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 20, 2007 Red Cross CEO Letter to the Editor for March is American Red Cross Month
In recognition of March as American Red Cross Month,, the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter would like to submit the following letter to the editor. For an electronic version of the letter, visit
www.swpa.redcross.org and click on ‘Red Cross News’.
First and foremost, thank you-the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania-- for your generosity and continuing support of the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter. Your spirit of caring and helping others is demonstrated by providing us with the ability to fulfill our mission to be there for those in their most important time of need.
March is American Red Cross Month. It’s a time to reflect upon who we are and what we do, as well as a time to celebrate the ongoing service to the people we serve. Each and every day of the week, our Chapter is responding to the emergency needs of those who have become innocent victims of house fires, flooding, and other evacuation situations throughout the local area. Nearly 50,000 people in the region are trained and certified by us each year to provide life-saving and life-supporting emergency care to those in need. And close to 800 local military families rely upon the Red Cross to connect U.S. military services men and women with their families during times of crisis and for 24-hour emergency counseling and support.
For nearly a century, we have made this region safer and more prepared through programs for senior citizens, special-needs children, people of all ages, schools and businesses. We help people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other life-threatening events no matter who, when, where, what and how.
We are totally dedicated to being there, without hesitation, for all of the proud and caring people of southwestern PA. Thank you, again, for being a part of how we fulfill our mission, each and every day. Indeed, all of you are a significant part of our celebration of Red Cross Month.
We look forward to your continued support and good will toward our Southwestern PA Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Sincerely,
T.L. (Tim) Tassone ,Churchill
Tim Tassone is the CEO of the American Red Cross Southwestern PA Chapter
Larry S. Blair, Esquire,Mt. Lebanon
Larry Blair is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Southwestern PA Chapter
March 15, 2007 Get Trained with the American Red Cross: March is Red Cross Month
As part of March's American Red Cross Month activities, your local chapter wants to ensure you know how to respond in case of emergency - at home and in the workplace. This is part three of a four-part series.
As part of the Promise to Prepare campaign, the Red Cross offers information on four essential steps:
Make a Plan
Build a Kit
Get Trained
Volunteer
In an effort to increase public awareness about our vital Health & Safety courses, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter encourages you to Get Trained. Help save lives with First Aid, Infant and Adult CPR/Automated External Defibrillator (AED), workplace training and water-safety skills.
"Our chapter is dedicated to providing the community with a chance to learn basic life-saving skills through Red Cross health and safety courses," said Matt Clay, manager of health and safety services. "The Red Cross saves lives by annually equipping more than 45,000 individuals with vital skills in all of our training including First Aid, CPR, AED and Lifeguarding."
Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED programs are designed to give you the confidence to respond in an emergency with lifesaving skills. Programs are available for any age and can be tailored to the needs of specific groups and individuals.
Victims of a sudden cardiac arrest usually need an electric shock called defibrillation to restore the heart to a regular rhythm. The local Red Cross offers AED training in its CPR courses. As AEDs become more readily available to the public in the workplace, malls, airplanes and hotels, the American Red Cross is urging people to learn how to operate these devices.
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 slips, falls, or suffers cardiac arrest.
Celebrate American Red Cross Month-Get Trained. The Red Cross offers a variety of courses at designated Red Cross locations or on-site for your convenience. 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 and click on "Register for a Class" to see the dates, cost and times per course.
March 13, 2007 American Red Cross Partners with Washington Hospital, Reps Solobay and White and Comcast to host Health and Safety Fair
More than 92 health and safety organizations to attend
WHO: American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter, Washington Hospital, Representatives Timothy Solobay and Jesse White and Comcast partnering to host health and safety fair.
WHAT: Annual Health & Safety Fair-more than 92 local organizations attending to provide vital information and demonstrations to the public.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, March 15, 2007
WHERE: Washington Crown Center, 1500 West Chestnut St., I-70, US 40, Washington, PA, 15301---throughout corridor in the mall
WHY: An integral player in community disaster relief and preparedness, the American Red Cross is at the scene when emergencies occur, and will be providing information on the various programs it offers. Together with the Washington Hospital, Representatives Solobay and White and Comcast, the Health and Safety fair will provide essential safety tips from law enforcement, fire and emergency services departments. Expert health advice and information will also be available from more than 11 various Washington Hospital departments.
March 13, 2007 American Red Cross Thanks Volunteers: Blood volunteers give more than 1800 hours annually
UNIONTOWN, PA - Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. Volunteers out of the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter Fayette County location are there to volunteer their time to reach that goal every year. Through nearly 40 blood drives annually, these dedicated volunteers spend more than 1800 hours a year working at the blood drives in the Fayette County area.
With March as Red Cross Month as the backdrop, several of the chapter’s volunteers recently gathered at the Fayette County location and were presented certificates in honor of their hours served this past year. Present to deliver the certificates were Donor Resources Representative for the Greater Alleghenies Blood Region, Jeff Hatison, and Red Cross Service Delivery Coordinator, Barb Christner.
The following volunteers received certificates in honor of their hours worked: Antoinette Matthews of Uniontown,150 hours; Judy Lucas of Uniontown, 125 hours; Ruth Mills of Smithfield,125 hours; Terri Mills of Smithfield, 80 hours; Kathleen Davidson of Hopwood, 50 hours; and Mary Margaret Lowrey of Uniontown, 40 hours.
"It’s nice to see our volunteers giving back to their community," said Christner. "And at the same time, they are helping to save lives every day."
To join this volunteer group or for more information on the blood drives in Fayette County, call 724-438-2567. To view other ways to volunteer with the Red Cross, visit our Web site at www.swpa.redcross.org.
March 8, 2007 Be Prepared: Build a Kit with the American Red Cross
PITTSBURGH, PA - During March as American Red Cross Month, your local Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure you know how to respond in case of an emergency - at home and in the workplace. This is part two of a four-part series.
The Red Cross created the Promise to Prepare campaign to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The first step was Make a Plan, and the second step in the campaign is Build a Kit.
"Our chapter is committed to doing everything we can to ensure that individuals, families and communities know how to respond in case of emergencies," said Michael Adametz, director of emergency preparedness. "Building a disaster supply kit is a great step toward being better prepared."
Every household should have a Disaster Supply Kit. The kit should be able to sustain each person in the household for at least three days, whether confined to the home for an extended period of time (such as after a winter storm) or told to evacuate on short notice (for a disaster like a flash flood).
Your Disaster Supply Kit should include the following items:
Water (1 gallon per family member per day)
Manual can opener and ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
Flashlight (and extra batteries)
First Aid Kit
Battery-powered radio
Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
Duct tape
Matches in a waterproof container
Clothing (sturdy shoes, rain gear, hat, gloves)
Bedding
Prescription and non-prescription medications
Cash or traveler’s checks
Sanitary supplies
Important papers
Contact information and a map
Special items for infants, elderly members, and pets if necessary
Store your Disaster Supply Kit in a sturdy, easy to carry container such as a plastic storage container, backpack or a duffel bag and keep it in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep paper supplies in a waterproof container inside your kit and make a smaller version of your Disaster Supply Kit for your vehicle.
Celebrate American Red Cross Month-Build a Kit. Pre-assembled Disaster Supply Kits are also available at your local Red Cross. A promotion right now is offering a Disaster Backpack for $39.95. To purchase a kit, learn more about the Red Cross Promise to Prepare campaign, or to make a promise to Build a Kit visit us online at www.swpa.redcross.org or call 1-888-217-9599.
March 5, 2007 "Red Tie Affair" to benefit local Red Cross--Dr. John E. Murray Jr., Chancellor, Duquesne University to receive notable award
Pittsburgh, PA--- At its annual fundraiser this year, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter will recognize Duquesne University Chancellor Dr. John E. Murray Jr. with its Distinguished Leadership Award.
The "Red Tie Affair" takes place Saturday, April 28, at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, starting at 6:30 pm. The evening will include a cocktail reception, followed by a five-course dinner, unique silent auction and live entertainment. Also included is a raffle for a two-year, pre-paid 2007 Hummer H3 lease, which is sponsored by BBL Fleet.
Guests are asked to wear an element of red in their ensemble to show support for the tireless and vital work of the Red Cross. Cost is $325/person. Corporate sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are available by calling 412-263-3112.
All proceeds from the Red Tie Affair will stay in the area to help local families. The American Red Cross is not a government agency and the chapter does not receive local funding from the national organization, except during large-scale disasters.
The Red Tie Affair is a major fundraiser for the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter, as it grossed $200,000 last year with more than 400 guests in attendance.
"We must rely on the generosity of our neighbors each year to continue our vital work in this region," said Red Cross CEO Tim Tassone. "Our annual Red Tie Affair is one of the ways we raise these much-needed funds."
For more information about the 2007 Red Tie Affair, contact Ingrid Shaw at 412-263-3112 or visit the local Red Cross Web site at www.swpa.redcross.org.
March 2, 2007 Make a Plan with the American Red Cross--March is Red Cross Month
PITTSBURGH, PA - As the honorary chairman of the American Red Cross in 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first president to declare March as American Red Cross Month. Every year since then, the president of the United States proclaims March as Red Cross Month.
Locally, to kick off March as Red Cross Month, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure you know how to respond in case of an emergency - at home or in the workplace. This is part one of a four-part series.
The Red Cross Promise to Prepare campaign is focused on helping people take action to better prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Follow these steps to prepare for what may come:
Make a Plan
Build a Kit
Get Trained
Volunteer
"Our chapter is dedicated to teaching the community how to prepare for the unexpected," said Tim Tassone, Chief Executive Officer. "Through these actions, local individuals and families can become ready to respond in emergencies."
Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. Would you know what to do? The first action in the Promise to Prepare campaign is Make a Plan. Families can-and do-cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Here’s what to do:
Talk. Discuss what disasters can occur in your neighborhood and why you need to prepare. Calmly explain the potential dangers, and plan to 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. Then, 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 the 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 twice a year: conduct fire drills and practice evacuating your home. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable or jammed with traffic. Commit a weekend to update phone numbers, disaster supplies and review your plan with everyone.
Celebrate American Red Cross Month-Make a Plan. To learn more about the American Red Cross or to make a promise to be better prepared, call 1-888-217-9599 or visit us at www.swpa.redcross.org.
March 1, 2007 American Red Cross Offers Flood Safety Tips: Washington Co. under Flood Watch
WASHINGTON, PA - With a flood watch issued for Washington County from tomorrow (Friday) night through Saturday afternoon by the National Weather Service, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure residents within the watch area are prepared for a flood emergency.
"The best advice the Red Cross can give to residents in flood-prone areas is to be prepared by taking precautionary steps to protect their homes and families," said Mike Adametz, Director of Emergency Preparedness at the Red Cross.
KNOW YOUR AREA: Many streams and creeks are partially or fully covered by ice. With the warmer temperatures causing the recent ice and snow to melt and also rain in the forecast, conditions for flooding could occur. Monitor weather forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Keep a close watch on ice movement and possible jamming.
KNOW THE WARNINGS: Listening closely to weather reports and warnings can help you to be better prepared.
A watch means a flood is possible in your area. If a flood watch is issued in your area, move furniture and valuables to the higher floors of your home and fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
A warning means flooding is already occurring or will soon occur. If a flood warning is issued, listen closely to weather reports for updates and evacuation notices. If an evacuation notice is issued, do so as soon as possible.
Flash flood watches and warnings mean you should be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. If you think flooding has already started, leave immediately. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
The Red Cross also recommends assembling a flood safety kit in case you would need to evacuate quickly. The kit should contain:
Bottled water (enough for 1 gallon per person for at least 3 days)
First aid kit
Canned food, can opener,
Battery-powered radio
High-powered flashlight and extra batteries
Boots and rubber gloves
A change of clothes
Blankets
Another step in being prepared is creating a flood evacuation or escape plan. Decide ahead of time several places you could go if you are told to evacuate such as a friend or relative’s home in another town, a hotel or a shelter on higher ground.
All family members should know how to turn off gas, electricity and water and how to properly call 911, the police and fire department.
If you are affected by flooding and need help, please call the American Red Cross toll-free, 24-hours a day at 1-888-217-9599.
March 1, 2007 American Red Cross Offers Flood Safety Tips: Fayette Co. under Flood Watch
UNIONTOWN, PA - With a flood watch issued for Fayette County from late tomorrow until Saturday afternoon by the National Weather Service, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure residents within the watch area are prepared for a flood emergency.
"The best advice the Red Cross can give to residents in flood-prone areas is to be prepared by taking precautionary steps to protect their homes and families," said Mike Adametz, Director of Emergency Preparedness at the Red Cross.
KNOW YOUR AREA: Many streams and creeks are partially or fully covered by ice. With the warmer temperatures causing the recent ice and snow to melt and also rain in the forecast, conditions for flooding could occur. Monitor weather forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Keep a close watch on ice movement and possible jamming.
KNOW THE WARNINGS: Listening closely to weather reports and warnings can help you to be better prepared.
A watch means a flood is possible in your area. If a flood watch is issued in your area, move furniture and valuables to the higher floors of your home and fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
A warning means flooding is already occurring or will soon occur. If a flood warning is issued, listen closely to weather reports for updates and evacuation notices. If an evacuation notice is issued, do so as soon as possible.
Flash flood watches and warnings mean you should be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. If you think flooding has already started, leave immediately. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
The Red Cross also recommends assembling a flood safety kit in case you would need to evacuate quickly. The kit should contain:
Bottled water (enough for 1 gallon per person for at least 3 days)
First aid kit
Canned food, can opener,
Battery-powered radio
High-powered flashlight and extra batteries
Boots and rubber gloves
A change of clothes
Blankets
Another step in being prepared is creating a flood evacuation or escape plan. Decide ahead of time several places you could go if you are told to evacuate such as a friend or relative’s home in another town, a hotel or a shelter on higher ground.
All family members should know how to turn off gas, electricity and water and how to properly call 911, the police and fire department.
If you are affected by flooding and need help, please call the American Red Cross toll-free, 24-hours a day at 1-888-217-9599.
March 1, 2007 American Red Cross Offers Flood Safety Tips: Allegheny County under Flood Watch
PITTSBURGH, PA - With a flood watch issued for Allegheny County from tomorrow night through Saturday afternoon by the National Weather Service, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure residents within the watch area are prepared for a flood emergency.
"The best advice the Red Cross can give to residents in flood-prone areas is to be prepared by taking precautionary steps to protect their homes and families," said Mike Adametz, Director of Emergency Preparedness at the Red Cross.
KNOW YOUR AREA: Many streams and creeks are partially or fully covered by ice. With the warmer temperatures causing the recent ice and snow to melt and also rain in the forecast, conditions for flooding could occur. Monitor weather forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Keep a close watch on ice movement and possible jamming.
KNOW THE WARNINGS: Listening closely to weather reports and warnings can help you to be better prepared.
A watch means a flood is possible in your area. If a flood watch is issued in your area, move furniture and valuables to the higher floors of your home and fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
A warning means flooding is already occurring or will soon occur. If a flood warning is issued, listen closely to weather reports for updates and evacuation notices. If an evacuation notice is issued, do so as soon as possible.
Flash flood watches and warnings mean you should be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. If you think flooding has already started, leave immediately. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
The Red Cross also recommends assembling a flood safety kit in case you would need to evacuate quickly. The kit should contain:
Bottled water (enough for 1 gallon per person for at least 3 days)
First aid kit
Canned food, can opener
Battery-powered radio
High-powered flashlight and extra batteries
Boots and rubber gloves
A change of clothes
Blankets
Another step in being prepared is creating a flood evacuation or escape plan. Decide ahead of time several places you could go if you are told to evacuate such as a friend or relative’s home in another town, a hotel or a shelter on higher ground.
All family members should know how to turn off gas, electricity and water and how to properly call 911, the police and fire department.
If you are affected by flooding and need help, please call the American Red Cross toll-free, 24-hours a day at 1-888-217-9599.
