Red Cross Assisting Dozens Displaced By Apartment Fire

Posted on November 23, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Photo credit: Jeremy Bayer/American Red Cross

Residents Chased From Their Homes Close to Thanksgiving Holiday

Red Cross workers and volunteers were called for assistance after fire broke out in an apartment building in Geauga County early Monday morning.

45 residents have been affected by the fire, with several seeking assistance for overnight lodging, as temperatures dip to some of the coldest readings of the year.

The Monday morning fire follows another very busy weekend for Red Cross disaster workers, who were called to a dozen home fires, offering immediate financial assistance to more than 50 people for food, lodging, and other immediate needs. Follow-up assistance, such as mental health services and referrals to other agencies will also be provided.

It was a similar story the weekend before, with a like number of people chased from their homes by fire, and receiving Red Cross assistance.

There is much to be thankful for: no fatalities were reported.

The American Red Cross is attempting to reduce home fire fatalities through Operation Save-A-Life. With the help of local fire departments and other community partners, the Red Cross offers free smoke alarms, in many neighborhoods going door-to-door installing the alarms, and offering residents valuable fire safety information.

Photo credit: Cal Pusateri/American Red Cross Volunteer

For more information or to schedule a free fire safety inspection for your home, visit the Operation Save-A-Life website.

Special Recognition For a Special Red Cross Volunteer

Posted on November 18, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

What HASN’T George Figel done as a volunteer with the American Red Cross?

The Akron resident was honored by the Center for Community Solutions as a “Most Treasured Volunteer,” at the agency’s Celebration of Human Services on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. He is one of 5 “MTV” recipients for 2014-2015.

George currently volunteers 3-4 days a week as a Blood Donor Ambassador, greeting donors, helping them through the registration process, and making sure they’re comfortable after they make their donation.

During his nearly 30 years of volunteer service, George has: worked on local and national disasters, driven for medical transportation, helped maintain Red Cross facilities, worked with Youth Services, and represented the Red Cross at national conferences and local health fairs.

He has even taken pictures at various events.

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Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

George was accompanied by a contingent of Red Cross staff members, including Ann Catanese, Lynne Lisner and Lindsay Harris of Blood Services, and Debra Kellar of Volunteer Services.

Another Red Cross volunteer, Ruby Dailey of Warren was also congratulated as a Commended Volunteer. She has volunteered since 2000.

“These two volunteers are really dedicated to helping us support the mission of the American Red Cross,” said Pat Buckhold, Volunteer Services Officer for the Northeast Ohio Region. “Their commitment to community service over such a sustained period of time shows just how much George and Ruby care about others.”

Other volunteers honored included Long Term Care Ombudsman Robert Blusko, Louise Dempsey of the Cleveland Metropolitan Schools, Mr. Shirley Stevens of University Hospitals and Dr. Mark Massie of the West Side Catholic Center.

We LOVE Our Volunteers

Posted on November 16, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

When a family loses their home due to fire and the Red Cross responds, it’s more than likely a volunteer who helps that family find food, lodging and other immediate assistance.

More than 90% of the American Red Cross workforce is comprised of volunteers, people who donate their time and talent to help people in need every day.

Many volunteers have been with the Red Cross for years, in some cases, decades…providing disaster services, collecting blood, teaching CPR and First Aid, even answering phones. We honor everyone who donates their time at various Volunteer Recognition Ceremonies throughout the region.

From left: Joan Stallman, Mike Parks, Elsie Berger

Stark

Joan Stallman, Kim Kroh

Stark

Volunteer Arie Freeman, left, with great-granddaughter Genesis Boles and daughter Tracey Mackey

Stark

Greater Cleveland

Muskingum Lakes

Volunteers from the Lake Erie /Heartland Chapter were honored during a ceremony in September. Look for future articles on honoring volunteers from the Summit, Portage and Medina Counties Chapter and Lake to River, which covers Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana and Jefferson Counties.

Volunteers Offer Valuable Respite to Responders

Posted on November 12, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Provide Canteen Services at Crash Site

Local, state and federal investigators on the scene of the crash of a corporate jet in Akron have a place to go, just a few steps away, to receive food and drink. The Red Cross stationed an emergency response vehicle stocked with sandwiches and snacks, coffee and water just a few feet away from where the jet crashed into a four-unit apartment complex.

Volunteer Chuck Victor Outside the Emergency Response Vehicle

Volunteer Kim Strawman Inside the Emergency Response Vehicle

15 adults who lived there and in two neighboring residences have been displaced by the crash, and received initial financial assistance from the Red Cross for food, lodging, and other immediate needs. Continuing assistance available includes help with recovery plans, mental health services and referrals to appropriate agencies.

Note the wording on the Emergency Response Vehicle: “All American Red Cross Disaster Assistance is Free.” The Red Cross responds to about 70,000 disasters every year, thanks to the power of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors. Interested in becoming a volunteer? Apply online here. You can donate online to help others who suffer a disaster, or call 1-800 RED CROSS. Or text the words red cross to 90999 to make an automatic $10 donation.

Message from Mike Parks, Rear Admiral, U. S. Coast Guard (Ret.)

Posted on November 11, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

CEO, American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region
Offers Veterans Day Reflection

Fellow Red Crossers:

As we all know, the origins of the American Red Cross were found on the battlefields of our nation. Our organization has a proud history of serving those who faithfully served our country, both in times of peace and in times of war. That tradition lives on today.

On this day, we must remember that on the 11th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month of 1918, World War I ended. Though the Armistice was signed at 5 a.m., fighting continued till 11 a.m., killing nearly 11,000 more men. In 1921, President Warren Harding had the remains of an unknown soldier killed in France buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. Inscribed on the Tomb are the words: “Here lies in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” On November 11, 1921, President Harding stated: “On the threshold of eternity, many a soldier, I can well believe, wondered how his ebbing blood would color the stream of human life, flowing on after his sacrifice…I can sense the prayers of our people…Let me join in that prayer. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come…”

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Photo Credit: Gwen Bochmann/American Red Cross Volunteer

Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all U.S. Veterans. In 1958, President Eisenhower placed soldiers in the tomb from WWII and the Korean War. The soldier from Vietnam, buried by President Reagan in 1984, was identified by DNA tests as pilot Michael Blassie and was reburied in 1998 at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.

2nd Annual City of Cleveland Veterans Day Parade

Photo Credit: Cal Pusateri/American Red Cross Volunteer, U. S. Marine Corps (Ret.)

To all those who have worn the uniform of our country—thank you for your selfless service to a grateful nation! Best regards…Mike

Tiny Hands, Huge Hearts Help Heroes Celebrate Holidays

Posted on November 10, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Caring Cubs Make Cards for Red Cross Military Mail Campaign

From the hands of babes. Members of the Armed Forces will receive some holiday cheer this year thanks to the artistic abilities…and the service-oriented parents…of the children of Caring Cubs.

Dozens of families gathered on Saturday, November 7^th in the Main Gallery of Cuyahoga Community College West in Parma, prepared to decorate holiday cards with pictures and messages to military men and women who will be away from home for the holidays.

“This is a perfect project for the children to engage in hands-on community service,” said Kelly Rudloff, a Caring Cubs Board Member. “They like to color and draw, so they are doing an activity they enjoy while at the same time helping the Red Cross bring some holiday joy to members of the military.”

More than 375 cards were decorated by the Caring Cubs for U. S. service members.

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Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

Caring Cubs was formed six years ago by parents who wanted to teach their children about philanthropy and service at a young age, by engaging them with age-appropriate activities. Children as young as two years old are invited to be Caring Cubs. Monthly events are held, with the aim to teach the children lessons on social responsibility.

The Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program enables Americans to “Give Something That Means Something” this holiday season. “We invite the public to send cards of thanks, encouragement and holiday cheer to members of our Armed Forces, veterans and military families,” said Jessica Tischler, Director of Service to Armed Forces for the American Red Cross, Northeast Ohio Region. “Many of our service men and women will be separated from their loved ones this holiday season. These cards will help brighten their holidays.”

Holiday Mail for Heroes is just one way the Red Cross honors and serves the military. Our unwavering commitment to members of the U.S. military, its veterans and their families continues to grow and develop more than a century after Clara Barton first recruited nurses to support the U.S. Army. We provide three types of assistance beginning on the first day of enlistment: Emergency Services, Service to Military Families and Service to Military and Veterans Hospitals, including the Louis B. Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland.

If you would like to “Give Something That Means Something” for the holidays, you have until November 30 to create your cards for members of the military and get them to your local Red Cross office for distribution. Click here for more information.

North Akron Residents Better Protected From Home Fires

Posted on November 5, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Free Smoke Alarms Installed in Dozens of Homes

Akron Fire Department personnel joined Red Cross volunteers and staff on Wednesday, November 4th to install more than 150 free smoke alarms in nearly 60 homes in North Akron.

The Akron Fire Safety Walk was similar to efforts recently undertaken in Barberton, Canton and Madison Township. The neighborhood was pre-canvassed, meaning residents were notified in advance that they’d have the opportunity to have qualified personnel perform a fire safety inspection in their homes, and where necessary, have smoke alarms installed free of charge.

“We installed 156 alarms in the North Akron area with help from the Akron Fire Department,” said Rachel D’Attoma, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Summit, Portage and Medina Counties Chapter. “In addition, many of our board members and corporate partners were on site to help as well. Making this whole neighborhood safer was a true community effort.”

Regional Disaster Officer Tim O’Toole Installs Smoke alarm

Regional Disaster Officer Tim O’Toole, Chapter Executive Director Rachel D’Attoma, and Disaster Program Manager Debbie Chitester

Fire Safety Walk Volunteers

Preparing to Go Door-To-Door

Photo Credit: Gwen Bochman/American Red Cross Volunteer

Volunteers who donated their time and expertise included representatives from Bober, Markey, Fedorovich, FedEx, Dominion, Ruhlin and BDO, in addition to personnel from the police departments of the city of Akron and the University of Akron.

We call the effort to install smoke alarms in areas most vulnerable to home fires Operation Save-A-Life. The goal is to reduce the number of fatalities from home fires nationwide by 25% over a five year period.

Another Fire Safety Walk is planned next Tuesday, November 10th in Cuyahoga Falls. But residents of Summit County don’t have to wait until their neighborhood is targeted for an Operation Save-A-Life event. They can call the Smoke Alarm Hotline at 330-535-2030 to schedule an appointment for a for a free fire safety inspection and free smoke alarms where needed.

Dozens of Residents Receive Red Cross Assistance Following Fires

Posted on November 2, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Disaster Workers Busy As Time Change Kicks-in

Discarded Smoke Alarms
Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

On a weekend when fire officials joined the Red Cross in urging residents to test their smoke alarms, more than a dozen home fires in the Northeast Ohio Region affected more than 50 residents who received Red Cross assistance.

There were no injuries reported.

“Our teams were incredibly busy assisting families throughout the entire region,” said Renee Palagyi, Senior Program Manager for Disaster Services. The Red Cross assisted residents affected by home fires that occurred in eight counties from Friday, October 30 through early Monday morning, November 2, 2015. Among them was a fire in East Cleveland that displaced a family of 12, and a duplex fire in Elyria that chased two families from their homes on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Cross provided financial assistance totaling almost $11,000 to the affected residents. The money is meant to provide lodging, food, clothing, and to meet any other needs that arise as a result of the fires.”We give our clients a start on their road to recovery,” Renee said. “They are free to spend the money in whatever ways necessary for them to get back on their feet.”

The generosity of donors to the American Red Cross makes such financial assistance possible. Donors can help families recover from disasters, both big and small, by logging onto the Red Cross website, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. A donation of $10 can be made by texting the words “RED CROSS” to 90999. Red Cross Disaster Relief helps people affected by disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires and tornadoes, as well as home fires.

The American Red Cross has been working hard to help families protect themselves from home fires through Operation Save-A-Life. Residents can request a free home inspection, and will receive free smoke alarms if they are needed. Volunteers install the alarms, and offer helpful fire prevention information.

Residents of Cleveland can call the 24-hour Operation Save-A-Life hotline at 216-361-5535. Summit County residents can call 330-535-2030. Residents throughout Northeast Ohio can get information by logging onto the local Red Cross website.

Summit County Smoke Alarm Hotline Now Up and Running

Posted on October 29, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Red Cross Volunteers and Barberton Firefighters Prepare Free Smoke Alarm Installations on October 27, 2015

The effort to reduce fatalities from home fires continues in Northeast Ohio, as Red Cross volunteers and members of the Barberton Fire Department teamed up on October 27th, going door to door to install smoke alarms in homes where they were needed.

Residents received not only free smoke alarms, but also fire safety information. The Barberton Fire Safety Walk took place on a particularly busy day for Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers, who responded to seven home fires in Summit, Stark Cuyahoga, Jefferson and Wayne Counties.The fires chased a total of 18 people from their homes, including 4 children and an adult in Canton, and three children and an adult in Shreve.

The residents of these home fires received assistance from the Red Cross valued at more than $2,600. Typical financial assistance for home fire victims includes money for emergency lodging, food and clothing. Since July 1st, the Red Cross has given nearly $200,000 to residents affected by home fires.

The Red Cross Home Fire Prevention Campaign is meant to reduce the number of fatalities from home fires by 25% over a five year period. Upcoming Fire Safety Walks are planned in North Akron on November 4, and Cuyahoga Falls November 10. Firefighters from both communities will join Red Cross volunteers to install free smoke alarms and provide fire safety information in targeted neighborhoods.

Anyone in Summit County can request a free inspection of smoke alarms in their homes. If the alarms are not in working order, or if they are more than 10 years old, they will be replaced. Residents of Summit County can call the Smoke Alarm Hotline at 330-535-2030.

In Cleveland, residents can call the Operation Save-A-Life hotline 24 hours a day at 216-361-5535 to request a free fire safety inspection and smoke alarms for their homes. More information is available for all residents of Northeast Ohio here.

Feel the Heat, 2015

Posted on October 26, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Working With the Military on a Disaster Drill

The firefighting abilities of the 910^th Airlift Wing Fire Department were on full display at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station on Thursday, October 22, 2015, as were the services provided by the American Red Cross during times of disaster.

Video credit: Cal Pusateri/American Red Cross Volunteer

The second annual “Feel the Heat” exercise involved a simulated airplane crash, to demonstrate the response of firefighters and Red Cross staff and volunteers. The drill also showcased how the Red Cross cooperates with the military to respond to the needs of family members and others.

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Photo credit/Jim McIntyre, American Red Cross

As flames shot from the hull of the simulated wreckage, members of the 910^th Civil Engineer Fire Department raced to the scene, fought the fire and searched for “survivors.” It is those survivors and their loved ones who the Red Cross serves in the event of an aviation disaster. The American Red Cross is responsible for tracking victims and their families, and providing them with counselling and support. Staff members and volunteers would be activated to set-up necessary shelters, coordinate family and childcare facilities, arrange suitable non-denominational services, and make referrals to mental health professionals and support groups.

The American Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters every year, big and small. Most are home fires. Victims are given emergency financial assistance, food, shelter, clothing and assistance with medicines, eyeglasses, even dentures they may have lost in a disaster.

It takes the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors to help the victims of disasters. You can learn more about volunteering, and make a donation at redcross.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. You can also text the words “Red Cross” to 90999 to make a $10.00 donation.

The American Red Cross also serves members of the military and their families through the Service to Armed Forces program. Learn more about the ways in which the Red Cross is committed to helping the U. S. Military here.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region

Red Cross Assisting Dozens Displaced By Apartment Fire

Special Recognition For a Special Red Cross Volunteer

We LOVE Our Volunteers

Volunteers Offer Valuable Respite to Responders

Message from Mike Parks, Rear Admiral, U. S. Coast Guard (Ret.)

Tiny Hands, Huge Hearts Help Heroes Celebrate Holidays

North Akron Residents Better Protected From Home Fires

Dozens of Residents Receive Red Cross Assistance Following Fires

Summit County Smoke Alarm Hotline Now Up and Running

Feel the Heat, 2015