Red Cross Teams with Alcoa to Install 150 Alarms

Posted on September 6, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Fire Safety Walk took place just ahead of National Preparedness Month

It can be hot work, especially when temperatures reach into the 90s like they have this summer. This is the kind of weather that makes you long for air conditioning and tall glasses of ice water, dripping with cool condensation.

But one dedicated team steadfastly treks through the humid air to make sure that homes will remain safe as the temperatures begin to fall.

That team? Our Operation Save-A-Life partners at Alcoa, who helped the Red Cross install 150 smoke alarms in 71 homes at the Miller Mobile park on the 93 degree day of August 25, just ahead of National Preparedness Month.

“The team from Alcoa is the easiest and best group I get to work with,” said John Gareis, Regional Disaster Training Coordinator. You can see more photos of the event on our flickr page.

During the month of September, the Red Cross urges families to develop a fire escape plan, so everyone in the household knows what to do if fire occurs. Home fires are the most common threat people face across the country, and every family should develop a fire escape plan.

If your group would like to help install smoke alarms with the Red Cross, please call or email our volunteer services team at 216-431-3328 or NEOvolunteer@redcross.org.

Photo Credit: Cal Pusateri/American Red Cross Volunteer

Louisiana Rising: A Benefit Concert for Flood Relief to air Monday, September 5

Posted on September 2, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

We are thrilled to share some exciting news: this coming Monday, September 5, Raycom Media will host a telethon, Louisiana Rising: A Benefit Concert for Flood Relief live from Baton Rouge’s River Center Theater between 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (CT). The Red Cross is the sole beneficiary for the telethon, and all proceeds will support our disaster response in Louisiana.

Randy Jackson and Harry Connick, Jr. will co-host the live broadcast, which will air across Raycom Media’s 45 television stations nationwide including WOIO Channel 19 and WTOL Channel 11 here in northern Ohio.

The telethon will feature a dozen artists, including Aaron Neville, five-time Grammy nominee Hunter Hayes, as well as New Orleans-based musicians Better Than Ezra, Sonny Landreth, Chris Thomas King, MacKenzie Bourg, Luther Kent and Rockin’ Dopsie. Raycom Media’s Tupelo-Honey Raycom will produce the show, and Johnny Palazzotto, a Baton Rouge musician, will serve as music director.

The telethon is also available through livestream at redcross.org/SupportLA, where visitors can also make a donation to support our Louisiana flood relief efforts.

We are extremely grateful for the singular generosity shown by Raycom, which will help us greatly in raising funds needed in response to this devastating disaster.

To learn more about the event and the artists associated with the telethon, please visit Louisianarisingfloodrelief.com.

Thank you for supporting the efforts of the Red Cross and those Northeast Ohio volunteers who have deployed to Louisiana.

Visit us at the Canfield Fair!

Posted on September 1, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

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Red Cross volunteers are on site at the First Aid station, Bloodmobile and in the Medical Building at the Canfield Fair.

Fair goers can stop in for first aid, or sign up to receive a free smoke alarm installation and fire safety education.

A bloodmobile will be on site from 12:30 until 8 p.m. today through September 5th.

Visit our Lake to River Chapter Facebook page to view more photos.

Photo Credit: Mary Williams/American Red Cross

Mike’s Louisiana Report #1

Posted on August 30, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Greetings…I’ve been in Baton Rouge since last Friday responding to DR063-17–a flooding incident that is the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012 with more than 60,000 homes and 7,000 businesses destroyed. I am assigned to a new pilot concept in Louisiana called the Red Cross Liaison Network along with other Regional Executives and Executive Directors from around the country to provide dedicated support to specific Parish Government and community leaders. This focused-care approach has enabled the relief operation to better understand and better meet community-specific needs, especially those arising on short or no notice.

Photo Credit: Mike Parks/American Red Cross

I’ve been assigned to Livingston Parish, one of the hardest hit regions–the devastation of homes and business that I’ve witnessed first hand has been incredible. One of my responsibilities is to check in on our shelter operations–there are currently three Red Cross shelters operating in Livingston Parish. Imagine my surprise when I rolled into one shelter and ran into two volunteers (Jeff and Tom) from Canton, who had just arrived to support the operation. It was a treat to see fellow Northeast Ohio teammates engaged in supporting these folks who have lost so much, and in many cases, everything. It’s a privilege to serve alongside such dedicated Red Cross volunteers.

The Red Cross’ work here is far from done and will require many more volunteers and resources. I’d like to thank all those from Northeast Ohio who have already deployed to help with this disaster. And for those who are considering doing so, be forewarned that it’s hard work, but it’s incredibly meaningful and rewarding when you can be on the ground helping those in such desperate need–doing what the Red Cross has done since its founding 135 years ago–caring for and helping those in need. I appreciate everyone’s support back home in Northeast Ohio. The Red Cross is still facing the need for tremendous resources to respond to this disaster, and everyone’s support is greatly appreciated.

Michael N. Parks

Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell – Back to School Safety Tips

Posted on August 4, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

It’s almost time for the school bells to ring again and the American Red Cross has steps everyone can follow to help make the trip back to the classroom a safe one.

“Safety should be the top priority for all students, especially younger children and those heading to school for the first time,” said Tim O’Toole, Regional Disaster Officer for the region. “Whether riding, biking or walking to school, we want everyone to arrive and then return home safely.”

Back to school_stop for bus tip.png

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand back from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive. Other safety steps include:

Wait to board the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has signaled to get on.
Tell children they should only board their bus – never an alternate one.
Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
Cross the street at the corner, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalk.
Never dart out into the street, or cross between parked cars.

GET TO SCHOOL SAFELY If children ride in a car to get to school, they should always wear a seat belt.

Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly (typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”) and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
If a teenager is driving to school, parents should mandate that he or she use seat belts. Drivers should not use their cell phone to text or make calls, and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.
Some students ride their bike to school. They should always wear a helmet and ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.
When students are walking to school, they should only cross the street at an intersection. If possible, use a route with crossing guards.
Parents should walk young children to school, along with children taking new routes or attending new schools, at least for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate.

WHAT DRIVERS SHOULD KNOW Drivers should know what the yellow and red bus signals mean and be aware that children are out walking or biking to school and slow down – especially in residential areas and school zones. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers in both directions must stop their vehicles and wait until the lights go off, the stop sign is back in place and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.

Parents should also make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1. They should also teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.

TAKE A FIRST AID CLASS Red Cross training can give someone the confidence and skills to help with everyday emergencies from paper cuts to school sports injuries. A variety of online and in-class courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass. People can download the free Red Cross First Aid App (redcross.org/apps) for instant access to expert advice whenever and wherever needed.

Two Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Commute Safer this Week

Posted on August 4, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

This week is heating up in Northeast Ohio and that means hot-hot-hot! vehicles.

Here’s two tips for keeping your child’s commute safer during these steaming days:

For more reading, check out Sarah’s post on Red Cross Chat.

(And a special “Thank you” to Lt. Rick Edwards of the Akron Police Department for stopping by to talk with us.)

Video created and produced by Ryan McDivitt, American Red Cross Volunteer

More Local Red Cross Workers Respond to West Virginia Flooding

Posted on June 29, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Resources Include Personnel, Equipment

Nearly 500 American Red Cross volunteers have responded to the call for help in West Virginia, where heavy rain last week caused widespread flooding. Seven volunteers are from Northeast Ohio. In addition, Regional CEO Mike Parks is there to offer his assistance.

“It’s extremely rewarding to see American Red Cross volunteers and staff from across the country descend on the devastated communities of West Virginia,” said Parks. “It makes me proud to be part of this humanitarian organization.”

23 fatalities are being attributed to the flooding. Preliminary reports indicate upwards of 2,000 homes could have been damaged or destroyed. Thousands of people are still without power and gas service. Many areas are still inaccessible due to flood damage, and the number of affected homes is likely to change.

Red Cross workers, including those from Northeast Ohio, continue to support shelter operations. Workers are also providing meals, relief supplies and other assistance to those affected.

By the numbers:

-More than 1,900 overnight stays in emergency shelters

-More than 40,000 meals and snacks distributed

-Over 61,000 relief items like cleaning supplies and comfort kits distributed

June 27, 2016. West Virginia. Floods. What remains of three homes that burned to the ground when they were flooded in White Sulfur Springs. In one of the homes a resident died. Photos by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 27, 2016. West Virginia. Floods. A house in White Sulfur Springs damaged by flooding when Howard Creek broke its banks on June 23, 2016, following severe rains. Photos by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

Red Cross disaster mental health workers are helping people cope with the loss of their homes. Health workers are helping to replace needed items like prescription medications and eyeglasses. The Red Cross is working with state and local officials and with partners like the Southern Baptist Convention and AmeriCorps to help ensure people get the help they need.

In addition to the Red Cross personnel deployed, the Northeast Ohio Region is also contributing 3 emergency response vehicles and 2 passenger vans to the response and recovery effort in West Virginia.

This is a large relief response and the Red Cross needs the public’s support. Entire families have lost their homes and everything they own. We need your support now to help people affected by disasters big and small.

People can help by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief to support disasters big and small by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Donations to Disaster Relief will be used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

Financial donations are the quickest and best way to get help to the people who need it most.

FLOOD SAFETY

Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to have safety information and shelter locations available on your mobile device.

The Emergency App features emergency weather alerts to help keep the user safe, and provides information about what to do in case of floods as well as the locations of open shelters.

Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Lake to River Celebrates Volunteers

Posted on April 29, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

We love our volunteers!

Thank you so much to those who volunteer their time and heart to the Red Cross. Thank you to those who answer calls from people in our community in an effort to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of an emergency!

On Thursday, April 21 the Lake to River chapter held a luau for their local volunteers. We want to thank and congratulation Jay Rosenthal (53 years) and Tab Alden (48 years) of service. Nearly 50 volunteers, their guests and staff members attended the celebration.

The Lake to River Chapter, which serves Ashtabula, Columbiana, Jefferson, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties, has 225 volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Red Cross, visit www.redcross.com/neo and click on “Volunteer”.

226 Smoke Alarms Installed in Madison Township

Posted on April 25, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

98 homes

228 residents

24 volunteers

226 smoke alarms

Those are the numbers associated with last week’s Fire Safety Walk in Madison Township, near Mansfield. The Operation Save-A-Life event was part of a nationwide effort to reduce deaths from home fires 25% by 2019.

Red Cross staff and volunteers partnered with the Madison Township Fire Department and Target employees to enter 88 homes, share fire safety tips with 228 residents, and install 226 smoke alarms.

“Each home should have a smoke alarm on every floor,” said Lara Kiefer, Executive Director of the Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter. “We appreciate the help we received from the Madison Township Fire Department and the local Target store to reduce the chances of fire fatalities in our community.”

There is no charge for the smoke alarms or for their installation. Residents throughout Northeast Ohio are encouraged to log onto the Operation Save-A-Life page at redcross.org/neoosal to schedule an appointment for a free fire safety inspection and free smoke alarm installation.

Target, Madison Fire Fighters, volunteers for the fire walk

Akron Mayor Helps Launch Operation Save-A-Life Partnership

Posted on April 22, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

One more family in Akron is now better protected from the dangers of a home fire.

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and several members of the Akron Fire Department were joined by Rachel D’Attoma, Executive Director of the Summit, Portage and Medina Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross on Thursday, April 21st to install smoke alarms in the home of Amy Villagomez and her family.

The installation marked the official start of Operation Save-A-Life, a new partnership between the Red Cross and the Akron Fire Department, designed to offer Akron residents free smoke alarms and valuable fire safety information. Interested residents are encouraged to call the Red Cross Smoke Alarm Hotline at 330-535-2030.

The Villagomez family was grateful for the new smoke alarms. The alarms that had been previously installed in their home expired in 2009.

“I had no idea smoke alarms have an expiration date,” said Amy Villagomez, who lives in the home with husband Steve and their two children.

Smoke alarms have a 10 year lifespan.

Mayor Horrigan installed two smoke alarms in the Villagomez home. One, supplied by the Akron Fire Department, is designed for hearing impaired residents. It was installed on a wall in the bedroom of one of the children, who has a hearing impairment. The alarm includes a strobe light when activated.

The mayor also installed a more traditional smoke alarm in a hallway of the home, supplied by the Red Cross. The alarm has a lithium battery designed to last 10 years.

“The importance of having smoke detectors in all of our residents’ homes is vital to safety,” said mayor Horrigan, who was joined by Marilyn Keith, President of Akron City Council and Ward 8 representative. The Villagomez family lives in Ward 8.

Prior to the smoke alarm installations, Mrs. Villagomez was given important fire safety information and assistance in designing a fire escape plan.

“A recent Red Cross study found that many people think they have up to 10 minutes to escape from a burning home,” according to Rachel. “It is closer to two minutes. Smoke alarms save lives.”

Operation Save-A-Life is part of the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, designed to reduce the number of fatalities from home fires by 25% in a five-year time span. Residents in other parts of Northeast Ohio can learn how to obtain free smoke alarms in their counties by logging onto redcross.org/neoosal.

Photo credits: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross, and Bruce Ford/ City of Akron (with permission)

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region

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