Posts Tagged ‘red cross’

The Cost of Not Being Prepared for Fires

January 3rd, 2010

Not being prepared for fires can be costly. Are you wondering how much it costs other agencies to help families recover from a fire? Alison Bono of the Mid-Michigan American Red Cross says:

“For a family of four it costs us about a thousand dollars to help them get back on their feet with prescriptions and clothes and a voucher in the hotel.”

And as the cold continues, Bono admits she’s concerned.

“Due to the economic climate here in Michigan, we’re very worried. We’re worried about the people that are using alternative methods to heat their homes and maybe not safe methods, you know, so I think we’re going to see an increase in home fires and apartment fires.”

The American Red Cross is unable to help everyone after a fire, and so is the government. Bono explained in her interview with WLNS that the Red Cross’ budget is tight, which means that some residents will have to rely on themselves.

You can prepare to recoup after a fire now, by learning fire safety tips and techniques, and by having emergency kits in your home and car should you need to evacuate. The education and kits will cost you much less than one thousand dollars, the cost to get a hotel room, eat out and buy other necessities due to fire loss. 

Source:
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=11664358

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Disaster Preparedness Classes

January 2nd, 2010

The severe winter weather across many states is prompting individuals and organizations alike to make emergency preparedness a priority. The need for emergency kits is higher than ever before, but practicing how to use those skills and how to carry out plans for emergencies is just as important. That’s where a disaster preparedness class may come in handy, and they’re being offered by various chapters of the American Red Cross. WVUA reports:

The American Red Cross holds disaster preparedness classes and has plenty of flyers with information. Robyn Alexander, a volunteer at the West Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross, said safety comes down to practice, and like the saying goes, practice makes perfect.

Alexander advised people to have a plan in place for severe weather and to have drills at their home to make sure everyone knows what to do. “Keep repeating it, just keep practicing as a family,” Alexander explained, “that way, if something should happen, instead of being so stressed out and so worried, you’ll be calm. You’ll have all your resources together.”

Is a chapter of the American Red Cross in your area holding a disaster preparedness class? It may be worth attending, even if you’re charged for the course.

Source:
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20091208/WVUA01/912089956/1186/LIVING05?Title=Severe-Weather-Preparedness

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Families Get Prepared for Disasters

December 31st, 2009

The Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross is urging residents to prepare now for severe weather storms. It’s important to note that no one, including federal and state government officials, are recommending families to wait around for and rely on the government to bring relief. Instead, every agency is warning individuals to gear up with what they need to survive a natural disaster, by getting emergency kits for their home, vehicles, workplace and school.

“By preparing together for winter storms, we can make our families safer and our communities stronger,” said Executive Director Nancy Blaschak. “We can help you and your family create a disaster preparedness plan now, before our community is threatened by dangerously low temperatures, snow, ice and strong winds.”

Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing… Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.

There’s no excuse for not taking the steps now to protect you and your family. Pay attention to the warnings, and take the simple step of purchasing at least a home survival kit to get started.

Source:
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/Red-Cross-urges-residents-to-prepare

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Strategies for Winter Preparedness

December 12th, 2009

The American Red Cross is doing all that it can to warn people about the importance of winter preparedness.  Beyond issuing a reminder that winter storms can present an unexpected emergency for those traveling, as well as power outages for those staying at home, the Red Cross has recommendations for winter preparedness:

Follow these tips to stay safe and warm during the storm:

  • Do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.
  • Don’t forget your pets — bring them indoors. If you can’t bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.

Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must…

  • Have in the car an emergency preparedness kit, including ice scraper and brush, boots, gloves or mittens, blanket or sleeping bag, show shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, metal or plastic cup, first aid kit, jumper cables, granola or candy bars, sand or cat litter for tire traction, red-colored cloth to alert rescuers, flares, reflectors, cellular phone, and cell phone charger.

The list is a good reminder to think about your pets as well this winter. What extra steps do you need to take to ensure their safety if a winter storm comes your way? A pet survival kit is convenient and a good idea to have on hand for winter and other emergencies.

Source:

http://www.shakopeenews.com/news/general_news/tis_season_winter_weather_survival_tips-112

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Red Cross Recommendations for Winter Preparedness

December 12th, 2009

The Kansas Chapter of the American Red Cross has put out a list of recommendations for winter preparedness. They recommend emergency kits for your home and vehicle, but also they provide specific recommendations for making plans and staying informed, including:

Make a Winter Storm Plan:

  • Be prepared to shelter at home in case of severe weather.  Have additional food and water stored to last seven to fourteen days.
  • Have extra blankets on hand.
  • Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, and water-resistant boots.
  • Have your vehicle winterized before the weather gets severe.
  • Decide how you would communicate with your family members should you be separated and unable to travel when a winter storm hits.

Be Informed:

  • Learn how you would receive information from local officials should hazardous winter weather affect your neighborhood.
  • Know the difference between a winter storm WATCH (a winter storm is possible in your area) and a winter storm WARNING (a winter storm is headed for your area).
  • Consider getting first aid and CPR training in case you need to respond in an emergency before professionals arrive on the scene.

You can incorporate many of these tips for your overall emergency preparedness plans. However, make sure that you have on hand what you need to stay prepared during the winter months.

Source:

http://www.kwch.com/Global/story.asp?S=11634052

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