September is National Preparedness Month. Are YOU Prepeared?

			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 Helps Households and Businesses Prepare for Emergencies

This National Preparedness Month Build a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed

 

American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Region 8/31/2012 — This National Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross is calling on families, businesses, schools and organizations to take steps now to become better prepared for the next emergency or disaster.

 

Disasters can strike at any time – from earthquakes to hurricanes to terrorist attacks like those that occurred on 9/11 ten years ago. National Preparedness Month provides our nation with the opportunity to both remember the victims and honor those who responded, and to make a renewed commitment to being better prepared for the future.

 

“We all must do what we can to prepare our families and make our communities ready for the next emergency” said Debi Meeds, American Red Cross Regional CEO “Everyone can take three key action steps to get started: build a kit, make a plan, and be informed.”

 

Emergency preparedness kits should include enough supplies for at least three days in case you have to evacuate. Water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents should go in every kit. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks’ worth of supplies at home. A variety of emergency preparedness kits, first aid kits and other supplies are available at www.redcrossstore.org.

 

All members of the household should work together on an emergency plan. Designate a meeting place right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire. Each person should know how to reach other members of the household. The plan should also include an out-of-area emergency contact person, and a location where everyone should meet if they can't go home.

 

People should be informed about what types of disasters are most likely to occur where they live and how local authorities will contact you in the event of a disaster. First aid and CPR/AED training empowers individuals with the confidence and skills to respond to health emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. Visit www.redcross.org/training for details and to register.

 

“We have learned from previous disasters that the government, communities and organizations like the Red Cross never be big enough to do it all in every disaster,” Debi Meeds said. “Every person, business, school and house of worship must be prepared to take care of themselves and their neighbors in an emergency.” 

 

Severe weather, power outages and water main breaks can happen anytime. Throughout the year, the Red Cross offers programs to help people be prepared. The “Do More Than Cross Your Fingers” campaign, featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, makes it easy for people to prepare for emergencies, starting with how to customize their emergency kits. The “Ready When the Time Comes” program trains employees from corporations and mobilizes them as a community-based volunteer force when disaster strikes. “Be Red Cross Ready” is a web-based interactive tutorial that teaches people how to be ready for emergencies.

 

In addition, because up to 40 percent of businesses fail following a manmade of natural disaster, the Red Cross developed the Ready Rating™ Program. Ready Rating (www.readyrating.org) is a free, self-paced, web-based membership program that measures how ready businesses, organizations and schools are to deal with emergencies. Members receive customized feedback on how they can improve their efforts. The program is designed for those who are in the beginning stages of planning for emergencies as well as those who have already done so and want confirmation on their preparedness level. It gives these groups ideas of what they can do to better prepare themselves for the next emergency or disaster. 

 

No one can predict where or when the next large disaster will strike, but preparedness steps taken today can save lives and livelihoods tomorrow. People can contact their local Red Cross or visit www.redcross.org to learn what steps they should take to be ready when emergencies strike.

 

  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)

 

 

 

 

 

2012 License Plates Raise Friends and Funds!

			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 License Plates Are Helping Others!

A Fundraiser and a “Friend-raiser”

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 8/28/2012 -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 Red Cross Volunteers respond to an average of 3, every day, across our Region. Every day the Red Cross brings hope and we need your help.

 

On August 15, 2012 Governor Jay Nixon met with representatives from the American Red Cross and Central Trust & Investment Company to show his support of the Red Cross in Missouri. Due to a generous donation from Central Trust the $5000 application fee has been paid and at this time we are encouraging YOU, our neighbors, family and friends to not only show support visually, but also financially, for the Red Cross in Missouri by being one of the first 200 friends of the Red Cross to apply for this very special plate.

 

It is available now and here is how YOU can get involved! Visit the Department of Revenue online http://dor.mo.gov/forms/1716.pdf  and download the application for your plates. Fill out the application and attach payment of $40. The $15 registration fee will go to the State of Missouri and the $25 donation for the Red Cross will be used to help provide relief for those who have been affected by disaster in Missouri. Once the first 200 applications have been collected the order will be placed and your plates will be mailed to the local Department of Motor Vehicle office that you specified in your application where you can pick them up. 

 

Mail your application to:

American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO 65803

 

*We also have applications at the Red Cross office if you would like to pick it up and fill it out with us!

“It is our goal to have the first 200 applications in our hands to be sent to the Department of Revenue on October 1, 2012.”  Said Debi Meeds, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region “When you see this license plate as you drive, know that you are seeing a friend who is making a difference and we would love for this to be something you see ALL across the state.”

 

So the next time your family takes a trip, remember to add a NEW category to the license plate game. How many friends of the Red Cross can YOU find?

 

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

 

 

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AMERICAN RED CROSS LICENSE PLATES - This act allows persons to obtain Missouri Chapter American Red Cross specialty personalized license plates. In order to obtain the special license plate, a person must pay a $25 emblem-use contribution to the American Red Cross Trust Fund, submit an application to the Department of Revenue accompanied by an emblem-use authorization statement, and pay a $15 fee in addition to regular registration fees. The special license plate shall bear the words "PROUD SUPPORTER" at the bottom of the license plate. Prior to the issuance of the specialty plate, a list of at least 200 potential applicants for the plate, the proposed design of the plate, and an application fee not to exceed $5,000 must be submitted to the Department of Revenue (Section 301.4040). This provision is also contained in HB 1641 (2012).

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About Central Trust & Investment Company

With more than $4 billion in combined client assets, Central Trust & Investment Company provides investment management, trust and fiduciary & retirement plan services to individuals, charities and businesses. The firm employs more than 100 investment professionals across offices in Kansas City, St. Louis, Jefferson City, Springfield and Columbia.  For more information, visit www.centrustco.com.

About Central Bancompany

Central Trust & Investment Company is part of Central Bancompany.  Central Bancompany is a $9.8 billion, Missouri-based bank holding company with 13 full-service community banks, in 235 locations and 66 communities, serving consumers and businesses in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Oklahoma.  For the third year in a row, Forbes Magazine has recognized Central Bancompany as one of America’s Best Banks in its annual review of the nation’s 100 largest financial institutions.

 

Central Bancompany’s family of 13 community banks includes Boone County National Bank, Central Trust Bank of Jefferson City, MO, Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks, City Bank and Trust, Empire Bank, First Central Bank, First National Bank of Audrain County, First National Bank of St. Louis, Jefferson Bank, Metcalf Bank, ONB Bank, Ozark Mountain Bank, and Third National Bank. Affiliate companies include Central Trust and Investment Company, Central Technology Services, Central Mortgage Services and Central Travel.

 

 

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 Prepartion for Isaac

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

Red Cross Ready To Help As Isaac Heads Toward Florida

Download Free App For Hurricane Safety Information

 

American Red Cross Southern Missouri Region: 8/24/12 — Tropical Storm Isaac could make landfall in Florida in the next few days and the American Red Cross is getting ready to respond if needed.

 

The Red Cross is preparing to open dozens of shelters across Florida, and moving hundreds of trained disaster workers into the state. Currently 17 Volunteers from the SOMO Region are in route with 2 additional Volunteers ready when needed. There are 22 Red Cross emergency response vehicles already in Florida and 28 more are moving into the state in advance of the storm. One of these vehicles left from the Springfield office this morning with a team of 2 Volunteers. An additional 78 of these response vehicles are on stand-by if needed. The Red Cross is mobilizing five truckloads of disaster supplies to send to Florida and Red Cross disaster warehouses in Georgia and Mississippi are ready to ship emergency supplies if necessary.

 

“As Isaac travels northward, we’re getting ready to help people in Florida,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president for Red Cross Disaster Services. “We urge folks who may be in the path of this storm to get prepared too – to check their emergency supplies, finalize their hurricane plans, and listen closely to local officials for updates on the storm.”

 

Chris Harmon, Chief Emergency Service officer for the Southern Missouri Region says “It’s how we give back. We can send our trained Volunteers and resources to help those in their time of need just like our neighbors came to help us during our time of need. We are a team, a family.”

 

RED CROSS HURRICANE APP One step people should take now is to download the free Red Cross Hurricane App for mobile devices which puts real time information on hurricane safety at someone’s fingertips. The app features information on Red Cross shelters and a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm. The one-touch “I’m Safe” button lets someone use social media outlets to tell family and friends they are okay. People across the country planning to travel to areas that could get hit with the storm can use the app to receive weather alerts. The Hurricane App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross.

 

GET READY Before the storm, people should prepare by taking the following steps:

·         Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If someone does not have hurricane shutters, they should close and board up their windows and doors with plywood.

·         Fill their vehicle’s gas tank.

·         Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind, like outdoor furniture.

·         Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep closed as much as possible so food will last longer if the power goes out.

 

More information on what to do before, during and after a storm is available on the Red Cross web site.

 

 

 

 

MORE -- RED CROSS PAGE TWO OF TWO

 

MEANWHILE IN HAITI, Red Cross workers from all over the world are closely coordinating preparedness efforts and plans to respond as Isaac approaches Hispaniola. Logistical support and cholera contingency plans have been activated for the north and northeast regions of Haiti, including positioning of relief and cholera prevention supplies. The Red Cross is supporting and equipping 55 community readiness committees in camps in Port au Prince with additional first aid supplies, having worked with these committees on an ongoing basis to identify evacuation routes and alternate safe spaces. The Haitian government is in charge of evacuation shelters in Haiti. The Red Cross works with the community to help them get ready for disasters and will respond to any needs Isaac create.

 

 

HOW TO HELP If anyone would like to help, they can make a donation 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 their 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

 

 

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)

 

 

 

 

 

Red Cross License Plate Initiative Kick off with the Governor

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

Central Trust Partners with American Red Cross

Missouri License Plate Initiative kicks off at the Capitol  

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 8/3/2012

 

AMERICAN RED CROSS LICENSE PLATES - This act allows persons to obtain Missouri Chapter American Red Cross specialty personalized license plates. In order to obtain the special license plate, a person must pay a $25 emblem-use contribution to the American Red Cross Trust Fund, submit an application to the Department of Revenue accompanied by an emblem-use authorization statement, and pay a $15 fee in addition to regular registration fees. The special license plate shall bear the words "PROUD SUPPORTER" at the bottom of the license plate. Prior to the issuance of the specialty plate, a list of at least 200 potential applicants for the plate, the proposed design of the plate, and an application fee not to exceed $5,000 must be submitted to the Department of Revenue (Section 301.4040). This provision is also contained in HB 1641 (2012).

 

On Wednesday morning, August 15, 2012 Governor Jay Nixon will be meeting with representatives from the American Red Cross and Central Trust & Investment Company to discuss this important initiative. Due to a generous donation from Central Trust the $5000 application fee has been received and at this time we are encouraging YOU, our neighbors, family and friends to show support for the Red Cross in your communities by stating you will be one of the first 200 potential applicants. Visit our facebook poll to add your name to the growing list today!  https://www.facebook.com/OzarksRedCross

 

“With several employees at Central Trust and Central Bancompany who serve in various capacities at the American Red Cross throughout the state of Missouri, It was important for us to show support not only for our employees, but for the Red Cross who helps so many of our clients and.  With the recent disasters in Joplin and other areas of the state, supporting the Red Cross that supports so many of us was a major factor in our decision to support this initiative.” Said Jami Peebles, Executive Vice President & Regional Manager for Central Trust & Investment Company.

 

Debi Meeds, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region reminds us “When you see this license plate as you drive, know that you are seeing a family or individual who is making a difference. It’s really about neighbors taking care of neighbors.” So the next time your family takes a trip, remember to add a NEW category to the license plate game. How many Red Cross Supporters can YOU find?

 

About Central Trust & Investment Company

With more than $4 billion in combined client assets, Central Trust & Investment Company provides investment management, trust and fiduciary & retirement plan services to individuals, charities and businesses. The firm employs more than 100 investment professionals across offices in Kansas City, St. Louis, Jefferson City, Springfield and Columbia.  For more information, visit www.centrustco.com.

About Central Bancompany

Central Trust & Investment Company is part of Central Bancompany.  Central Bancompany is a $9.8 billion, Missouri-based bank holding company with 13 full-service community banks, in 235 locations and 66 communities, serving consumers and businesses in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Oklahoma.  For the third year in a row, Forbes Magazine has recognized Central Bancompany as one of America’s Best Banks in its annual review of the nation’s 100 largest financial institutions.

 

Central Bancompany’s family of 13 community banks includes Boone County National Bank, Central Trust Bank of Jefferson City, MO, Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks, City Bank and Trust, Empire Bank, First Central Bank, First National Bank of Audrain County, First National Bank of St. Louis, Jefferson Bank, Metcalf Bank, ONB Bank, Ozark Mountain Bank, and Third National Bank. Affiliate companies include Central Trust and Investment Company, Central Technology Services, Central Mortgage Services and Central Travel.

 

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.

 

2012 New Red Cross App Launched Today

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

New Hurricane App Brings American Red Cross

Safety Information to Smart Phones

“I’m Safe” feature lets people alert their loved ones with a push of a button

 

American Red Cross: Southern Missouri Region 8/1/2012 — The American Red Cross today launched its official Hurricane App, putting lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or who visit hurricane prone areas.

 

This free app is the second in a series to be created by the American Red Cross, the nation’s leader in emergency preparedness, for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. It gives instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during and after hurricanes. Building on the Red Cross’ leadership in the social media space, the app also includes a number of features that allow people to monitor personalized weather alerts in locations where family and friends reside and share information with others in their social networks who might also need it.

 

“We want everyone to be to be ready for hurricanes. Many of us may have family and friends who live in an area that is hurricane prone. ” said Debi Meeds, Regional CEO “The Red Cross Hurricane App allows people to receive and spread emergency information and to share their own status with friends and loved ones through social networks, anywhere, anytime.”

 

The launch of the Red Cross hurricane app comes just before what is traditionally the busiest period of the Atlantic hurricane season. Features of the app include:

·         One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way;

·         Location-based NOAA weather alerts for the United States and its territories users can share on social networks;

·         Remote monitoring of personalized weather alerts where family and friends reside

·         Locations of open Red Cross shelters;

·         Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan;

·         Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;

·         Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and

·         Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

 

The app enables people across the country to receive alerts for locations in areas where they like to vacation or where loved ones live, giving peace of mind to travelers, people who winter in warmer climates and those with elderly relatives or college students in coastal areas.

 

National Red Cross experts in health, safety, and preparedness have thoroughly reviewed and field tested the information and advice provided in this app.

 

The Hurricane App follows the recently released Red Cross First Aid App which has had nearly 600,000 downloads in just six weeks. Testimonials and positive reviews have shown how dozens of people already have used the app to help in real-life situations.

 

The Hurricane and First Aid Apps can be found in the Google Play Store for Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.hfa and the Apple App Store http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hurricane-by-american-red/id545689128?mt=8  by searching for American Red Cross. Downloading the First Aid app is not a substitute for training. First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. People can visit redcross.org/takeaclass for course information and to register.

 

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 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 blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

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)