Busy Holiday Weekend - Red Cross

NEWS RELEASE

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

11/30/2009

Busy Holiday Weekend for Disaster-Action Team

Members at the Red Cross

 

Springfield, MO - The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross deployed several of their Disaster Action Team (DAT) members to fires over the holiday weekend.  Four of those fires occurred on Thanksgiving Day in Greene, St. Clair and Christian Counties.  A family of six lost their mobile home to a fire in Cedar County on 11/29/09 and another family of six lost their single-family home in Texas County to a fire today, 11/30/09.  

DAT members respond within one hour to meet with the victims and assess their basic emergency needs which consists of temporary shelter, food, clothing and medicine.  Some of the victims will also need help with replacing their eye glasses.  Others will receive help with their first month’s rent.  A total of 30 individuals from 10 fires were helped with emergency needs in the last 5 days. 

Home fires are the most common disaster that the Red Cross responds to and also the most preventable.  Families need to take a few simple precautions to avoid tragedies, such as having working smoke alarms on every level of their homes and having family fire escape plans in place to help get everyone out of the house safely.  

 

For more information log onto the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.  Follow the link to Prepare Your Home and Family. Or call your Greater Ozarks Chapter at 866-206-0256.     

 

DAT members are volunteers with the Greater Ozarks Chapter and have received specialized training in various aspects of disaster response, including casework interviews, damage assessment, sheltering and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.  DAT members also have the full support of the chapter for additional personnel and resources if needed.  For information about training to become a Red Cross volunteer, please call 866-206-0256 EXT. 200 or visit www.redcross-ozarks.org/volunteer.

 American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.  To help the victims of local disasters, financial contributions can be mailed to:  American Red Cross, 1545 N. West  Bypass Springfield, MO  65803. 

 

 

                                                                                     

 

 

 

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!

 

Holiday Home Safety

11/30/2009

 

Red Cross Offers Preparedness Tips for the Holidays

Springfield, MO – As we prepare for the traditional holiday season your American Red Cross would like to remind you that it is time to think about keeping your family and home safe.   Many fires occur during the winter holidays claiming lives, causing injury and property damage.  The following preparedness tips will help ensure a safe holiday season.

 

 Preparedness Tips

􀀹 Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.

 

􀀹 Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees. If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.

 

􀀹 Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

􀀹 Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

 

􀀹 Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

 

􀀹 Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.

 

􀀹 Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top.

 

􀀹 Designate one person to walk around your home to make sure that all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

 

􀀹 Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

 

􀀹 Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for more information on how to keep your home fire safe during the holidays

 

 

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

 

 

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses.  Flu viruses are spread from person to person when people who are infected cough or sneeze. Adults may be able to infect others one (1) day before getting symptoms and as long as five (5) days after getting sick.

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

 

Branson CPR/AED First Aid Class

NEWS RELEASE

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

11/30/2009

 

Red Cross Offers CPR/AED and First Aid Training in Branson

 

Springfield, MO - The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross will conduct a CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillation) and First Aid class for those individuals in the Branson area  who would like to become certified. 

            DATE:                       Wednesday, December 9, 2009

            TIME:                        8:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m.

            LOCATION:             Branson N. Fire Department

                                                221 Jefferson Road

                                                North of Branson, off 65 and F Hwy.

            COST:                        $45.00

 

For more information or to register for this class, contact the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross at 417-832-9500 or toll free 866-206-0256, ext. 117. 

 

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

 

 

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses.  Flu viruses are spread from person to person when people who are infected cough or sneeze. Adults may be able to infect others one (1) day before getting symptoms and as long as five (5) days after getting sick.

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

 

Christmas Gift Giving

 

American Red Cross Launches New Holiday Giving Campaign 

 Featuring ‘Gifts that Save the Day’ Online Catalog

 

Springfield, MO -  November 23, 2009 — This holiday season, when economic conditions are tough and people really want their gifts to matter, the Greater Ozarks Chapter is kicking off a new holiday campaign that offers a way to give a gift that has real impact. 

 

Gifts that Save the Day is a new holiday giving campaign that inspires people to make a gift that can save the day for those in need. Through the online catalog at www.redcross.org/gifts, people can make a donation that could provide food and shelter for a disaster victim for a day; a military comfort kit with a robe, phone card and other supplies for a wounded warrior; or a month of basic necessities for a family in another country who lost everything in a disaster.

 

“We know that these are difficult times for many families and businesses in Springfield but the Red Cross has seen that when Americans are in need, America always responds,” said chapter Executive Director, Debi Meeds.  “The holiday season is traditionally a time of hope and generosity, and this campaign gives us all a chance to make a difference in someone’s life.”

 

The holiday giving campaign is being launched at a time when a new national survey for the American Red Cross finds that support for charitable giving remains strong even as many people are tightening their belts on gift-buying and other activities. The Red Cross survey found that 29 percent are cutting back on money spent on holiday gifts, 31 percent are planning to spend less for parties this year, 40 percent are cutting back on spending for holiday decorations, and 44 percent are reducing their travel costs. However, only 20 percent planned cuts in their donations to charity, with 17 percent planning to spend more and 62 percent planning to spend the same.

 

The survey, conducted November 5-8, shows that nearly one in four (23%) had their salary or hours reduced this year, with 14 percent saying they had been laid off from their job and 41 percent losing money in the stock market. However, 67 percent say that because of the economy, it is more important this year to give something to charity.

 

Although retail sales are projected to remain flat this holiday season, online holiday gift-giving is expected to grow by 4 percent. Following this trend, people buying gifts online this holiday season can make an online donation to the Red Cross in the name of someone special.

 

Gifts made through the catalog are contributions towards a Red Cross program area, not a donation to a specific project or item. The donations will be used to provide assistance where it is needed most within the program area; remaining money is put to use where it is needed most.

 

A key part of the Red Cross holiday campaign will be national advertising, including cable television, in-flight magazines and online advertising urging people to make a donation to the Red Cross. The ads feature photos and images of people being offered comfort and help by the Red Cross after a disaster, when they need life-saving blood or following a local home fire. The ads seek to capture the “Red Cross moment” when people go from despair to hope, and urge people to give the gift that saves the day.

 

 “These have been turbulent economic times for the Red Cross and other non-profits, with more and more people seeking help,” said Debi Meeds.. “The Red Cross is working very hard to raise money now so the organization can be there tomorrow with help and hope when people need it most—when the next disaster strikes, when a neighbor’s house burns down or when someone needs life-saving blood.”

 

The telephone survey of 1,001 U.S. adults 18 years and older was conducted November 5-8, 2009 by CARAVAN® Opinion Research Corporation. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

 

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

 

 

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses.  Flu viruses are spread from person to person when people who are infected cough or sneeze. Adults may be able to infect others one (1) day before getting symptoms and as long as five (5) days after getting sick.

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

 

A Note To All The Volunteers Out There....THANK YOU!

Hello Everyone!

Yesterday, at about 4:30pm, a house in Springfield exploded. Of course, Red Cross was there immediately, providing food and water for the emergency responders, and serving the needs of those affected by the blast. Within ten minutes, we had Red Crossers on their way to the building, and loading the ERV and getting together a plan for casework. As the ERV was driving out of the garage, it hit me. I looked at Cheryl, and told her "I love our volunteers".

We try to thank you every chance we get, but it will never be enough. To be honest, it almost brings me to (happy) tears when I think about the dedication that you show as volunteers. Whenever your community needs you, you have been there, and continue to be there. Whether it is 3 am, or Christmas night, or Mother's day, or any other time. You give us so much in your time and effort. I could tell each and every one of you that "You ROCK!" each and every day, and it still wouldn't come close to the amount of appreciation I feel for all of you.

It is almost Thanksgiving, so that may be why it hit me so hard last night.or it could be all of the volunteers that dropped what they were doing to help someone affected by a disaster at a moment's notice.or the thought of the hundreds of people that would respond if we had asked them to as well.or the people that had other obligations but clearly wanted to be there for those that needed them. Whatever the reason, you have renewed my passion for the Red Cross.

Every day, my passion is renewed. Every time I start to feel stressed, or overloaded, I just have to remember all of you, and my passion is renewed. You are the inspiration that keeps me going, and I will forever be thankful for each and every one of you.

So, Happy (early) Thanksgiving. I know that I will be thinking of you, and thankful for each and every one of you, not just this Thanksgiving, but each and every day. Thank you. You truly do, without a doubt, Rock!

Kristofer "Luke" Bolz
Director of Volunteer Services
Greater Ozarks Chapter of the
American Red Cross

p.s. THANK YOU!

Help for Explosion Victims

NEWS RELEASE

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

11/20/2009

Red Cross Assisting Disaster-Related Victims

 

Springfield, MO – Members of the Disaster Action Team (DAT) of the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross were on the scene last night to assist individuals that needed emergency assistance after the devastating explosion that affected several homes.            Those individuals who required immediate assistance were provided help with lodging, clothing and food.

Your American Red Cross is available to help those individuals who may still need help due to this disaster.  Damage assessment teams will have more detailed information today on the homes affected and volunteers will be available to assist those people in need of temporary shelter, food and clothing. 

If anyone is in need of immediate emergency assistance due to this disaster-related incident, please contact your American Red Cross at 832-9500.  Chris Harmon, Director of Emergency Services, will be available to answer questions regarding this situation. 

 

 

DAT members are volunteers with the Greater Ozarks Chapter and have received specialized training in various aspects of disaster response, including casework interviews, damage assessment, sheltering and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.  DAT members also have the full support of the chapter for additional personnel and resources if needed.  For information about training to become a Red Cross volunteer, please call 866-206-0256 EXT. 200 or visit www.redcross-ozarks.org/volunteer.

 American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.  To help the victims of local disasters, financial contributions can be mailed to:  American Red Cross, 1545 N. West  Bypass Springfield, MO  65803. 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                     

 

 

 

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

 

 

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses.  Flu viruses are spread from person to person when people who are infected cough or sneeze. Adults may be able to infect others one (1) day before getting symptoms and as long as five (5) days after getting sick.

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

 

Red Cross Responds to Fires

NEWS RELEASE

(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

11/19/2009

Red Cross Responds to Fires

Springfield, MO -

The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross is presently sending Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers out to respond to the scene of an explosion in Springfield. They are also responding to a fire on Loren Street.

Volunteers will provide beverages and supper for the firefighters as well as the individuals who may have been affected by this disaster. Caseworkers will access emergency needs and help with temporary shelter, food and clothing. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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.

Pet First Aid

11/19/2009

Red Cross Offers Pet First Aid Class

Springfield, MO – We never know when our pets are going to be in need of interim emergency care from an accident or serious illness. The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross knows that pets are very much a part of our families and we want members of our community to have an opportunity to learn more about providing that emergency care until the pet may be taken to a veterinarian. For the pet enthusiast the chapter is offering a Pet First Aid Class on Saturday, November 21, 2009 beginning at 9 a.m.

The class will include first aid and CPR for dogs and cats. Call for details.

COST: $35.00 for one (dog or cat) $50.00 for both

LOCATION: 1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield, MO 65803

Register by calling (417) 832-9500...

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 http://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

Disaster Action Team Training

11/19/2009

Red Cross Offers Disaster Action Team Training

 

Springfield, MO - The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross will conduct a “Chapter Response to Disaster” class for those individuals in Springfield and Greene County who are interested in becoming a member of the Disaster Action Team (DAT). 

The Red Cross responds 365 days a year to meet the immediate emergency needs of persons who have been affected by a man-made or natural disaster.  This is the basic class required to join the Disaster Action Team and respond to local disasters (most often fires).

Training is free and all residents of Springfield and Greene County are welcome. 

                        DATE:                       Saturday, December 5, 2009           

                        TIME:                        10:00 A.M. TIL 4 P.M.

                                                            One hour lunch break

                        LOCATION:             American Red Cross Chapter office

                                                            1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield, MO

To Register, contact 417-832-9500, ext. 200 or e-mail volunteer@redcross-ozarks.org.  The deadline for registration is Dec. 3, 2009 at 4:30p.m.

 

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

 

 

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses.  Flu viruses are spread from person to person when people who are infected cough or sneeze. Adults may be able to infect others one (1) day before getting symptoms and as long as five (5) days after getting sick.

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

 

Sight & Sound Theatre Donation

Ernie Stauffer, Director of Operations, Sight and Sound Theatre

Donna Jones, Regional Financial Development Officer, Red Cross

Springfield, MO – The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross has become the recent recipient of a $5,200 donation from Sight & Sound Theatre of Branson. Sight & Sound Theatre and the American Red Cross brought the power of Pluggy to the Branson area in the lobby of the Sight & Sound Theatre before each production for one week in September. Pluggy is the robot that teaches fire safety to children.

Do you realize the number one disaster for families in Taney and Stone counties is single family fires? Money raised will serve Taney and Stone County families. In the last two years local volunteers responded to 105 families with 322 individuals who had a devastating burn-out or flooding. Local volunteers arrive within 1 hour from the 911 call or notification from the fire department.. They provide comfort and support to the victims of a disaster, as well as a hug and a stuffed animal for the children in the family. A total of 60% of Red Cross clients are children. Volunteers also access immediate emergency needs and provide temporary shelter, food and clothing for the families. Over the last two years $61,000 was provided through the American Red Cross for Taney and Stone County families.

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