Assisting members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families has been a core tenet of the American Red Cross since its founding. In honoring Veterans Day, November 11th, we wish to highlight our Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) programs. To help do so, I spoke with Nasir Ahmad, Program Specialist with the Red Cross’s SAF & International Services. He is also a US Air Force veteran.
Regional COO Tim O’Toole (left) with Nasir Ahmad (right) after Nasir returned from his six-month deployment in Iraq.
Nasir, who returned from a six-month Iraq deployment earlier this year, has continued the Red Cross mission here in Northern Ohio. Nasir stressed the need for flexibility of adjusting to changes, something he and other military families know well. Nasir said, “When coming back, there are a lot of changes, personally and professionally. You can’t pick up where you left off and not expect things to be different. You have to roll with it, be resilient, and fit back into life, both you and your family. Within a month or so, I was back in a new groove, and I think my military experience helped with that.”
In Bagdad, Nasir and other members of his Red Cross team mainly assisted deployed service members, many of whom were in their early 20s, experiencing their first or second deployment, which reminded Nasir of his experiences as a young service member. Others were at a different stage, sometimes winding down their time in the military. Nasir and his team were there for them, whether they needed a Red Cross service or someone to listen.
“There’s no rank with Red Cross,” Nasir said, “So they can talk more freely. Conversations often go from funny to somber and serious then back to silliness. When it comes to melancholy, they need support. It is wonderful being one of those to make sure they’re okay.” Nasir also said deployments can be especially challenging during the holidays, and everyone responds differently.
“Making sure they’re okay” is an important part of Nasir’s work back home in Northern Ohio, too. “We’re helping people in a different capacity,” Nasir said, “but it’s still very much needed.” Services include Coffee Cart programs near VA hospitals and centers, Family Days, and Yellow Ribbon programs, among others.
This flexibility, humanity, and responsiveness are key to the Red Cross. I asked Nasir what issues are currently most pressing for SAF. A major one is helping ensure military members and their families maintain access to food and necessary services.
International Services is another aspect of Nasir’s role in the Red Cross, which includes the Restoring Family Links program. This service is open to all families who are separated internationally by war, disaster, migration, and other humanitarian crises. With the number of conflicts and crises throughout the world, and the toll they are taking on families, it is desperately needed, and Nasir spoke of how proud he is to help reunite families.
Nasir will help honor Veterans Day by taking part in the parade and festivities in downtown Cleveland. He and other Red Cross members will be at a table at Tower City. Stop by and say hello.
Honoring members of our community, our military, and first responders who stepped up when someone else needed them to.
By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross
Thursday, June 5, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio celebrated the 2025 Northeast Ohio Hero Awards at the Cleveland Marriot Downtown. It was a wonderful morning spent honoring everyday heroes who stepped up to do extraordinary things and, in some cases, save lives.
This year’s event featured 15 heroes whose stories you can read below:
Christi Paul, Izzy Abdallah, Mike Parks
Izzat “Izzy” Abdallah (Cuyahoga County): Twinsburg Firefighter Izzy Abdallah saved the life of a motorist who had a medical emergency and crashed into his car. Off duty at the time, Abdallah discovered the driver in cardiac arrest and immediately started CPR, directing his neighbor to call 911. Thanks to his quick actions, the patient regained a pulse and was taken to the hospital, later released in stable condition. Watch Izzy’s story here.
Dorian Pace and wife
Dorian Pace (Cuyahoga County): School bus driver Dorian Pace saved students from a burning bus in Cleveland Heights. After hearing loud booms and seeing smoke and flames, Pace swiftly evacuated the students, ensuring their safety moments before the bus was engulfed in flames. His quick thinking and selfless actions earned him recognition from the city and Governor Mike DeWine. Watch Dorian’s story here.
Christi Paul, Ralph Gamber, Megan Dwyer, Meredith Homerick, Mike Parks
Meredith Homerick, Meggan Dwyer, Janel Micsky, Ralph Gamber, Shaun Laubis, Jessica Pressley (Lake County): These everyday heroes saved a man from a burning car on Interstate 90. Witnessing the accident, they quickly dragged the driver away from the fire, provided medical assistance, and ensured his safety until emergency services arrived. Their selfless actions prevented a potentially tragic outcome. Watch this heroic story here.
Christi Paul, Matthew Certain, Mike Parks
Matthew Certain (Lake County): Uber driver Matthew Certain rescued an elderly woman from a house fire in Mentor. Noticing flames coming from a garage, he parked his car and alerted the resident, ensuring her safe escape. His timely intervention likely prevented a tragic outcome, and he stayed with the woman until emergency services arrived. Watch Matthew’s story here.
BM2 Luke A. Finnel, MK3 Hector Salcedo Jr., BM3 T. Dylan W. Thompson, BM1 Adam R. Chinski
BM1 Adam R. Chinski, BM3 T. Dylan W. Thompson, BM2 Luke A. Finnel, MK3 Hector Salcedo Jr. (Lake Erie off Avon Point): Coast Guard members conducted a daring rescue in 8-foot seas on Lake Erie. They safely transported the master of a disabled sailing vessel caught in severe thunderstorms, ensuring his safety and planning to recover the vessel once weather conditions improved. Watch our Coast Guard story here.
Blood Hero Award Winners 2025
Harlan Diamond
Harlan Diamond, of blessed memory | 1934-2025 (Cuyahoga County): Harlan Diamond was a significant supporter of the Red Cross, hosting large annual blood drives at his venue, Landerhaven. His dedication to supporting the Red Cross included providing food and facilities for donors and staff, and his legacy continues to be honored posthumously.
Paul Wadowick
Paul Wadowick (Ashtabula County): Paul Wadowick, a long-time volunteer and blood donor ambassador, continues to champion blood donation while battling cancer. He has been instrumental in running successful blood drives through his Knights of Columbus role in Geneva, encouraging new donors with his story and dedication. Watch Paul’s story here.
Additionally, the Red Cross presented the 2025 Clara Barton Mission Award to Linda Uveges and the inaugural Lorainne Dodero Community Leader Award to Higley Construction. Read their stories below:
Christi Paul, Linda Uveges, Mike Parks
Linda Uveges, Chief Executive Officer of The City Mission has dedicated her life and career to serving Christ by loving and advocating for those who are hurting and underserved. She believes that every person is made in the image of God and is passionate about extending His love to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Cleveland. More than just leadership, her work is a calling—to bring hope, restoration, and the truth of the gospel to those in need.
Her journey with The City Mission began in 2003 as a volunteer, simply seeking to serve as Christ calls His people to do. That step of obedience grew into a lifelong mission, and she officially joined the staff in 2005. Over the years, she has had the privilege of serving in multiple roles, including Security Staff Supervisor, Laura’s Home Program Manager, and Chief Operating Officer. In 2021, she became CEO, where she now leads with a commitment to honoring Christ in all aspects of the Mission’s work, stewarding resources well, and ensuring that every person who walks through the doors encounters His love and grace.
Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Administration and Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from Cleveland State University, equipping her with the strategic and organizational expertise to lead with wisdom and purpose.
She is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland, and the recipient of various awards including the 2023 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Top Executive Award, 2023 Crain’s Smart 50 Awards Class Honoree, 2023 Smart 50 Impact Award, 2022 Smart Women Awards Honoree, and 2021 Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Nonprofit Executive of the Year.
ABOUT THE CITY MISSION
Serving Cleveland since 1910, The City Mission has provided vital resources to those who need it most. The City Mission actively meets the needs of those experiencing homelessness and goes even further by supplying resources, support programs, and mental health services to take a family in crisis to one with hope and a brighter future.
Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center and Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center go beyond a place to sleep and three meals a day. When a man, woman or child in crisis enters their doors, each receives an entire support system. With individualized, Christ-centered, compassionate care to heal from trauma, identify the root causes that led them to poverty, and access to supportive and educational resources, men and women who graduate from these programs achieve stable income and housing, thus breaking the cycle of poverty for their families.
By compassionately restoring individuals in crisis, The City Mission strives to be a catalyst for positive change in Cleveland resulting in the radical transformation of individuals and communities for generations to come.
Since its founding 100 years ago by Albert M. Higley, Sr., Higley Construction has built a legacy of excellence. Established in 1925, Higley Construction quickly gained recognition in the industry, completing significant science and research facilities for institutions like the Case School of Applied Science and Hiram College. By the 1930s, the company expanded beyond Ohio, undertaking projects from Buffalo to Indianapolis. During World War II, Higley Construction played a pivotal role in the war effort, constructing key defense projects, including the region’s largest wartime facility for Cleveland Pneumatic Aerol and the U.S. Coast Guard Cleveland Station. Today, Higley Construction operates from offices in Cleveland, OH; Akron, OH; Detroit, MI; Pittsburgh, PA; and Morristown, NJ.
Higley Construction’s legacy extends beyond construction through a deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy. Founder Albert M. Higley, Sr. was an active leader in Cleveland’s civic and business community, serving on various boards such as the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross. His son, Albert M. Higley, Jr., carried this tradition forward, leading the company from 1967 and alongside his wife Beverly, established the Higley Fund in 1994 to support local organizations. A third generation of Higley leadership, Bruce Higley, was instrumental in shaping the company’s modern era, all while upholding the long standing Higley family commitment to community engagement.
Today, the Higley family’s philanthropic legacy continues through Sharon Higley Watts, a member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle, and the Higley Fund. The family foundation is a Chairman’s Council member, recognizing their significant contributions of over $1,000,000 in cumulative giving. Separately, Higley Construction remains committed to supporting community initiatives, including the Red Cross Cup and the Hero Awards, with leadership from Executive Vice President Dan Sehlhorst.
Rich Colarik knows his way around a knife. He’s been a butcher for nearly four decades. But you can never be too careful. He learned that the hard way, when a knife he was holding slipped from his hand and severed his femoral artery a couple of inches above the knee.
Chris Colarik, left, Red Cross Regional COO TIm O’toole, and Rich Colarik
Fortunately for Rich, he was with his family, including his son Chris, a Madison middle school teacher in Lake County, Ohio, who has received a certificate for First Aid training from the American Red Cross.
As blood began to flow from the wound, Chris took action. He called 9-1-1 and sent his 8 year-old son, Easton, to retrieve a belt. He then used the belt Rich had been wearing to fashion a tourniquet and slow the bleeding.
The Colarik Family
“Chris remembers that his hands were turning white by how hard he was holding the belt,” said his wife, Melissa. She also said the siren from the ambulance was one of the best sounds he’d ever heard.
As the responders applied a proper tourniquet, Rich began to experience shock. “Chris smacked him in the face and held his head and said, ‘stay with me’,” said Melissa. Rich was then loaded into the ambulance and taken to a hospital for emergency surgery.
He has since recovered.
Melissa said, “With my husband’s knowledge and training from his Red Cross certification he was able to save his father’s life.”
Lifesaving Award
Chris was presented with a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action, which is awarded to individuals who step up in an emergency and help save or sustain a life using lifesaving skills. “This award is bestowed upon individuals who stepped-up during an emergency,” said Tim O’Toole, Regional COO of the Red Cross of Northern Ohio. “These recipients truly embody the mission and values of the American Red Cross.”
Madison Firefighter Mike Maskal, Chris Colarik, Easton Colarik, Rich Colarik, Madison Fire Lieutenant Mike Brewer
The Lifesaving Award was presented at Madison Fire District Station 3, where Rich was reunited with two of the firefighters who responded that day – Mike Maskal and Lieutenant Mike Brewer.
It was a heartwarming reunion.
Get Trained
Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.
Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer
Regional Red Cross executive reflects on most recent deployment
By Todd James, Executive Director, American Red Cross of North Central Ohio
Todd James in Iowa, June, 2024
I recently returned from a disaster relief operation in southwest Iowa, an area devastated by massive flooding in June. You’re probably trying to remember if you had heard about flooding in Iowa. You probably did, it was big news for a few days. But as is always the case, something else happened and the news moved on to cover the story of the day. Well, the cameras and reporters may have moved on, but for the people of Siouxland, as they call the region, moving on will be a long, hard process. I am so proud of the American Red Cross responders who left their own homes, jobs and families to rush into the devastation to offer shelter, comfort and hope, and I am honored that I had the opportunity to serve with them.
A month after the flood waters receded, with the help of the Red Cross, the community was able to focus on long-term recovery. What does that look like? It’s different for every family but all will need the help of many partners, non-profits, governmental agencies and the business community, working together. Our Red Cross long-term recovery team will continue to collaborate with these partners, helping and guiding them on how to come together to best serve those on the road to recovery.
The Red Cross is responding to nearly twice as many large disasters as we did a decade ago to help families and communities struggling with more frequent and intense disasters. In 2023 alone, the U.S. experienced an all-time high of 28 billion-dollar plus disasters that ravaged communities and forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee from severe storms, floods and wildfires.
This was my 41st disaster deployment and I have seen first-hand how disasters are happening more frequently and causing more damage. There is no more down time between big disasters, time when our responders can catch their breath, come home and focus on the great work the Red Cross is doing in their community. Now we are constantly responding to these large-scale disasters, as well as the thousands of home fires, storms and other disasters that happen every day but don’t make the headlines.
To equitably meet the growing and unique needs of disaster-affected families and communities, the Red Cross is enhancing our large-scale disaster response and recovery services, expanding financial assistance, strengthening local partner networks, and growing our disaster workforce. This effort includes fortifying the critical infrastructure and technology that enables 24/7 response to disasters across the country.
The need to help during disasters has never been greater. Please, join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Help people affected by disasters big and small, including climate-driven crises, by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Our volunteers are at the heart of our mission and represent 90% of our workforce. Click here to sign up for opportunities to help. To help make sure your family and community are ready for a disaster before it happens, click here.
Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer
Giving those in need “a hug, a smile, and some hope”
By Jim McIntyre, Regional Communications Director
Monica Bunner describes herself as “something of an adrenaline junkie.”
That’s a reasonable explanation for her willingness to go anywhere the American Red Cross is needed following a disaster. She said she’s not a “sit at the desk type of gal,” but needs to be physically involved.
Monica’s volunteer career with the Red Cross began in 2017. She was watching Hurricane Harvey unfold and felt she had to do something. She deployed to Houston to help, but not with the Red Cross. Not that time.
“A cause I already supported also needed help,” she said. That cause was Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. She was stationed at NRG Center, taking care of pets when she saw Red Cross workers helping people who needed shelter, and thought, “If I’m not doing the animals, maybe I can do the people thing.”
When she returned to Northeast Ohio, Monica began training to become a Red Cross disaster responder. She has helped people following home fires, installed smoke alarms, and assisted at fundraising events. And she began to deploy to help people who needed shelter following major disasters, such as flooding in southern Ohio, Hurricane Ian in Florida, and the devastating Maui wildfires in Hawaii.
Red cross volunteers Randy Liang and Monica Bunner in Maui, Hawaii
“I always wanted to make a difference, to work with communities, to give people some direction, a hug and a smile, and some hope.”
Monica has continued training to expand her skills, and now works primarily with community engagement and partnerships, helping the Red Cross connect with other resources to assist people who have been impacted by disasters. She also helps reunite families who are separated during disasters, and she helped establish Red Cross disaster communications in Puerto Rico.
Fluent in Spanish, Monica was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and emigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was a child. She worked at NASA’s Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, helping recruit and train women in non-traditional fields like science and engineering, and was on the team that recruited the first female U. S. astronauts.
Following her NASA career, Monica opened a real estate brokerage and a home rehabilitation business, noting how she was one of the first “female flippers.” And she has traveled to El Salvador with a church group to help build homes there.
Monica plans to continue connecting with and helping people in need through the Red Cross for the immediate future but admits the time will come to slow her frenetic pace. “This work is very physically, mentally and spiritually demanding,” she said. But it’s also rewarding. “I love the feeling of just connecting with people,” she said.
The Red Cross relies on more than 265,000 volunteers like Monica Bunner to fulfil its mission, and if you’d like to learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer
Semper Gumby: Always flexible. That’s a cherished characteristic of American Red Cross volunteers – and Dave Martaus is Gumby in person.
Dave Martaus, American Red Cross volunteer
“Dave is a key volunteer here at the North Central Ohio chapter. He’s willing to do anything that needs to be done – not just the high-profile, public-facing activities, but even the so-called ‘little things’ that keep an operation running,” said chapter Executive Director Todd James.
A retiree from Marathon Petroleum Corp. in Findlay, where he rose through a series of interesting assignments, Dave has been involved with Red Cross facilities maintenance, logistics, disaster response and support for our armed forces.
“Cheryl Wolfe (operations manager for the chapter) always has a list of things for me to do,” he said with a chuckle. Recently, he assembled a couple of new filing cabinets for the office. “Wasn’t something I’d ever done before, but it was interesting.
“When Lora Taylor (disaster program manager) came on board, we needed to account for our disaster trailers. So we brought all four trailers from around the chapter to a vacant garage here in Findlay and emptied all the contents,” he recalled. “We laid all the stuff out; it looked like a giant garage sale.”
He and his co-workers sorted the contents and repacked the trailers with the right number of cots, blankets, comfort kits and other supplies that would be needed in case of a major disaster. He said it was interesting, getting familiar with what’s involved in preparing for a big response.
Dave appreciates the variety of volunteer opportunities within the Red Cross. “I’ve thought about possibly getting involved with blood services,” he said. “I know they need people to transport blood (from blood drives to the blood processing center in Cleveland and from there to hospitals). I could do that.”
Dave Martaus is one of the more than 265,000 Red Cross volunteers that we’re saluting during Volunteer week. But their selflessness is invaluable all year round.
If you’d like to find out more about the many volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, please click here for more information.
Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer
Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer
Millions of Northern Ohio residents and hundreds of thousands of visitors will look to the sky through dark glasses on April 8, and the American Red Cross is preparing.
In doing so, Red Cross volunteers and staff throughout Northern Ohio, especially the disaster Assistance Team (DAT), are employing several of their greatest strengths: their experience and dedication, relationships with partner organizations and flexibility.
Preparation is needed. In addition to the eclipse and NASA’s broadcast from the Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland will host the NCAA Women’s Final Four on April 5 and Championship on April 7. The Cleveland Guardians’ home opener is on the 8th.
While estimates fluctuate, the number of expected visitors is up to 500,000, in addition to the 7.2 million Ohioans who live within the path of totality. The entire region will be crowded, especially downtown Cleveland. Other locations face unique challenges, such as Avon Lake, which will have the longest period of totality.
I spoke with two people leading the preparations. Emma Banton, Regional Readiness Program Manager for Northern Ohio, and Piet Hagenaars, Disaster Program Manager for Northeast Ohio. Both are exceptionally experienced in crisis and emergency management.
The entire Northern Ohio Region Red Cross team has garnered considerable preparedness experience. Emma mentioned seven shelters were operated in our region over the past year, including our largest in over 20 years in Cleveland.
Emma, whose focus is all of Northern Ohio, said, “Each chapter will have at least one shelter team on call from April 5 through 9, while the Northeast and North Central Ohio chapters will each have two shelter teams standing by. Each chapter will also have one canteen team ready for any safety forces that may request refreshments during a response, like a home fire.”
“A Red Cross representative will also be deployed at the Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC),” said Piet, “And we are prepared to work with other county offices as needed.”
As home fires will still occur–the Red Cross responds to an average of more than three per day in our region–DAT crews will also be ready. Depending on traffic, crowds and logistics, they may respond virtually. In fact, home fires are a major reason shelters need to be ready. Should a family need a safe place to stay, hotels are fully booked.
Emma and Piet both stressed the importance of preparation, which can be difficult when we do not know where an incident may occur. Considerations include maintaining communication and having fully fueled vehicles should access to gas stations become limited. Emma has also supported the region’s chapter Disaster Program managers and specialists as they updated shelter agreements and ensured readiness.
Emma added that the Disaster Program managers and specialists in all five of our region’s chapters are working diligently to ensure we are fully prepared.
Piet also finds inspiration from other crisis managers, like one who remarked he would never apologize for being over-prepared, and others who pointed out normal rules and expectations often do not apply in a crisis.
Finally, both are looking forward to enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime event. But when and where help will be needed, they are ensuring that the Red Cross is ready.
When is a chain stronger with a flexible link? When it’s the American Red Cross chain that gets vital blood and blood products from donors to recipients.
I’ve blogged about almost all of the links in that life-saving chain: donors who generously volunteer to give the liquid of life; phlebotomists who skillfully, patiently drain that blood from donors’ arms; trained lab technicians who test blood for safety and for unique characteristics that will match with recipients.
Chris Chmura, a Red Cross volunteer delivering lifesaving blood
But that only takes the blood and blood products so far. How does blood get to hospitals where it’s needed for trauma victims, surgery patients and folks being treated for cancer, sickle cell disease and other conditions?
That’s the flexible link in this chain of life. Volunteer Red Cross blood transportation specialists cover this last mile.
“Our blood collection and distribution system would stall without our transportation specialists,” said Alayah Ross, who supervises drivers out of the Cleveland Red Cross blood center.
Alayah Ross supervises drivers out of the Red Cross blood center in Cleveland
“This is ideal for someone who enjoys driving and would like to be involved in a really meaningful activity,” she said.
“And one of the perks of the job is that it’s flexible. We ask for one to four trips a month; we need drivers during the day, in the evening and on weekends, so we work hard to match trips with our volunteers’ own schedules.”
Currently, the Red Cross needs volunteers to drive blood from blood collection sites to the lab in Cleveland for testing and processing, and to deliver blood products to hospitals around northern Ohio.
If you have a valid state driver’s license and at least three years of licensed driving experience, you can choose regular routes, stand-by emergency deliveries or both. This is a great volunteer opportunity for couples, friends or family members.
If you’d like to help hospital patients who need blood and blood products during their battle back to health, click here for more information.
Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer
Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer
Gary Pfeiffer, of Wharton, Ohio, has donated nearly 35 gallons of blood. “I don’t make a big deal about it, it’s just another milestone for me. Once I got close, I started counting and keeping track,” said Pfeiffer.
Gary Pfeiffer, blood donor
Gary began donating blood more than 40 years ago, when a friend asked him if he had ever thought about it. When she suggested it to him, he thought that it would be something good to do, to help others.
He has donated at Red Cross blood drives throughout North Central Ohio, in Hardin County, Hancock County and Wyandot County.
And having O-positive blood, the most transfused type, Gary has had the opportunity to save many lives over the years. He has donated double red cells several times, which requires a longer wait time between donations.
Gary reached his 25-gallon donation a little over 9 gallons ago, at a drive in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He says, “Christ gave His blood for everyone, the least I can do is help a few.” He plans on donating as long as he is able.
“I have gotten many little extras along the way, including my first pin, a set of 4 pins that when put together, make a red cross in the middle, a key chain, the document of my first donation, the original stick pin and gifts awarded with donations.”
“My wife made me a framed display of my pins, in the shape of a blood drop, which includes the stick pin, set of pins and key chain,” said Pfeiffer.
Pfeiffer Christmas tree
Gary and his wife Bettie create a different themed tree for Christmas every year. Last year, he said, “We chose to use my goal towards the 35 gallons of blood for our theme. Some drops are only partially viewable but there are 35 blood drops on the tree.”
Because his last donation was a Power Red donation (double red blood cells), Gary won’t be eligible to donate before this spring. But he plans to make his donation appointment as soon as he is eligible.
You can make an appointment to donate whole blood, Power Red or platelets by visiting redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. You can also make you appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer
The holiday season is upon us and for some, decorations are already trimming their homes. While December is known as the most wonderful time of the year, it’s also the peak time for home fires.
The American Red Cross has put together some simple safety tips to help protect your home and family.
Opt for battery-operated candles. If you do use candles, never leave burning candles unattended and keep them away from anything that can burn. Make sure to keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
Inspect all holiday light cords to make sure they aren’t broken or frayed. Avoid stringing too many strands of lights together. You should not have more than three light strings per extension cord.
Make sure all outdoor decorations are made for outdoor use. Fasten lights securely to your home, trees and bushes. If you’re using any metal fasteners, like hooks or nails, make sure they are insulated to help prevent electrocution or fire hazard.
If you have anartificial tree or garland, check for a fire-resistant label. Keep them away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.
If you plan to get a live tree, test its needles to make sure it is fresh. Bend the needles on the tree up and down to make sure no needles fall off. Make sure to water the tree regularly to prevent it from drying out.
Don’t hang stockings or decorations on the mantel if you plan to light the fireplace.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Test your alarms once a month and replace the batteries at least once per year. Additionally, you should practice your two-minute fire safety plan with everyone in your household.
If you cannot afford smoke alarms or aren’t physically able to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. You can request a smoke alarm from the Northern Ohio Region of the Red Cross here.
NOHredcross 