On your way to Bob Evans this morning? Take this flyer to donate %15 of your bill to the Red Cross. (Only 8/1-8/3!) http://rdcrss.org/1rMMADO
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Basement Flooded? Follow these four safety steps.
Step #1: Stay SAFE!
Don’t risk serious injury if your basement floods. A flooded basement can be a serious health and safety risk. If your basement floods, follow these rules to make sure your family stays safe.
- Avoid venturing down into the basement if possible. In a severe basement flooding situation (water covering the basement floor to a depth of an inch or more), it’s best to stay out of the basement until the water is pumped out. Standing water in your basement can contain harmful bacteria.
- Never touch electrical wiring or fixtures. If you must venture down into a flooded basement, wear waterproof rubber boots. Avoid touching or using electrical devices (except for a battery-powered flashlight) because this puts you at risk of electrical shock or electrocution.
- Have standing water pumped out as soon as possible.
Step #2: Determine the cause of your flooded basement.
Sometimes the source of unwanted water is obvious –as with a burst water line or sewer backup. In other cases, water may be leaking into your basement for different reasons. If it is not obvious what caused your flooding, contact a licensed professional for an inspection.
Step #3. Remove water-damaged items and begin cleanup.
Are there wood-framed walls finished with drywall in your basement? If so, the lower section of these walls is likely to retain moisture and attract mold –even without a major basement flood. Take precautions for safety, but begin clean up as soon as possible. Eliminate the source of the flooding first, then clean up and toss out anything that is contaminated, using bleach and similar household cleaners. Bleach is the best cleaning product to kill mold, mildew and bacteria.
Step #4. Mitigate future flooding.
There are a number of ways you can mitigate future flooding loss by installing preventive equipment and valves, raising the height of critical utilities and appliances off the floor or out of your basement entirely, and simply keeping gutters clean. Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from your foundation. Raising the electrical outlets in your basement can also alleviate electrical shorts and injury due to shock. Acquire flood insurance.
For more information, download this helpful check list and information sheet: Basement Flooding – Safety and Clean-up Checklist
Is there still wicked weather raging over your house? Learn what to do before, during and after a flood. Download the Flood Safety Checklist, check out the Red Cross Flood App (available for iOS and Android) or visit the American Red Cross Flood Safety page.
Running with the Lorain County Chapter
Saturday, June 7th was a beautiful day for a race. The Lorain County Chapter and U.S. Steel Corporation, presenting partner of the race, challenged over 100 runners and walkers to “Run for the Red”.
The 5K is an annual event for the Lorain County Chapter. U.S. Steel has been the presenting partner for the past three years. The race began at the Lorain County Metro Parks’ Day’s Dam Pavilion where runners followed the scenic Steel Mill Trail.
Participants enjoyed fresh fruit and Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream along with an array of door prizes after the race. Door prizes included a Spa Basket, a Cupcake Basket provided by Sweets by Maggie, a three month pass to EMH Health and Fitness, brunch for two at the Oberlin Inn, and a gourmet tea basket from Sub Rosa Tea.
Pictured: Team US Steel, Presenting Sponsor, had 22 runners this year. John Wilkinson , Plant Manager and Kim Black-Brown our FY14 Board Chair coordinated the team. They are looking forward to running the 5K next year!
Thank you once again to all who came out and supported our fundraising efforts by participating in Run for the Red! Please visit the Lorain County Facebook page to view photos and a video from the 5K.
Cleveland State Intern, Mary Malone shares her Red Cross story
As a senior at Cleveland State University pursuing a bachelors of Social Work, I began an internship with the American Red Cross, in the Emergency Services department.
After a fire, the Red Cross assists the family in immediate and urgent needs. As a student intern I am learning how to participate in a social services agency setting by working directly with clients, other caseworkers, volunteers, and various other staff positions. I look to each person at the Red Cross as a “teacher” and someone from whom I can learn valuable lessons and techniques.
A typical day for me at the Red Cross includes following up with clients after they have experienced a disaster. The most prevalent of emergency situations that I have encountered, during my time, are single-family house fires. The caseworkers at the Red Cross and I ensure that the client’s direct needs are being met. If the Red Cross cannot provide it directly, there are countless referrals to other community organizations. I spend a lot of time on the phone talking with clients, sometimes it is a short call and sometimes the client wants to have someone to talk to and express their fears, worries, and sometimes even joys. I use my ability to communicate with others when they have just experienced a crisis, by validating their words and listening to what it is that they are saying. Other times I meet with clients when they need to come in to the Red Cross for a meeting with a caseworker. Being able to help people in such a dire time of need, knowing that I have many tools in my toolbox to assist them and let them know that they are not alone, is so rewarding.
As part of my internship, I have been able to go out and witness the scene of a disaster. I went to a house that had been burnt very badly and the emotions of clients as they were standing outside, were very raw. Having never been in a situation quite like this I was not sure how I would feel, or how I should act. I learned a lot by watching my Red Cross supervisor communicate with empathy, understanding, and patience. Even though her home was very badly damaged, the client was most concerned for her cat’s well-being. As we left various neighbors, family members and friends came to her and lavish her with hugs, and envelopes of money to help financially. Even in a situation that is inconceivably horrible, the strengths within this one client’s community gives me hope of a full recovery and resiliency.
After semesters of studying books and articles, participating in mock interventions, and writing papers in preparation for my future as a Social Work practitioner, my work with the Red Cross has reaffirmed my passion for social work.
Fourth of July Safety Tips
Happy Independence Day!
Northeast Ohioans can expect a gorgeous Holiday weekend and many are expected to celebrate at a backyard party or poolside.
Whatever way you chose to enjoy yourself during the party weekend of the summer, be sure to keep these simple, safety tips in mind.
Soak Up the Sun, Safely:
Keep your skin safe by wearing sunscreen outdoors, even if it is partly sunny. But how exactly does sunscreen work? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. All products do not have the same ingredients so if you have a bad skin reaction to one brand, try another.
Know your sunscreen’s rating. All sunscreens have a sun protection factor (SPF) number clearly stated on their label. The SPF number illustrates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. Look for sunscreen with at least a rating of SPF 15. This number applies to cosmetics that contain sunscreen as well. And be sure to check out your label’s directions regarding reapplication. Most brands recommend reapplying after two hours or after swimming, sweating or toweling off.
Sunscreen does have a shelf life! Check your sunscreen’s expiration date. If it is expired, or you’ve had it for three years, throw it out and purchase new.
Take Water Seriously:
Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water, even if you are not “thirsty”. Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages in excess.
Use the buddy system when swimming. No one should swim alone. Adults should pay close and constant attention to children and inexperienced swimmers. Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
Download the free Red Cross Swim and First Aid Apps. Swim App users can learn water safety and drowning prevention information for a variety of aquatic environments. Children can have fun learning water safety tips with the child-friendly videos and quizzes in the app. The First Aid App puts expert advice for everyday emergencies at someone’s fingertips. The apps are available for smart phones and tablets and can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play for Android app stores. The Swim App is also available in the Amazon Kindle Store.
Backyard Pool Owners can take the Home Pool Essentials online course. The Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation have developed an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners. Home Pool Essentials (HomePoolEssentials.org) 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.
For more water safety information check out redcross.org.
Stay Safe this Independence Day!
15 ways to stay safe this Fourth of July from the American Red Cross.
President and CEO of the American Red Cross, Gail McGovern speaks at event in Northeast Ohio
Gail McGovern, CEO of the American Red Cross, speaks at the City Club of Cleveland.
Gail McGovern spoke at the Cleveland City Club on June 20, 2014 about the transformation process that turned the American Red Cross into a 21st century emergency response and blood services organization.
She spoke about how the organizaiton was able to eliminate a $209 million operating defecit in two years after she began at the Red Cross in 2008. By consolidating the organization by getting all chapters on one email system, a common donor database, and a single website the Red Cross was able to become better stewards of the donor’s dollar. McGovern also shared some of the Red Cross stories she hears from people around the world, including one from a man who gave 103 gallons of blood — helping over 2,400 people — simply because he thought it was the right thing to do.
To view video from the June 20th event, click here:
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