Monkey Business Lightens Red Cross Disaster Responses

Posted on July 28, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By EILENE E. GUY
American Red Cross volunteer

AKRON, July 28, 2016 – “Oso” the toy monkey reported for duty at the American Red Cross operations center in Akron, alongside disaster responders in connection with the Republican National Convention in nearby Cleveland.

Oso is a veteran Red Cross volunteer. “She’s been to one disaster in Indiana, three in Kentucky, one in Wenatchee, Washington, a flood in South Carolina and hands-on training sessions all over,” said Jim Aldridge, Oso’s “service human.” (Without him, Oso is mobility challenged.) Aldridge was one of several dozen volunteers who geared up, just in case anything happened in connection with the RNC that created a need for Red Cross services.

Photo credit: Mary Williams, American Red Cross

When Oso wasn’t peeking out of a pocket on the front of Aldridge’s bright red Red Cross vest, she was relaxing at the Disaster Services Technology desk, where Aldridge – an 18-year disaster responder from Lowell, Ind. – helped keep the response communications and computer networks operating.

Oso was born in Manitoba, Canada, lime green polyester fur with yellow felt paws and face. She joined Aldridge in 2014 as he finished a challenging assignment in Oso, Washington. “I had always been goofy in the Red Cross,” Aldridge admitted, so when a fellow Red Crosser handed him the long-limbed monkey, he took her on as his traveling companion.

Oso thrives on a high-octane disaster diet: “She loves Nutter Butters,” Aldridge said with a grin. And she’s been spotted hugging a cup of lukewarm Red Cross coffee.

Aldridge is pleased that his buddy’s never-failing smile lifts the spirits of disaster victims and Red Cross responders alike. She has followers across the country on an on-line Red Cross users group. “Oso, where are you, you little squirt,” a fan asked recently.

Now, Oso and Aldridge can add preparedness for the 2016 RNC to their joint Red Cross resume.

RNC Operation Ends in Cleveland

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

Whew!

That collective sigh of relief was offered up early Friday morning, following the conclusion of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

The convention, by nearly every measure, was a smashing success.

Following more than a year of preparation, the American Red Cross Crossroads Division, with a heavy Northeast Ohio regional presence, coordinated and lead the ARC involvement and support for the event.

Preparations included recruiting and training volunteers, securing potential shelter locations, staging assets like Emergency Response Vehicles in various locations, and renewing partnerships with various public safety entities and groups like the Southern Baptist Convention and the Salvation Army.

None of our services was needed.

Thankfully.

Red Cross workers underwent training during the operation that will be of benefit to those who will need our services during future disaster responses. And we increased our visibility in the community with news coverage of our preparations and social media messages about preparations, extreme heat safety, and the Red Cross Emergency App.

The Republican nominee wasn’t the only winner; the city of Cleveland shone, as evidenced by myriad media reports, almost universally positive.

For many Red Cross workers, the operation continues, with demobilization efforts. We owe our volunteers our sincere gratitude for their dedication, which for one worker meant learning a totally new skill.

Photo credit: Todd James/American Red Cross

Note: the article referenced above was written by Eilene Guy…a Red Cross volunteer.
If you would like to volunteer for the Red Cross, while we can’t guarantee you’ll learn how to drive a forklift, you can rest assured you will feel like you are giving back to your community. Visit our website to learn more about volunteer opportunities, and be prepared to help the Red Cross help those in need.

Training Lifts Red Cross Worker to New Heights

Posted on July 18, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By EILENE E. GUY
American Red Cross volunteer

AKRON, July 17, 2016 – American Red Crosser Pam Williams is used to handling challenges.

In the last eight years, she has done some 25 disaster deployments all over the country. As a government liaison, she sees to it that the Red Cross is working smoothly with whatever tribal, local, state and even federal agencies are also responding to a disaster.

“I haven’t severed diplomatic relations with a single state yet,” the slim, whitehaired volunteer from Akron, Ohio, said with a chuckle.

Williams admits it’s not always easy when “cranky politicians” take out their stress on her. She recalls with pride an episode that started with an angry emergency management director and his shelter manager who didn’t understand Red Cross policies. Williams went out of her way to patiently explain the “back story” of each and every procedure, adding hours to her days to smooth the local government-Red Cross relationship. Her reward: The shelter manager later wrote to her at home, asking how to become a Red Cross volunteer.

On the eve of what could be a busy assignment, as the Red Cross and its many partners get ready for the Republican National Convention, Williams seized a new challenge: She took the training to become a forklift driver.

The Red Cross offers a staggering array of free courses, both on-line and hands-on, to teach disaster responders how to safely and effectively do their jobs – or jobs that they might just want to try.

“I know that we’re often short of forklift drivers, when a truck comes in with a load of supplies, and I thought ‘What the heck’,” Williams said, with an almost-mischievous smile. “You never know” when you might be able to fill a pressing need.

“It’s not necessarily hard to drive a forklift, but it’s nothing like driving a car,” she learned. With a zero-turning radius, “it feels like the back is going to slide right around in front of you. That took some getting used to.”

Photo credit: Todd James/American Red Cross

Using her light touch and attention to detail, Williams mastered the machine, much to the delight of her many male co-workers. “I didn’t hurt anybody. I didn’t damage any equipment or drop any loads,” she said with amused pleasure, “so it’s a good day!”

Now Williams’s car can sport a bumper sticker that proclaims: “My other ride is a forklift.”

Red Cross Ready for the RNC

Posted on July 15, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Workforce Deployed to Provide Services if Needed

Preparations have been made, and Red Cross workers continue to work on their readiness for the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18-22 in Cleveland. The Red Cross is among several organizations with plans to provide residents and visitors a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Red Cross responds to almost 66,000 disasters in the United States every year, ranging from home fires that affect a single family, to hurricanes that affect tens of thousands, to earthquakes that impact millions. In these events, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, health and mental health services to help families and entire communities get back on their feet.

During the Republican National Convention, most hotels in Northeast Ohio are booked solid. The Red Cross is prepared to respond to any potential need to shelter and feed any residents or visitors who may be displaced, and has recruited additional volunteers from Northeast Ohio and surrounding regions to help fulfill its mission.

June 28, 2016. West Virginia. Floods. Photos by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Mother Tianna Butler and her daughter Skyler. Randall and his wife Tianna Butler recently moved into an upstairs apartment with their two-year-old daughter named Skyler. Tianna is 8 months pregnant. “Last Thursday the rains started. It came up really fast. When we saw the hillside crumble from the water we called 911, who told us it was safer to stay in the top part of the house rather than risk moving outdoors with all the flooding going on”, says Randall. “I was getting contractions from all the stress,” says Tianna. She and Skyler were rescued on Saturday at 12:30 a.m. and brought to the Red Cross shelter at Capital High School in Charleston. Randall joined them later. “We really appreciate what the Red Cross has done,” says Randall. “I never had any encounter with the Red Cross nor do I know anyone who has dealt with them, but everything they did has been top-notch; they are really professional.” But the Butlers remain concerned about the future. The money that they put into moving and fixing up their new apartment is now gone with the floodwaters. Having so recently moved, they hadn’t yet purchased any home insurance. “I hope we get some assistance or we will be on the sidewalk somewhere,” says Randall. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 29, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Red Cross employee Mary Williams with one-year-old Sarah Shafer who, along with his mother and grandparents, is a flood victim from Clendenin, West Virginia. She and her family are staying at Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston, which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

Preparations have been made to open up to three shelters within a short time frame, in the event that a large number of Northeast Ohio residents or visitors to the area are displaced due to fires or other disasters. Opening and staffing three shelters could require more than 70 trained shelter volunteers around the clock. About 100 volunteers are ready to respond should the need arise.

The Red Cross is also prepared, along with our community partners, to provide water, snacks, and comfort in areas where those humanitarian needs may be needed.

June 30, 2016. Birch River, West Virginia. American Red Cross worker Bernard Stuart holds a bag of snacks and water for a resident in Birch River, West Virginia. The emergency response vehicle traveled through neighborhoods, delivering nearly 150 hot meals to the community. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

June 29, 2016. Clay, West Virginia. Red Cross volunteer Marie Loyons serves food to Loretta King and her eight-year-old daughter Byany King with Red Cross employee Mary Williams in the background. The Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle is at Clay High School at a community relief distribution point to assist flood victims from Clay, West Virginia. The vehicle contains 300 hot meals of chicken dumplings and mixed vegetables, along with pudding or a cookie for desert. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 30, 2016. Birch River, West Virginia. Red Cross workers, Bernard Stuart and Kevin Beale, hand hot meals out to Cassandra Martin and Felicity Jarvis in Birch River, West Virginia. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

The need for Red Cross volunteers in Northeast Ohio will continue following the Republican National Convention. If you are interested in supporting our readiness to assist people in need, click here to create a Red Cross volunteer profile and begin the application process.

Southern Baptists Join Red Cross To Provide Hot Meals For West Virginia Flood Survivors

Posted on July 7, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Carl Manning; American Red Cross Volunteer

Tommy Story is busy stirring the large vat of fragrant meat in the outdoor kitchen, the steam rising and wafting through his white beard.

The Gaston, Ky., resident is with the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Team working with American Red Cross volunteers to cook and serve hot meals for those recovering from the West Virginia flash floods.

“For me it’s a true joy to be able to help out those in need. It’s a true labor of love,” said Tommy, part of the group operating the field kitchen outside the First Baptist Church of Fairlea, one of three kitchens the church group is operating.

As Tommy stirs, other volunteers are busy opening numerous cans of vegetables to start fixing the side dishes. It’s like watching a carefully timed dance, with volunteers quickly pivoting to avoid bumping each other with hot food.

The Southern Baptists have been doing this for about 60 years and for much of that time they’ve partnered with the Red Cross to provide needed nourishment for those recovering from a variety of disasters.

Karen Smith, of Shepherdsville, Ky., who oversees the Fairlea kitchen, says it’s really a time-tested partnership for both organizations.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the Red Cross and the Red Cross couldn’t do what it does without us,” she said. “We’re all working for the same end and that is to help the people who are hurting.”

The Red Cross purchases the food; the Southern Baptists cook it and put it in insulated containers which are loaded into a waiting fleet of Red Cross emergency response vehicles, or ERVs, for delivery where needed.

Among those rushing around is Joby Barrow, of La Center, Ky., making sure the right meals get to the right ERVs – including four trucks from Northeast Ohio.

“We do this because we’re supposed to help our neighbors and that’s more than the people next door,” she said. “We’re all in this to do what we can. We all do what we can do best.”

She watches as the forklift driver eases the pallet of food containers to the back of an ERV and again checks to make sure all is as should be.

With the food loaded, the ERV drives off and she waves before hurrying back to get ready for the next load.

To assist those affected by the West Virginia floods, please visit www.redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-REDCROSS, or text WVFLOODS to 90999.

Tommy Story of Guston, Ky., is one of the volunteers with the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief helping run a field kitchen to cook meals for the American Red Cross to take to those impacted by the flash flooding in West Virginia. (Photo by David Hendrix/American Red Cross)

Joby Barrow of LaCenter, Ky, is a Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief volunteer who checks the food containers as they are loaded onto an American Red Cross emergency response vehicle to be taken to those recovering from the West Virginia floods. (Photo by David Hendrix/American Red Cross)

Two Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief volunteers put plastic wrap around insulated food containers so they won’t spill from the pallet while being transported by forklift to a waiting American Red Cross emergency response vehicle for delivery to those recovering from the West Virginia flooding. (Photo by David Hendrix/American Red Cross)

Disaster Workers Kept Busy at Home and in West Virginia

Posted on July 5, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Volunteers Respond to Home Fires, Flood Recovery During Independence Day Weekend

Nearly 70 Northeast Ohio residents were chased from their homes by fire during the 4th of July holiday weekend, as Red Cross volunteers responded to meet their immediate needs. Financial assistance totaling more than $13,600 was offered to 45 adults and 22 children, to be used for lodging, food, clothing, and other immediate needs.

“The Red Cross volunteers who responded to these families are Holiday Heroes,” said Jeremy Bayer, Disaster Program Manager for the Greater Cleveland chapter. “They provided the initial guiding hand for these families during their darkest hour.”

In West Virginia, about 700 Red Cross volunteers, including several from Northeast Ohio worked through the weekend to help the thousands of residents affected by recent flooding. There have been nearly 2,000 overnight stays in shelters operated or supported by Red Cross volunteers. More than 13,000 meals and snacks have been served, 7,500 clean-up kits have been distributed, and tens of thousands of bulk items given to residents, many of whom have lost everything in the flooding.

June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Randal Butler with his daughter Skyler. Randall and his wife Tianna Butler recently moved into an upstairs apartment with their two-year-old daughter named Skyler. Tianna is 8 months pregnant. “Last Thursday the rains started. It came up really fast. When we saw the hillside crumble from the water we called 911, who told us it was safer to stay in the top part of the house rather than risk moving outdoors with all the flooding going on”, says Randall. “I was getting contractions from all the stress,” says Tianna. She and Skyler were rescued on Saturday at 12:30 a.m. and brought to the Red Cross shelter at Capital High School in Charleston. Randall joined them later. “We really appreciate what the Red Cross has done,” says Randall. “I never had any encounter with the Red Cross nor do I know anyone who has dealt with them, but everything they did has been top-notch; they are really professional.” But the Butlers remain concerned about the future. The money that they put into moving and fixing up their new apartment is now gone with the floodwaters. Having so recently moved, they hadn’t yet purchased any home insurance. “I hope we get some assistance or we will be on the sidewalk somewhere,” says Randall. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Lucille Chandler speaks with American Red Cross staff Joanna King. 90-year-old Lucille Chandlers home in Clendenin was flooded on Thursday. She and her daughter were rescued by a neighbor who had a boat. He transported them to a nearby church that was partially flooded, but where the top floor was still dry and used by local residents seeking shelter. Yesterday she was brought to the Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston which has been turned into an Red Cross shelter. I really appreciate what the Red Cross has done for me, explains Lucille, I have a problem walking and the Red Cross volunteers bring me around in a wheelchair. The next step for Lucilles Red Cross assistance will be handled by caseworkers. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. 90-year-old Lucille Chandlers home in Clendenin was flooded on Thursday. She and her daughter were rescued by a neighbor who had a boat. He transported them to a nearby church that was partially flooded, but where the top floor was still dry and used by local residents seeking shelter. Yesterday she was brought to the Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. I really appreciate what the Red Cross has done for me, explains Lucille, I have a problem walking and the Red Cross volunteers bring me around in a wheelchair. The next step for Lucilles Red Cross assistance will be handled by caseworkers. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Heather Shafer and her one-year-old daughter Sarah lives with her parents in East Clendenin. Their home was flooded and they now staying at the Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Clendenin, West Virginia. Floods. Kari Thompson, a member of the Fire Breather Fitness a CrossFit group from Charleston, join other members of the fitness group who are volunteering to help clean the flooded home in Clendenin of an aunt of one of their members. The home was flooded when the nearby Elk River broke its banks on Thursday following heavy rains. In the background are the children (Evelyn, Tura and Ethan – left to right) of an another member of the fitness group who are helping out as well. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Clendenin, West Virginia. Floods. American Red Cross employee Joanna King speaking with and assessing flood damage at home of Joan Parker. Parkers home in Clendenin was flooded when the nearby Elk River broke its banks on Thursday following heavy rains. She and her 97-year-old mother who live in the house were rescued by the fire department who paddled up to the front door. Her sister Tammy Parker (yellow shirt) and a friend of the family, are helping them with the cleanup. Looking at the pile of mud-soaked belongings piled in front of her home, Joan reflects, its just stuff; whats important is that we didnt lose anybody we know. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 29, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Red Cross employee Mary Williams with 18-month-old Liam Parker who, along with his mother and father, is a flood victim from Clendenin, West Virginia. He and his family are staying at Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston, which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 29, 2016. Clay, West Virginia. Red Cross employee Mary Williams helps flood victims Loretta King and her eight-year-old daughter Byany King carry their food to their vehicle. They were served a hot meals by an Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle at Clay High School at a community relief distribution point to assist flood victims from Clay, West Virginia. The vehicle contains 300 hot meals of chicken dumplings and mixed vegetables, along with pudding or a cookie for desert. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 30, 2016. Birch River, West Virginia. American Red Cross worker Bernard Stuart hands Ashley Harlow a container of pulled pork in Birch River, West Virginia. The emergency response vehicle traveled through neighborhoods, delivering nearly 150 hot meals to the community. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

June 30, 2016. Birch River, West Virginia. American Red Cross worker Kevin Beale delivers containers of pulled pork to a Birch River, West Virginia, resident. The emergency response vehicle traveled through neighborhoods, delivering nearly 150 hot meals to the community. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

June 30, 2016. Richwood, West Virginia. Robin Cowell and American Red Cross worker, Mary Williams, survey the damage to her Richwood, West Virginia, home. “When I lay in bed at night I think that all these people care. They came. All these volunteers came,” said Cowell. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

The road to recovery for West Virginians affected by the flooding will be long. Many face daunting challenges. The Red Cross will be with them to help those staying in shelters transition to longer term housing. And we need your help.

Log onto redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make a donation to disaster relief. Or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your donation will help people recover from disasters big and small: big, like the West Virginia flooding, and small, like the individual home fires that affected so many families in Northeast Ohio this weekend.

Weathering Independence Day 2016 in West Virginia

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

CEO Mike Parks Credits Residents for Resiliency

More rain is in the forecast for West Virginia on the 4th of July, as residents there recover from historic flooding that hit the state in late June. The National Weather Service has posted a flash flood watch through late Monday night for parts of West Virginia and eastern Ohio.

Mike Parks, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region, is one of hundreds of Red Cross workers and volunteers who deployed to West Virginia, in response to the needs of the residents affected by the flooding.

Mike Parks, CEO, American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region

“The response of the residents of this great state to the devastation caused by the flooding is heartwarming,” Mike said. “So many of them have so little, but so many of them give so much to so many. Their generosity to each other, despite their own hardships is not only heartwarming, but also inspiring.”

Red Cross workers have been providing shelter, food, water, cleaning supplies and comfort kits to residents affected by the disaster, and will continue to help them as they plan to move forward with their lives.

Photo Credit: Mary Williams, American Red Cross

“The residents affected by the flooding have hope, hope that they can recover, and that gives them true independence, as we celebrate our nation’s freedom,” Mike added.

You can help the people of West Virginia, by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your donation will help people who suffer from disasters big and small. Go to redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to donate. Or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Red Cross Cup Raises Funds For Disaster Relief

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

Money to Help People Who Suffer from Disasters Big and Small

Cancelling a golf tournament seems trivial, when considering the reason.

Flooding. Homes destroyed. Lives lost.

That’s why the Greenbrier Classic in West Virginia has been cancelled.

“We are heartbroken by the devastation that the residents of West Virginia are experiencing at this time and the reports of lives lost due to the terrible flooding,” said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem in a statement. “Canceling The Greenbrier Classic is certainly the most prudent course of action as our foremost concern is the well-being of those who are having to live through this tragic situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

The American Red Cross responded to the flood zone immediately. Several volunteers from Northeast Ohio are among the hundreds of Red Cross workers assisting residents who lost their homes. The Red Cross is operating or supporting shelters, providing food and water, replacing prescription medications and eyeglasses, and offering mental health support, to help people cope during their darkest hours.

We are fortunate that no disaster of that magnitude has affected Northeast Ohio, and that we were able to host the Red Cross Cup last month.

One hundred and twelve golfers gathered to play on Monday, June 13th at the world renowned Canterbury Golf Club. The outing was a benefit for the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region.

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Canterbury Golf Club is one of only three U.S. course to have hosted the five rotating Men’s Major Golf Championships, and has been the home for the Red Cross Cup for six years now. The 2016 Red Cross Cup was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor, Home Savings.

“Home Savings’ investment in the Red Cross as the presenting sponsor of this event will have a significant impact on the lives of others in Northeast Ohio,” according to John McCann, member of the Board of Directors for the Red Cross Greater Cleveland Chapter.

Additional sponsors of the 2016 Red Cross Cup included the Breakfast Sponsor, the Cleveland Zoological Society and the Caddy Sponsor, Donley’s.

Mike Parks, CEO of the Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region reflected on the impact the Red Cross and its volunteers had this season, saying “This has been a very busy spring season for the American Red Cross, with unrelenting flooding in Texas. Nearly 9,000 Red Cross workers—about 90 percent of them volunteers—including some from Northeast Ohio sprang into action to offer shelter, food and comfort in hard-hit communities.”

He continued, bringing the message back to Northeast Ohio and the impact the Red Cross has here, on a wide range of disasters, such as the three house fires that occur, on average, every day in Northeast Ohio.

“During their darkest hour, the victims of these fires become our clients, and are offered immediate financial assistance, mental health services when needed, and a way forward on their road to recovery.”

At the event proceeded, a silent auction included items such as a Chef’s’ Table for 12 at Crop Bistro in Ohio City and a Cavaliers benchwarmer package, which includes access to the Cavs bench during pregame warmups, Court Club access, and an autographed Kevin Love jersey.

The 2016 Red Cross Cup raised more than $100,000, which will be used to further aid and support the American Red Cross Mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

The winners of the event were as follows:

1st Place Winners:

Competitive – Bruce Leff, Leff Electric Co.

Scramble – Dominion

2nd Place Winners:

Competitive – Justin Roth, Zenith Systems

Scramble – Fox Sports Ohio

3rd Place Winners:

Competitive – Jim Tweardy, Leff Electric Co.

Scramble – Sherwin-Williams

Meantime, in West Virginia, entire families have lost their homes and everything they own. The Red Cross needs your help to continue its work in West Virginia and everywhere disaster strikes. Your support will help people affected by disasters big and small. You can donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief by contacting Scott Thompson, Regional Development Officer at 216-431-3064, or email scott.thompson@redcross.org. You can also text WVFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

American Red Cross volunteer Anmol Nigam contributed to this article

4th of July: Red Cross Steps for Enjoying a Safe Holiday Weekend

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

Fireworks, beach safety tips to keep everyone safe this Independence Day

Everyone is looking forward to the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend and the American Red Cross has steps you can follow to stay safe when enjoying the fireworks or taking a trip to the beach.

“Millions of people will visit pools or lakes or watch fireworks shows over the 4^th of July weekend and there are steps they can take to have a safe holiday,” said Michael Parks, Regional CEO of Northeast Ohio. “They can also download our First Aid and Swim Apps to have important safety information at their fingertips.”FIREWORKS SAFETY The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many cities and states outlaw most fireworks. If someone is setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

Never give fireworks to small children.
Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.WATER SAFETY Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. While enjoying the water, keep alert and check the local weather conditions. Other safety steps include:

Swim sober and always swim with a buddy. Make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore.

Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters.
Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while at the beach. Wave action can cause someone to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
Watch out for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants and leave animals alone.

RIP CURRENTS Rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents. Be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:

If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

DOWNLOAD SWIM, FIRST AID APPS The Red Cross Swim App promotes water safety education and helps parents and caregivers of young people learning how to swim. The app has features specifically designed for children, including a variety of kid-friendly games, videos and quizzes. It also contains water safety information for parents on a variety of aquatic environments including beaches and water parks. The First Aid App provides instant access to expert guidance on a variety of situations from insect bites and stings to choking and Hands-Only CPR. People can download the apps for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in their app store or at redcross.org/apps.

HOME POOL ESSENTIALS COURSE The Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF) have developed an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners. Home Pool Essentials helps people understand the risks of pool ownership, how to maintain a safer and cleaner pool, what safety equipment is appropriate, how to prevent pool and hot tub entrapment hazards, and how to respond to an emergency.

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. 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

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

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.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region