Winter Weather Preparedness

NEWS RELEASE

1/06/2010

 

The American Red Cross Urges Springfield Residents to Get

Ready for More Winter Weather

 

Springfield, MO – With more snow predicted for Springfield tonight and tomorrow, the American Red Cross recommends taking a few steps that will help you stay safe despite the winter weather.

 

“Winter storms can knock down power lines, make travel difficult because of icy road conditions, and keep people isolated in their homes for several days,” said Chris Harmon, Director of Emergency Services for the Greater Ozarks Chapter. “That’s why now is the perfect time to get ready before this winter storm hits our area. Make sure you have the food and supplies on hand now that you may need if it’s not safe to travel or if the power goes out.”

 

The Red Cross recommends stocking up on easy-to-prepare foods, medications for family members, diapers, baby formula, pet food, extra-batteries for flashlights, and hygiene items like toilet paper and tissues. Make sure you have enough wood or coal for fireplaces or coal-burning stoves. In addition, the Red Cross offers the following ideas to help stay safe during winter storms:

 

Tips for Staying Safe at Home

 

• Be careful with candles – do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.

 

• Don’t use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement or garage. Locate unite away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

 

• Prevent frozen pipes - when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing. Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature.

 

• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

 

• If you plan on using a fireplace to stay warm, keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a lit fire unattended.

 

• If using a space heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater. Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater and do not use it to dry wet clothing.

 

• Avoid overloading electrical outlets.

 

• Check on your animals and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles. If possible, bring them indoors.

 

 

 

Tips for Protecting Yourself While Outdoors and Traveling

 

• When possible stay indoors during the storm.

 

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks and stairs.

 

• Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.

 

• Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.

 

• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

 

• If you shovel snow, be extremely careful. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.

 

• Minimize travel whenever possible. If travel is necessary keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle with extra food and blankets.

 

• Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.

 

• Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.

 

• Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.

 

• Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.

 

Visit Redcross.org for more information on how to keep safe and prepared for any emergency. 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

                                                     

                                                             END

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

*** Power outages: Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, especially if they last a long time. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, you need not be concerned about losing your perishable foods. For prolonged power outages, though, there are steps you can take to minimize food loss and to keep all members of your household as comfortable as possible. Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady for a checklist!

                                                    

 

  Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady for more information!

 

Tips for Staying Warm - Red Cross

NEWS RELEASE

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

 

Red Cross Offers Tips on How to Stay Warm

During Frigid Temperatures

 

Springfield, MO, January 4, 2010 – Bone chilling temperatures have gripped much of the country, and the American Red Cross urges everyone to be safe and prepare as much as possible.

 

Many are looking to cut down on expenses when temperatures drop and home-heating costs rise. “There is usually an increase in home fires at this time of year because of the use of candles and space heaters,” said Scott Conner, Red Cross senior vice president for Preparedness and Health and Safety Services.  “We have steps people can follow to reduce their risk of starting a fire in their home, and still cut down on their heating bills.”

 

HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY

·         All heaters need space! Keep things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, fireplaces and stoves.

·         Place portable space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface.  Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away.  Look for a model that shuts off automatically if the space heater tips over.  Do not use heating equipment to dry wet clothing.

·         Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.

·         Never leave portable heaters, wood burning stoves or fireplaces unattended.  Turn them off before leaving or going to bed.

·         Keep the fire in the fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

 

CUT DOWN ON YOUR HEATING BILLS

·         Eliminate drafts. Use either insulating tape or caulking strips to surround windows and door moldings.  Cover your windows with plastic sheeting.  If you have storm windows or storm doors, get them up to keep the cold out.

·         Make sure heat vents aren’t blocked by furniture.

·         Turn down the thermostat. 

·         Close off any rooms that aren’t in use and close heat vents or turn off radiators in those rooms.

·         Insulate your light switch and outlet plates with foam pads. Cold air can seep into the house through them.

·         Use heavy curtains to keep cold air out.  Open them during the day to let the sun help warm your home and close them at night.  Use fabric snakes or old carpets in front of windows and doors to help eliminate drafts.

·         Turn off vent fans in the kitchen and bathroom when they are no longer needed. 

·         Set ceiling fans to blow air down.

 

DON’T FORGET FIDO AND YOUR NEIGHBOR

 

·         Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. Don’t forget gloves or mittens, and a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.

·         Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.

·         Don’t forget pets – bring them indoors.  If that’s not possible, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.

·         Check on people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

*** Power outages: Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, especially if they last a long time. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, you need not be concerned about losing your perishable foods. For prolonged power outages, though, there are steps you can take to minimize food loss and to keep all members of your household as comfortable as possible. Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady for a checklist!

                                                    

 

  Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady for more information!

 

Everyday Hero Nominations

 

NEWS RELEASE

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

1/04/2010

 

Everyday Hero Nominations

 

Springfield, MO – Since 2000, the American Red Cross and KY3 have honored local heroes at the Everyday Heroes breakfast and awards ceremony.  Everyone is encouraged to nominate someone that is admired for his/her achievements and noble qualities or someone that shows great courage.  This could be someone that has really impacted your life in a positive way.  Maybe it’s your neighbor or co-worker who went above and beyond the call of duty to help in a time of need.  Maybe it’s a young person who volunteers his/her time helping others.  Or maybe it’s someone who saved a life. 

          A selection committee comprised of former recipients and community leaders is asked to select the heroes from the many nominations that are received.  This event has grown to solicit more than 150 nominations.  This year the event will be held on March 31 at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center.  The deadline for nominations is January 15, 2010.  Heroic acts should have occurred in the calendar year 2009. 

          For more information on nominating your hero, contact Joann Moore, Public Relations, at the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter office, 417-832-9500, ext. 107, or log onto the Red Cross website at www.redcross-ozarks.org for a nomination form and sponsor information.    

 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

*** Power outages: Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, especially if they last a long time. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, you need not be concerned about losing your perishable foods. For prolonged power outages, though, there are steps you can take to minimize food loss and to keep all members of your household as comfortable as possible. Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady for a checklist!

                                                    

 

  Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady for more information!

 

Volunteer Appreciation Banquet

NEWS RELEASE

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

12/18/2009

 

Red Cross Hosts Volunteer Appreciation Banquet

 

Springfield, MO – The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross will host its Annual Appreciation Banquet on Saturday evening, Dec. 19, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. at the St. John’s Cancer Center on Fremont. 

            At the present time the chapter serves 29 counties and there are over 1,000 volunteers that donate over 100,000 hours each year.  IndependentSector.org estimates that each volunteer hour is worth approximately $20.21.  That amounts to over 2 million dollars each year that chapter volunteers donate of their time. 

            Luke Bolz, Director of Volunteers for the Greater Ozarks Chapter, said, “Our volunteers are absolutely amazing.  We will never be able to thank them for the time they give to their communities….but we are certainly going to try!!”

 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

*** Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding , wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

              

                                                    

 

  Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady for more information!

 

Volunteers Reach Out during Holidays

 

NEWS RELEASE

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

12/15/2009

                                                Volunteers Reach Out During the Holidays

 

Springfield, MO - Tis the season when we remember friends and family with cherished gifts, attend a party or two, and cook our favorite meals.  But if you are a member of the Disaster Action Team (DAT) at the Greater Ozarks Chapter, you are probably more focused on helping those people who have lost their homes in the last couple of weeks due to fires. 

            Yes, it is a devastating loss, and for most people it is difficult to think about starting over during the holidays.  But one can always take comfort in knowing a Red Cross volunteer was on the scene within one hour of notification from the fire department or 911 to offer comfort and hope, a warm blanket, and a teddy bear to a child who just lost everything.   As Kathy Dennis, Disaster Action Team Supervisor said, “Being a part of the Disaster Action Team will change your whole life.  It is very rewarding.” 

            Long after the fire department is gone, caseworkers will follow up with those individuals that experienced a devastating loss and help them begin their recovery process. 

            In the last 8 days volunteers have responded to 14 fires in 9 counties served by the chapter.  Forty individuals were provided with help for temporary shelter, food, clothing and medical needs such as prescriptions and eye glasses. 

            We can all take comfort in knowing that our Red Cross will be there in times of need. Whether it is 3 a.m. or 3 p.m. a volunteer will respond to the call for help and be there to assess emergency needs.  For more information on joining the Disaster Action Team or learning about how to be prepared for emergencies, log on to www.redcross.org  or call your Greater Ozarks Chapter toll free at 866-206-0256.  

 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

*** Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding , wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

              

                                                    

 

  Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady for more information!

 

12 Days of Holiday Safety

 

NEWS RELEASE

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

                                                                         

 Twelve Days of Holiday Safety from the Greater Ozarks Chapter

 

In the spirit of the season, the American Red Cross offers 12 holiday safety tips.

 

 

Springfield, MO  — December 15, 2009.  With last-minute gifts to buy, social events to attend and family and friends to visit while the weather outside is frightful, the American Red Cross has 12 days of health and safety tips to make the holiday season safe, happy and bright. 

 

1.      Prepare your vehicle for traveling to grandmother’s house. Make an emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type), compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, tow rope.

 

2.      Drive your sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm, but if you must, keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, route and when you expect to arrive.

 

3.      Help prevent the spread of the flu. Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Use sanitizing wipes to disinfect hard surfaces such as airplane tray tables, luggage handles, cell phones, door handles and seat armrests.

 

4.      Prevent hypothermia by following Santa’s lead. Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.

 

5.      Use a Red Cross-trained babysitter when attending holiday festivities. Red Cross-certified babysitters learn to administer basic first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when needed; monitor safe play and actively engage your child; and some may be certified in Infant and Child CPR.

 

6.       Avoid danger while roasting chestnuts over an open fire. Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking and be alert. Keep anything flammable—such as potholders, towels or curtains—away from your stove top. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.

 

7.      Be a lifesaver during the holidays and always. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED. Your local Red Cross chapter has conveniently scheduled courses and can have you trained and certified in a few hours. 

 

8.      Designate a driver or skip the holiday cheer. When you designate a driver who won’t be drinking, you help make sure a good party doesn’t turn into a tragedy. A good host ensures there are non-alcoholic beverages available for drivers. The designated driver should not drink any alcoholic beverages, not even one.

 

9.    When the weather outside is frightful, heat your home safely. Never use your stove or oven to heat your home. Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month. 

10.   Cut down on your heating bills without being a Grinch. Get your furnace cleaned by a professional; change the filters regularly. Make sure heat vents aren’t blocked by furniture. Close off any rooms you aren’t using and close heat vents or turn off radiators in those rooms. Use either insulating tape or caulking strips to surround your windows and door moldings. Put up storm windows or storm doors to keep the cold out.

 

11.   Don’t move a muscle, until they buckle. Each person in your vehicle should have their seatbelts securely fastened before driving off. Ensure children are buckled up and their car seats are installed appropriately based on their age and size. Children 12 and under should always sit in the backseat.

 

12.   Resolve to Be Red Cross Ready in the New Year. You can take one or more actions to prepare now, should you or your family face an emergency in 2010. Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday from the Greater Ozarks Chapter

 

Visit www.redcross-ozarks.org  to learn more about the Greater Ozarks Chapter and the services they provide to our community.

 

 

 

-END-

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

*** Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding , wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

              

                                                    

 

  Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady for more information!

 

Busy Sat. for Red Cross

NEWS RELEASE

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

12/04/2009

Red Cross Will Train Volunteers on Saturday  

 

Springfield, MO – While consumers are busy shopping for holiday gifts, several Red Cross volunteers will be conducting training on Saturday at the Greater Ozarks Chapter office in Springfield.  The classes include:

Disaster Action Team Training

Volunteer Orientation

CPR and First Aid Training

The CPR class will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.  Volunteer Orientation will start at 10 a.m. and run through 1 p.m.  Disaster Action Team Training will take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

There will be a need for new volunteers at the local chapter office and in outlying counties due to the increase in fires at this time of the year.  Since November 24, 2009, Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers have responded to 20 fires in the counties presently served by the Greater Ozarks Chapter.  Within these 20 cases, a total of 63 individuals have been helped with temporary shelter, food and clothing.  Highly trained and professional volunteers are on call 24 hours a day throughout the year to meet with clients and assess emergency needs.  They are available to respond within an hour’s notice after receiving a call from 911 or the fire department.

For more information on training or becoming a volunteer, contact your local American Red Cross at 417-832-9500 or toll free 866-206-0256.  

 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

*** Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding , wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

              

                                                    

 

  Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady for more information!