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
June 28, 2007 Practice Proper Safety Procedures in the Event of Severe Weather--Red Cross recommends safety tips for thunderstorms, floods
As summer storms begin to enter the forecast, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure that the proper safety precautions are followed in the event of severe thunderstorms or flooding.
Severe Storms:
Severe thunderstorms start with darkening skies, flashes of lightning, increasing wind and rumbles of thunder. Listen and watch for these signs, and stay tuned to your local radio or television station for the latest weather updates.
As a severe storm approaches, follow these safety guidelines:
Find shelter
Keep all windows closed
Unplug appliances, and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances
Avoid taking a bath or shower or running water for any reason
Turn off your air conditioner
Draw blinds or shades over your windows to prevent any glass from shattering into your home
If you are caught in a storm outside your home, take shelter under the shorter trees if you are in the woods, or head to land and shelter immediately if you are boating or swimming. You should look for a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects. Squat low to the ground, but do not lie flat.
Lightning Strikes:
If someone is struck by lightning, remember that they cannot carry an electrical charge and are safe to handle. Make sure that 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number is called. Check the injured person for burns, broken bones, or loss of hearing or eyesight. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped, a trained person should give CPR.
Potential Flooding:
During a thunderstorm, flooding may also occur if rain has been falling heavily for several hours or steadily for several days. Be alert to the possibility of a flood, and listen to your local radio or television stations for flood information.
To reduce potential flood damage, raise your furnace, water heater and electric panel if they are in danger of flood damage. Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding, or find out how to get flood insurance. Keep all insurance policies, important documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Be Prepared - Build a Disaster Supplies Kit:
You can also assemble a disaster supplies kit, which should contain:
A first aid kit with essential medications
Canned 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 any infants and elderly or disabled individuals
Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if you are advised to do so
A list of several places you could go if you are told to evacuate
Know the Warnings:
A flood watch means a flood is possible. When a flood watch is issued, move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home, and fill your car’s gas tank in case you are evacuated. A flood warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon. When a flood warning is issued, listen to local radio and television stations for information and advice, and evacuate as soon as possible if you are told to do so.
A flash flood watch means flash flooding is possible. When a flash flood watch is issued, be alert to signs of flash flooding, and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.
A flash flood warning means flash flooding is occurring or will occur soon. When a flash flood warning is issued, evacuate immediately. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains, and do not drive around barricades. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately, and climb to higher ground.
After the storm passes, avoid any storm-damaged areas, and listen to your local radio station for information and instructions.
For more information on preparing for summer thunderstorms and flooding, or for additional safety tips, contact the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter at 888-217-9599, or visit online at www.swpa.redcross.org.
June 26, 2007 Understanding the Risks of Consumer Fireworks--Local Red Cross Urges Caution on the Fourth of July
PITTSBURGH, PA - There are many exciting ways to celebrate the nation’s birthday - pools, picnics and parades, to name a few. However, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter recommends leaving the use of fireworks to professionals.
Of the estimated 10,800 people who were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2005, nearly half were under the age of 15, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The risk of injury is nearly three times higher for children ages 10-14 as for the general population.
It is especially important that parents understand the serious risks involved, even with the use of legal consumer fireworks. Simple, inexpensive fireworks may seem harmless, but sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 26 percent of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2005 (NFPA).
"Parents are advised to use caution and monitor their children if they do choose to use sparklers during holiday festivities," said Michael Adametz, Director of Emergency Services for the Red Cross.
The Red Cross strongly encourages families to enjoy public displays of fireworks which comply with the NFPA Code for Fireworks Display and to follow these important safety tips:
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.
Carefully read and follow all warnings and instructions.
Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
Never point fireworks towards people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Use eye protection when lighting fireworks.
Keep a water supply nearby in case of an emergency.
Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
While careful use of legal fireworks can help prevent dangerous situations, it is important to be prepared in an emergency. By learning Red Cross CPR and First Aid, all caregivers can gain the necessary lifesaving skills.
For more safety tips and CPR/First Aid training schedules, contact the American Red Cross at 888-217-9599 or visit online at www.swpa.redcross.org.
June 22, 2007 Red Cross Joins Unique Volunteer Recruitment Effort--Volunteer Speed Matching offers participants several options
PITTSBURGH---The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter is participating in a "Volunteer Speed Matching" event patterned after speed dating to help individuals find a suitable match to their volunteer motivation. During this unique approach to recruitment, the Red Cross will offer "snapshots" of what one might experience when they commit to volunteering with the Red Cross and the person will determine if it’s a good match.
The recruitment event, hosted by the Northland Public Library Foundation and Boomer Connections, will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 29, at the Northland Public Library, 300 Cumberland Road in McCandless. Participants will have five-minute conversations with their choice of the organizations present to see if the opportunity is a right choice.
In today’s culture of "information overload" where people have to sort through layers to find answers, the goal of this event is to provide immediate insight to both the potential volunteer and the organization and to nurture the possible volunteer match.
"Volunteers constitute 96 percent of our workforce nationally to carry out the Red Cross humanitarian work, so we always will need to continue to recruit volunteers to keep the ranks active and engaged," said Renee Willow, Emergency Services Volunteer Coordinator at the Red Cross. "As a volunteer coordinator, when given my choice of methods to meet a volunteer, I’ll always choose the brief conversation. It gives both of us the opportunity to see if the person’s interests and goals mesh well with the Red Cross mission and volunteer opportunities.
"It is important for volunteers to have an idea of what they might experience before committing to an organization," said Willow. "At the end of the evening, the potential volunteer will have personally discussed his or her volunteer goals and can decide whether or not to pursue volunteering with the Red Cross. We hope many people will decide this is a complimentary relationship."
No advance reservation is required; contact Pat McCarthy, Volunteer Coordinator for Northland Public Library for more information at 412-366-8100, ext. 104.
June 19, 2007 Summer Season Starts Thursday: Have Fun While Practicing Safety Precautions
Red Cross Recommends Summer Safety Tips for Families
PITTSBURGH, PA - With summer officially set to start Thursday, children across the region are already diving in to summer activities. Whether they will be swimming in the ocean or pool, riding bikes, going camping or playing outdoors, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure that the proper seasonal safety precautions are followed.
Safety conscious parents can prepare for the summer activities with first aid kits. Kits can be bought or made, although the supplies need to be kept current. First aid kits should be kept in both your home and vehicle, and items in the kits depend upon family needs. Suggestions for general kit items include:
Blankets
Cold pack
Adhesive tape
Band-Aids
Anesthetic ointment
Bug repellant/bug bite ointment
Swimming, boating, jet or water skiing, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, surfing, tubing and windsurfing are just a few of the many water-related activities that children and their families can enjoy. Families can prepare for these activities by following some basic water safety guidelines:
Learn to swim, and take lessons for the more specialized activities
Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially for children and adults who are not strong swimmers
Never leave children unobserved near water
Never swim alone
Obey local laws, regulations, rules and posted signs
Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts
Make sure all equipment functions properly
Avoid consuming alcohol during water-related activities
In addition to water-related activities, children and families may also enjoy biking. The following safety guidelines should be followed during bicycle rides:
Always wear a helmet and wear closed shoes
Ride in safe areas at safe times
Check that the bike has good brakes, a front light and reflectors for use after dark
Make sure children ride a bike appropriate to their size
When hiking, camping or spending a large amount of time outdoors during the summer, children and families should also keep in mind some general tips for protecting themselves against the sun, heat and insects:
Apply sunscreen SPF 15 or higher
Drink plenty of water regularly
Wear light clothes, a hat and sunglasses
Slow down, take breaks and avoid strenuous activity
Try not to remain in direct sunlight for more than a few hours at a time
Use insect repellant
Avoid underbrush, tall grass and fallen trees
Inspect yourself and children for ticks
Shower immediately after returning inside
Talking to children about being safe while they enjoy their summer fun can help ensure a much more relaxing summer for everyone involved. While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is important to know what to do if a situation arises. By learning Red Cross first aid and CPR, all caregivers, including grandparents, older siblings and babysitters, would have the essential lifesaving skills.
For more information on summer safety tips or first aid and CPR training schedules, contact the American Red CrossSouthwestern Pennsylvania Chapter at 888-217-9599 or visit online at www.swpa.redcross.org.
June 18, 2007 Red Cross Helping Those Affected by Larimer Fire
PITTSBURGH---June 12, 2007---Red Cross volunteers were on scene early this morning to offer help to those affected by the fire on Winslow Street in the Larimer neighborhood.
The role of the American Red Cross in a tragedy such as this is to help families feel safe and to tend to the immediate, disaster-caused basic needs of those affected.
Upon talking with families last night and visiting Winslow street today, Red Cross volunteers were able to assess the needs and then offer a mix of services (including a safe place to stay, food and clothing) to individuals directly affected by this fire, including neighbors.
Red Cross workers have also offered emotional support by way of its own mental health teams and by mobilizing mental health resources in the community. This "emotional first aid", as the Red Cross calls it, is a service that will likely be provided by the Red Cross for days - even weeks - as the community comes to terms with this tragedy.
HELP CHILDREN REACT TO GRIEF
Tragedies that affect children are relevant and real to other children, regardless of geography; therefore, the Red Cross would like to offer the following information to ALL PARENTS about helping your young children cope with this trauma:
Talk about what happened and allow children to express their feelings in different ways. Encourage drawing if the child finds it difficult to articulate feelings.
Ask children what they know and use this opportunity to clarify information and recognize their pain.
Give honest, simple, brief answers to your child’s questions.
Provide a sense of security to dispel vulnerability
Anticipate the question: "Can the same thing happen to us?" Visually demonstrate what you may have done at home to help children feel safe.
June 7, 2007 Red Cross Hosts Deloitte Volunteers for IMPACT Day 2007
PITTSBURGH---Men and women who are willing to take time out of their busy lives to volunteer regardless of the time, date or place are people that the American Red Cross works with on a daily basis. But still Red Cross staff members continue to be amazed at the quality of service and commitment to helping others that often goes unexplained by the humble volunteers contributing their time. Friday, June 8, the Red Cross will partner with Deloitte & Touche USA LLP in hosting 50 employees from The Deloitte U.S. Firms who chose to spend their day at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter during Deloitte’s IMPACT Day 2007, the organization’s national day of volunteer service.
The Deloitte employees will be certified in the vital life-saving skills of Red Cross Adult CPR and Automated External Defibrillation from 11 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. at the Chapter Headquarters, 225 Boulevard of the Allies. They will also hear presentations from various staff members on several of the volunteer opportunities that exist at the Red Cross.
"This is the third year that Deloitte has chosen the Red Cross as one of its community non-profits at which to volunteer," said Eugene Evans, Volunteer Resources Manager at the Red Cross. "With this training, the Red Cross is continuing our mission of helping people in our communities better prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies, and the Deloitte volunteers can make an impact year-round both in their work and daily lives with the essential life-saving skills."
