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
March 22, 2005 Be Prepared: American Red Cross Offers Safety Tips to Prepare for Potential Flooding
Be Prepared: American Red Cross Offers Safety Tips to Prepare for Potential Flooding
PITTSBURGH, March 21, 2005—The National Weather Service (NWS) has declared March 20-26 National Flood Safety Awareness week and the local Red Cross wants to ensure that the Pittsburgh region protects their families and homes and are prepared for potential flooding in the months to come.
“One thing we hear families say at disasters, especially during last September’s flooding, is that they wished they were more prepared,” said Michael Adametz, Director of Emergency Preparedness for the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter. “This week is a great time to start preparing for the weather changes that occur as the seasons change.”
As winter fades into spring, melting snow can combine with rain; severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rain in the spring and summer; and in the summer and fall, tropical cyclones can bring intense rainfall to the coastal and inland states. So it is important to listen to local TV and radio stations for information about the weather and advice on what actions to take.
“An especially important piece of information to find out is whether or not your home is in a flood plain,” said Adametz. “If unsure, call the local emergency management office or planning and zoning department. If your home is in the flood plain, purchasing a flood insurance policy is an excellent way to be prepared.”
It is important to remember that floods can take several hours to days to develop. If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood. A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in the area. If a WATCH is issued, moving your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home and filling your car’s gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued are two more ways to be prepared. A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in the area. Planning ahead is the first step to a calmer response.
Make a Family Disaster Plan
• Establish responsibilities for each family member to work together as a team.
• Determine a meeting place in case an evacuation is sudden and possible locations to take pets.
• Develop an emergency contact list and keep it updated.
• Practice an evacuation route twice a year.
Build a Disaster Supplies Kit
• First Aid kit and essential medications
• Non-perishable food and can opener
• At least three gallons of water per person
• Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise to do so. (Remember, a professional should turn them back on.)
• Money and personal items
• Identify a location to go if told to evacuate. Choose several places such as a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter.
The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. For more information about preparing for floods or other disasters such as fires, landslides, blackouts or tornadoes, contact the Red Cross at 412-263-3100 or visit online at www.swpa.redcross.org.
March 9, 2005 American Red Cross Partners with Washington Hospital and Representative Solobay to host Health and Safety Fair More than 45 health and safety organizations to attend
American Red Cross Partners with Washington Hospital and Representative Solobay to host Health and Safety Fair
More than 45 health and safety organizations to attend
WHO: American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Washington Hospital and Representative Solobay’s office partnering to host health and safety fair.
WHAT: Health & Safety Fair—more than 45 organizations attending to provide information
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, March 17, 2005
WHERE: Washington Crown Center Mall
WHY: An integral player in community disaster relief, the American Red Cross is at the scene when emergencies occur – from fires to floods and from individuals to entire communities – providing for immediate needs such as food, shelter and clothing. Together with the Washington Hospital and Representative Solobay’s office, the Health and Safety fair will provide safety tips from law enforcement, fire and emergency services departments. Expert health advice and information will be available from various Washington Hospital departments such as the heart and vascular center, diabetes education and management program and the women’s health center.
The Washington Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) will present a Teddy Bear Clinic to teach children not to be afraid of hospitals. Children are invited to bring their favorite teddy bear or doll to the clinic. The clinic will demonstrate what happens to “Teddy” when he arrives at the ED after an accident.
HOW: For more information, call Bobbie Clark at the Washington Hospital, 724-223-3541.
March 3, 2005 Local Red Cross Offers Discounts on Life-Saving Courses and First Aid Kits
Local Red Cross Offers Discounts on Life-Saving Courses and First Aid Kits
PITTSBURGH, PA – Would you know what to do if a loved one or co-worker were to suffer a heart attack? What if someone were badly burned or cut, would you know how to help them until emergency medical persons were able to arrive? The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter is offering discounted courses and first aid kits that can help you to be informed and prepared.
In celebration of March as Red Cross Month, the local Red Cross is offering two specials: 10% off of First Aid kits, and buy one course, get a second course for 50% off. Courses offered throughout our four-county region include: Standard First Aid with AED, Adult CPR with AED, and Adult CPR with AED with infant and child CPR.
For more information about the courses available contact the Red Cross at 1-888-217-9599 or visit swpa.redcross.org. Kits are available for purchase at the Chapter Headquarters at 225 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, as well as at the Fayette, Greene and Washington branches.
