Free on-line Red Cross presentations share safety tips
By Eilene Guy, American Red Cross volunteer
August 3, 2020- As we move into the “dog days” of August, it’s easy to feel a bit bogged down, a bit lethargic. The American Red Cross is ready to wake up your brain and pump up your ability to care for yourself and others in an emergency.
“Be Red Cross Ready” is a collection of free safety presentations, delivered on-line. They cover disasters that happen every day – and explain what you can do to prevent and react to them.
People young and old all over Northern Ohio have been sitting in on these hour-long sessions to learn how to strengthen their own safety and the safety of those they love.
“I wanted to thank you for the wonderful presentation,” Bill Riter said after taking a recent home fire safety class. “I’m trying to learn as much as I can {about preparedness) and your presentation had an immediate impact. I spoke with my girlfriend about a fire extinguisher and she doesn’t have one. She will in two days: I ordered one on Amazon. We’ll check smoke detectors Saturday.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t stopping the Red Cross from offering vital information about being prepared for disasters,” said John Gareis, Northern Ohio regional manager for individual community and disaster preparedness.
“Our presentations are designed to help people prepare for thunderstorms, floods, home fires and other potential disasters. We even offer a safety course for pets,” John added.
So, let’s start with pets. Pet First Aid covers hazards that can affect cats and dogs, and the first aid actions owners can take until they get their animal to a veterinarian. Owners also learn the signs of a healthy pet, so they recognize signs of distress.
How about General Preparedness and Fire Safety, the presentation Bill Riter took? It includes suggestions on how you and your family can be prepared for all kinds of emergencies, especially home fires. Learn how home fires start, how to prevent them and what to do if one flares up.
- Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 10 a.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 20 at 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 3 p.m.
Speaking of general preparedness, how about General Preparedness and Tornado Safety? This one also covers preparedness for all kinds of disasters, particularly tornadoes. (No, we’re definitely not out of tornado season yet in Northern Ohio!)
- Thursday, Aug. 6 at 3 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 10 a.m.
One of the most effective disaster programs of the Red Cross is our Pillowcase Project. Volunteers present this program to children in grades 3-5, teaching them about personal and family preparedness – including safety skills, local hazards and basic coping skills. You can learn to lead students through a “Learn, Practice, Share” framework – a resource that will be vital as schools reopen for in-person learning.
To join any of these presentations, register by clicking on the date and time of the topic you’re interested in; use the password Prepare20.
For more disaster safety tips, visit redcross.org. Be sure to also download the free Red Cross mobile apps, available in the Apple App Store or Google Play, for tools and preparedness information you can use every day.
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