2012 Earthquake App Released

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

New Earthquake App Brings American Red Cross

Safety Information to Mobile Devices

Features include real-time alerts and “Shake Zone Impact Map,” simplifying quake data for smart phone, tablet users

 

American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Region 9/25/2012 — Today, the American Red Cross has launched its official Earthquake App, putting lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or who visit earthquake prone areas.

 

This free app-–available in English or Spanish-–is the third in a series created by the American Red Cross, the nation’s leader in emergency preparedness, for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. The Earthquake App comes on the heels of the highly successful First Aid and Hurricane apps, which have been downloaded more than 1 million times.

 

“This newest app gives instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during and after earthquakes.” said Jamie Koehler, Red Cross Emergency Service Director for the Southeast Missouri Chapter “Residents will receive earthquake notifications and can monitor activity where other family and friends reside. People who do not live in earthquake-prone areas can have peace of mind knowing you’ll have instant information about loved ones.”  Koehler was recently appointed to serve on the Missouri Seismic Safety Commission. As part of the Red Cross team in the Cape Girardeau area she knows firsthand about the importance of being prepared for earthquakes.

 

New “Shake Zone Impact Maps” show give users personalized local impact information to help them make crucial decisions.

 

Features of the app include:

·         Earthquake notifications showing the epicenter, magnitude and intensity maps;

·         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;

·         Options to view the app in English or Spanish based on user handset settings;

·         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;

·         Information on events that may happen after earthquakes such as fires and tsunamis;

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

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

 

Over the past three months, the Red Cross has made great strides in putting vital information in the hands of people who need it during emergencies. More than 1 million people have downloaded the First Aid and Hurricane Apps. People have used the content in our First Aid App to control bleeding, care for broken bones and help people having seizures. Our Hurricane App was used to find Red Cross shelters and to send “I’m safe” messages during Hurricane Isaac. National Red Cross experts in health, safety and preparedness have thoroughly reviewed and field tested the information and advice provided in Red Cross apps. 

 

“A recent Red Cross survey found that apps have tied social media as the fourth most popular way for people to get information during emergencies, making the Red Cross app development effort even more important,” said Nigel Holderby, Chief Communications Officer for the Southern Missouri Region.

 

The Earthquake App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. Apps can help prepare people for disasters, but they are not a substitute for training. Red Cross 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.

 

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year and we help people get ready to respond to emergencies by providing these apps for free. The Red Cross needs the help of the public to continue this lifesaving effort. People can make a donation to the Red Cross by going to redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

 

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)

 

 

 

 

 

Multiple Fires in Springfield Mean Large Monetary Response - 12 people affected

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

Red Cross Responds to Multiple Fires in Springfield Neighborhood

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 9/24/2012

 

Red Cross Volunteer, Dawn Tomoson, responded on a call for assistance to the 900 block of N. Concord in Springfield, MO this morning. Three families were affected by the fires this morning that burned 2 homes, one being a total loss and the other, next door, having major damage. One of the houses was home to 2 families.

 

12 people, 7 of them children from the ages of 5-17, are receiving monetary assistance from the Red Cross that will provide them a place to stay for the next few days while they get back on their feet. They will also have money for clothes, food and the replacement of prescriptions that were lost in the fire.

 

“We are seeing this situation become more common than it has been in the past” Says Chris Harmon, Chief Emergency Services Officer for the American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Region. “More people are finding it necessary to co-exist in order to make ends meet, so when a disaster strikes there are more people affected.” The more people affected, the greater the amount of assistance becomes for each response. In the 40 counties, served by the Southern Missouri Region, that response is an average of 3 house fires each day.

 

All assistance provided by the American Red Cross is a gift. It is through donations from businesses and members of the community that this type of response is possible. We appreciate our generous donors, volunteers, and community partners along with our very supportive Board Members for the support and dedication that allows the mission of the Red Cross in Southern Missouri to remain strong, yesterday, today and for the coming years. It is because YOU make people a priority that the Red Cross can serve those who are suffering from personal disaster.

 

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 Babysitting Training Teaches Leadership

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

 

 

American Red Cross Offer’s Babysitter’s Training in Springfield

Course gives young adults a lesson in leadership

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 9/18/2012

 

The American Red Cross is offering a Babysitter’s Training course 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. The skills that we all need to face the challenges of responsibility begin with leadership. Having leadership skills can mean the difference between having the confidence to save a life, or being confused and scared in an emergency situation.

 

Caregiving skills take prospective young sitters through feeding and diapering, from playtime to bedtime routines. Participants also learn how to handle emergencies such as injuries, illnesses and household accidents with basic lifesaving skills “Knowing how to help in an emergency gives me confidence. I think about how important it is that I know how to do that and it makes me proud of myself.” says Farrah Cornelison, age 12, who recently became a trained Red Cross Babysitter.

 

The Southern Missouri Regional Red Cross is offering Babysitter’s Training at the Springfield Chapter Red Cross office at 1545 N. West Bypass, Saturday; September 22, 2012 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The fee is $85. Please bring a sack lunch and a soft spoon-able snack like applesauce, pudding or yogurt.

 

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.

 

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

 

For additional information please contact Terra Jeffres: 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.

 

 

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)

 

 

 

 

 

Are YOU Prepared? Red Cross Babysitter Training Changes Lives

Red Cross Babysitter Training is a very effective tool to jumpstart your teen’s career. It teaches them responsibility, safety and professionalism, but YOUR Red Cross wants to take this further. We believe that babysitting training can be used by our youth in other ways to not only benefit themselves, but also to help people in need. Not only is it a great tool to kickstart a resume, it changes lives.

So how do we know this? The Red Cross in Colorado has shown us! After a wildfire in Colorado, the Red Cross set up a shelter in a local high school where three youth volunteers started a “Kids Zone”. This “Zone” was designed to entertain children during the day to give parents a chance to deal with issues that occur after an evacuation. Parents could talk to Red Cross representatives, banks, insurance agents, and work out other important details while their children were being supervised and entertained by a group of certified babysitter’s right there in the shelter. The Kids Zone was equipped with toys, crayons, books, and other fun materials appropriate for a range of ages. It proved to be a successful tool in alleviating some stress and parents were very appreciative of the youth volunteers for it!

Having Babysitter-Certified youth volunteers at the ready can do a great deal of good in Red Cross Shelters. Helping the parents focus on tasks to get their lives back together not only helps them recover quicker, but that one-on-one time with a Red Cross Representative will make our services more effective. It also provides our youth with valuable experience and gets them involved in making a difference!  

We want more babysitter certified teens in our area so we can provide the same types of services to the communities we serve during a disaster! Who knows what other great ways our youth will come up with to help our community! Anything is possible with the right training! Get your teen involved with the Red Cross through Babysitting Training and open the opportunity for irreplaceable experience. Help them be prepared to change the world!

For more information about ongoing babysitting classes and camp for next year, go to http://www.redcross.org/takeaclass or contact Terra Jeffres at 1-866-206-0256 EXT

2012 Ntnl Preparedness Month Regional EVENTS

			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 Hosts and Joins Preparedness Events

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

 

American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Region 9/5/2012 — 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.

 

Please plan to bring your family to one of the many Preparedness Events in your community!

 

·         Joplin, MO – September 15, 2012: Community Preparedness and Safety Expo 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

o    Join us and our many community partners for a day filled with free food and fun! Learn about building a plan with your family and see what steps you need to take for overall preparedness and safety.

·         Lebanon, MO – September 15, 2012: Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce Expo 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

o    Red Cross Volunteers from your community will be on hand to answer your preparedness questions. Join us to learn more about Red Cross Ready Rating for YOUR business or organization.

·         Springfield, MO – September 22, 2012: ANPAC Car Show for Kids 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

o    Red Cross Volunteers and Pluggy, the Fire Safety Robot, will be hanging out with the kids talking and singing about safety and being prepared. Come learn how to make a plan with YOUR family. 

 

For more ways to get involved, follow your local Red Cross on Twitter @SOMORedCross for a preparedness tweet a day! We will be providing tips on building a disaster kit. Watch for #NPM12 and #gameplan.

 

The Hurricane App for iPhone and Android smart phones helps people create a plan and share it with household members and over social networks. A Family Disaster Plan template in (English and Spanish) may be downloaded, completed and shared with household members. This PDF document may be saved and updated. Get guidance on making a plan from our Be Red Cross Ready resources.

 

Make a disaster plan and enter a prize drawing for a new Apple iPad®!

To encourage people to make or update a disaster plan during National Preparedness Month, the Red Cross will sponsor a prize drawing for a new iPad, onto which may be downloaded free Red Cross Preparedness Apps.

iPad® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Apple is not a participant in or sponsor of this promotion.

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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2012 Family of 15 loses everything, The Red Cross is There.

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

Red Cross Volunteers Are Always on Call

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 9/3/2012 – Red Cross Volunteers are always on call and Labor Day is no exception.

 

This evening Red Cross Disaster Action Team Volunteers are headed to Exeter, MO to assist a family of 15 who lost everything in a house fire this evening. The family consists of several generations of the same family and their families. 6 adults and 9 children from ages 2 to teen will be given hope today because a Volunteer made them a priority. 

 

The American Red Cross through the donations of our community will be able to provide financial assistance for emergency shelter at a motel, food and clothes to get them through the next few days. Red Cross caseworkers will work with the family through this disaster and help them get resources for recovery.

 

Disasters happen every day and as the Red Cross continues to provide substantial relief in the Gulf, to people affected by hurricane Isaac, the need for your help is great. Please take a few moments to give support to your neighbors here at home and afar by donating to disaster relief.

 

People can click or text to donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting 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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