PITTSBURGH - Saturday, April 26 -- the date of the annual Red Tie Affair -- was already a very important day for the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter. Now that date will have even more significance.

April 26 will officially be “American Red Cross Day” in the city of Pittsburgh.  At the Pittsburgh City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 15, City Council President Doug Shields will officially proclaim the last Saturday in April “Red Cross Day.”

“The tireless staff and volunteers at the Red Cross are ready to respond to any disaster, day or night, so it is only fitting to honor them with this proclamation,” said Shields.

Local Red Cross officials are honored with the distinction.

“We are flattered that City Council will declare an official ‘Red Cross Day’ in Pittsburgh,” said Joe Kennedy, Chairman of the Board of the local Red Cross.  “Our volunteers are dedicated to helping the community prepare for and respond to disasters; this is some well-deserved recognition for all of their hard work.”

It’s more than appropriate that Red Cross Day falls on the same day as the Red Tie Affair, the chapter’s biggest annual fund-raiser.  Last year, the formal gala -- which includes a gourmet dinner, live entertainment and the presentation of the annual Distinguished Leadership Award -- raised more than $200,000 for the local Red Cross.

For more information on the Red Tie Affair or the proclamation, call 1-888-217-9599 or visit swpa.redcross.org.

WHAT:            The eighth annual Community Health and Safety Fair

WHEN:             April 10, 2008; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

WHERE:           Washington Crown Center
                        1500 West Chestnut St.
                        Washington, PA 15301

ADMISSION:     Free

DETAILS:          The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter will partner with Washington Hospital and state Reps. Timothy Solobay and Jesse White to present the eighth annual Community Health and Safety Fair.

The event - which will be held throughout the main corridor at Washington Crown Center - will feature information booths from at least 104 community organizations, health care professionals and public safety agencies. As an integral player in community disaster relief and preparedness, the local  Red Cross and will be providing information on the various programs it offers. Additionally, WJPA Radio will broadcast live from the event.

“Each year, the event grows and we have more and more health professionals on hand, each one with the goal of protecting you and your family” said Jamie Ivanac, Washington Hospital’s Community Relations Coordinator. “This year’s fair should be our best yet.”

CONTACT:    For more information regarding the event, call Bobbie Clark at Washington Hospital at 724-223-3541.

PITTSBURGH – Looking for a cool summer job? Why not give lifeguarding a try? The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter will hold a Lifeguard Training School April 17-20 at Washington & Jefferson College.

Swimmers who successfully complete the Red Cross Lifeguard Training School will be certified to apply for professional lifeguard jobs.  Also, lifeguards who are currently certified can take a review course during the training school to extend their certification.

Classes will be held at W&J’s Henry Memorial Center, located on East Chestnut Street in Washington, Pa. on the following days (attendance at all four sessions is required):

• Thursday, April 17, 6-10 p.m.

• Friday, April 18, 6-10 p.m.

• Saturday, April 19, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Sunday, April 20, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Cost of the training is $180 for new lifeguards.  For the lifeguarding review program, cost is $165 and attendance is required only at the April 18-20 sessions.

To qualify for entry, you must be at least 15 years of age and be able to swim 300 yards continuously using the following strokes:  front crawl (100 yards); breaststroke (100 yards); and 100 yards of either the front crawl or breaststroke or a combination of the two.  Additionally, you must be able to surface dive 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound object and return to starting position within 1 minute and 40 seconds.  Registration is required; walk-ins will not be accepted.

The program is held in cooperation with the City of Washington Park and Washington & Jefferson College.  To register or for more information, visit swpa.redcross.org or call 724-222-4750; registration deadline is noon on Wednesday, April16.

PITTSBURGH – March is Red Cross Month, the time of year when we stop to recognize the good deeds performed by the American Red Cross.  It is only through the dedication of our tireless volunteers that the Red Cross is able to help those in need during disasters.

Locally, at the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter, volunteers are trained to perform a variety of functions, and they say the experience is worthwhile and gratifying.

“What drives me is knowing that I can help in a way and put smiles on faces when people know the things that are about to come [following a disaster] ... and that somebody does care,” said Debbie Phillips, a Disaster Action Team volunteer with the local Red Cross.

The local chapter is always looking for new volunteers.  Whether you’re retired, on summer vacation from school or part of an organization looking for community service opportunities, the local Red Cross offers numerous opportunities to volunteer, including:

• Community Outreach – Represent the American Red Cross at public events and help increase awareness and spread the word about preparedness.

• Disaster Action Team – Provide relief to victims affected by fires, flooding and other disasters with food, clothing and shelter.

• General Services –  Assist with general light-duty maintenance and housekeeping.

• Health and Safety Instructors – Teach lifesaving skills such as First Aid and CPR to help prepare others to respond to emergencies.

• Senior Opportunities – At the local chapter, the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program and the Foster Grandparent Program allow senior volunteers to use their life experiences and skills to help improve the community.

• Service to the Armed Forces – Communicate emergency messages between members of the military and their family members.

Additionally, there are numerous other volunteer opportunities waiting for you at your local Red Cross.  In the past year our 1,500 volunteers have performed 333,463 hours of volunteer work.

Volunteering is just one of the ways you can become prepared for disasters.   The Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter’s Promise to Prepare campaign helps people take action to better prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and includes four steps:  Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Get Trained and Volunteer.  Each week during Red Cross Month, your local chapter has offered additional information on one step of the process.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at your local Red Cross, click here . To learn more about Promise to Prepare or to make a promise, click here .

PITTSBURGH – Thanks to the generosity of Wendy’s restaurants, not only are people throughout southwestern Pennsylvania enjoying free Junior Frosty desserts, but they are also safer should a disaster strike.

Wendy’s International concluded its Junior Frosty Key Tag promotion this week by presenting the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Region and The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division each with a $23,000 check.

Beginning in December, customers at participating Pittsburgh area Wendy’s restaurants could purchase a Junior Frosty Key Tag for $1 then show the tag when ordering at Wendy’s any time through Dec. 31, 2008 and receive a free Jr. Frosty.  Fifty percent of the proceeds from the sale of each key tag went to the local Red Cross and 50 percent went to the Salvation Army.

"We strive to keep Dave Thomas’ ideas and beliefs at the heart of the Wendy's culture,” said Jay Hambright, Field Marketing Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Division of Wendy’s International. “One thing that Dave believed was that everyone has a responsibility to give something back, to help those who can't help themselves. This key tag fund-raiser was one way of giving back to the community where we live and work."

The money will be used to support Red Cross disaster relief efforts throughout the region.

“Wendy’s really showed its commitment to Southwestern Pennsylvania with this promotion,” said Charlie McGivern, Interim CEO for the local Red Cross. “By partnering with the Red Cross and The Salvation Army, Wendy’s was able to raise money which will directly help all of our local disaster victims.”

PITTSBURGH – If a medical emergency strikes a member of your family, will you be prepared to help?  Having emergency response skills – such as CPR and basic first aid – can be the difference between life and death.

March is Red Cross Month, the perfect time to take that step and get trained.  The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter offers courses in First Aid, Infant and Adult CPR/Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Babysitter Training, Disaster Preparedness, Lifeguard Training and more.

Red Cross classes are designed to give you the confidence to respond to any emergency.  And getting trained does more than just prepare you for emergencies – it allows you to have the peace of mind to know you are ready for whatever may come.

“Through our chapter, the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania have the opportunity to get trained and prepare themselves for emergencies,” said Matt Clay, Manager of Health and Safety Services for the local Red Cross.  “The courses we offer benefit everyone and help make our community fully prepared.”

Programs can be tailored to the needs of specific groups and individuals; nearly 50,000 people were trained by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter last year.  For more information on classes offered by your local Red Cross, including a schedule of dates and times, click here or call 1-888-217-9599.

Through its Promise to Prepare campaign, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter has a goal of making our region the most prepared in the entire country.  Promise to Prepare includes four key steps: Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Get Trained and Volunteer. Each week during Red Cross Month, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter will offer additional information on one step in the process.

To make your promise, click here .

KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Residents should find out if their area is prone to flooding.  If you are unsure, call your local Red Cross or emergency management office.

• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.

• Monitor the local news for the most updated flood information.

• A flood watch means a flood is possible. 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 flood 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. While flooding can take several hours or days, flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop.

• If you think flooding has already started, leave immediately.  Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.  Do not drive around barricades as they indicate potentially dangerous areas. 
  

ASSEMBLE A DIASSTER SUPPLIES KIT CONTAINING:

• First aid kit and essential medications

• Canned food, can opener

• At least three gallons of water per person

• Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding

• Boots and rubber gloves

• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries

• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so

• Choose several locations where you and your family can go if you have to evacuate (such as the home of a friend in another town)

• Raise your furnace, water heater and electrical panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.

• Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.

• Keep copies of insurance policies, important documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

• Consult with a professional for further information if other damage reduction measures are needed.

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.  For these and other safety tips, visit swpa.redcross.org .

• When building a kit, include at least three days worth of supplies for all individuals.  Here are some of the things your disaster supply kit should include (for a full list, please visit swpa.redcross.org):

• Water  (one 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

• Clothing (sturdy shoes, rain gear, hat, gloves)

• Cash or traveler’s checks

• If necessary, special items for infants, elderly members, and pets

PITTSBURGH - Looking for a great way to wrap up Red Cross month?  How about enjoying a tasty meal from Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar?

On Monday, March 31, Apple American Group LLC (AAG) - the owner of Applebee’s locations throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania - will donate 15 percent of food purchases to the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Region when patrons present a valid Dining to Donate flyer.

Simply click here and print out the flyer, then take it to a participating Applebee’s between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. on March 31.  AAG will then generously donate 15 percent of food purchases (including Carside™ To Go takeout service) to your local Red Cross.  Proceeds will support Red Cross disaster preparedness, disaster relief, first aid training, CPR training and other life-saving programs.

“Applebee’s has stepped up with a great promotion,” said Michael Mingrone, Business Development Officer for the local Red Cross. “This is a way for folks to enjoy a great meal while supporting a great cause.”

Participating Applebee’s locations include Chippewa, Cranberry, Edgewood, Frazer, Greentree, Monaca, North Hills, Peters Township, Richland, Robinson, Uniontown, Washington, West Mifflin and Wilkins Township.

For more information on this program or your local Red Cross, visit swpa.redcross.org or call 1-888-217-9599.
 

PITTSBURGH -- March is Red Cross Month, and the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure you are prepared for emergencies.  Our goal is to make Southwestern Pennsylvania the most fully prepared region in the United

The first step toward total preparedness is Making a Plan.  Emergencies happen unexpectedly, but preparedness can keep them from reaching disastrous proportions. Take the appropriate steps when making a disaster plan: talk, plan, learn, check supplies, tell and practice.

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, should one occur.  Make sure every family member knows his or her particular responsibilities.  Designate an alternate in case a person is not there at the time of the disaster.

Plan -- Choose two places to meet immediately after a disaster: one right outside of your home and one outside of your neighborhood.  The circumstances of the specific disaster will determine the appropriate place to meet.  Then, ask an out-of-town friend to be your "family contact."  All family members should communicate with the family contact during a disaster so that vital information can be relayed, even if your family becomes separated.  Also be sure to consider pet safety in your disaster plan.

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 -- Replace water and food in your disaster supplies kit every six months (for a list of supplies to include, visit swpa.redcross.org).  Make sure a smoke alarm is installed on each level of your home and check the batteries every year.  Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.

Tell -- Inform 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 -- Twice per year, practice your disaster plan with your family; conduct fire drills and simulate 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.  Set time aside to update phone numbers and disaster supplies.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter’s Promise to Prepare campaign helps people take action to better prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and includes four steps: Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Get Trained and Volunteer.  Each week during Red Cross Month, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter will offer additional information on one step of the process.

You can find a list of local threats, safety tips and preparedness resources at www.swpa.redcross.org.  For more information on your local Red Cross, call 1-888-217-9599.