2012 Fire Response up Drastically

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

Red Cross Fire Response Up Drastically

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 7/30/2012

 

The American Red Cross continues to respond to fires daily across the Southern Missouri Region. “On average that response is up to 3 per day in the 40 counties we serve.” Said Chris Harmon, Chief Disaster Services Officer for the Region.

 

In July of 2011, 185 people received emergency assistance. This year that number is over 230 and growing as the count is added for fires that happened over the weekend. Aside from the families provided assistance after a house fire, the Red Cross provides another very important service, providing water and food to the firefighters and EMS on scene at large scale/long burning fires.

 

Home fires as well as wildfires are on the list of canteening events you will find Red Cross Volunteers at. From January 1, 2012 through this weekend we have served over 1700 Firefighters and EMS personnel on scene at these fires. That is already more than we served in the entire year last year which was just over 1200.

 

As you can see the need is great. Volunteers who respond 24/7/365 are the backbone of disaster service in our communities. All American Red Cross disaster service is free and a gift from the people in our communities. Your financial contributions are the source of this assistance and are in greatly appreciated by your neighbors in need.

 

YOU can get involved! Become a Red Cross Volunteer today by contacting your local Red Cross or the Regional Headquarters at 1-866-206-0256. Everyone can help by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

 

 

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby: nigel.holderby@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.

 

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2012 Drought Makes Fire Response Heavy

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

Red Cross Prepares for Drought

With potential for higher volume of fire calls, Volunteers are needed.

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 7/18/12

 

The American Red Cross continues to provide for the emergency needs of individuals and just last week the Southern Missouri Region responded to 10 single-family fires, 1 apartment fire and 3 wind and other weather related issues.  50 victims received aid across the 40 county Region, which would not be possible without our Disaster Action Team.

 

This dedicated group of volunteers is made up of individuals that respond to emergencies 24/7/365.  This means the majority of them work in the day and volunteer, if needed, when they get off work. The DAT (Disaster Action Team) members take turns being on call so they are ready to deploy to a disaster whenever the phone rings and with the recent drought, the phone has been ringing a lot!

 

The National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska says “Missouri is at the highest risk because of its hot wind and dry grass. Sparks from any source, including cigarettes and farm equipment have caused multiple fires in these conditions.” 

 

Fires this summer are at an all-time high and The Red Cross is calling YOU to action! Due to the drought and fire-prone conditions we need more volunteers ready to help alleviate the suffering of victims in our communities. Whether you are already a Red Cross Volunteer, or you want to become one, you can get trained to be on our Disaster Action Team and help during this dangerous drought.

 

If you are not yet a volunteer with the Red Cross visit http://www.redcross-ozarks.org/volunteer/

For more information, or to register for training call the office toll free at 1-866-206-0256  EXT 143

or e-mail us at info@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby: nigel.holderby@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.

 

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2012 Red Cross 95th Annual Meeting

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 1107 Contact:  Nigel Holderby holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Red Cross 95^th Annual Meeting

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 7/11/12

 

Tornadoes can occur anywhere at any time of the year. Did you know that across the state of Missouri there have been tornadoes reported every month of the year? In an average year 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.  Fires are another form of disaster that respect no season. From a grass fire that got out of control to a single family house fire or multiple unit apartment fire, we see them regularly. A fire can happen any time, day or night, and we respond to an average of 2, every day, across our Region.

 

When a disaster threatens, the Red Cross prepares. When disaster strikes, the Red Cross responds. The mission of the Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. We most often find people in their darkest hour, from communities where violent and deadly tornadoes have caused miles of loss, to families who have lost everything in a fire.  Each disaster is no less devastating than the other.

 

Across the 40 counties in the Southern Missouri Region, the Red Cross has already responded to multiple tornadoes and fires this year. January - June, 2012, your Red Cross in Southern Missouri has already served over 1650 affected individuals with emergency food, shelter and supplies. That is approximately 9 people per day, who along with a need for monetary assistance to replace the tangible items necessary to live, are in need of hope. Hope for a better tomorrow; Hope of recovery from the devastation of disaster.

 

All assistance provided by the Red Cross is a gift. It is through donations from businesses and members of the community that this type of response is possible. We would like to thank our generous donors, volunteers, community partners along with our very supportive Board Members for the support and dedication that has allowed the mission of the Red Cross in Southern Missouri to remain strong, yesterday, today and for the coming years.

 

Meeting will be held at Hickory Hills Country Club, Springfield Township 3909 East Cherry Street, Springfield, MO 65809 at from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on 7/11/12.

 

 

Follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/OzarksRedCross for more details on upcoming events and for information about how YOU can get involved and remember; everyone can help by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your 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 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.

 

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In Service,

 

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

Please Note My New Email: nigel.holderby@redcross.org

American Red Cross

Southern Missouri Region

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p) 

(417) 207-6349 (c)

 

 

 

 

 

Your Red Cross is Never Closed

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

American Red Cross is Never Closed

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 7/9/12

 

The American Red Cross continues to provide for the emergency needs of individuals daily across the Southern Missouri Region. “Volunteers respond 24/7/365 anytime the need arises so we can with confidence say the Red Cross is never closed” said Kristopher “Luke” Bolz, Chief Volunteer Services Officer. Despite the Fourth of July holiday, the SOMO Red Cross stuck to their mission to “alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies” by assisting 45 victims in a number of house fires.

 

The Red Cross responded to 10 single family home fires, and 1 apartment fire between the 29^th of June and the 5^th of July, in 9 different areas of our chapter. 12 cases are being handled by the Red Cross in result of these fires and we will continue to work with these clients on a case-by-case basis until they are no longer in need of our services.

 

The SOMO Red Cross would like to thank all the volunteers that responded over the holiday, we could not continue to help our neighbors in need, without you. We depend on volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to carry on out the work of the Red Cross. Volunteers constitute 97 percent of our total workforce serving as members of the board, instructors teaching lifesaving skills, disaster action team members, office administrators, event organizers and more.

 

All assistance provided by the Red Cross is a gift from the community. Your donations of time and money make this type of response possible. People can help those affected by disasters by contacting the local Red Cross Office to learn more about volunteering in their community or by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Learn more or make a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

 

 

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby: nigel.holderby@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.

 

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In Service,

 

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

Please Note My New Email: nigel.holderby@redcross.org

American Red Cross

Southern Missouri Region

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p) 

(417) 207-6349 (c)

 

 

 

 

 

Babysitting Camp in Springfield MO Still Accepting Registrations!

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

 

 

Red Cross Offer’s Babysitter’s Camp in Springfield

Course Gives Young Adults a Jump Start on Their Babysitting Careers

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 7/6/12

 

The American Red Cross is offering a week long Babysitter’s Training Camp that will give 11-15 year-olds the skills and confidence to safely and responsibly care for children and infants, as well as some tools to help them get started in their own babysitting business.

 

Caregiving skills take prospective young sitters from feeding to diapering and playtime to bedtime routines. Participants also learn how to handle emergencies such as injuries, illnesses and household accidents. Students will learn the usual business of babysitting, and will actually get certified in 1^st Aid and infant/child CPR. Lunch and snacks are provided every day and the week will be full of fun and interactive activities.

 

The Southern Missouri Regional Red Cross week long Babysitter’s Camp will be held at the Springfield Red Cross office at 1545 N. West Bypass, July 16 – 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The fee is $150.

 

Course participants learn decision making and problem solving skills as well as how to draft resumes and interview for potential jobs. Take-home tools include a compact emergency reference guide, a CD-ROM featuring games, songs, and recipes, and a babysitting client organizer. Speakers from several local response organizations will discuss safety and provide additional tips and stories from real life experience. 

 

People can visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS for details and to register for a class.

 

 

 

For additional information please contact Terra Jeffres, Training Scheduler: terra.jeffres@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.

 

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It's Gettin' Hot Out Here...

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention about 400 Americans die each year from summer heat-related illnesses. In recent years, this accounts for more than the total number of deaths from tornados, floods and hurricanes.

The following are common signs of Heat-related illness:  nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating, and headaches.

If you or someone you know experiences any of the previous symptoms, you should provide him/her/ yourself with the following: a cool place, cool water, ice packs, cool, damp cloths. If drinking water is refused by the victim, he/she vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1; heat stroke and heat exhaustion are nothing to take lightly.

Although the elderly and young children are most vulnerable to the heart, temperatures over 90 degrees puts everyone at risk. Here are some tips to help keep you, your family, and your neighbors safe this summer season:

·         Prepare: Have a plan for where to go for relief, what to do if electric or air condition goes out, and how to help those who are suffering from a heat-related illness.

·         Stay hydrated: Carry water and drink continuously- avoid sugary, alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.

·         Dress for the heat: Wear loose fitting, lightweight, light colored clothes when it is hot.

·       Eat small meals often

·       Avoid strenuous activity and slow down

·       Stay indoors when possible

·      Listen to NOAA Weather radio and the news for critical updates and know what the warnings mean

o   Excessive Heat Watch—Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.

o   Excessive Heat Warning—Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).

o   Heat Advisory—Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit)

·        Check on family, friends, and neighbors

·        Do not forget about pets: Do not leave pets in the car, and make sure they always have the water and shade they need

·       Learn Red Cross First Aid

For more information and a full heat wave checklist visit redcross.org and search “Heat Wave”.

The summer heat is here but, so is the local Red Cross! Not only do we offer tips and education about heat-related dangers and how to deal with them, our physical location is a cooling center to the public. If you need a break from the heat, our air-conditioned facility will provide you with a cool place to rest and plenty of water!

Other local businesses are teaming up to provide other cooling centers and City Utilities Bus Service offers free rides to cooling centers positioned on its normal route.

Beat the heat with your community and local Red Cross!



Story By: Elise Ayers, Communications Intern
Photo By: Greg Gaines, Disaster Services

2012 Local Volunteers Deploy to National Disasters

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

Red Cross Deploys Local Volunteers 

Responding to Power Outages, Wildfires, Tropical Storm Debby 

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 7/5/12

 

Local American Red Cross Volunteers are responding to needs across the country. Currently the Southern Missouri Region has 7 local volunteers on assignment in areas of West Virginia, Montana, Colorado and 2 more being deployed to Florida, leaving from Springfield, MO on Friday July 6, 2012.  The possibility for additional deployments is very likely as we continue to relieve Red Cross staff and volunteers from those areas who have been providing relief for individuals affected by disaster over the past few weeks.

 

The 2 women leaving for Florida in the morning say this is what they train for, but the best knowledge comes from being deployed. “Learning how to talk to people who have been affected by disaster is not something that you learn in a classroom.” said Rhonda.  They have both spent hours of classroom time earning certifications needed to provide disaster services as well as being very active with the local work of the Red Cross in the community.

 

Spending 100’s of hours over the past 5 years, Rhonda Harper has taken over 20 classes with the Red Cross, learning the skills to provide case work, sheltering and disaster assessment just to name a few. She has been out on over 10 national deployments with this being her 3^rd this year already. For this trip, she is being deployed to work as a case manager, talking to people and determining their immediate needs in order to provide the necessary disaster relief. This deployment she will be filling the role of Casework Supervisor.

 

Dawn Thomason, deploying as a Caseworker, has been a Red Cross Volunteer for 7 years and is very active with the local Disaster Services office in Springfield, MO. This will be her first national deployment and she is excited and nervous to be headed out. “It’s the unknown. Not really knowing the conditions these people are in until you get there makes it hard to know how to prepare.” Knowing that she will be making a difference in the lives of people in need is where she is placing her focus.

 

If you are interested in learning how you too can be a part of the Red Cross team of volunteers in the Southern Missouri Region, a volunteer orientation class is a good place to start.  Go online to www.redcross.org to learn more about becoming a volunteer and plan to attend one of the next informational meetings. In Springfield classes will be held Tuesday July 10^th from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm  or Thursday July 19^th from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

 

If you are not sure you have the time to volunteer, but would like to help people affected by these disasters, you can make a donation today to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift enables us to provide safe refuge in our shelters, feed those who have had to leave their homes, and offer comfort to those touched by disaster across the country and around the world.

 

 

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby: nigel.holderby@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.

 

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