American Red Cross Central Valley

Just In Case You Missed Team Firestopper In Your Community!

2012-02-27T17:41:00.000-08:00

Team Firestopper hosted an event on Saturday, February 25, 2012 to help support fire safety in Fresno’s Highway City Community. This seminar was to help encourage all the residents of this area to be aware of fire hazards, what to do in case of a fire, and how to save someone if CPR was needed. Prior to the seminar, 50 families were able to sign up to get a free fire safety kit, which included things like a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, and a smoke detector.

There were a total of 56 families in attendance on Saturday, I believe that we did have a great turn out, and everyone that participated had a great experience, and walked away with a lot of information and knowledge on how to be prepared in case of a fire. Once families were registered they were able to go to one of the many booths that were set up, which were ran by volunteers. The booths consisted of hands only CPR, getting a kit ready in case of a fire, learning how to use various fire safety equipment like a fire extinguisher, planning a fire escape route out of the house, pet fire safety, and as well as a PG&E booth. Free lunch was provided to everyone who participated, which was a plus and a great way to end the whole event. Document protection boxes and first aid kits were raffled off at the end, with almost every participant leaving home with some fire safety prize in hand. Overall, the event was great; everyone met someone new, participants left with free prizes, and we had great weather!

Volunteering at this event meant that I was helping these families to potentially save a life if needed. I was placed at the hands only CPR station and I felt that many of the participants did not know how to perform CPR, if they did, they needed to refresh their memories on some of the exact steps to take. Volunteering, especially for an event like this, is very rewarding. Knowing that you have taught these families something important, that hopefully they will remember and use in case of an emergency is gratifying. I feel volunteering is a way to meet other volunteers and community members; it is a way to find out about problems in the community, and if possible finding a way to try to fix them. Helping others when it is needed most and giving back to the community is what volunteering is all about.

Alyssa Tapia, Intern

Preparedness Services

New Look, Same Red Cross.

2012-02-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

The American Red Cross officially unveiled its new logo in early January, featuring the iconic Red Cross in a button, to symbolize the personal investment of volunteers, employees and supporters in the Red Cross mission. The Red Cross, one of the world’s most recognized and trusted brands, has historically represented hope, safety on the battlefield, and care in crisis.

This new look is designed to reflect the organization as it is today: modern, authentic and innovative. The updated identity is meant to appeal to both long-time Red Cross supporters and an entirely new generation of volunteers and donors, eager to show their affiliation with the organization. This presentation of the Red Cross logo is similar to the lapel pins and buttons worn by Red Cross supporters in the early part of the 20th century.

While most people think of disaster relief and blood donation when they think of the Red Cross, the updated brand identity is meant to invite people to learn more about the organization and its mission.”We want to show more people how they can be part of a Red Cross that intersects with their lives in many ways,” said Peggy Dyer, chief marketing officer of the Red Cross. “We’re proud of both our history and our future. We look forward to telling our story to a wider audience and the new brand identity is an important step in that process.”

The American Red Cross will continue to roll out its new look when it debuts a redesigned corporate website later this year. The new site will feature the logo button, updated graphics and an enhanced use of photography. It will also feature user-generated content to allow individuals to share their Red Cross experiences.

The American Red Cross is currently developing a public-service ad campaign that will feature stories of people whose lives have been touched by the Red Cross mission.

Truly Serving our Armed Forces - Welcome Jessica!

2012-02-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Some people have to spend half of their lives searching for the answers that will lead them to the discovery of their “life purpose”, but as for me that is completely opposite. At a young age I came to terms with the fact that my very purpose in life is to help others and save lives. Since then I have dedicated my life to providing assistance to those in need and helping empower the people within my community.

It is my life experiences that have fueled my passion to work with veterans, military members and their families. One day I stopped and took a moment to reflect upon the people around me, it is then that I realized I was surrounded by real life heroes. I am a daughter, niece, cousin and friend of a veteran. These men and women have touched my life and serve as my inspiration. I know first hand about the sacrifices and experiences that military members and their families make. Therefore, my ultimate goal is to volunteer and obtain a career within an organization that provides services to promote the health and well being of military members and veterans.

Conducting my internship at the American Red Cross and working with their Service to Armed Forces program has given me the ability to work with veterans, military members and their families. I have the opportunity to provide services that will have a lasting impact on the lives of military members and their families. I can relate to the challenges and at times overwhelming emotions that my clients are experiencing and I want nothing more than to provide them with comfort, reassurance and quality services.
On behalf of the American Red Cross Central Valley Region we would like to welcome Jessica Marquez to the Services to the Armed Forces department.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2012-02-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

PHILIPPINES: Last week a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit western Visayas and some parts of northern Mindanao in the Philippines, claiming at least 22 lives with a further 71 people missing and 52 injured. Within hours of the earthquake the Philippine Red Cross, with the support of the IFRC, deployed 500 food packs, 1,000 bottles of drinking water, 1,000 sleeping mats, 1,000 blankets, 500 jerry cans, 30 tents and one mobile warehouse to serve as the temporary hospital.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Early this month a ferry carrying at least 560 passengers sank off the north coast of Papua New Guinea. Two weeks later, over 180 people were still missing with authorities believing the death toll could reach at least 200. Staff and volunteers of the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society have been at the scene of the disaster since the accident occurred, offering counseling to relatives of the passengers waiting anxiously on shore and carrying out small distributions of emergency relief supplies.

SYRIA: Relief efforts continue in Syria as the violence escalates. Over the weekend Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoys reached the cities of Homs and Bloudan, providing much needed food, medical supplies, blankets, and hygiene consumables to thousands of people. The Syrian Red Crescent and the ICRC are planning further missions to continue providing humanitarian aid to people affected by the unrest.

BANGLADESH: Throughout the last decade, the ICRC has been working with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society to promote international humanitarian law to authorities in Bangladesh. Last week deans and department heads of 35 public and private universities in Bangladesh met to discuss the inclusion of international humanitarian law in their curricula. Additionally, this week the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an anti-crime force, is participating in an ICRC training course on humanitarian principles and international human rights law in domestic legislation.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Team Firestopper Is Fire Proofing The Highway City Community. Are You Prepared?

2012-02-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

The American Red Cross Central Valley Region will be visiting the Highway City community to educate residents about fire prevention on Saturday, February 25th, 2012 from 11:00AM – 1:00PM.

American Red Cross volunteers will host a Fire Safety Seminar at Central Community Church in Highway City where participants will learn how to conduct a home hazard hunt, perform a safety makeover, and help families develop a disaster plan through a program called Team Firestopper.

There are simple steps that everyone can take to protect their home and family from fire. Team Firestopper shares this information with people in communities that are disproportionately affected by fires. As part of the program the Red Cross will be distributing FREE smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, surge protectors, and disaster preparedness kits to the first 50 families to register by calling the American Red Cross Central Valley. Participants must reside within the 93722 zip code. Pacific Gas & Electric Company presents Team Firestopper through a million dollar campaign that encourages Valley residents to Be Red Cross Ready by following these three steps. Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.

The American Red Cross Central Valley Region Team Firestopper program will work to prevent home fires in neighborhoods with typically high incidences of home fires to create a disaster-resistant community.

If you currently live in the Highway City community please call (559) 455-1000 to register for Team Firestopper!

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2012-01-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

SYRIA: Violence in Syria continues with one of the latest casualties being the secretary-general of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Dr. Abd-al-Razzaq Jbeiro. Dr. Jbeiro was shot in a vehicle clearly marked with the red crescent emblem after attending meetings at Syrian Arab Red Crescent headquarters in Damascus. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent, IFRC, and ICRC are renewing calls for an end to violence, while volunteers continue to administer life-saving first aid to the injured.

IVORY COAST: Following the second round of presidential elections in late 2010 where both candidates claimed victory, tension and violence grew into a full-fledged armed conflict in Ivory Coast. In the chaos, hundreds of children lost contact with their families. The ICRC and the Liberian Red Cross have registered around 600 children separated from their parents and areworking to bring the children back their families.

PHILIPPINES: As tens of thousands of survivors in Mindanao, Philippines enter their second month of uncertainty, the Red Cross is announcing plans to drastically increase its support to communities affected by December’s Typhoon Washi. The revised operation will see the Red Cross provide 2,000 families with cash or other livelihoods support as well as reaching 15,000 families – an estimated 75,000 people – with food, water storage containers and hygiene kits. In all, the Red Cross now intends to reach 100,000 people through these various interventions.

SUDAN: For Darfur's pastoral communities, livestock is essential for their sustenance and constitutes the backbone of the local economy. The lack of rain, desertification and prevailing insecurity has stressed herding communities into animal overcrowding at the few options remaining, leading to increased risk of disease. The ICRC has been extending its support by training animal health workers and through large-scale vaccination campaigns in remote areas of Darfur, and in response herders are reporting a dramatic decrease in the number of animals they are losing to disease.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

American Red Cross Responds to 12th Fire of the Season

2012-01-25T10:59:00.000-08:00

Fresno, CA, January 25, 2012— Local American Red Cross volunteers responded to a house fire on 4400 block of East Ball Avenue in Fresno, Ca at approximately 4:14AM this morning. The team of Red Cross volunteers helped coordinate assistance in the form of food, shelter, and emotional support to the 4 adults and 4 children who were affected by the fire. This marked the 12th fire the Central Valley Chapter has responded to this year. Last year, the Central Valley Region responded to 545 fires.
“We’re deeply saddened for those affected,” said Ellen Knapp, Regional CEO. “As we continue to provide support to those affected, we also encourage others to take action to minimize the risk of a home fire.”

The Red Cross recommends two easy steps to help protect your home and loved ones from a fire: get a smoke alarm and create a fire escape plan.

• Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

• Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, including bedrooms. • Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. • Have a plan in place can help you escape, including at least two ways to escape from every

room of your home and a meeting spot at a safe distance from your home. • Discuss the plan with everyone in the household and practice it at least twice a year.

Red Cross volunteers on the scene were members of the Chapter’s Disaster Action Team, a group of specially trained volunteers who respond to the scene of a local disaster when called upon at any time of the day or night.

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.redcross.org/homefires or www.arccentralvalley.org

To make a financial donation to your local Red Cross to help people affected by house fires and other disasters here in the United States and around the world, people can click, call or text - visit www.arccentralvalley.org, or call (559) 455-1000 or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Resolutions You'll Want To Keep In 2012!

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

The dawning of a new year gives us all a chance to look forward and change for the better. In 2012, you can make a difference to others and help keep your family safe by making some Red Cross resolutions.

Resolution: Give of Yourself
You can make a difference in your community and around the world by giving of yourself in 2012. You can:

Give time. The Red Cross has volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and interests. Contact your local chapter or search online to see what’s available.

Give a donation. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. With a contribution to the Red Cross, you can help us shelter, feed and provide emotional support to victims of disasters; supply nearly half of the nation's blood; teach lifesaving skills; provide international humanitarian aid; and support military members and their families.

Resolution: Get Prepared

1. Get a kit. If you’ve ever fumbled to find a flashlight during a blackout, you know what it feels like to be unprepared. Gain some peace of mind by gathering the following supplies now:

Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water—one gallon per person, per day for drinking and hygiene purposes.
Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit, medications and medical items
Copies of all important documents (proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Extra cash

Use a downloadable checklist to make things even easier when assembling your emergency preparedness kit.

2. Make a plan. Talk with family and household members about what you would do during emergencies that are most likely to happen in your area.

Plan what to do in case you are separated, and choose two places to meet—one right outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Other planning tips:
Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. All household members should have this person’s phone number and email address. It may be easier to call long distance or text if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.
Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.
Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable.
Plan ahead for your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals. Keep a phone list of “pet friendly” motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

3. Be informed. Know the risks where you live, work, learn and play.
If you live or travel often to areas near a fault line, learn how to prepare and what to do during an earthquake. If summer brings to mind not just beaches and picnics but also tropical storms and hurricanes, arm yourself with information about what to do in case one occurs. Remember that emergencies like fires and blackouts can happen anywhere, so everyone should be prepared for them.
Find out how you would receive information from local officials in the event of an emergency.
Learn first aid and CPR/AED so that you have the skills to respond in an emergency before help arrives, especially during a disaster when emergency responders may not be as available. Contact your local chapter to get trained.

Visit RedCross.org for more information on how to prepare for all types of emergencies.

The Top 10 of 2011!

2011-12-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time again! We have had a very busy year at the American Red Cross Central Valley and and even more exciting year on our blog.

Because of you and your support, in our first year we were able to attract over 21,000 readers and 175 subscribers. Since the start of our blog in September 2010, we have posted over 300 posts and attracted readers from 13 different countries. This means all the world to me, and is really the greatest gift of all, especially since the blog was really created as a way for me to say all the things that no one would listen to me rant about here in the office. So as we embark into 2012, I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and wish you and yours a Happy New Year!

Now, without further ado, here is the Top 10 blog posts of 2011!

Remember you can help support your local Red Cross Chapter by making a donation at www.arccentralvalley.org or right here on our blog!

Best,

Alex Villa

Ready and Responding: Local Chapter Responds To Multiple Unit Apartment Fire.

2011-12-25T21:56:00.000-08:00

Local American Red Cross volunteers responded to an apartment fire on the 5100 block of Lane Ave in Fresno, CA at approximately 4:30 p.m. today. The team of Red Cross volunteers helped coordinate assistance to the 9 adults and 6 children, in the form of food, shelter, and emotional support due to fire damage to their units.

“We’re deeply saddened for those affected,” said Ellen Knapp, Regional Chief Executive Officer. “As we continue to provide support to those affected, we also encourage others to take action to minimize the risk of a home fire this holiday season.”

The Red Cross recommends two easy steps to help protect your home and loved ones from a fire: get a smoke alarm and create a fire escape plan.

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, including bedrooms.
Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year.
Have a plan in place can help you escape, including at least two ways to escape from every room of your home and a meeting spot at a safe distance from your home.
Discuss the plan with everyone in the household and practice it at least twice a year.

Red Cross volunteers on the scene were members of the Chapter’s Disaster Action Team, a group of specially trained volunteers who respond to the scene of a local disaster when called upon at any time of the day or night.

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.redcross.org/homefires or www.arccentralvalley.org

To make a financial donation to your local Red Cross to help people affected by house fires and other disasters here in the United States and around the world, people can click, call or text - visit www.arccentralvalley.org or call (559) 455-1000, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2011-12-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

PHILIPPINES: Last week tropical storm Washi swept through entire villages in several areas of the Philippines, causing the deaths of an estimated nearly 1,000 people and massive damage to infrastructure, including the water system. The ICRC, led by it’s local partner the Philippine Red Cross, distributed food packs, essential household items and hygiene kits for 18,000 people in three of the areas hardest hit within the first 48 hours. With more than 270,000 people now lacking access to clean drinking water, ICRC water and habitat engineers are devising ways to bring water from the undamaged water sources and of storing it for use by the survivors.

HAITI: The Haiti Red Cross Society is working to recycle rubble from the earthquake in 2010 to prepare for future disasters. So far they have been able to take 25,000 cubic meters of rubble and have local residents process it into concrete blocks, paving slabs or walls which will stop the ground from slipping away during Haiti’s next heavy rains or in case of another earthquake. The rubble recycling is just one part of the Haiti Red Cross Society’s neighborhood development support that assists in providing shelters, access to water and sanitation, and job opportunities along with training and technical support.

SOMALIA: Torrential rains that started in the southern provinces of Somalia in early October were welcomed in the drought stricken nation, however most roads were turned into rivers that have slowed down transport and delivery of food aid. Together with the Somali Red Crescent Society, the ICRC has distributed beans, rice and oil to over 917,000 people in southern and central Somalia. This will help farmers bridge the gap until January, when they will be able to harvest from seed the ICRC has also distributed.

NORTH KOREA: In North Korea, meager crops were severely damaged after being struck by a typhoon and flooding in July and August. Now, with the arrival of the first snow, people in the area are busy preparing for what they expect to be a severe winter. The Red Cross Society of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, supported by the IFRC, has so far distributed 288 metric tons of yellow maize to 6,051 of the most vulnerable families (24,827 people) who were severely affected by floods and subsequent food shortages in three target counties in South Hwanghae province.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Happy Hanukkah from the Muppets!

2011-12-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, it’s time to break out the old menorah to start celebrating the Festival of Lights with the family. However, before you get too many candles lit this season, the Red Cross and a few Muppets would like to share some tips to prevent your holiday from going up in flames.

Remember that lit candles are fire. Keep them at least 12 inches from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, mattresses, paper, books, flammable decorations, clothing, and upholstered furniture.
Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Do not leave a room before blowing out all candles.
Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
Place candles where they cannot be reached or knocked over by pets and children.
During an emergency, always use flashlights and not candles as light sources.
Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle. And keep all matches and lighters out of reach and out of site of children.
Keep all lit candles and other open flames away from any flammable liquids.
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and use the test button to check each alarm each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Once again, Beaker shares with us the importance of fire safety:

All In A Year's Work - Red Cross Recap of 2011

2011-12-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

American Red Cross Had 137 Big U.S. Relief Operations in 46 States in Disaster-Filled 2011

The American Red Cross helped hundreds of thousands of people whose lives were forever changed by disasters in 2011, from tornadoes, floods, wildfires and hurricanes in the U.S. to earthquakes and other disasters around the world.

Throughout the year, the American Red Cross supported the people of Japan and Haiti, while launching 137 domestic disaster relief operations in 46 states and territories to help people affected by fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes across the United States. In addition, major international disasters included the Japan earthquake and tsunami response and the continuing work following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

“The number of lives affected by large disasters in the past year is simply staggering,” said, Ellen Knapp, Regional Chief Executive Officer. “Devastating tornadoes, flooding and wildfires wiped out entire neighborhoods. Through it all, the Red Cross, our partners, and communities nationwide responded, offering people shelter, food and comfort.”

In the United States, the Red Cross opened 1,019 shelters and provided more than 130,000 overnight stays. 27,622 trained disaster workers served more than 6.7 million meals and snacks and distributed more than 2.6 million relief items. Health and mental health workers provided more than 133,000 consultations and Red Cross workers opened 16,752 cases to help people get on the road to recovery.

State after state faced the powerful force of tornadoes in 2011. Devastating winds plowed through many neighborhoods, leaving destruction in their wake. Through it all, the Red Cross was on the scene, providing a safe place to stay, food to eat and supplies to help with the clean-up. The Red Cross helped people affected by large-scale tornadoes in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin in 2011.

A large part of the country – almost 20 states – was impacted by flooding in 2011. The Red Cross launched 27 relief operations related to flooding in Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and Vermont.

Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee caused the need for relief operations in more than a dozen states. Thousands of disaster workers were deployed and more than 250 Red Cross feeding trucks were sent into neighborhoods to distribute meals and clean-up supplies. In New York and New Jersey alone, the Red Cross provided almost 34,000 overnight stays in shelters and distributed more than 840,000 meals and snacks.

Wildfires consumed almost four million acres across the state of Texas, and destroyed thousands of acres in New Mexico, Arizona, Florida and Oklahoma. Again, the Red Cross stepped in to help in the fire-ravaged neighborhoods, providing a safe place to stay, food to eat and emotional support for those forced to leave their homes, as well as firefighters and first responders.

The Red Cross depends on the generous support of the American public to assist people affected by disasters. If you would like to help, please consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

More 12 Days of the Red Cross!

2011-12-16T10:35:00.000-08:00

The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross put together an adorable video set to the popular carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” – check it out to see just what kind of gifts the Red Cross loves to give!

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2011-12-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

EAST TIMOR: A team of well-trained Red Cross Volunteers recently helped with a horrific collision in regional East Timor. Four people died and almost 20 more were seriously injured when a troop carrier crashed two hours south of the capital, Dili. Nurses and doctors at the local hospital in Aileu were overwhelmed by the size of the emergency and Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste volunteers stepped-in to help. For eight years, the organization has received funding and training support from the Japanese Red Cross and the IFRC.

IRAQ: People in rural Iraq are among the most severely affected by seemingly never-ending violence, the lack of economic perspectives and of appropriate infrastructure. The ICRC is helping needy farmers increase their production in a sustainable way, and since September has provided some 900 farmers in Diyala, Baghdad, Wassit, Babil and Anbar governorates with drip irrigation systems benefiting over 6,300 people. Since the beginning of the year, almost 42,000 people, mainly in rural areas of central Iraq, have been given a boost by ICRC livelihood support projects.

LIBYA: More than 100 surgeons are enhancing their skills treating gunshot and blast-wounded patients through a seminar in Tripoli this week. The training is being co-organized by ICRC and the Ministry of Health. The ICRC conducted similar workshops in Benghazi, Tripoli and the Nefusa Mountains earlier in 2011.

INDONESIA: The ICRC has recently completed a mass scabies treatment program at the Labuhan Deli Prison in Medan, North Sumatra, working with the Indonesian Directorate General of Corrections. Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by tiny, invisible mites that spreads easily in crowded surroundings such as at prisons. The campaign benefited 908 inmates, who had been living with scabies for years.

NIGERIA: Many children in Nigeria miss school or find it hard to concentrate because of the little talked of illnesses caused by worms. The Mushin division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society is tackling this by distributing de-worming tablets and teaching students about the importance of taking them regularly. So far 35 Red Cross volunteers have targeted 84 primary schools and provided tablets to over 22,000 children.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The Twelve Days of a "Red Cross" Christmas

2011-12-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a special time to celebrate and be thankful for family and friends. Give the gift that keeps on giving this season, the gift of health and safety to yourself and others.

Here is a Red Cross rewrite of "The 12 Days of Christmas." I think you will like the creativity we've shown. Sing along with the words to remind you to keep using healthy and safe behaviors during the holidays and throughout the year. Reminder, there is only 12 days left until Christmas!

1. On the first day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Seat belts should be clicking into place.

2. On the second day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Don't drink and drive, and seat belts clicking into place.

3. On the third day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Manage your stress, don't drink and drive, and seat belts clicking into place.

4. On the fourth day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Get your vaccinations, manage your stress, don't drink and drive, and seat belts clicking into place.

5. On the fifth day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Practice fire safety, get your vaccinations, manage your stress, don't drink and drive, and seat belts clicking into place.

6. On the sixth day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Wash your hands often, practice fire safety, get your vaccinations, manage your stress, don't drink and drive, and seat belts clicking into place.

7. On the seventh day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Become a volunteer, wash hands often, practice fire safety, get your vaccinations, manage your stress, don't drink and drive, and seat belts clicking into place.

8. On the eighth day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Eight hours of sleep, become a volunteer, wash hands often, practice fire safety, get your vaccinations, manage your stress, don't drink and drive, and seat belts clicking into place.

9. On the ninth day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Prepare for emergencies, eight hours of sleep, become a volunteer, wash hands often, practice fire safety, get your vaccinations, manage your stress, don't drink and drive, and seat belts clicking into place.

10. On the tenth day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Be tobacco free, prepare for emergencies, eight hours of sleep, become a volunteer, wash hands often, practice fire safety, get your vaccinations, manage your stress, don't drink and drive, and seat belts clicking into place.

11. On the eleventh day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Take a CPR course, be tobacco-free, prepare for emergencies, eight hours of sleep, become a volunteer, wash hands often, practice fire safety, get your vaccinations, manage your stress, don't drink and drive, and seat belts clicking into place.

12. On the twelfth day of Christmas the Red Cross said to me
Make a donation, take a CPR course, be tobacco-free, prepare for emergencies, eight hours of sleep, become a volunteer, wash hands often, practice fire safety, get your vaccinations, manage your stress, don't drink and drive, and seat belts clicking into place.

What Holiday Mail for Heroes Means To Me...

2011-12-09T10:36:00.000-08:00

There’s been quite a bit of talk on this here blog about the Holiday Mail for Heroes Campaign, but in case you’re just now hearing about it for the first time, I encourage you to read on. Today I’d like to share with you my 2011 Holiday Mail for Heroes experience.

For the fifth time, the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes have partnered together to provide Americans with an opportunity to send holiday cards to United States service members, veterans, and their families. Anyone is welcome to participate, which is why I when I was approached by Mrs. Regier, Principal of Marshall Elementary School to come out and participate in their Holiday Mail for Heroes card creation and signing party I couldn't resist!

When Anya Goosev, our Regional Community Resource Manger and I showed up I was thrilled to see 30 first graders and a mountain of signed Holiday cards. So in order to explain what the program was all about and who the Red Cross is, I kicked off our morning by talking to these 30 six- and seven-year-olds about the mission and the work of the Red Cross.

My questions, “Have any of you heard of the American Red Cross?”, “What does the American Red Cross do?”, and “How does the American Red Cross help people?” prompted quite a few interesting answers, comments, and stories about things that are red, various kinds of crosses, thunder and lightning storms, and stopping/dropping/rolling. After the fifth or sixth “One time, when I was three, I heard thunder outside my window” story (think “One time, at band camp…”), I was able to bring the kids back around to why I was there, and we moved on to discussing the support the American Red Cross provides to the United States Military.

I could see on these children’s faces that the idea of someone – anyone – not getting to spend the holidays with their family was foreign. A couple of children, whose parents aren’t even members of the Armed Forces, actually asked me if their dads would have to go away for Christmas this year.

Six- and seven-year-olds have not quite yet mastered the art of writing, so while they all “signed” their names and wrote some sort of greeting (or something loosely resembling that), their cards were decorated primarily with stickers, colored markers, and cutouts . But nonetheless every card made by those Marshall Elementary students was made especially for our Nation's Heroes.

This activity was an incredibly rewarding one for me. I love talking about the Red Cross, especially to children, and I love providing children with an opportunity to make a difference. Today I was able to do both, and I have no doubt that the students of Marshall Elementary enjoyed the art project and learned a little something about the Red Cross and its place in our community, not to mention the cool totes they all received from PG&E.

Although it's a little too late to send in a Holiday Card, you could still do your part and become a Red Cross volunteer for our Service to the Armed Forces Department or help distribute the 3,000 cards we have received this season. For more information, please contact Alex Villa at alex@arccentralvalley.org or call (559) 455-1000.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2011-12-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

PAKISTAN: This year alone, more than 12,000 people have benefited from services in physical rehabilitation centers supported by the ICRC in Peshawar, Quetta and Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. The centersprovide custom-made artificial limbs and supportive devices, crutches and wheelchairs designed according to the needs of the patients. Physiotherapy helps patients learn how to use new devices and to regain their full mobility.

YEMEN: Violence in the Yemeni city of Taiz has had a serious impact on basic services in recent weeks, with life-saving medical services especially hard hit. The ICRC is reaching out to authorities, fighters and all others involved to respect human life and dignity and to allow first-aid and medical teams to treat and transport injured people in safety.

AFGHANISTAN: The ICRC's assistance activities are helping to create incomes for vulnerable rural communities by piloting a poultry rearing, food-for-work project with primarily women entrepreneurs. In the months since the scheme began more than 240 women have participated in the eight cluster villages. Each has raised around 15 chickens and collected an average of 20 eggs from each hen per month.

SRI LANKA: The war is over but now the people of Sri Lanka have the hard task of rebuilding their lives and homes. The Australian Red Cross is playing a key role in dealing with the acute housing deficit in Sri Lanka, but unlike many donors it is not building houses for people by contracting foreign companies and workers to do the job. Here, people build their own housesbased on five specific cash grants, each one coinciding with the completion of a specific construction task.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Christmas Tree Fire Safety!

2011-12-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

What's a holiday party or even the traditional Christmas morning scene itself without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household, as those of more than 33 million other American homes, includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person's suggestion—"Keep the tree watered." That's good advice and not just to create a fragrant indoor winter wonderland atmosphere. Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually, resulting in 14 deaths, 26 injuries and more than $13.8 million in property damage. Typically shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. Dry and neglected trees can be.

The video clip above from the Building and Fire Research Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology illustrates what happens when fire touches a dry tree. Within three seconds of ignition, the dry Scotch pine is completely ablaze. At five seconds, the fire extends up the tree and black smoke with searing gases streaks across the ceiling. Fresh air near the floor feeds the fire. The sofa, coffee table and the carpet ignite prior to any flame contact. Within 40 seconds "flashover" occurs - that's when an entire room erupts into flames, oxygen is depleted and dense, deadly toxic smoke engulfs the scene.

Wet trees tell a different story. For comparative purposes, the NIST fire safety engineers selected a green Scotch pine, had it cut in their presence, had an additional two inches cut from the trunk's bottom, and placed the tree in a stand with at least a 7.6 liter water capacity. The researchers maintained the Scotch pine's water on a daily basis. A single match could not ignite the tree. A second attempt in which an electric current ignited an entire matchbook failed to fire the tree. Finally they applied an open flame to the tree using a propane torch. The branches ignited briefly, but self-extinguished when the researchers removed the torch from the branches. As NIST fire safety engineers say: REMEMBER, A WET TREE IS A SAFE TREE!

Your local Red Cross Chapter responds to home fires on average every 14 hours. You can help prevent home fires by taking a FREE preparedness course from the Red Cross, or becoming a Community Preparedness Education Leader. For more information contact alex@arccentralvalley.org

It's Easy To Get Overloaded With "Stuff" During The Holidays.

2011-12-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

‘Tis the season of stuff. The season of buying stuff, wrapping stuff, wondering if it’s the right stuff.

This year, why not take a break from some of the stuff, and give something that means something?

Visit our holiday catalog now at www.redcross.org/gifts and you can change lives this holiday season.

Our catalog offers gifts of real hope that live on in the people helped – people like families reeling from disaster, or soldiers deployed thousands of miles from loved ones during the holidays.

I can vouch that there’s sadly never a lack of people in need for such lifesaving aid. Your gift is both precious and enduring.

Send the gift of relief, support, strength and
hope to someone who needs it – visit
www.redcross.org/gifts and give something
that means something today.

Thank you for all that you do.

Ellen Knapp, Regional CEO
American Red Cross Central Valley Region

P.S. Purchase $100 or more from our Holiday Catalog, and we’ll send you a free Red Cross vintage gift to say thanks! Don’t wait – visit www.redcross.org/gifts and give a gift today.

Is Your Home Prepared for the Holidays?

2011-12-02T16:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, even I can turn the Holidays into a time to prepare for something!

Christmas is my favorite holiday. It's a busy, chaotic time of year but you get to enjoy lots of fun activities with friends and family, things that you rarely do the rest of the year.

It's easy to get distracted during the holiday season. You know you want to decorate the house and you know when you're done because you can see the results. This checklist helps you keep track of special holiday activities that aren't part of your day-to-day routine. The focus of this checklist is home safety - keeping you, your family and guests safe during the holiday season.

DECORATING YOUR HOME OUTDOORS
Lots of homeowners love putting up displays in front of their home … and some of us just enjoy driving through the neighborhood to enjoy other people's homes. Here are tips for keeping your home safe outdoors.

Plan your outdoor holiday lighting ahead of time but why? Unless you're using solar-powered lights or new LED lights that draw very little power (read Save Energy with LED Christmas Lights), you need to map out where to plug in your lights or you run the risk of causing a fire.
Put together your holiday hanging kit, focusing on materials that you can leave up and reuse year after year. Use stainless hooks and screws plus floral wire and plastic cable ties to hang your decorations. Only use extension cords rated for outdoor use.
Unless you work on a ladder frequently, don't do it. Following a three-year study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that almost 18,000 people ended up in emergency rooms due to holiday decorating falls … and it's estimated the total number of injuries is 2 to 3 times this number.
Save energy using timers to control your holiday lights. Preset them to turn the lights on and more important, turn them off so there's no concern when you're traveling or already in bed.

CHRISTMAS TREES TO LIGHT UP THE INDOORS

Stepping indoors, the first thing you are likely to focus on is your Christmas tree. Here are tips for buying, setting up and decorating your tree.

Buy your live tree early as cut trees dehydrate and you'll can do more to keep your tree fresh than most sellers.
When buying your tree, check to see how fresh the tree is by running your hand along a branch to see if the needles are soft and remain attached. If the needles shed easily, don't buy the tree.
When you get home, don't bring the tree inside. Keep the tree where it's cool, i.e. outside or in the garage. Cut the tree trunk and sit it in a bucket of water.
When you're ready to decorate the tree, cut the trunk and place it in the stand and immediately fill the stand with water. You'll need to add water every 1 to 2 days to keep your tree fresh.

CREATING A SAFE HOLIDAY ENVIRONMENT

We'll assume our homes are safe until something happens. Here are tips to keep your home, your family and guests safe during the holidays.

Install several light timers to make your home appear occupied even when you're not home.
Greet your guests with well lit walkways so be sure to check your exterior lights, and changing light bulbs requiring a ladder is a good thing to do when putting up holiday lights.
Remove anything that might cause a fall. Handrails need to be secure and pick up rock salt or similar de-icer if you frequently have ice on your walkways.
Provide a place for family and guests to sit when removing or putting on boots.
Often lighting up the fireplace is a last minute thought. Prepare your kindling now and buy a box of 11-inch-long fireplace matches.
If you don't have small children but expect some to visit over the holidays, walk around the house and add childproofing with cabinet locks or simply moving things like cleaning supplies and medicines up high.

If you want to learn how you can be prepared all year long then sign up for a FREE preparedness training at your local Chapter. Call (559) 455-1000 or Click today!

World AIDS Day Quiz: How much do you really know about HIV?

2011-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Okay I lured you in with the promise of a quiz (it’s at the bottom of the page, I promise!) but please just take a few minutes out of your day to read my blog first.

No matter where you live in the world, no one these days can afford to be ignorant about HIV.

This year the CDC reported that over 1.5 million Americans are infected with HIV, but a quarter of them do not know they are infected.

But the good news is that the tide is turning with the global AIDS epidemic, new reports state that fewer people are becoming HIV infected and fewer people are dying. This news reflects the success of a massive international effort from governments and organizations to educate communities on the prevention of HIV, particularly around adopting safer sexual practices.

However, with 33.4 million people worldwide still living with the virus the challenge of combating HIV is far from over.

HIV is an emotive subject and many people are frightened to talk about it, let alone think about getting themselves tested.

The fact that there is roughly more than 350,000 people in the US who do not even know they are infected with HIV worries me. Not only does this mean they are not getting the treatment they need but it also means they continue to put others at risk. It’s time we started talking more openly about this disease and by doing so tackling the fear.

Many young Red Cross volunteers in the US are well aware that HIV is not just a problem for countries overseas. Many are stepping out and expressing themselves and are using creative ideas to raise awareness about the disease, and fight discrimination and stigma.

I’m sure there’s more we can all do to raise awareness about HIV but for starters how about taking the quiz below? Share it with your friends, put it on Facebook and be honest about how many answers you got correct!

Questions:

1. Where was the world’s first case of AIDS identified and in what year?
2. What age group is most affected by HIV?
3. What are the three ways HIV can be transmitted?
4. What is the ABC approach to preventing the spread of AIDS?
5. Is there a cure for HIV?

Answers:

1. The world’s first cases of AIDS were reported in the USA in 1981.
2. 15-49 is the age group most affected by HIV.
3. HIV can be transmitted through: unprotected sex, blood (particularly through transfusions or intravenous drug use) and from mother to baby (via pregnancy, labor or breast milk).
4. The ABC approach to preventing the spread of AIDS stand for: Abstain, Be faithful, use a Condom. However it’s a controversial approach.
5. There is no cure yet for HIV, but there are drug treatments (antiretroviral therapy) that have transformed the prognosis of people living with HIV, turning it into a chronic condition that can be managed. However, this of course is dependent on the person living with HIV being able to afford/access the treatment and maintain a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2011-11-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

MALDIVES: Last week the Maldivian Red Crescent became the 187th member of the IFRC at its 18th General Assembly in Geneva. The process of forming the new National Society began in the wake of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which affected over 27,000 people in the Maldives. These low-lying islands will be among the most threatened territories should sea levels rise significantly.

YEMEN: Two ICRC staff members and a Yemen Red Crescent Society volunteer who had been briefly held by armed individuals in a village in Lahj governorate, southern Yemen, returned to Aden. On November 22nd, they left to distribute food rations and essential household items to displaced people in Lahj, but were prevented from returning to their office. The ICRC was in regular contact with them after the incident occurred, and contacted the authorities and other leaders in the area to request their assistance in arranging for the prompt return.

NIGER: The ICRC is providing support for a major immunization campaign against meningitis that began last week in the Agadez area of northern Niger. The ICRC is supporting the campaign in the districts of Arlit and Tchirozérine, where over 58,000 people aged one to 29 will be vaccinated by the first week in December.

IRAQ: Over the past two weeks the ICRC, in a joint Iranian-Iraqi operation, found the remains of 103 Iranian and Iraqi soldiers in Al-Fao, southern Iraq, who went missing during the 1980-1988 war between the two countries. In its capacity as a neutral intermediary, the ICRC provides support for the efforts of the Iranian and Iraqi authorities to account for those who went missing during the war and to ease the suffering of their families.

SOMALILAND (SOMALIA): While Southern and Central Somalia carry the brunt of the East Africa food crisis, Somaliland has not escaped the effects of recurrent droughts and political violence. At the newly-established Sheikh Omar Internally Displaced People's (IDP) camp, the Somalia Red Crescent has been working to recruit volunteers and distribute relief items provided by the Icelandic Red Cross from its clothing business.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful...

2011-11-29T13:02:00.000-08:00

Sorry, did you think I was going to finish the song lyric? Well you're mistaken! In fact the weather is just that, frightful. As we have come to expect every year, the valley fog is back! It's our version of snow in case you are reading from other parts of the country.

As a child I couldn't ask for anything better than the additional hour and a half of sleep on foggy day schedule. But as an adult, I think the fog stinks, which is why I am still petitioning for workplace foggy day schedules, but that's a whole different story.

So, as we all continue to venture off to work, school, or to start on our holiday shopping (yes, I had to throw that link in there) let's not forget to be a little more cautious while on the roads by following these delightful tips...

Drive with lights on low beam. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more.
Reduce your speed -- and watch your speedometer. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding.
Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open your window a little, to hear better.
Use wipers and defrosters as necessary for maximum visibility.
Use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide.
Be patient. Do not pass lines of traffic.
Do not stop on a freeway or heavily traveled road. If your car stalls or becomes disabled, turn your vehicle's lights off, and take your foot off of the brake pedal. People tend to follow tail lights when driving in fog. Move away from the vehicle to avoid injury.

What is fog? Well in case you aren't a scientist or this is your first Valley winter, let me break it down for you...fog can be thought of as a cloud at ground level. It forms when the temperature drops to the dew point (the temperature at which air is saturated), and invisible water vapor in the air condenses to form suspended water droplets.

See, you learn something new everyday! Now what are you waiting for, go online to www.redcross.org and buy yourself an emergency preparedness kit for your car, so you too can Be Red Cross Ready this Winter!

How To Survive Black Friday!

2011-11-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's almost here. The best two days of my life. A time where I can eat all the turkey and mashed potatoes that I could posibbly want, followed by a day of deals and shopping galore. Yes, I am talking about Black Friday.
It's become a family tradition that each and every year my sister and I travel all across town snatching up deals and raiding the aisles. So I figured that it's only fair that I share some Black Friday survival tips for you who are brave enough to shop in the wee hours of the morning. How is this Red Cross related you may wonder? Well, I personally feel that knowing what to expect on this glorious of days is also another form of...yes, PREPAREDNESS.

Disclaimer: For those of you who aren't fans of the Black Friday rush, have no fear, the Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog is here. Shop online and give gifts that mean something this holiday season.

Okay, back to Alex's Black Friday Shopping Survival Guide...

Know what you want before heading out. If you don't have any idea of what you want, seriously question your purpose in heading out into the crowds. Without a plan, it will be tempting to spend money you don't necessarily have on items you don't necessarily need and the experience will be fraught with exhaustion, impulse buying, and possibly even guilt. It is a lot better to have a plan in mind, or else you could be using this day more constructively to take a rest or see a movie!

Plan your shopping attack with the precision of a general planning a battle. Not only is the budget and list important, but so are the methods you plan to adopt when going in for the bargain. Timing is everything with limited bargains, so the first thing to keep in mind is hour at which you intend to turn up. The earlier, the better, if you have your eye on items that you know will sell out fast. If you're super keen, you might like to camp out - read How to Camp Out for Black Friday for more details on how to do this.

Take along anything you need to help you. While it's important not to be carrying too much, things you will probably benefit from include: a watch so that you know the time, a cell phone to keep in touch with family members and friends also hitting the shops, and bags to carry your purchases in. Even if the stores provide bags, it is a good idea to bring along your own, stronger bags, especially if you plan on carrying the purchases around for a bit before putting them in the car or elsewhere.

Ensure that you have plenty of sustenance. Plan meals and snacks into your shopping expedition. It can be too easy to forget food amid the rush for bargains but not eating for energy will leave you feeling tired and irritable, and more liable to blowing up at your fellow customers as they snatch the last limited bargain from under your nose.

Plan breaks. Rushing around all the time will wear out even the most ardent shopper. As well as ensuring you're eating properly during the day out, be sure to factor in some breaks for a breather and to regain your sense of humor so that you avoid Black Friday turning into Black Mood Friday!

There you have it, my five tips for a successful shopping day. Now, should you have a rough encounter with a rowdy shopper, or worse, ME, be sure that somoeone in your family knows First Aid by signing up for a class today!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Day Safety!

2011-11-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

The kitchen is the place where family and friends love to gather, but it is also the setting of more fires than any other room in the house.

Cooking is the number one cause of home fires in this country and during the holidays, the American Red Cross wants everyone to be aware of steps they should take to avoid a fire while cooking.

Start by not wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. Never leave cooking food unattended – stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. Other safety steps include:

Check your food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
Keep anything that can catch fire – pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

The Central Valley Chapter of the Red Cross responded to more than 500 home fires during the 2011 fiscal year. House fires are the worst disaster threat to families in the United States. To learn how to prevent a fire in your home and how to keep members of your household safe, you can find many downloadable fact sheets available at www.redcross.org on how to be fire safe over the holidays, how to avoid home heating fires, candle safety, proper use of smoke alarms and teaching your children what to do in the event of a fire.

Five-and-Five Can Keep Them Alive.

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

Moms know best when they say, "It's not polite to talk with your mouth full." Apart from being a dinner table faux pas, talking while eating is the most common cause of choking. This Thanksgiving, the American Red Cross offers tips that can help avoid a dinner disaster and save a life.

If someone is choking, remember "FIVE-and-FIVE can keep them alive."

•Ask the person if they are able to breathe and if you can help.

•Once you know the person is unable to cough, speak or breathe, have someone call 9-1-1.

•Lean the person forward and give FIVE sharp back blows with the heel of your hand.

•If the obstruction isn't dislodged, give the person FIVE quick, upward abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver).

•If you are alone, you can perform abdominal thrusts on yourself, just as you would on someone else. Thrusts can also be administered by pressing your abdomen firmly against an object such as the back of a chair.

•If you feel as if food may be caught in your throat, never leave the room. Stay where others can see you and help if your airway becomes blocked.

To learn more on choking rescue enroll in a Red Cross First Aid and CPR course today. For more information visit www.arccentralvalley.org or call your local Chapter at (559) 455-1000.

Prepare-aphernalia: Flu Prevention Coasters

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

The flu is back and seems to be making the rounds this season, it's especially important to avoid swapping germs by mistakenly drinking from someone else's glass at Thanksgiving dinner. (You wouldn't want to inadvertantly give - or receive - The Holiday Gift You Don't Want.)

That's why I'm loving these slip-on coasters from DimmalimmHome on Etsy. They're handy, classy, and just seem much more practical than wine glass charms. They come in packs of six, but it looks like you can get combos of 12 or more color/shape variations if you're planning a big holiday party.

Could there be a more stylish way to be prepared for flu season? I think not.

Here are a few more tips for keeping your germs to yourself at holiday gatherings:

Avoid the usual kisses and handshakes when greeting friends and family.
If hosting the holiday dinner and someone in the household becomes ill, make sure that they can be isolated into a separate area for care, or ask another family member to host dinner to avoid spreading the flu.
Wash hands frequently, before preparing food, while cooking, and especially before eating.
Keep plenty of hand soap in the bathroom, preferably in a pump container. Skip the pretty hand towels this year and instead use disposable hand towels or a roll of paper towels.
Consider putting the glasses away this year and using plastic cups, or provide a way for guests to identify their drinks. (<-- Like the awesome slip-on coasters!) Don’t drink out of anyone else’s glass.
Put serving utensils in every dish, including snacks like nuts, pretzels, etc. This allows people to spoon out their portion instead of reaching in with their hands.

And, last but not least... Please remember the sleeve sneeze.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2011-11-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

A day late, and a dollar short, I know!

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: The ICRC is currently bringing aid to around a thousand families whose houses were destroyed or seriously damaged in clashes between two armed groups in the city of Bria in September. In partnership with the Central African Red Cross Society, the ICRC is distributing such essential items as tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping mats, basins, soap, jerrycans and kitchen utensils.

THAILAND: The population of Rachaburi Central Prison in Thailand has leapt from 300 inmates to 1540, due to evacuations from flooded prisons elsewhere in the nation. With prisoners sleeping in corridors and gardens, the ICRC has been providing blankets and other essentials to make conditions a little more bearable. Additionally, the ICRC has helped evacuees let their relatives know where they are.

NAMIBIA: With financial support from the Swedish and Belgian-Flanders Red Cross societies, the Namibia Red Cross has begun a massive water and sanitation program under the campaign, ‘Water is Life’. The program ensures the protection of springs and water pumps in selected areas and communities.

UGANDA: The Rural Water and Sanitation Program managed by Uganda Red Cross Society and supported by the Danish Red Cross and the European Union has been implemented in the districts of Ntoroko, Bulisa, Kabarole, Kasese and Hoima, bringing clean water and hygiene promotion, and having a massive impact on communities.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Workplace Preparedness - FAIL!

2011-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

It looks like this company could definitely use a Workplace Preparedness Seminar.

The Central Valley Chapter offers FREE hour-long workplace preparedness courses on-site. To schedule a training contact Alex Villa at (559) 455-1000 or alex@arccentralvalley.org

Honoring Our Veterans

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 11th is Veterans Day. This annual and federal holiday in the United States (Armistice Day or Remembrance Day are celebrated on the same day in other parts of the world) honors those who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces.

An important holiday worldwide, Veterans Day is especially significant throughout the Red Cross because of the organization’s ties, through the Services to Armed Forces (SAF) program, to the United States Military.

- The Red Cross provides pre-deployment briefings on the support systems and resources available to service members and their families while service members are away.

- The Red Cross provides – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – a lifeline between service members and their families by verifying and transmitting emergency messages.

- Additionally, the Red Cross provides military families with access to financial assistance in partnership with military aid organizations as well as referral information and assistance to veterans.

So this Friday, take a few moments to thank those who have bravely and generously served our country through membership in the Armed Forces.

- Post a thank you message on Facebook or tweet a thank you message on Twitter.

- Participate in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program by making a holiday card for a service member, veteran, or military family. (Click here for more information about the Holiday Mail for Heroes program.)

- Donate blood at one of the hundreds of Veterans Day blood drives going on throughout the country. (Click here to find a Veterans Day blood drive in your area.)

- Donate a monetary gift, in honor a service member, veteran, or military family, through the Red Cross Holiday Giving catalog. Even a small amount ($50 = 1 military comfort kit, $20 = 1 military phone card, and $30 = hygiene kids for 3 homeless veterans) can make a tremendous different in the life of an active duty service member or veteran. (Click here to shop the Red Cross Holiday Giving catalog.)

My sincerest thanks to all of our veterans, and happy Veterans Day.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2011-11-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Torrential rains recently hit South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, destroying over a thousand houses in Sange and leaving many people destitute and without shelter. The Red Cross Society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with support from the ICRC, distributed essentials such as clothing, kitchen utensils, hygiene items, hoes, blankets, sleeping mats, buckets and tarpaulins to 1,080 families between 30 October and 5 November.

SOUTHERN EUROPE: Recent days have seen countries in southern Europe faced with extreme weather conditions, including severe rain and storms. Most affected were south-east France and the north-west regions of Italy. Italy in particular was hit by two devastating waves of flooding in a period of ten days, which have so far left 17 dead. The Italian Red Cross is focusing on urban search and rescue (USAR), health care, food assistance, shelter and psychosocial support activities for those affected by the floods.

LIBYA: Although fighting has ceased in most of Libya, civilians continue to be injured or killed regularly by explosive devices. In Bani Walid, and particularly in Sirte, where the highest concentration of ordnance is to be found and the humanitarian impact is the most serious, the ICRC is launching urgent campaigns to educate people about the risks. Removing the threat of explosives in heavily contaminated areas will take considerable time and resources.

TUNISIA: At the same time as bells rang the end of the Gaddafi régime in neighboring Libya, Tunisia was experiencing its first democratic election polls since the fall of the Ben Ali régime. A wind of change from the Arab Spring was in the air, and the Tunisian Red Crescent prepared for anything. With the support of the ICRC, volunteers made extensive preparations to provide help should it be needed. The elections went smoothly and there was no need to activate emergency first aid preparations.

IRAQ: While the security situation in Iraq has slowly but steadily improved, there are many humanitarian needs that still have to be met. The ICRC is expanding humanitarian activities in disputed territories and in the belt around Baghdad, giving priority to women heading households, physically disabled people, primary health in rural areas, displaced people and others who are not getting the services they are entitled to.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The First Ever National Emergency Alert System Test!

2011-11-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

As many of you may already know. Next Wednesday at 11am, across the Nation will be the first ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This is the first time the EAS has been used to deliver a nationwide alert. This alert will be different than the familiar tests or alerts involving severe weather or Amber Alerts.

Of note is a possibility that the “test” banner may be missing which will leave just the banner “emergency alert” due to differences in systems nationwide all coordinating at the same time. Some residents with access and functional needs may not have full access to fully understand the message. The YouTube Video below produced by FEMA is an excellent educational tool and I highly recommend you watch it and start pushing out the message components now and feature the story on Tuesday as a reminder.

Your partnership in this effort is CRITICAL.

This test is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen and improve our alert and notification and to keep our nation and communities safe. The City of Fresno fully collaborates with FEMA, Cal-EMA and our local partners to support this effort. We are committed to emergency preparedness to make our community safe.

On a parting note, I would like to point out in the YouTube video, the use of an ASL interpreter in the video box. Nationwide, many safety broadcasts are lost in translation to the Deaf community as some speak only ASL and would not understand text. In Fresno and Fresno County we have a large Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. I HIGHLY encourage you all to consider the use of ASL interpreters whenever you are delivering critical safety information so the entire community is included.

Get Ready To Bid: Katy Perry Dress!

2011-11-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

Starting on November 9, you can bid on one of Katy Perry’s concert dresses (pictured above). If you win, you’ll also get 2 tickets to a Katy Perry concert on November 22 in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. If you can make it to LA, Katy will hand deliver to the dress to you.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the American Red Cross.

Do you want to create an auction to benefit the Red Cross, too? Try out eBay’s Giving Works.

Want to bid on other items that benefit the American Red Cross on eBay? Check out our page.

Local Circle K Convenience Stores Raise Over $60,000 For Local Chapters

2011-11-07T16:57:00.000-08:00

Circle K employees offering support at Red Cross event.

Immediately following the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti, Circle K - West Coast Division jumped into action helping raise more than $300,000 to support the ongoing efforts in Haiti.

Building on the momentum, the leadership team at Circle K - West Coast Division wanted to help their community where their employees live and their stores operated. Throughout 2011, more than 300 Circle K stores throughout the western United States will run four targeted campaigns asking patrons to support the Red Cross.

The American Red Cross is very excited and proud to announce that it is teaming up with Circle K stores across California, Washington, and Oregon. Circle K will contribute to Red Cross a minimum pledge of $250,000 this year through cash donations, customer donations, and fundraising events that will greatly help local Red Cross chapters in their efforts to ready their communities and respond to times of emergency and disaster.

The Market Manager for the Northern California Division of Circle K Stores Inc. announced today that it has raised $62,249.74 in support of the Central Valley Region of the American Red Cross, through its fundraising canisters placed in stores in Fresno, Merced, Kings and Kern Counties. The largest portion of these funds has been raised in the Merced County area with a total of $34,544.38 raised since the launch of the campaign in May 2011.

“Circle K has become an amazing partner of the Red Cross, through their in-store customer donation programs which they are promoting year-round”, stated Ellen Knapp, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross Central Valley Region. “Their support is making it possible for the Red Cross to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”

Look out for American Red Cross signs at your local Circle K store the next time you stop in for a quick drink, grab a snack, a cup of coffee, or a full meal all in one convenient location! You will soon be able to enjoy fast and friendly service at Circle K as well as support your local American Red Cross chapter at the same time!

Fall Back on Sound Advice: Time to Change Your Clock AND Your Smoke Alarm Batteries

2011-11-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

As our nation moves back to Standard Time beginning this weekend, the American Red Cross encourages you to mark the occasion as a time to test your home smoke alarms and replace the batteries if more than one year old.

Every day in the United States, needless home fire deaths occur. Working smoke alarms significantly increase your chance of surviving a deadly home fire. A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you're awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert scanning the air for fire and smoke.

In addition to changing your smoke alarm batteries this weekend, the Red Cross recommends following these simple steps to protect your life, your loved ones, and your home:

Dust or vacuum smoke alarms when you change the batteries.
Test alarms once a month using the test button.
Replace the entire alarm if it's more than 10 years old or doesn't work properly when tested.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
For the best protection, equip your home with a combination of ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor alarms.
Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout your home so that when one sounds, they all sound. Interconnected alarms are available at most stores that sell smoke alarms.
Make sure everyone in your home understands the warning of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

Finally, prepare and practice an escape plan so that you and your loved ones can get out of your home safely should there be a fire. Plan to meet in a place a safe distance from the fire and where first responders can easily see you.

For more information on smoke alarms, fire escape planning, and fire prevention, visit the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org

Safety Graphic Fun!

2011-11-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

Well which is it? Are you choking or suffocating? You're giving me mixed signals here.

Don't be unprepared. Take a Red Cross Health & Safety course and learn how to perform CPR, Conscious and Unconscious Choking Rescue, and Basic First Aid.

To register for a class visit us online or by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2011-11-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

THAILAND: Severe flooding continues to impact Thailand, particularly the capital of Bangkok and its surrounding communities. Relief has been difficult to deliver as navigating the widespread flooding takes several extra hours by truck, and often utilizes boats as well. Since the floods began in late June, Thai Red Cross has distributed more than 175,000 family kits almost with almost two million bottles of drinking water.

TURKEY: Relief continues to be delivered after the October 23rd 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Eastern Turkey. At least 590 have died and nearly 100,000 may be displaced. The IFRC is working to augment to Turkish Red Crescent’s response, with member societies donating items for the winter (including 60,000 blankets, 3,600 sleeping bags, 3,000 tents, and 1,300 heaters).

CAMBODIA: More than 1.2 million people have been hit by flooding that has affected Cambodia since August, with the Kampong Thom province one of the provinces that has suffered the most. The extent of this year’s flooding, the worst since 2000, has stretched emergency resources to the limit. A total of 143 safe areas had been set up in Kampong Thom, but only 50 of these are still active – the other areas have been inundated by the rising water. At least 21,000 families in Kampong Thom have received flood relief assistance from the Cambodian Red Cross Society.

CHAD: Chad is still structurally fragile as it continues to host almost 285,000 Sudanese refugees, 95,000 Central African refugees and several tens of thousands of migrants from Libya. The ICRC response is evolving from addressing an emergency situation to establishing stability, through projects supporting the Red Cross of Chad. This includes visiting people deprived of their liberty, restoring family links, assisting displaced persons with returning home, treating the wounded, and preventing violations of humanitarian law. In addition the Red Cross of Chad, supported by the IFRC, has sent almost one thousand volunteers into communities to spread the word about how to stop a growing cholera epidemic.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Our Lucky 13 Tips for a Safe Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:13:00.000-07:00

Ghouls and goblins will take over the night. But even scary creatures need to be safe and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween’s greatest hazards aren’t vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and automobile collisions. The Red Cross want your family to have a safe Halloween so we’re providing these tips, the Lucky 13:

1. Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will find your way home!

2. From the bravest of superheroes to the noblest of knights, everyone should remember to bring their flashlights!

3. If you visit a house where a stranger resides, accept treats at the door and, please, don’t go inside.

4. When you get ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of masks, which will cover your eyes.

5. Always remember, before you embark, to wear light-colored clothing to be seen in the dark! (And remember to use reflective tape, even on bikes, and brooms and the edges of your cape!)

6. Whether you walk, slither or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not in the street.

7. As you roam through the neighborhood collecting your treats, please look both ways before crossing the street! (And speaking of streets, the corners are the place for trick or treaters to cross no mat- ter their pace.)

8. Wigs, capes and costumes are flammable attire, so avoid open flames to prevent a fire!

9. Use a glow stick instead of a candle so your jack-o-lantern isn’t a safety gamble!

10. You may fly on a broom or a space ship from Mars, but please be on the lookout for drivers in cars! (Between parked cars is no place to hide, be sure that you’re seen whether you’re a clown or a bride.)

11. Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn, and only visit homes with their porch lights turned on!

12. You may be dressed as a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

13. Have a grown-up inspect your candy when you’re done trick-or-treating to remove open packages and choking hazards before eating.

The Origins of Halloween.

2011-10-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

This morning as many of us came into work with our costumes, we all laughed about how silly we must have looked while driving into the office. We began to think, why is it that all of us are dressed up today? Why is Halloween such a big deal to us Americans? So I did a little research and this is what I have found...

What does the name 'Halloween' mean?

The name Halloween (originally spelled Hallowe'en) is a contraction of All Hallows Even, meaning the day before All Hallows Day (better known as All Saints Day), a Catholic holiday commemorating Christian saints and martyrs observed since the early Middle Ages on November 1.

How and when did Halloween originate?

The best available evidence indicates that Halloween originated in the early Middle Ages as a Catholic vigil observed on the eve of All Saints Day, November 1.

It has become commonplace to trace its roots even further back in time to a pagan festival of ancient Ireland known as Samhain (pronounced sow'-en orsow'-een), about which little is actually known. The prehistoric observance marked the end of summer and the onset of winter, and is said to have been celebrated with feasting, bonfires, sacrificial offerings, and paying homage to the dead.

Earliest Halloween customs

The earliest documented customs attributable to Halloween proper grew out of the tandem observances of All Saints Day (November 1), a day of prayer for saints and martyrs of the Church, and All Souls Day (November 2), a day of prayer for the souls of all the dead. Among the practices associated with Halloween during the Medieval period were the lighting of bonfires, evidently to symbolize the plight of souls lost in purgatory, and souling, which consisted of going door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for "soul cakes" and other treats.Mumming (or "guising"), a custom originally associated with Christmas consisting of parading in costume, chanting rhymes, and play-acting, was a somewhat later addition to Halloween.

Again, however, despite the obvious similarities between old and new, it's an overstatement to say these Medieval customs "survived" to the present day, or even that they "evolved" into modern Halloween practices such as trick-or-treating. There's no direct historical evidence of such a continuity. By the time Irish immigrants brought the holiday to North America in the mid-1800s, mumming and souling were all but forgotten in their home country, where the known Halloween customs of the time consisted of praying, communal feasting, and playing divination games such as bobbing for apples.

So, we may have strayed a bit on the meaning of Halloween but we do love to look silly. So from all the boys and ghouls at the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter, we wish you and yours a safe and Happy Halloween!

Halloween is Lurking Around the Corner

2011-10-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Red Cross tips help make it safe and less scary.

As ghosts and vampires get ready to roam the streets, the American Red Cross has tips to make this a frightfully safe Halloween.

Costume Safety

Whether a child wants to be a princess, a monster or a superhero for Halloween, parents can help keep it safe by:

Adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.

Using flame-resistant costumes.

Using face makeup instead of masks, which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see.

Navigating the Neighborhood

To maximize safety, plan a route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they walk through the neighborhood.

Here are more safety tips to follow as children go from house to house:

Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight.

Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never go inside.

Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.

Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.

Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.

Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

Trick or Treat!

For those who expect to greet trick-or-treaters at their door, they can make sure it’s fun for everyone by following a few tips:

Make sure the outdoor lights are on.

Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.

Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.

Restrain pets.

Use a glow stick instead of a candle in jack-o-lanterns to avoid a fire hazard.

Visit redcross.org for more advice on having a safe and fun Halloween.

Still Searching For The Perfect Halloween Costume? Try This!

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Halloween is only a few days away, so my guess is you’ve already figured out your costume. But if time has gotten away from you this fall and you still don’t know what you’ll dress up as, here are a few Red Cross-themed costumes I’d recommend.

American Red Cross CPR Instructor (bring along a first aid kit or mannequin to make this costume even more authentic)

American Red Cross Lifeguard (a good choice for those of you living in my neck of the woods, where the temperatures on Halloween will likely still be in the 80’s)

American Red Cross Nurse (I realize that Red Cross nurses don’t dress like this today, but I love these vintage nurse uniforms)

American Red Cross Volunteer (throw on a Red Cross t-shirt, jeans, and a lanyard and you’ll be all set)

Now that you’ve gotten your costume squared away, take a moment to review the Red Cross’ Lucky 13 Tips for a safe Halloween.

Trick or treat!

Note: If you choose to dress up in a Red Cross-themed costume, please keep in mind that you’re representing the organization and remember to respect its mission and fundamental principles. Thanks!

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2011-10-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Prepare-aphernalia: The Office Edition

2011-10-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here on the blog we spend a lot of time talking about being prepared. We’re pretty sure that a magnitude 9 or so earthquake (that will cause extensive damage and probably a pretty big tsunami) is coming and we know that you are all packing away food, water and emergency supplies so you’re ready for the “big one” but what about those day to day emergencies?

I came across a few key items to help solve workplace "emergencies" that many of us face everyday and wanted to share:

Can’t find a pen? Not a problem anymore you'll be offering, "borrow my pen" before anyone has a chance to ask with this set of eight reputable business logo pens such as “Stuffed with Love Taxidermy” where just as the pen says “No pet Too small – Give us a Call”. (We think these won't be walking away from your desk anytime soon either)

Someone keeps using your coffee Mug? Chances are good with this mug it won’t be a problem – wash as much as you like, the lipstick and coffee stains are there to stay.

No office windows? Here is an inflatable window with a lovely tropical scene. This could also be a useful addition to your office disaster kit – a little morale boost when your stuck under your desk waiting for help post earthquake.

Your lunch went missing from the staff fridge, again? Not a problem anymore with Anti-Theft lunch bags – these zip-locks have green splotches printed on both sides. Only you will know that sando hasn’t been in there since last summer. I know for a fact, that this would deter many Red Cross staff members as we had the "great moldy cookie debate of 2011" recently.

[Note: We don't endorse, nor sell, the prepare-aphernalia products we feature here. We just like to share cool stuff we come across. These items and more availabe at perpetualkid.com]

Breaking News: Red Cross Sets Up Shelter, Donations Needed.

2011-10-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

Breaking News: On October 22nd, at 4:35am a fire occurred and the Mt. Whitney Hotel located in Lindsay, CA. This is a 26-unit hotel with elderly long-term residents. 37 individuals were evacuated.

Update: The American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter has set up a shelter at the Lindsay City Park Community Center, 911 Parkside Ave, Lindsay, CA following a destructive apartment fire that has left over thirty individuals homeless. Red Cross nurses, mental health professionals and shelter volunteers have been working around the clock today to help the individuals cope with their loss. Please support your local Red Cross by making a donation online at www.arccentralvalley.org

Are You Ready For The Great Shake Out?

2011-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Be Prepared!

It’s a message all Californians have grown up with given their vulnerability to natural disasters. They have seen it all – firestorms, flooding, drought, blizzards, and of course earthquakes. Additionally, with the “Hurriquake 2011″ that struck the East Coast, and the tornadoes and storms that ravaged the Midwest and South this Spring, we would assume that disasters are a fact of life, so it would be safe to assume that preparing for potential disaster would be automatic for everyone.

Surprisingly, recent research indicates that LESS THAN HALF of all Californians have taken necessary steps to prepare for disaster and reduce their risk of damage and injury.

As disaster can strike at any moment, now is the time for Californians – and Americans – to take immediate action. Fortunately, there is no shortage of resources to help us get started.

Today, October 20, millions of Californians will participate in the 4^th annual Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in our nation’s history. It is an opportunity, not only for participants to practice the skills that can save lives in an earthquake, but to also focus on what needs to be done and how easy it can be to prepare yourself.

Simple steps such as building an emergency preparedness kit for every member of your family –including your pets – will ensure you have essential items that will sustain you should you need to evacuate immediately or find that you must go it alone until help arrives. In fact, you most likely have many of the items you need already in your home.

In an effort to promote preparedness and encourage Californians to take action, the California Emergency Management Agency, California Earthquake Authority, and California Seismic Safety Commission have partnered to launch the Totally Unprepared earthquake readiness campaign.

The campaign, which features several of the links above, is a year-long effort aimed to present preparedness info and action steps in a new, more interactive way. Californians are encouraged to get involved via YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter to not only learn for themselves but to easily share the valuable information with their own network of friends and family.

In a state so prone to disasters, we all share in the responsibility of getting prepared to the greatest extent possible. While we can’t prevent or predict when and where disaster will strike, we can all be proactive in our preparedness efforts.

Every journey begins with a single step. We encourage you to take that first step and join the over 8.3 million people already registered to participate in ShakeOut this Thursday, October 20.

Don’t live in California? Don’t worry. ShakeOut may be coming to your state. We’re all in this together. Let’s get involved and get prepared.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2011-10-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

What's An Elevator Speech Anyway?

2011-10-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

If you’re like most people, when you step onto an elevator full of strangers you keep to yourself. You press the button associated with the floor to which you’re heading, step away from the door and the people you don’t know, and watch the numbers light up.

This unique situation, where we are presented with a potentially captive audience but choose not to take advantage of it, led to the creation of the Elevator Speech/Pitch. An elevator speech is a short description of what you do; the point you’d like to make; or a product, service, or organization and its value to the individual or community. The name “elevator speech” comes from the idea that the entire summary should be deliverable in approximately 30-60 seconds, or the time the average person spends on an elevator ride.

Why am I talking about strangers and elevators and speeches, you might ask? Because we, as representatives of the Red Cross, have a responsibility to the organization, and those the organization serves, to create and USE our own elevator speech.

How many times have you mentioned your Red Cross affiliation to someone unfamiliar with the organization (either on an elevator or elsewhere) and received a response like, “Oh sure, you guys host respond to hurricanes, right?” Or, “I took a CPR class once, back when I was in high school.”

Most people have heard of the Red Cross. Many people know a little bit about one piece of the organization. But very few people truly understand how important the Red Cross is to the health and safety of communities across the country and around the world, and your elevator speech can change this.

They’re easy to write. Talk about who you are and why you became a Red Crosser. Talk about what you’ve contributed to the Red Cross. Talk about the impact the Red Cross has on your community. Keep it short and simple, speak to your audience, and share what’s in your heart.

Here’s mine (in response to the “Oh sure, you guys respond to hurricanes, right?” question):

“Yes, we do respond to respond to natural and man-made disasters like floods, tornadoes, and fires. But we also provide relief to local families on average every sixteen hours who fall victim to home fires. The Red Cross provides assistance whenever and wherever there’s a need, thanks to generous donations from this community, which is what motivated me to become involved in the first place. Might you be interested in getting involved? I’d be happy to connect you to our local chapter!”

Now it’s your turn! Those of you with a Red Cross elevator speech, please consider sharing – perhaps along with a story about using your speech – in the comments section. Those of you without, read through the elevator speeches written by your fellow Red Crossers for ideas. Together we can help our neighbors, communities, country, and world better understand the American Red Cross, one elevator ride at a time.

Things To Know About Fire Extinguishers!

2011-10-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

Remember the acronym PASS. This stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. First, stand about 20 feet away from the flames. Locate the pin at the top of the extinguisher. It usually has a ring at the end. Grab a hold of this ring and pull the pin out. Take the hose and aim it toward the fire. Using your other hand, squeeze the lever. This will release the water, foam, or other fire fighting chemicals. Move the hose from side to side, sweeping the fire. Walk closer and around the fire as the flames diminish. Stand ready in case the fire flares back up. Note that each type of fire extinguisher may differ in its operation. Read the directions before use. It is best to be aware of fire extinguishers in your place of work and home and get familiar with their operation before a potential fire.

A fire extinguisher is easily recognized by its large metal cylinder. Usually the metal is red or stainless steel, but can come in any color. The extinguisher is made out of metal so it can hold water, foam, or chemicals that have been pressurized. (That is why users are asked to start about 20 feet away from the fire. The intense pressure causes the fire fighting agents to spray out fast and far.) At the top of the cylinder is a lever, and attached to that is a hose. When the lever is pressed, the chemicals are released through the hose, which help the user direct the fire fighting agents toward the fire. On top of the entire extinguisher is a gauge. It is similar to a thermometer, but instead of taking temperature, it measures how much pressure is in the extinguisher's cylinder. If there is not enough pressure, the extinguisher will be useless.

There are different types of Fire Extinguishers for different types of fires. Please be sure to review the Class listing below to make sure you have the proper fire extinguisher in your home.

Class A- puts out wood and trash fires
Class B- use on flammable liquids
Class C- puts out electrical fires
Class D- fights fires involving metals
Class K- use on grease fires

Ten Simple Steps to a Safer Home...

2011-10-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Is your home fire safe? Have you practiced what to do if ever there is a fire in your home? Do you have smoke detectors? Are they working? When was the last time you checked the batteries?

We know that nothing is more important to you than your family's safety. If you couldn't answer "yes" to the all of the questions above, then there are things you can do today that will assure you and your family sleep safer tonight. It easy! And even if you answered those questions correctly, check below to make sure you've done all you can.

Below are "10 simple steps" you can do today that will drastically improve the safety of your home, and assure that your family reacts correctly in the event of a fire.

· Take fire safety seriously! If you don't, your children won't!

· Make your "Family Escape Plan." Create a simple, easy to understand escape plan, include two exit routes from every room, and a safe meeting place outside your home (like a tree, telephone pole, or neighbor's home) where your family will gather once outside the home.

· Practice fire safety! Your children know that if they want to be good at something, they have to practice. Fire Safety is no difference. Take time to practice your family escape plan, making sure to have two exits from every room. Practice with your children several times, then allow them to do it by themselves to make sure that they fully understand what they should do if ever there's a fire.

· Keep your home safe! Fire safety is not a once-a-year exercise. It must be part of your daily focus. Just as important as knowing what to do in the event of a fire, it is just as important to take steps to assure a fire never starts, and if a fire does start, that your family will be alerted as quickly as possible.

· Install Smoke Detectors! Statistics show that more than half of all fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms, and nearly three quarters of fire deaths occur in homes without alarms or with non-functioning alarms. By placing smoke detectors in your home, you can increase the chances that all of your family gets out safely by 40-50%!

· Change batteries twice a year! Most fire safety personnel recommend changing the batteries within your smoke detectors twice year. It's a simple, yet powerful message, "Working smoke detectors save lives!" Can't remember the last time you changed the batteries? Why take a chance? Change them now!

· Know that sound! Make sure that all family members know and recognize the sound your smoke detectors make. An easy way to accomplish this is to make sure that you gather your family together each time you test your smoke detectors. The quicker you recognize that sound, the quicker you can react if ever there's a fire.

· Keep a look-out for safety hazards in the home! To many items plugged into one outlet, a shirt thrown over a lamp, a worn electical cord; these are just a few examples of hazards within the home.

· Be careful when cooking! Make sure that young children never cook without proper supervision. And make sure to keep cooking surfaces clean to avoid grease fires. A majority of fires within the home begin in the kitchen.

· Every home should have a fire extinguisher! Keep a fire extinguisher in a handy location. The best location is typically just inside a door or entrance, out of the reach of children. Avoid locating an extinguisher right next to where a fire could develop. Remember, a fire extinguisher is no substitute for the fire department, but it can be used to stop a small fire from getting out of control. Know how to use it! It's to late to learn once a fire has begun.

October is Fire Safety and Prevention Month!

2011-10-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

October is Fire Safety Month and the Red Cross encourages the people to take steps to lessen the risk of a fire in their home. It’s important to take simple steps now to protect you home and family. Every second counts during a fire and being prepared can greatly reduce the effects of these devastating disasters. The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes from every room in the home and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the home. Practice the escape plan at least twice a year and revise as necessary. Families are encouraged to pay particular attention to developing and regularly practicing escape plans for children and older adults.

Additional recommendations include:

· Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test them every month and replace the batteries at least once a year.

· Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

· Keep matches and lighters away from and out of reach of children.

· Don’t leave the kitchen, and don’t leave the home while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food.

· Once you are out of the house during a fire, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.

A fire can grow from first spark to full blaze in just three minutes, leaving families little time to escape. During Fire Safety Month this October, take time to prepare for a home fire by developing an emergency escape plan and practicing fire safety with your family.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2011-10-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

SOUTHEAST ASIA: Flooding caused by two typhoons is affecting hundreds of thousands of people in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Hundreds have been killed and thousands left homeless as the flood waters rose.IFRC societies are busy addressing their local concerns and learning the extent of damage.

LIBYA: Over the past week the ICRC has been stepping up aid for 10,000 people near the conflict area of Sirte. Locals have been fleeing their homes and heading towards the desert or nearby villages to the east and west. On October 1st a medical team reached Ibn Sina hospital, inside Sirte, with urgently needed surgical supplies. Two days later additional equipment was delivered.

SOUTH PACIFIC: After six months of little or no rainfall, several South Pacific island nations are facing a water crisis. The New Zealand Red Cross’ International Operations is working to deliver thousands of collapsible water containers, hand sanitizers, water capture devices, and emergency desalination units.

SOMALIA: The situation in Somalia remains highly critical as the struggle against food insecurity continues. Livestock has been decimated and there is no hope for an improvement in the situation until the next harvest in December. The ICRC is working to strengthen support for the Somali Red Crescent’s therapeutic feeding centers. In July and August they distributed one-month rations to over 162,000 people in the areas hardest hit by drought.

AFGHANISTAN: The ICRC issued a summary of operations during July and August, as additional emergency assistance has been needed to assist thousands of people fleeing conflicts in their villages. 10 years after the conflict began access to heath care in rural areas remains difficult, as rising prices and lack of job security are taking a toll on ordinary people’s lives.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

See You Next Year, National Preparedness Month!

2011-10-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

Friday was the last day of National Preparedness Month! To celebrate, we’d like to highlight some of the awesome people we’ve seen talking about getting prepared. We salute all of you.

It’s not too late to make sure you know what to do when disaster strikes, or when someone around you needs help. Take our Red Cross Ready quiz to see how much you know! If you’d like more information about taking classes or how to build an emergency kit, visit our website .

It's That Time Again, Holiday Mail for Heroes!

2011-10-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc. are teaming up to deliver holiday cards to service members, their families and veterans, many of whom will be far from home this holiday season.

The Holiday Mail for Heroes program provides Americans the opportunity to send holiday greetings to our men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, our nation’s veterans and their families. Between October 3 and December 9, the public can send a “touch of home” through holiday cards that contain messages of cheer and appreciation.

“By taking a few moments to express their gratitude to the men and women who serve our country, Americans can touch the lives of those whose sacrifice may have taken them far from home this holiday season,” said Sherri Brown, senior vice president, Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces. “The men and women who receive these cards on military installations and in hospitals tell us time and again that they are touched by the warmth and gratitude expressed from people they have never met.”

For the fifth annual program, The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are also encouraging families, schools, youth, civic groups, scouting troops, places of worship, and other groups that are interested in participating in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program to organize and host card-making events. For a list of tips and ideas, please visit: www.redcross.org/holidaymail

People are invited to send a message of thanks and holiday cheer from now until Friday, December 9 by mailing them to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Where Will The Next Big Earthquake Strike?

2011-09-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Our friends at Infographic have came up with this great guide that shows how earthquakes work and when the next major quake will occur!

Check it out, and if you happen to be in a shake-zone you sure follow take the Be Red Cross Ready Online Training.

Let's Welcome Tara to the Preparedness Gang!

2011-09-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Being prepared for an emergency is important even when you are separated from your loved ones. I am a current intern for the Red Cross and working closely with Regional Preparedness Manager, Alex Villa on the Be Red Cross Ready program. From this experience, I have realized the importance of building a kit, making a plan, and staying informed. With my husband recently taking a job out of town and I am currently still living in the Valley, we are now putting together two disaster kits and action plans for each of our homes. A communication plan is vital in our circumstance. As we are currently separated from one another, it is so important for us to plan in advance. We have to take into consideration how we will contact one another, how we will get back together, and what we will do in different situations.

To get things started, we have identified one out-of-town contact person who will be notified if disaster strikes and one of us is involved. The both of us have the updated out-of-area contact information close at hand. It is also important for us to become familiar with the emergency plans for each others place of employment and how they will communicate with families during an emergency. Knowing this emergancy plan will help to prepare and reunite me with my husband after an emergency. Being prepared and knowing what disasters may strike in both areas is important. If and when an emergency occurs, being informed will help determine if we need to stay at our current location or meet one another at a specified evacuation site between the both of us.

There is a lot to think about when preparing for a diaster, with the both of us living in different locations. By building our disaster kits, creating our action plan, and knowing how to stay informed, we are one step closer to being prepared for a disaster. We don’t know if and when a disaster will strike, but having the knowledge and tools to be prepared will help to minimize any stress and chaos. Disaster can strike quick and without warning, knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility. Let this be a reminder how important it is for you and your loved ones to be prepared for any emergency.

Tara Isaak Rothford is an intern in our Preparedness Education and Outreach program. She joins us from California State University, Fresno and is a currently working on her Masters in Public Health Education.

Prepare-aphernalia: The Earthquake Safe Bed

2011-09-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

As Californians we are constantly worried for "The Big One." You know, the earthquake of earthquakes! While we are long overdue, no one can predict the exact time and date for when and where it will occur.

I am probably the most prepared person I know, but what if I am caught off guard by the earthquake, like during the night while sleeping? Well, have no fear worry-warts!

A retired Chinese inventor has come up with a way to protect youself from the threat of earthquakes for at least a third of your life as that’s how long you’ll spend sleeping in bed.

The idea for this earthquake-proof bed is not just safe, though, it’s stylish and functional. You might not know it from looking at the picture but the three wooden sides to this bed function not only as a frame, but as storage cupboards that can be filled with earthquake preparedness kits as well as automatically combining to form a “strongbox” which protects its sleeper from debris in the event of a quake. Depending on the supplies they’d packed, a person could survive for several days in such a box.

The bed isn’t commercially available yet, but seems like a good idea for anybody living in an earthquake prone area. Of course, you should also follow these precautions when trying to survive an earthquake.

Are You Red Cross Ready?

2011-09-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

While many of you were asleep this morning, the Red Cross was live on KSEE Sunrise helping individuals Be Red Cross Ready for anything. Check out Regional Preparedness Manager, Alex Villa as he teaches Pamela Prado of KSEE 24 how to Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed.

The Zombie Map of the World

2011-09-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

How do you combine an obsession with Zombie movies and data analysis of Google Maps?

Simple, you produce the map, above. It was created by Oxford University's Internet Institute - and the guys behind the fantastic dataviz site, Floating sheep: Mark Graham, Taylor Shelton, Matthew Zook and Monica Stephens.

Using a keyword search for "zombies", it visualizes the absolute concentrations of references within the Google Maps database.

The map reveals two important spatial patterns. First, much of the world lacks any content mentioning "zombies" whatsoever. Second, and related, the highest concentrations of zombies in the Geoweb are located in the Anglophone world, especially in large cities.

It also shows how Africa, where the word 'zombie' originally came from, misses out on those criteria.

Graham, whose favorite Zombie movie is the original Romero Dawn of the Dead ("the classic of the genre") says of the map:

The results either provide a rough proxy for the amount of English-language content indexed over our planet, or offer an early warning into the geographies of the impending zombie apocalypse

Note: If you reside in or anywhere near one of the zombie infested areas listed above, be sure that you build your own zombie preparedness kit.

Get Tech Ready: Prep Messages and Tips for National Preparedness Month

2011-09-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Recent weather events such as Hurricane Irene, the earthquake on the East Coast and other natural disasters highlight the need for Americans to prepare for emergencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, the Ad Council and Google Crisis Response are collaborating to launch a new preparedness web resource, Get Tech Ready on behalf of the Ready campaign.

Released just before the start of National Preparedness Month, this new resource educates individuals and families about how using modern-day technology can help them prepare, adapt and recover from disruptions brought on by emergencies or disasters.

A recent American Red Cross survey showed that the internet, including online news sites and social media platforms, is the third most popular way for Americans to gather emergency information and let their loved ones know they are safe.

“As technology becomes more a part of our daily lives, people are turning to it during emergencies as well. We need to utilize these tools, to the best of our abilities, to engage and inform the public, because no matter how much federal, state and local officials do, we will only be successful if the public is brought in as part of the team," FEMA Administrator, W. Craig Fugate.

“During Hurricane Irene, we saw people using new technologies in many ways, whether it was thousands of people downloading our new shelter finder App or others using our Safe and Well site and social media to let their friends and family know they are OK, ” said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “People now have more varied resources available at their fingertips that they can use before, during and after emergencies.”

Get Tech Ready provides Americans with tips on how to use technological resources before, during and after a crisis to communicate with loved ones and manage your financial affairs. Preparedness tips on the website include:

Learn how to send updates via text and internet from your mobile phone to your contacts and social channels in case voice communications are not available;
Store your important documents such as personal and financial records in the cloud or on a secure and remote area or flash or jump drive that you can keep readily available so they can be accessed from anywhere; and
Create an Emergency Information Document using the Ready.gov Family Emergency Plan template in Google Docs or by downloading the Ready Family Emergency Plan to record your emergency plans.

“Get Tech Ready is a resource that will truly help people in the US and around the world understand how they can use widely available technology to prepare for potential crises,” said Nigel Snoud, Product Manager, Google Crisis Response. “We’re thrilled to be working with FEMA, the American Red Cross, and the Ad Council on this public service project.”

“We are delighted to collaborate with FEMA, Google and the American Red Cross to expand ourReady messages through this new web site to educate more Americans about the vital need to get prepared in advance of an potential emergency,” said Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council. “The web site will provide access to critical resources to Americans addressing the importance of using technology as part of their individual and family preparedness plans.”

Launched in 2003, National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies throughout the year. The Ready campaign was also launched in 2003 by FEMA in partnership with the Ad Council. Since its launch, media outlets have donated more than $900 million in advertising time and space for the PSAs. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.

Are You A Germ-A-Phobe?

2011-09-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

If you avoid shaking hands or, worse yet, flushing a public toilet with your fingers, you might just be a germ-a-phobe.

[And if you watched Contagion recently, you're probably even more terrified of a viral outbreak!]

Germ-a-phobes have always filled our workplaces, but their ranks are growing with concerns about H1N1, Bird Flu and Swine Flue. Gone are the communal candy dishes; here are the bottles of hand sanitizer.

Anyway, I highly recommend checking out this article that takes a much deeper look at germs and how our office buildings are crawling with them. One interesting tidbit? Office desks are 400 times germier than toilet seats.

And now that you've read that, I recommend getting busy with some keyboard sanitizing wipes and flu safety tips. Ick.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

2011-09-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Help Honor A Veteran at the Veteran's Stand Down 2011

2011-09-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Millions of American men and women who served in the military have a difficult time re-joining civilian life.

For nearly a decade American service members have been engaged in two brutal wars in the Middle East. Fresno's Vince Garcia served two tours in Iraq with the Marine Corps. "After I got out I kind of missed the whole military aspect of it and not being in the service."

Clifford Collins served in the late 1980's when drugs were taking hold of many young Americans. Years later he and his wife ended up at the Poverlello House. But last year's 'Stand Down' Brought them new resources, a place to live and a new focus on life.

"Furthering my education. Cause I want to go back to school," said Collins. "I want to go to Fresno City and become a substance abuse counselor. That's what I want to do."

Lingering fall out among veterans of all ages led to the so-called 'Stand Down' ... in war it is a rest from battle.

For three days individuals and families will rest, recharge and connect with available community resources at this years 'Stand Down'.

Too often when the military pay check is gone ... They are left without income.

John Schuler said, "They're coming home from Iraq, Afghanistan wherever and they're moving in to mom and dad's garage or sister Mary's couch and their homeless."

Schuler is a Vietnam era vet looking out for the new generation and so is Keith Rudolph.

"I don't know how they do it," said Rudolph. "They go two, three, four tours. Like John says the family is the one who is suffering."

For current era vets like Garcia his support for fellow veterans has become his work in civilian life. "It's a good investment because you're giving back to those who sacrificed so much for the day to day freedom we utilize every single day."

On September 21st ... The annual 3-day 'Stand Down' will happen here. V.F.W post 89-hundred will open to vets of all ages to 'Stand Down' from their burdens.

Donations in this recession have not yet met the costs, but organizers hope the community will help meet the needs of every veteran needing to 'Stand Down'.