Twelve Days of Holiday Safety from the Metro Atlanta Red Cross

 

Twelve Days of Holiday Safety from the Metro Atlanta Red Cross

In the spirit of the season, the American Red Cross offers 12 holiday safety tips 

With last-minute gifts to buy, social events to attend and family and friends to visit while the weather outside is frightful, the American Red Cross has 12 days of health and safety tips to make the holiday season safe, happy and bright.  

1.      Prepare your vehicle for traveling to grandmother’s house. Make an emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type), compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, tow rope.  

2.      Drive your sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm, but if you must, keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, route and when you expect to arrive.  

3.      Help prevent the spread of the flu. Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Use sanitizing wipes to disinfect hard surfaces such as airplane tray tables, luggage handles, cell phones, door handles and seat armrests. 

4.      Prevent hypothermia by following Santa’s lead. Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. 

5.      Use a Red Cross-trained babysitter when attending holiday festivities. Red Cross-certified babysitters learn to administer basic first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when needed; monitor safe play and actively engage your child; and some may be certified in Infant and Child CPR.  

6.      Avoid danger while roasting chestnuts over an open fire. Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking and be alert. Keep anything flammable—such as potholders, towels or curtains—away from your stove top. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried. 

7.      Be a lifesaver during the holidays and always. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED. Your local Red Cross chapter has conveniently scheduled courses and can have you trained and certified in a few hours. 

 8.      Designate a driver or skip the holiday cheer. When you designate a driver who won’t be drinking, you help make sure a good party doesn’t turn into a tragedy. A good host ensures there are non-alcoholic beverages available for drivers. The designated driver should not drink any alcoholic beverages, not even one.  

9.       When the weather outside is frightful, heat your home safely. Never use your stove or oven to heat your home. Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month. 

10.   Cut down on your heating bills without being a Grinch. Get your furnace cleaned by a professional; change the filters regularly. Make sure heat vents aren’t blocked by furniture. Close off any rooms you aren’t using and close heat vents or turn off radiators in those rooms. Use either insulating tape or caulking strips to surround your windows and door moldings. Put up storm windows or storm doors to keep the cold out.  

11.   Don’t move a muscle, until they buckle. Each person in your vehicle should have their seatbelts securely fastened before driving off. Ensure children are buckled up and their car seats are installed appropriately based on their age and size. Children 12 and under should always sit in the backseat. 

12.   Resolve to Be Red Cross Ready in the New Year. You can take one or more actions to prepare now, should you or your family face an emergency in 2010.

Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.
Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday from the Atlanta Red Cross. 

Visit www.atlantaredcross.org  to learn more about the Metro Atlanta Red Cross and the services they provide to our community.

Give Blood – Save Lives

 

I have worked for the Red Cross for quite awhile– 14 years– and I’ve always taken pride in the fact that we help people to surmount the many challenges that they face in everyday life– i.e. disaster, medical emergencies and various health issues. Recently, however, I gained an even greater appreciation for the American Red Cross and the life-changing impact that it has on everyday people.

This week, my aunt was discharged from the hospital after undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia. As anyone knows who has had chemo. or who is associated with someone who has had to deal with chemo. it is at once a lifesaver and a bane. One of the side effects of my aunt’s treatment was the inability of her body to produce adequate numbers of blood platelets, which comprise the portion of the blood that helps to slow bleeding from wounds. Long story short, my aunt got the matched platelets that ultimately saved her life. Her benefactor was none other than—you guessed it— the American Red Cross.

So, take a look at the video and think about my aunt and the thousands of others who will get a  another chance to spend time with loved ones.

Here’s hoping that you will consider giving the “Gift of Life.”

Give The Gift That Saves The Day

Give the Gift That Saves the Day Through Your American Red Cross.

A Disaster Movie That Really Makes You Think

 

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I went to see the movie “2012″ over the weekend and boy was it a thrill ride!!! I took my 12-year-old son to see the movie and I couldn’t tell who was having more fun– him or me. From earthquakes to tsunamis and car wrecks to flaming fireballs falling from the sky– this movie has it all!!! Sort of reminded me of the 70’s disaster flicks (I’m dating myself) which seemed to run consecutively and had the public mesmerized. The movie simply asks “how would the governments of the world prepare 6 billion people for the end of the world?” Though the movie was just that– a movie– it did remind me of the importance of disaster preparedness and the fact that, as Red Crossers, we strive to prepare everyone for all types of disasters– from major to minor to in between.

 If you’d like to get more info. on preparing for disaster go to www.redcross.org

Frying a Thanksgiving Turkey? Be Careful.

 

Holiday turkey frying has become immensely popular over the past few years.  Though many people swear that fried gobbler trumps the baked version any day of the week, there are a few safety tips that you should observe should you choose to give your bird a holiday dip. According to Underwriters Laboratory, Inc. (UL), which is an independent product safety certification organization, you should adhere to the following guidelines when frying your turkey:

If you absolutely must use a turkey fryer, here are some tips for safer use:

• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors, located a safe distance from buildings and flammable material.
• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
• Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don’t watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. After use, continue to exercise extreme caution as the oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot for hours.
• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don’t mix and water can cause oil to spill over, starting a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.
• Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Remember to use your best judgment when attempting to fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call 9-1-1 for help.

For more tips and Red Cross fires safety information go to www.redcross.org

Red Cross Leader’s Holiday Giving Message

A Tropical Storm… In November !?!?

 

 

 

 

Hurricane Season Is Not Quite Over Yet_After All
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Ida which has sustained winds of 70 mph and is weakening. Ida is currently located about 270 miles south-southwest of Pensacola, Fl. Ida is moving toward the north-northwest at 17 mph and may make landfall on the central Gulf coast sometime before sunrise tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. Following landfall, Ida will make a turn toward the east and move along/near the southern Georgia/northern Florida border.  

Rainfall totals from Ida are forecast to be sufficient to produce some flooding in northern and central Georgia. The current two-day rainfall totals – which will mostly fall between 7:00 am Tuesday and 1:00 am Wednesday – range from four to six inches with isolated higher totals. The rainfall totals expected from Ida have prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a Flash Flood Watch for northern and central Georgia that is valid from late tonight through early Wednesday. The watch area is generally north of a line from Columbus to Macon to Warrenton. The highest rainfall totals are anticipated from Carrollton to metro Atlanta to Gainesville. Lesser amounts (1” – 2”) are forecast for southern portions of the state.

The rainfall from Ida will cause creeks and streams to rapidly rise Tuesday producing minor flooding. Minor flooding along main-stem rivers is possible. Areas most likely to experience flooding include the mountainous areas of the north and metro Atlanta. No major or widespread significant flooding is anticipated at this time, however all are urged to maintain a close watch on flood prone areas and monitor the system’s progress via their local NWS office.

Winds
Tropical Storm Ida will be making landfall along the Gulf coast tomorrow morning and moving eastward toward southwest and southern Georgia on Tuesday and through the state on Wednesday. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) the highest probabilities for tropical storm force winds (39-73 mph) exist in southwest Georgia where probabilities range from 50 to 60 percent. Accordingly, the NWS has issued a Tropical Storm Wind Watch for portion of southwest Georgia. At this time, no major long-term sustained wind event is anticipated in Georgia; however, low-end tropical storm force winds will be possible on Tuesday which may produce sporadic power outages and potentially downed trees.

Tornadoes
As Tropical Storm Ida moves eastward into southern Georgia on Tuesday and Wednesday, a minor chance for some isolated / weak / brief tornadoes exists. The most likely location for potential tornadoes will be far southern Georgia from the Georgia-Alabama border to the Georgia coast. At this time, the Storm Prediction Center has NOT issued a slight or higher risk for severe thunderstorms.

Summary
Heavy rain will affect most of central and north Georgia from Tuesday through Wednesday morning. Local emergency management officials should monitor flood prone areas for problems, although widespread major flooding is unlikely. The State Operations Center will be partially activated as of 5:00 am Tuesday and all Emergency Support Functions are on alert if needed. Various state agencies are also monitoring any potential fuel supply issues as well. Currently, no major fuel disruptions are expected.

(Source: Georgia Emergency Management Agency (G.E.M.A))

The 2009 Atlanta Floods: A Red Crosser’s Reflections

Red Cross shelter volunteers (day shift) with Atlanta Falcon Jamal Anderson (center)

 

Just now wrapping up 3 weeks of  almost ’round the clock Red Cross public affairs flood duty. Although the last 21 days– give or take— are a blur, there are some very poignant and powerful moments, events and people who we won’t  soon forget. We’ve listed a few of them below:

-The many thousands of  Red Cross clients who turned to the Red Cross as a  post- flood lifeline and who managed to stay hopeful and encouraged that things would get better.

-The Cobb Civic Center shelter visit by Vice President Joe Biden who proclaimed that  “The Red Cross is doing God’s work.”

-The visit to the Cobb Civic Center shelter by Atlanta Falcon Jamal Anderson, who provided gift cards to shelter residents; “Twinkles” the Clown and representatives from the Build-A-Bear toy company who provided a temporary escape for our smallest shelter residents; representatives from Best Buy Electronics company who set up two flat screen TVs so that shelter residents could stay abreast of the latest flood relief information; the procession of media representatives who told the heartrending stories of our shelter residents and of the work that Red Cross volunteers were doing to help them to recover.

-Our government and community partners who helped us to meet  the needs of our friends and neighbors who were displaced by historic flooding.

-Lastly, the 800+ Red Cross volunteers who put their lives on hold to travel from far and near so that they could  help complete strangers when they needed it most.

In retrospect, we consider it an honor to be affiliated with an organization like the Red Cross– an organization which embodies and showcases the very best qualities of humankind. We also marvel at the dexterity with which Red Cross volunteers— the best of the best— are able to launch and sustain a disaster relief operation and inject hope into the lives of  those who’ve lost most if not all of their worldly possessions. In closing, we tried to think of an analogy that would do justice to the Atlanta flood relief effort and we think that we came up with a pretty good one-

Witnessing the  Red Cross flood  relief operation was like listening to a well led and highly skilled  symphony orchestra. Each volunteer knew his/her role or responsibility and each function, whether it was Mass Care, Disaster Assessment, Partner Services, Client Services, Disaster Mental Health, Logistics or Public Affairs, contributed to the smooth and systematic evolution of the disaster relief operation. The result was a harmonious delivery of service which served to calm, to soothe and give hope to those who suffered through one of the worst  disasters in recent memory.

To Red Cross clients we wish you the very best of luck as you begin your march on the path to recovery. To our partners and benefactors we offer a heartfelt “thank you.”  To our Red Cross volunteers we leave you with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said that “a man has not truly begun to live until he can rise above the narrow confines of self- concern to the broader concerns of all humanity.” Each of you have and continue to live out those words. Until next time…

 

Red Cross will Transition Cobb Shelter Thursday

Red Cross volunteer Jill Bellinson discusses recovery resources with shelter resident Victorine Donahue at the Cobb County Civic Center.

In week three of the American Red Cross flood relief operation in metro Atlanta, caseworkers at the Cobb County Civic Center shelter continue to meet with families on a case-by-case basis to evaluate their disaster-caused needs, to make referrals to government and community resources and to provide emergency assistance.

By Thursday morning, when the Red Cross transitions the property back to Cobb County government and closes its shelter operation at the Center, the goal is to ensure that every resident has a recovery plan in place.

 “We’re doing everything possible to connect people with the resources they need to take that first, big step toward recovery – securing a place to live,” says Fran O’Shaughnessy, director of the Red Cross flood relief operation in metro Atlanta. “A Red Cross shelter is a short-term haven where people get emergency care, regroup, and then move on with their lives. We’re there to provide encouragement and support at every step along the way.”

 To date, the American Red Cross has opened eight shelters in North Georgia, sheltered nearly 500 people  (2,817 overnight stays), served 42,604 meals and 55,720 snacks, and distributed 7,594 clean-up and comfort kits. The Cobb County Civic Center, site of the busiest and last remaining Red Cross shelter, had 133 residents this morning, down from more than 300 residents at its peak. Vice President Joe Biden visited the shelter on September 25 and told Red Cross workers they were “doing God’s work.”

 Shelter resident Victorine Donahue, Woodstock, agrees. She came to the shelter after the first floor of the building she lives in was flooded and became unsafe. “Red Cross volunteers try to make it possible for you to get whatever help you need – they give you a start. “

According to O’Shaughnessy, any shelter client working with a Red Cross caseworker by Thursday will continue to find help for their emergency needs once the Cobb Civic Center shelter closes. “I want to assure the community and our residents that The Red Cross is still here for them,” she said.  

Disasters Change Lives, You Can Too: Here’s How to Help

Floods are among the most costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. You can help those affected by the floods by making a donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund today.  Your gift will be used to provide food, clothing, shelter, emotional support, and other emergency needs. 

 Help people affected by disasters like the current floods by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org

Nashville Star, Eric Lee Beddingfield, visit’s Red Cross shelter

Written and photographed by: Danelle Schlegelmilch, deployed to do Public Affairs for this disaster relief operation, from the Heartland Chapter in Omaha, NE.

This is country music sensation Eric Lee Beddingfield.
Eric is a Georgia boy who lives in Nashville now.
When he heard about the floods that ripped through his home state he wanted to help.
They drove up overnight in their tour bus to be at our shelter Saturday morning to meet people affected by the floods.
Eric and Chuck (bass player) toured the shelter and spoke with some of our guests who are still displaced almost 2 weeks later. 
The night before we had around 120 people in our cobb civic center shelter
a lot of them were families with small children.
Both our staff, FEMA and shelter residents were excited to meet Eric and Chuck and it seemed to brighten their day.
They thought it is cool that he is from Georgia and will be doing a benefit show for the Red Cross and Georgia flood victims in Nashville on Oct. 16.
Both Eric and Chuck were awesome and said how eye opening the experience was.
Eric said he is going to go back to Nashville and rally his country music troops to help these people.
They are also going to use the photos, videos and stories I have been gathering to show at the benefit show.
Thanks for being so rad guys!
It was a pleasure meeting you and being your tour guide/Red Cross escort.
Best of luck and please share these stories.
The more people know that floods arent gone when the water is, the more help we can get the survivors.