2013 Memorial Day Holiday Red Cross Safety Tips

 

Red Cross Issues Safety Tips For Memorial Day Holiday

Download free First Aid  App To Have Safety Information Handy

 

American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Region 5/23/2013— The long Memorial Day holiday weekend is on the horizon and for many, plans will include taking to the highway, pulling out the grill for a backyard barbecue or having fun in the water. The American Red Cross has steps everyone can follow to stay safe whatever their plans include.

 

“Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer fun and we want everyone to have a safe holiday,” said Lucille Emerson, with Red Cross Health & Safety “Whether the weekend will involve travel, grilling or swimming, we have safety tips everyone can follow.”

 

DRIVE SAFELY With more people on the roads, it’s important to drive safely. Be well rested and alert, use seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. If plans include drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink. Other tips for a safe trip include:

·         Give one’s full attention to the road.  Avoid distractions such as cell phones.

·         Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.

·         Use caution in work zones.

·         Make frequent stops. 

·         Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night.

·         Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather. Don’t overdrive the headlights.

 

GRILLING SAFETY The Red Cross offers these tips to stay safe while cooking those tasty cookout treats:

• Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use, and make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
• Keep the chef safe by using the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Be ready to close the lid and turn off the grill to cut off the fuel if necessary.
• Keep a fireproof pan under the grill to catch any falling ash or grease.
• Trim excess fat from meat to avoid flare-ups.
• Wash one’s hands in hot soapy water before preparing food, after touching raw meat and after any interruptions such as using the bathroom, handling pets, stopping to do something with children.

SWIMMING SAFETY Learning to swim is one of the best steps someone can take to be safe around water. People can contact their local Red Cross chapter and learn how to swim as well as get the facts about water safety, home pool safety, first aid and CPR classes. Other swimming safety tips include:

 

 

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• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

 

POOL SAFETY It’s important to constantly supervise children when they are near water. Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water. Avoid distractions when supervising children around water. If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.

 

The Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF) have developed an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners. Home Pool Essentials helps people understand the risks of pool ownership, how to maintain a safer and cleaner pool, what safety equipment is appropriate, how to prevent pool and hot tub entrapment hazards, and how to respond to an emergency.

 

DOWNLOAD FIRST AID APP Another thing people can do is download the free Red Cross first aid app which puts expert advice for everyday emergency at someone’s fingertips. The free app is available for direct download from the Apple or Google Play for Android app stores.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

 

 

 

Red Cross in Southern Missouri Responds to May Storms

Locally and to our neighbors in Oklahoma

 

American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Region: 5/21/2013

The American Red Cross volunteers opened several cases for disaster relief Seneca and Taney County overnight and are continuing to respond as other calls for sporadic assistance come in from across the 40 county Region. 

While we continue to work with individual cases here in Missouri, our teams of trained Volunteers are also prepared to respond to help our Neighbors in Oklahoma who are suffering. Debi Meeds, American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Regional CEO will be leaving for Oklahoma City first thing on Wednesday 5/22/13 to support the CEO in the Central and Western Oklahoma Region. Sadly on what is the 2^nd anniversary of the tragedy in Joplin Missouri, she knows all too well the response that will consume the next days, weeks, and months as the Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to the people affect by this most recent disaster.

We recognize that people want to help during this very large response effort and are so thankful to live in an area where people have such a heart for service to others in need. If you would like to help here is the information that we have at this time.

Monetary donations are the very best way to help. Your donations allow us to purchase supplies and relief items locally as well as to provide shelter, food and emotional support to those in desperate need in Oklahoma and across the Midwest.

If you are interested in volunteering, we ask at the request of the local Emergency Management in Oklahoma that you not self-deploy. This can cause delays in the current efforts which are search, rescue and recovery.

Please visit (http://www.redcross.org/support/volunteer ) or your local office’s page and complete the volunteer application.

Inside the Affected Area:
If you are inside the affected area, the best thing to do is to sign up online right now. This will be where the list is pulled from once we are able to put folks to work and provide them with a little bit of training. You should expect to receive a call within a week at most, please be patient; they are dealing with a lot and are going to be trying their best to answer calls for assistance until a Spontaneous Volunteer Centers is set up. Listen to the news and as soon as something is set up as far as a volunteer center goes, please follow the local instructions.

Outside the Affected Area:
The Red Cross depends upon a highly skilled and trained volunteer workforce. The best bet is for folks to sign up with their local chapter now, and get trained for the next disaster. Chances are you will not be deployed to this disaster because of the time it takes to train a volunteer for a job function, but we always encourage preparedness for the next time.

We will get more information to you as we have it. Additional questions or to set up an interview about the relief efforts, please contact Nigel Holderby 417-207-6349 or email nigel.holderby@redcross.org

 

You can help people affected by disasters like this devastating tornado as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org , call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

In Service,

 

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

American Red Cross

Southern Missouri Region

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p) 

(417) 207-6349 (c)

 

 

 

Academy 2013 Can Assist Congregations in Being Prepared!

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 107 417-207-6349 Cell Media Contact:  Nigel Holderby nigel.holderby@redcross.org

 

‘Academy 2013’ can assist congregations

American Red Cross presents seminars on disaster preparedness May 20-24.

 

Your congregation has decided that it wants your place of worship to be ready to assist others in the event of a disaster. So, what now? The American Red Cross is offering answers in a free course to assist your religious community.

“Getting Your Congregation Involved in Disaster Response” aims to help you start the process in preparing for an emergency. The course is part of the Southern Missouri Region’s “Academy 2013.”  The Academy is offering free speakers and courses aimed at individuals, businesses and organizations such as houses of worship and responders to emergencies. The event will be from May 20-24 at Billingsly Student Center in Joplin in partnership with Missouri Southern State University. Participants may attend a single course, a day or all five days.

“Mass care efforts at times of disaster could not be done properly without partnering with the faith-based community,” says Greg Gaines, Emergency Services Director for the area chapter. “The faith-based groups can be more than just a shelter. These groups can help to feed, do bulk distribution and a lot more.”

Gaines, former Missouri Region D Mass Care Coordinator under the Department of Homeland Security, will lead the seminar. Topics include learning the basics, types of training available and how to help in an organized mass effort.

This partnering is key, Gaines says: “Lots of groups want to help, but we have to know they will be there. The capabilities of a facility or a group of people need to be determined before the need arises.”

The seminar is being offered from 11 a.m.-noon Tuesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 23.

This is just one of the free courses and speakers being offered during the Academy.

SPEAKERS

Each day’s Academy will include a featured speaker at the opening morning session.

Monday, May 20 -- Darren Fullerton, MSSU Vice President of Student Affairs, on his history of involvement with disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Tuesday, May 21 -- Rob Dixon, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Business Assistance and chair of the Springfield-Greene County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) Economic Recovery Committee, on business disaster preparedness, resources for recovery and a plan for a Business Recovery Center.

Wednesday, May 22 -- Keith Stammer, an Emergency Management Director, on lessons he learned from the Joplin tornado response in May, 2011.

Thursday, May 23 -- Angie Besendorfer, Assistant Superintendent of Joplin schools, on school preparedness and recovery efforts after the destructive tornado.

Friday, May 24 -- Ryan Nicholls, Director of the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), on the importance of preparedness as well as collaboration and coordination among agencies.

 COURSES

 “In our courses we’ll give participants the knowledge and free tools for what I call ‘Preparedness Plus.’ It shows that having a kit, making a plan and knowing your neighbors all lead to being more resilient,” Terra Jeffres, Community Resilience Coordinator, says.

 The courses are organized along topics of interest: Organizational Resilience Track, Disaster Response Track, Health and Safety Track and Red Cross Aquatics Classes.

 Seminars range from “Ready Rating for Schools or Organizations” and “Getting Your Congregation Involved in Disaster Response” to training courses such as “Shelter Fundamentals” and “Psychological First Aid.”

 COSTS AND REGISTRATION

 The opening sessions and courses are free with the exception of the instructor course for First Aid/CPR/AED ($500) in the Health and Safety Tracks. The Lifeguard Certification Course ($300-$350) and Water Safety Instructor Certification Course ($250-$300) have pre-test swimming requirements. The deadline for aquatics class registration was May 9.

 Participants can enroll for meals ($20 a day for breakfast and lunch) and lodging ($15 a night at campus housing) when registering if desired.

 The Academy 2013 course catalog, registration form and more information is available by emailing Info.SpringfieldARC.MO@redcross.org or by calling toll free (866) 206-0259.

 

 

You can help people affected by disasters like [floods, fires, tornadoes and hurricanes*], as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

In Service,

 

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

American Red Cross

Southern Missouri Region

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p) 

(417) 207-6349 (c)

 

 

 

FW: Red Cross fire response

________________________________________
From: Underwood, Don
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 10:48 AM
To: Gossett, Angela
Subject: FW: Red Cross fire response

________________________________________
From: Underwood, Don
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 10:45 AM
To: Underwood, Don
Subject: Red Cross fire response

Greetings,

Attached you will find a news release on American Red Cross fire responses during the week of May 3-May 9 during which 39 people were assisted.

Thank you for your consideration,
Don Underwood
Public Affairs volunteer

American Red Cross Aids More Than 120 Neighbors in April

Out of the 40 county area people in 17 counties need our help last month.

American Red Cross Southern Missouri Region, May 8, 2013 — The Southern Missouri Region of the American Red Cross helped more than 120 individuals across many of the counties in its 40-county service area during a five-week period in April.

There were more than 30 incidents of single family fires from March 29 through April 30. In addition there were at least two multi-family fires and several instances of flooding. More than 50 cases were opened in 17 counties. Families ranged from one person households to some with seven or more. 

Greene County had the greatest number of single family fires with at least six during the period and 14 people receiving aid. It was followed by four fires each in Scott (24 aided) and Texas (6 aided) counties. 

Individuals had insurance on their property in only about a third of the cases.

The people affected were provided a place to stay, money for clothes, food and medicine. Along with providing casework for the residents in a quick and efficient time frame, Red Cross volunteers will continue to provide support to these families going forward, by doing follow up work to ensure all needs are met and the individuals have a clear path to recovery from this personal disaster.

Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in structures with no working smoke alarms. On a national average, Red Cross workers help a family affected by a home fire or other disaster 190 times a day.

If someone would like to support the Red Cross mission and help those in need, they can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to the local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Preparedness Academy May 20-24 - 2013 in Joplin

 

Academy 2013 to Educate For Emergencies

American Red Cross training set May 20-24 in Joplin.

 

You should be prepared to bounce back from a disaster, and the American Red Cross is ready to educate you to do just that through its “Academy 2013.”

The Academy is offering speakers and courses aimed at individuals, businesses and organizations such as houses of worship and responders to emergencies. The event sponsored by the American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Region will be from May 20-24 at Billingsly Student Center in Joplin in partnership with Missouri Southern State University. Participants may attend a single course, a day or all five days.

This will be an opportunity to learn step-by-step actions to prepare communities with free tools and courses, and give individuals a map for preparing their neighborhoods to adapt and recover from a disaster.

 “Government and community leaders can focus on keeping their important services and facilities up and running,” Terra Jeffres, Community Resilience Coordinator of the chapter, says. “And we all can work on getting the tools we need to collaborate with one another.”

SPEAKERS

Each day’s will include a featured speaker during the 8:00 am opening session.

Monday, May 20 -- Darren Fullerton, MSSU Vice President of Student Affairs, on his history of involvement with disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Tuesday, May 21 -- Rob Dixon, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Business Assistance and chair of the Springfield-Greene County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) Economic Recovery Committee, on business disaster preparedness, resources for recovery and a plan for a Business Recovery Center.

Wednesday, May 22 -- Keith Stammer, an Emergency Management Director, on lessons he learned from the Joplin tornado response in May, 2011.

Thursday, May 23 -- Angie Besendorfer, Assistant Superintendent of Joplin schools, on school preparedness and recovery efforts after the destructive tornado.

Friday, May 24 -- Ryan Nicholls, Director of the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), on the importance of preparedness as well as collaboration and coordination among agencies.

 

 COURSES

 “In our courses we’ll give participants the knowledge and free tools for what I call ‘Preparedness Plus.’ It shows that having a kit, making a plan and knowing your neighbors all lead to being more resilient,” Jeffres says.

The courses are organized along topics of interest: Organizational Resilience Track, Disaster Response Track, Health and Safety Track and Red Cross Aquatics Classes.

Seminars range from “Ready Rating for Schools or Organizations,” “Active Shooter in Schools or Organizations,” and “Getting Your Congregation Involved in Disaster Response” to Red Cross training courses such as “Shelter Fundamentals” and “Psychological First Aid.”

 COSTS AND REGISTRATION

The opening sessions and courses are free with the exception of the instructor course for First Aid/CPR/AED ($500) in the Health and Safety Tracks. The Lifeguard Certification Course ($300-$350) and Water Safety Instructor Certification Course ($250-$300) have pre-test swimming requirements. The deadline for aquatics class registration is May 9.

Participants can enroll for meals ($20 a day for breakfast and lunch) and lodging ($15 a night at campus housing) when registering if desired.

The Academy 2013 course catalog, registration form and more information is available by emailing Info.SpringfieldARC.MO@redcross.org or by calling toll free (866) 206-0259.

 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

2013 Safe and Sound.Red Cross

Greetings-

 

Attached is a news release concerning the American Red Cross participation in the "Safe and Sound" event Saturday in Springfield.

 

Thank you for your consideration,

Don Underwood

Public Affairs volunteer

(417) 832-9500 x113