Tips for safe trick or treating from the Red Cross Zombies

			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 Says Have a Happy and Safe Halloween

Take Steps to Keep Everyone Safe While Trick or Treating

 

American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Region: October 25, 2012 — Halloween is just around the corner and youngsters will soon be out trick or treating. As they get ready to collect their Halloween treats, the American Red Cross has tips to make this a fun and safe Halloween. Red Cross Volunteers will be at several locations in the Region with a message of preparedness. Watch for  Red Cross Zombies in your town!

 

 

COSTUME SAFETY There are steps parents can take to keep their little ghosts and goblins safe in their disguises:

• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Use flame-resistant costumes.
• Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover their eyes and make it hard to see.

 

BE SAFE WHILE OUT AND ABOUT To maximize safety for the trick or treaters, plan a route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they walk through the neighborhood.

Here are more safety tips to follow as children go from house to house:

• Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight.
• Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never go inside.
• Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
• Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
• Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

 

GREETING TRICK OR TREATERS For those who expect to welcome trick-or-treaters at their door, they can make sure it’s fun for everyone by following a few tips:

• Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
• Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.
• Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
• Restrain pets.
• Use a glow stick instead of a candle in jack-o-lanterns to avoid a fire hazard.

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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 http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

2012 Halloween Safety Tips from the American Red Cross

			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 Says Have a Happy and Safe Halloween

Take Steps to Keep Everyone Safe While Trick or Treating

 

American Red Cross, southern Missouri Region 10/19/2012 — Halloween is just around the corner and youngsters will soon be out trick or treating. As they get ready to collect their Halloween treats, the American Red Cross has tips to make this a fun and safe Halloween.

 

COSTUME SAFETY There are steps parents can take to keep their little ghosts and goblins safe in their disguises:

• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Use flame-resistant costumes.
• Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover their eyes and make it hard to see.

 

BE SAFE WHILE OUT AND ABOUT To maximize safety for the trick or treaters, plan a route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they walk through the neighborhood.

Here are more safety tips to follow as children go from house to house:

• Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight.
• Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never go inside.
• Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
• Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
• Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

 

GREETING TRICK OR TREATERS For those who expect to welcome trick-or-treaters at their door, they can make sure it’s fun for everyone by following a few tips:

• Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
• Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.
• Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
• Restrain pets.
• Use a glow stick instead of a candle in jack-o-lanterns to avoid a fire hazard.

.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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 http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

2012 CPR/First Aidd Blended Learning Classes Now Online

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

American Red Cross Offers New Online

Blended Learning Classes

 

American Red Cross, southern Missouri Region 10/18/2012: For the first time ever, local businesses and first responder groups will be able to go online for the best-in-class first aid and CPR/AED training from the American Red Cross.

 

The Southern Missouri Region is introducing blended learning classes combining Internet learning with an in-person session for students. Once the online class is completed, the students’ practice skills are assessed by an instructor. The first in-person sessions will be held October 25, 2012 in Springfield and Cape Girardeau and on October 29, 2012 in Joplin, according to Terra Jeffres, training scheduler for the chapter.

 

“We are expecting the blended learning classes to be more convenient for individuals and more efficient for employers by reducing expenses related to time spent in off-site training,” said Jeffres. “As always, our Full Service option offers on-site training for groups who would prefer more hands-on learning.”

 

The blended courses can be arranged by going online to redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767). The charge for blended courses is the same as the traditional classroom training, which is still available as well. All classes provide a two-year certification.

 

Courses are expected to accommodate individual learning styles and pace. The student will be able to review training to ensure that the material is understood. The course takers will also have the option to go through the training in full or take an abbreviated form with testing out of lessons already familiar to them, making it a time-saver for those recertifying.

 

Other benefits of blended training:

* Access to training from any computer with Internet access

* Prevent schedule conflicts with work-related responsibilities

* Accommodates busy personal schedules

* Consistent training content for all students

 

In addition, course takers are given access to the online content during the period of certification. They may reference content or refresh their knowledge as needed.

 

The Red Cross blended learning programs stand out with their appealing gaming-type activities, a pre-test for customizing to the learner and the use of quality videos and content.

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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 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)

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Briggs&Stratton Donation

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

 

Briggs & Stratton Corporation donates Generators and Pressure Washers to Support

Red Cross Response to Disasters

 Company to Provide More than 1,300 products to Red Cross Chapters 

 

American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Region October 15, 2012 —The Regional Headquarters office in Springfield received 6  Briggs & Stratton (NYSE: BGG) generators and 7 pressure washers as part of a large donation to help the organization better prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies in communities throughout the country.

 

The donation by Briggs & Stratton includes approximately 850 generators and 500 pressure washers to Red Cross chapters in disaster-prone locations across the United States and Puerto Rico.

 

“We are thankful to have the generous donation and are distributing the equipment across the region to each of the offices,” said Chris Harmon, Chief Emergency Services Officer for the SOMO Region.  “We’ll use the pressure washers to clean the vehicles, cots and food containers after disasters and for other cleaning projects. The generators will be a great resource for the coming winter and will ensure we have power where it’s needed either for shelter operations or for the Chapter office in the case of a power outage.”

 

“When disasters strike, the Red Cross is there helping neighbors and communities, and Briggs & Stratton is proud to be a part of that critical response,” said Todd Teske, Chairman, President & CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation.

 

This represents the second and final shipment Briggs & Stratton will be delivering in 2012.  In May, Briggs & Stratton delivered generators and pressure washers along the Atlantic and Gulf coast in preparation for hurricane season.

 

These second shipments will go to Red Cross chapters in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.  Briggs & Stratton will also be shipping units to American Red Cross territories, in Guam and Saipan.

 

Through the donation of this equipment, Briggs & Stratton joins other corporate members in the Annual Disaster Giving Program, which enables the Red Cross to respond immediately to the needs of individuals and families impacted by disaster by helping build a reliable funding base for disaster relief services.

 

About Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Its wholly owned subsidiary Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group LLC is North America’s number one manufacturer of portable generators and pressure washers, and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of standby generators, along with lawn and garden and turf care through its Simplicity^®, Snapper^®, Ferris^® and Murray^® brands.  Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six continents.

 

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

 

Photo by Nigel Holderby: Ralph Wise with new Power Washer in Springfield Office

 

 

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)

 

 

 

 

 

Save A Brain 2012

                                   

Zombies Can Be A Disaster
You Can Save A Brain
2012

 

From A-Z, Avalanches to the Zombie Apocalypse…the American Red Cross and other Community Organizations Active in Disasters want you to get involved!  Would your neighbors know what to do, if the Zombie Apocalypse was upon us today?  Likewise, would they know how to prepare for an Earthquake or Tornado? 

This October 31^st, while out with your boys and ghouls, take along a message that could just save your neighbors from being Zombie Lunch Meat!

So How Can You Starve A Zombie This October 31^st?

On October 31^st, we are planning a special mission to thwart the Zombie attack plans.  It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

1.      Contact the American Red Cross Zombie Avoidance Specialist at Angela.Gossett@redcross.org or call our Zombie Hotline at 1-866-206-0256 x140

2.      Gather your supplies.  Make a plan with the Zombie Avoidance Specialist to visit an American Red Cross Office near you to pick up your supplies.

a.      American Red Cross Zombie Toolkit, complete with glowing Zombie identifier

b.      Brain-Saving Disaster Training Manual for Homes and Businesses (Ready in 3!)

3.      Gather your boys and ghouls and all of your fiends, put on your Zombie gear, and hit the streets!  Be sure to pass along your Brain-Saving Disaster Training Manual to all of the potential Zombie food that you see while you are trick-or-treating on October 31^st!

Zombies are crafty creatures so to defeat them your Zombie crew will need to be all decked out in your best Zombie Gear!  Post pictures of your crew to our Facebook page at Facebook.com/OzarksRedCross to be entered into a drawing for an All-Hazards Weather Alert Radio!  When the Zombies are coming, have piece of brain, knowing that you and your family will be informed.  All entries must be posted by 10am on Friday, November 2^nd.  The best Zombie or Zombie crew will be notified through Facebook.

Save a brain, starting with your own! 
Call the Zombie Avoidance Specialist Today!

 

Fire Prevention Week is Oct 7-13

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 107 Media Contact:  Nigel Holderby nigel.holderby@redcross.org
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American Red Cross Fire Safety Tips: National Fire Safety Week

Install Smoke Alarms and Create a Fire Escape Plan

 

American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Region: October 3, 2012 — This October 7-13 the American Red Cross is helping families and businesses learn how to protect themselves and others from fires in observance of National Fire Prevention Week. This year in the Southern Missouri Region, the Red Cross is responding to, on average, three house fires a day across 40 counties, providing comfort and basic necessities. Nationally, the Red Cross responded last year to about 63,000 home fires across the country and provided assistance to more than 82,000 families.

 

“Locally we aided about 35 individuals during the last week of September alone.” said Chris Harmon, Chief Emergency Services Officer for the Southern Missouri Region “The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones is to install a smoke alarm and to develop and practice a fire escape plan. Fires can spread very quickly, so everyone at home, school and work should know what to do when they hear the sound of a smoke alarm.”

 

It is always a somber thing to respond to a house fire, but even more so when there is a death involved. Red Cross volunteers are currently working with the family who lost their home and young child in an early morning fire in Mountain Grove, MO. on 10/5/2012. As we mourn the loss of such a precious life we urge you to talk with your family about your plan.  As it gets colder and it’s time to turn on the furnace or stoke the wood stove, we encourage you to take precautions and make certain things are functioning properly. 

 

Additional recommendations include:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the house and inside bedrooms.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Test each alarm monthly by pushing the test button.

• Ensure that household members know two ways to escape from every room and designate a place to meet outside of your house in case of a fire. Practice your plan at least twice a year.
• Follow your escape plan in case of fire. Get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
• Download the American Red Cross First Aid App to get access to life-saving information on what to do for common, everyday first aid emergencies. The app is available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play for Android.
• Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for additional fire safety tips.

 

The Red Cross in your community is always available to come visit your organization to talk about safety and preparedness. In addition, Pluggy, a fire safety robot, along with a team of Volunteers can visit your school or group to explain fire safety to children from day care age through second grade. You can arrange for a visit from Pluggy by calling (417) 832-9500, ext 140.

 

“In order to continue responding to disasters like fires here in the Ozarks, the Red Cross depends on the generous support of individuals and businesses in the community,” added Greg James, Chief Development Officer for the Southern Missouri Region. “We are thankful to be part of such a generous community.”

 

Donations may be made by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Or mail your donation to:

 

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO 65803

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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 http://blog.redcross.org.

 

END

 

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)

 

 

 

 

 

Smile. It Could Change Your Life

On August 27^th a call came into the Disaster Case Management office in Joplin, from a lady who had been living in the Jackson Street Nursing Home on May 22, 2011. The facility was destroyed by the tornado and caller explained that she had lost what little she had and had been relocated to Buffalo, Missouri where she had been staying with relatives. Her family became unable to care for her beyond that and she had been moved back to Joplin where she was staying at the Joplin Health & Rehabilitation facility.

She was calling because she had been asked to leave the facility and she had nowhere else to turn. She was unhappy at the thought of having to leave Joplin again. Her sister is the only other family that she had near her home town, and with the sisters failing health, she was unable to care for the lady. The Red Cross Long Term Recovery team assigned a caseworker to help as an advocate for her with the nursing home.

When Jenny, the caseworker, went to visit her the first time she realized that the lady, wheelchair bound, had really been struggling and was very sad and disgruntled after all she had been through over the past year. What she needed was a friend, someone who cared and was willing to listen. Jenny visited with her that day and found out that she had no clothes that were here own. Working through the Disaster Case Management Program, Jenny got her some clothes. She then continued to be her advocate for relocation to a new "forever home."

About 30 days later, Jenny closed this case. Her client had been given clothes of her very own and had been relocated to a new care facility very near her sister. Jenny went in to visit her at the new location and was happy to see the lady working with one of the staff on some exercises she could do from her wheelchair. “She had a smile” said Jenny “To see her smiling back at me was the best thank you I could have ever gotten. Knowing that something I had been able to do for this lady had made a difference is a wonderful feeling.” Jenny had a tear in her eye when she said “the case may be closed, but I will continue to visit her, because that’s what friends do.”  

 

Sometimes people change your life as much or more than you change theirs. Have YOU changed a life today with your smile?