeds from these items will help the American Red Cross assist local families.
1) Gift certificates to learn CPR, First Aid, or skills with AED are available through the American Red Cross. Red Cross first aid courses cover topics such as how to check conscious and unconscious victims, bleeding control, burns, sudden illness and injury. A gift certificate to learn CPR prepares one to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in adults, infants and children. An Infant and Child CPR gift certificate makes the perfect gift for your spouse, your child’s grandmother, or even your babysitter. (Cost: $25-$65)
2) First Aid Kits are one of those emergency items –like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors – that make ideal gifts that you hope you never have to use. The Red Cross has several sizes and types of First Aid Kits available, including ones designed for athletes, larger kits for your car, and smaller kits that are perfect for the outdoor enthusiasts. The small gifts make ideal stocking stuffers. The larger gifts are practical gifts for college students or employees. (Cost: $10-$20)
3) Know someone who loves their pet? A Pet First Aid Kit and Pet First Aid Book are ideal gifts for the dog or cat-lover– or for the family pet-sitter. The book, created by the American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States, provides guidance to care for ill or injured pets. The Pet First Aid Kit includes a comprehensive supply of materials to help your pet. (Book Cost: $12.95; Kit Cost $25.99)
To purchase these lifesaving items,
• Place your order by telephone to the Red Cross at 1-888-217-9599, or
• View photos of the products and download the order form off our the local Web site at swpa.redcross.org
Please note that shipping and handling fees are not included in the prices listed.
