Shelter Trailers

Picture attached.

 

            NEWS RELEASE

 

October 27, 2010

New Shelter Trailers for the Red Cross

 

Van Buren, MO – The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross has new shelter trailers that were purchased with Homeland Security Money for Region G.  Two of the trailers will be housed in Texas and Carter counties.  One of the trailers will be located at the Red Cross office in Van Buren and can be moved around the area as needed.  The other one will be located in Houston (Texas County) at the Sheriff’s Dept. 

          Both trailers contain 100 cots, 200 blankets, 100 disposable pillows, 100 comfort kits (contain personal hygiene items) and a shelter kit.  The trailer can be deployed in a matter of minutes and is available to any county that has a need for an Emergency Shelter.  To request the use of either trailer, please contact J.J. Travis, Emergency Services Director for Region G at the Van Buren office.  The office number is 573-323-4007 and cell is 573-707-4029.      

 

 

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   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

 

 

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

… Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady  and GET PREPARED!

 

                                         

 

 

 

Halloween Safety Tips

NEWS RELEASE

 

October 27, 2010

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

 

Springfield, MO –  As ghosts, pirates and princesses prepare to descend on neighborhoods across America on Halloween night, the American Red Cross offers parents some safety tips to help prepare their children for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday.  By following a few simple safety tips, parents can make this Halloween a safe and fun time for their little trick-or-treaters.  Most Halloween injuries are preventable if parents and children take some simple precautions. 

 

The following “lucky 13” safety tips are for parents to share with their trick-or-treaters to help prevent injuries.

 

RED CROSS HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS:

·                    Plan your route and share it with your family.  If possible, have an adult go with you.

·                     Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible.  (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards and brooms, too.)

·                    Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.

·                    Cross the street only at corners.

·                    Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.

·                    Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.

·                    Walk, slither and sneak on sidewalks; not in the street.

·                    Carry a flashlight to light your way.

·                    Visit homes that have the porch light on.

·                    Keep away from open fires and candles.  (Keep in mind that costumes can be extremely flammable.

·                    Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s home.

·                    Be cautious of strangers and animals.

·                    Have a grown –up inspect your treats before eating.  And don’t eat candy if the package is already opened.  Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young 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.

 

– 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   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

 

 

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

… Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady  and GET PREPARED!

 

                                         

 

 

 

Annual Meeting & Public Viewing - Emergency Resources

 

                                                                                                            NEWS RELEASE

 

October 14, 2010

 

ANNUAL MEETING AND PUBLIC VIEWING OF REGIONAL

MASS CARE RESOURCES

 

Springfield, MO –The Missouri Region D Homeland Security Oversight Committee will be holding their annual meeting and public viewing of their new regional mass care and emergency response resources.  Emergency resources from the 18 counties of SW Missouri will be on display for everyone to see, touch and learn about.

          The regions largest new resource is the American Red Cross’s Emergency Mobile Shower/Laundry Trailer.  It has six showers with an ADA compliant shower room and lift for those that require it.  It also has two sets of washers and dryers and this unit is totally self-contained. 

          Some of the people attending will include:  The Missouri office of Homeland Security Coordinator, representatives for State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Missouri Region D Mass Care Coordinator, the American Red Cross, area Emergency Management Directors, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Faith-based organizations and many other partners that it takes to care for the people of our communities in times of disaster. 

 

                   DATE:                 Wednesday, October 20, 2010

                   TIME:                 12 Noon till 2:30 p.m.

                   LOCATION:       Fairgrounds E-Plex, (East end)

                                                Springfield, MO

 

For more information on this event, contact Greg Gaines, Regional Mass Care Coordinator for the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter at 866-206-0256, ext. 126, or gainesg@redcross-ozarks.org.  

                                                  

 

 

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   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

 

 

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

… Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady  and GET PREPARED!

 

                                         

 

 

 

Help and Hope from Red Cross

 

Red Cross Offers Help and Hope!

 

Springfield, MO – The American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers can readily identify with the pain and anxiety that often accompanies a disaster.  Victims who often lose everything in a home fire are distraught beyond belief, and the recovery process can be painful, but nevertheless that process begins with the help of a compassionate volunteer whose main goal is to provide help and hope to those in need. 

          DAT volunteers are on call 24/7 and they will arrive within one hour to meet with a family who has just experienced a loss that most of us cannot relate to.  In the last 14 days volunteers have responded to 24 fires in the 29 counties presently served by the chapter.  One fire resulted in the loss of a life.  Another fire involved five units in an apartment building.  Many children are left without a home and all their favorite belongings. 

          In the last two weeks 87 people were provided with help from the Red Cross after their dwelling was destroyed or had major or minor damage.  Most of the fires resulted in a total loss.  Volunteers assessed immediate emergency needs and helped the people with temporary shelter, food and clothing.  Children are given a stuffed animal and a big hug!  In some situations, people will be helped with their first month’s rent.  Volunteers are also there to provide emotional support and ensure the people they will not begin that recovery process alone.   

 

 

 

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   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

 

 

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

… Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady  and GET PREPARED!

 

                                         

 

 

 

Wilderness First Aid Training

NEWS RELEASE

 

October 5, 2010

 

Wilderness and Remote First Aid Camp Offered at Red Cross

 

Springfield, MO – The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross will be offering a Wilderness and Remote First Aid class on Oct. 8 and 9.  Weather you are a scout, an outdoor enthusiast or you work in a remote environment, this course gives you the skills you need to respond to an emergency when help may be delayed.  The 16-hour course is based on the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine Guidelines.  The course also offers enhanced content and topics to meet OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs – particularly important for occupational environments that are impacted by federal regulations. 

 

                        DATE:                       Oct. 8 and 9, 2010

 

                        TIME:                        8:30 – 4:30 p.m.

 

                        LOCATION:             Greater Ozarks Chapter

                                                            1545 N. West Bypass

                                                            Springfield, MO

 

                        COST:                        $95.00

 

                        INCLUDED:             American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid

                                                            Emergency Reference Guide

                                                            Handy fold-out first aid pocket guide for reference in the                                                            field.

 

For more information on this training or to register for this class, call the Greater Ozarks Chapter at 832-9500 or toll free 866-206-0256 and ask for the Health and Safety Department.    

 

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   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

 

 

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

… Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady  and GET PREPARED!

 

                                         

 

 

 

Fire Prevention Week

NEWS RELEASE

 

National Fire Prevention Week Begins October 3

American Red Cross (Greater Ozarks Chapter) urges people to make

sure they have smoke alarms in their homes.

 

Springfield, MO,  Oct. 4, 2010 — As the country marks National Fire Prevention Week October 3-9 the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter is urging everyone to help save lives by making sure their home is protected by smoke alarms.

 

“The largest percentage of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or alarms that don’t work,” said Chris Harmon, Director of Emergency Services for the chapter.  “Smoke alarms provide a few minutes of advance warning in the event of a home fire, and that extra time can save lives.” 

 

People who do not have smoke alarms in their home should have them installed, and those with smoke alarms should make sure they have been properly maintained and updated. 

 

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, as well as inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas of the home. People should test their smoke alarms once a month by pushing the test button, and replace alarm batteries at least once a year.  Other smoke alarm safety recommendations include:

• Installing a new smoke alarm battery immediately if an alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low.
• Teaching children what the smoke alarm sounds like, and what they should do when they hear it.
• Keeping the alarm clean by vacuuming over and around it regularly.  Dust and debris can interfere with the alarm’s operation.  Do not paint over the smoke alarm.
• Moving the alarm farther away from the kitchen or bathroom if the device is sounding nuisance alarms.  Never disable a smoke alarm.

 

The Red Cross also recommends that families create and practice a home fire escape plan, which should include at least two escape routes for every room in the home. Families should choose a convenient meeting place outside of the home and practice their escape plan at least twice a year with all family members.

 

Nationally, the Red Cross responds to thousands of local fires throughout the country every year. Last year the Greater Ozarks Chapter responded to 494 fires and helped over 1500 people with temporary shelter, food, clothing and medicine. 

The Red Cross reminds people of the following fire safety tips they should take:

• Keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding, and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from all heat sources when cooking, or using alternative heating like a space heater.
• Don’t leave the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food, and don’t leave home while cooking.
• Keep matches and lighters away from and out of the reach of children.
• If a fire occurs, get out and stay out.  Call the fire department from a cell phone or neighbor’s home.
• If smoke or fire blocks the first escape route, use a second way.  If someone must exit through smoke, they should crawl low under the smoke to the exit.  If escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it.  If the door is warm, get out a different way.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block the way out, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a brightly colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them the location

 

More information on home fire safety is available on www.redcross.org. 

 

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   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

 

 

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

… Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady  and GET PREPARED!