H1N1 and the School Connection

 

Swine flu has begun to rear it’s ugly head in the state of Georgia. According to the CDC, the southeastern states— Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina— have become a collective hotbed of  Swine Flu activity. Experts further suggest that schools  will become some of the most efficient germ factories in the country, while a poll conducted by the American Red Cross  shows that though a majority of Americans are planning to take precautions against the H1N1 virus, more than a third of parents (39%) have received no flu information from their children’s school or daycare

To protect yourself and your children take the following steps:

• Teach kids by example by showing them proper hand washing techniques.
• Avoid sharing objects such as utensils, cups, and bottles.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands afterwards. If tissue-less, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper arm, not your hands.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs from entering your body.

For more H1N1 prevention info. go to http://redcross.org

2009 Hurricane Season Starts Slowly But Surely

 

Hurricane Warning Flags

The 2009 hurricane season was slow to start but has suddenly erupted  with the emergence of Tropical Storms Ana, Claudette and soon-to-be Hurricane Bill. Though the National Weather Service predicts that an above-normal hurricane season is not likely (10% chance) we should all remember that it only takes one storm to make it a very bad hurricane season and that we should prepare for potential weather emergencies.

Hurricanes Reach Far and Wide

Although hurricanes are coastal storms, they can carry their force inland for hundreds of miles. Heavy rains, flooding and tornadoes add to the damage that hurricanes can cause. For this reason, Georgians should prepare during hurricane season and stay alert for the formation of these powerful storms. 

 How You Can Prepare

• Call your local emergency management  or planning and zoning office to find out if you live in an area that could flood during heavy rains (If you do live in a flood prone area, determine whether you need flood insurance)
• Make a plan- Talk with your family about the types of storms which can result with the passage of hurricanes.
• Stay informed- Listen to local radio and television reports for guidance when disaster threatens
• Build a disaster kit- Include canned food and a can opener, a first aid kit battery powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries and special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.

  For more information go to: 

• American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
• National Weather Service: www.nws.noaa.gov
• Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov

Water, Water, Everywhere!!!

 

A prolonged period of unsettled weather brought heavy rain and isolated severe storms to Georgia during the week of March 22. This trend  continued on Wednesday (April 2) through Thursday (April 3) as additional rainfall set the stage for flood problems in waterlogged portions of the state. 

The Governor has issued a State of Emergency for 16 Georgia counties. They are: Atkinson, Baker, Ben Hill, Brooks, Calhoun, Coffee, Colquitt, Berrien, Decatur, Early, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Tift, Turner and Worth. 

Red Cross volunteers are on the ground in southwest and south central Georgia, monitoring the situation and responding to requests for food, shelter, clean-up supplies and emotional support as they arise.

Preparing for Events, Floods

Know What to Expect

• Know your area’s flood risk–if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
• Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.

Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .

• Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
• Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop

• A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
• A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop

• A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
• A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

Prepare a Family Disaster Plan

• Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing . . .

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
• Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
• Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .

• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

• Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

Non-Profit Partners Push CPR-AED Access for All Georgians

 

– The Cardiac Life Extension and Rescue Coalition (C.L.E.A.R.) in partnership with the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association will conduct a “Train the Legislators” event on Wednesday, March 11, in room 230 of the Georgia State Capitol. Georgia State Representatives and their staff will attend the event, where they will witness a series of instructor-led demonstrations of Adult CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) techniques.

A projected 100 state representatives and their staff will attend the demonstrations which will include interactive lecture and hands-on skill practice using Adult CPR manikins. All participants will learn Adult CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) skills to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies. The demonstrations will highlight the importance for all Georgians to learn CPR, how to used an AED and the need to increase public access to AEDs.

“The C.L.E.A.R. Coalition, the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross and the Georgia House of Representatives want the public to know that everyone has the power to save a life,” said State Representative Bill Hembree, Republican- Douglasville area, and one of the key promoters of the “Train the Legislators” event. “At least one person in every school, every household and on every office floor should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR-AED training,” added Hembree.

On average, it takes first responders ten minutes to arrive on scene of a medical emergency. For someone who is has stopped breathing or is suffering from sudden cardiac arrest that may be too late. The C.L.E.A.R. Coalition, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association and the Georgia House of Representatives believe that CPR training coupled with public access to AEDs can quite possibly mean the difference between life and death for many Georgians.

Red Cross Shelters Hundreds as Flood Waters Threaten

Sunday, March 29, 2009 – The American Red Cross is now focusing its operations in North Dakota and Minnesota on sheltering families displaced by the Red River’s record rise and offering around-the-clock feeding to volunteers who are still filling sandbags.  Though the river appears to have crested, fears remain that waters could rise again later in the week as additional snowfall melts.  Breaches in the levels are also possible, and Red Cross mobile feeding units are supporting the teams who are inspecting the walls of sandbags protecting the area.  The National Weather Service reports water levels could remain high for at least eight more days.

“Our supplies and workers already have been on the ground in North Dakota and Minnesota for a week, but we are getting ready for the long haul,” said Joe Becker, senior vice president of disaster services for the Red Cross “Our President, Gail McGovern, has pledged that we will be here for as long as it takes.” 

Residents who may be affected by the flooding should register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website at www.redcross.org.  Those without internet access can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register.  A trusted friend or loved one can also register evacuees on the site. 

The Red Cross has opened six shelters and have provided well over 630 overnight stays to date.  Nearly 700 Red Cross disaster volunteers have worked in the area, helping share more than 38 thousand meals and nearly 110 thousand snacks to evacuated families and emergency workers.  Thirty-four Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) are providing mobile feeding and more are on the way.  More than 50,000 ready-to-eat meals are already on site, and mobile kitchens are deploying with a capacity of serving 15,000 meals a day.

Even as the Red Cross is assisting the residents of North Dakota and Minnesota, severe spring weather is also hammering other parts of the country, and Red Cross is providing help to people in those areas as well.  Nine counties in Mississippi were previously hit with heavy rain, high winds and tornadoes.  A major spring snowstorm buried parts of Colorado and Wyoming under more than a foot of snow last week, and heavy snow has struck Oklahoma, Kansas, Michigan and the Ohio Valley.  Red Cross has shelters open to help people stranded by the snow and Disaster Action Teams are on the scene in Mississippi.

Help people affected by disasters like the recent flooding and winter storms, 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.

Be Red Cross Ready for Severe Weather in ‘09

In the Spring of 2008, severe weather had a major impact on the state of Georgia, as it wrecked lives and damaged property in several Georgia Counties. Sara Hicks, Community Disaster Educator for the Red Cross Metro Atlanta Chapter, shows you how to “Be Red Cross Ready” for the 2009 Severe Weather Season.

RED CROSS URGES GEORGIANS TO PREPARE FOR SEVERE WEATHER IN ‘09

ATLANTA (January 29, 2009) -Weather played a disastrous part in the lives of many Georgians in 2008 as metro Atlanta and other parts of Georgia experienced three major tornado touchdowns in a span of two months (March-May 2008), including the first-ever strike to downtown Atlanta.

Georgia Governor, Sonny Perdue, has designated the week of February 1 – 7, 2009 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia, and the American Red Cross is encouraging the public to Be Red Cross Ready and to save lives by preparing for weather related emergencies ahead of time. “Spring is generally the time of year that weather in Georgia can become very unstable,” said Marilyn Self, manager of readiness for metro Atlanta’s Red Cross. “The Red Cross urges Georgia families to prepare ahead of time in order to reduce fear and to save precious time and lives during severe weather events.”

Throughout the first week of February and the rest of the severe weather season, the Red Cross is urging everyone to take three simple action steps: get a family emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan and be informed about the types of disasters that can happen in their communities.

How to Prepare

Recent Red Cross polls indicate that people think they are “somewhat prepared” for disasters when, in fact, they are not as prepared as they need to be. The Red Cross encourages everyone to take the following steps to help them Be Red Cross Ready:

 

·         Get a Kit- Have at least three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry evacuation kit, with additional supplies on hand. The kit should include basic items like water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight and a first aid kit.  Your kit should also include medications, sanitary supplies, and a change of clothing for all family members. Click Be Red Cross Ready in the Red Cross Links section to find out how you can purchase a kit from the Red Cross or download instructions for building your own.

 

 

·         Make a Plan- Planning ahead will help you have the best possible response to disaster. Make sure to talk to with your family about the types of disasters that can take place in your community. Choose a place outside your home and a place outside of your neighborhood to meet after a disaster. As part of your family communications plan, tell everyone in your household where emergency information and supplies are kept and practice evacuating your home twice a year. Click Be Red Cross Ready in the Red Cross Links section to download an emergency contact card for your wallet. Click Red Cross Safe and Well in the Red Cross Links section and become familiar with this resource for reconnecting with your family in case you are separated in an emergency.

 

·         Be Informed- Disasters can vary from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an tornado or flood. Know what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work, and play and identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster. Red Cross training if first aid and CPR saves lives. Click Red Cross Health and Safety Classes in the Red Cross Links section to view and register for regularly scheduled classes in your community.  

 

Red Cross Urges Atlantans to Bundle Up as Mercury Plunges

Although snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are not the norm in metro Atlanta, winter storms do happen here and can be dangerous. The aftermath of a big winter storm can impact a community or region for days, weeks, or even months.

A Word about Ice Storms

When temperatures fall below freezing, wet snow and ice accumulate rapidly and can bring down trees, electrical wires, telephone poles and lines, and communication towers. People can become trapped at home, without utilities or other services while companies work to repair the extensive damage. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat. Motorists unaccustomed to driving on slick roads, are prone to traffic accidents. Local municipalities may not have available snow removal equipment or treatments, such as sand or salt, for icy roads.

Prepare a Winter Storm Plan

• Have extra blankets on hand.
• Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.
• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
• Have your car winterized before winter storm season. 
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. 
• A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
• A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
• A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately! 
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Avoid unnecessary travel. 
• Stay indoors during the storm.
• If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
• As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
• Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must…
  • Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
  • Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

If You Do Get Stuck…

• Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
• Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

What to Do After a Winter Storm

• Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. Access may be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked.
• Help a neighbor who may require special assistance–infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
• Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.
• Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.
• Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.

Atlanta Red Cross Ends Busy 2008

ATLANTA (January 12, 2009) – As families throughout Atlanta wrapped up the holidays and heralded the arrival of the New Year, the Atlanta Red Cross was responding to several fires across the Atlanta area.
From November 24, 2008- January 4, 2009, Red Cross volunteers responded to just over 100 incidents and provided emergency assistance in the form of lodging, clothing, food and replacement medications to over 175 families.
Home fires are the most common disaster that Metro Atlanta’s Red Cross responds to, on average 3 to 4 per day. Disaster volunteers are on call 24 hours a day to respond and meet the emergency needs of disaster victims.

Red Cross Talks Turkey About Thanksgiving Fire Safety

ATLANTA, November 10, 2008 — As Georgians prepare Thanksgiving Day meals, the Red Cross urges families to be cautious in the kitchen and to take action to prevent a home fire. Thanksgiving Day has more than double the number of home cooking fires than an average day according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In fact, each year more than 4,000 fires occur on Thanksgiving Day.  

To prevent kitchen fires, the Red Cross recommends that you: 

• Keep potholders and food wrappers at least three feet away from heat sources while cooking. 
• Turn off stoves, ovens, and ranges when responsible adults leave the kitchen. 
• Set timers to keep track of turkeys and other food items that require extended cooking times.
• If using turkey fryers, the American Red Cross strongly recommends that you follow all manufacturer guidelines regarding the use of these appliances. 
• If you are entertaining guests, it’s a good idea to designate a responsible family member to walk around the home making sure that all candles and smoking materials are extinguished once guests leave.

The Atlanta Red Cross responded to more than 880 disasters last year, typically house and apartment fires – and provided 5,823  families with emergency assistance including shelter, food, counseling, and more.  

 

This support is dependent on the generous financial contributions of the public. You can help the Atlanta Red Cross continue to be ready to respond and help fire victims by making a financial contribution today.

 

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.atlantaredcross.org