Southeastern Michigan Chapter responds to two multi-unit fires within 18 hours

Posted on March 18, 2010 by semtourofduty

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter was on the scene at an apartment fire last night, after a blaze ripped through eighteen units of Woodside Village Apartments in Rockwood.  Ten of the units were destroyed, and many residents lost everything.   

Our first priority was making sure they had shelter. Emergency Services Specialist Jima Braynon was there, along with Volunteer Disaster Action Team Oakland 12, led by Bob York. The Southeastern Michigan Chapter set up a service center in a church, just steps just away from the complex, while apartment management provided shelter for 60 percent of residents.

We provided help to four people in two units. Because of the devastation, not everyone was ready to speak with the Red Cross after the fire, yet Braynon expects to hear from more residents in the next couple of days. 

Public Affairs Volunteer Gary Krupczak talked to several media outlets that were on the scene. For more on the story, see Fox 2’s report:  http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/fire-at-apartment-building-in-rockwood-100317.

This morning, in a hotel fire on Detroit’s east side, one man was killed and another was left in serious condition after a fire swept through the hotel/boarding house. The Southeastern Michigan Chapter responded, but most of the residents were at the hospital or had dispersed to other places.    

Specialist Braynon spoke with the hotel owner – getting the names of residents and also providing Red Cross contact information for them. We expect to service several of the residents who were living there.

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Wayne County Executive Declares March 2010 as Red Cross Month in County

Posted on March 10, 2010 by semtourofduty

In a heartfelt showing of appreciation, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross publicly thanked Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano for proclaiming March 2010 as American Red Cross month in the county.

“We appreciate this local recognition of our work,” said James Laverty, CEO of the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter.  “We are striving to be there for people when they need us the most – whether it’s here in southeast Michigan, across the country or around the globe.”

Wayne County Executive Ficano recognized the Red Cross for its role in providing humanitarian aid to victims of disasters, services to the military, health and safety training, and a majority of the region’s blood supply.

While the U.S. president has declared every March as Red Cross Month since 1943, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter was pleased to receive the recognition in its own back yard, Laverty said.

The Wayne County executive’s proclamation recognized the local Red Cross for such things as providing local disaster relief to an average of four home fires a day in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

The county executive also acknowledged the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross for working around the clock to fulfill an important role: keeping service members and their families in communication during emergencies, and offering psychological support before, during and after deployment.

Similarly, the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross was recognized for supplying a majority of the region’s blood supply, providing blood to 43 hospitals in the region.

The Red Cross was also acknowledged for international relief efforts, such as helping the Haitian people after the recent earthquake, where the Red Cross will continue providing aid for years to come.

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter received similar proclamations from the board of commissioners in Oakland and Macomb counties.

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Spring Safety Tips: Stay safe during storms

Posted on March 10, 2010 by semtourofduty

Did you know?Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Further, heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages.

  • Prepare ahead of time – discuss thunderstorm safety with your family
  • Pick a safe place in your home to gather during a thunderstorm – away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
  • Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies.
  • Listen to the local news for emergency updates, and watch for signs of a storm – like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
  • Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur.
  • Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.
  • Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.

When severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. Avoid touching anything outside that’s made of metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity, such as moving metal yard furniture during thunderstorms. Remember – safety first!

If you can’t go indoors during a story – avoid these:

  • Water, and high ground.
  • Metal objects such as benches or bleachers.
  • Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds.
  • If driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay inside the car and turn on the emergency flashers.

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Oakland County Commissioners Declare March 2010 as Red Cross Month

Posted on March 9, 2010 by semtourofduty

(Pontiac, Mich.) – With March declared as Red Cross Month nationally, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday proclaimed March 2010 as American Red Cross month in the county, recognizing and thanking the Southeastern Michigan Chapter for its commitment to helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

“The qualities of life upon which we pride ourselves in Oakland County are, in part, demonstrated by the commitment and dedication of special organizations like the American Red Cross,” said Bill Bullard, Jr., Oakland County Commissioners chairperson, at the board of commissioners meeting, before presenting the proclamation to James Laverty, CEO of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross.

Every year since 1943, the President of the United States issues a proclamation that designates March as Red Cross Month. The tradition began when Franklin D. Roosevelt appealed to the American public to assist the Red Cross during World War II.

The Oakland County Commissioners followed President Barack Obama’s lead, recognizing the Red Cross for its role in Oakland County, throughout the nation and around the world in sheltering, feeding and providing emotional support to victims of disasters, supplying a majority of the nation’s blood supply, teaching lifesaving skills, and supporting military members and their families.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners acknowledged the Southeastern Michigan Chapter for preparing local residents for medical emergencies, citing the fact that last year, the Red Cross certified 47,762 Oakland, Macomb and Wayne county residents in First Aid/CPR/AED, as well as 76,176 residents in water safety skills.

Similarly, he recognized the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross for supplying a majority of the blood supply in southeast Michigan, providing blood to 43 hospitals in the region.

Board of Commissioner Chairperson Bullard also recognized the Southeastern Michigan Chapter for providing humanitarian aid to an average of four home fires a day in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties, providing the families with temporary food, clothing and shelter to help them rebuild after their losses.

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter was also acknowledged for supporting military personnel and their families, helping them cope with the stresses of deployment as service members help fight terrorism a world away.

Further, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross was recognized for supporting international relief efforts, to help rush immediate aid to countries rocked by disaster, such as the recent earthquake in Haiti, where the Red Cross will continue providing aid for years to come

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Board of Commissioners Declare March 2010 as American Red Cross Month in Macomb County

Posted on March 9, 2010 by semtourofduty

In a heartfelt showing of appreciation, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross publicly thanked the Macomb County Board of Commissioners today for its proclamation declaring March 2010 as American Red Cross month in Macomb County.

“We appreciate this recognition from the Macomb County Board of Commissioners,” said James Laverty, CEO of the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “We are working to be there for people when they need us the most – whether it’s here in southeast Michigan, across the country or around the globe.”

The Board recognized the Red Cross for its role in providing humanitarian aid to victims of disasters, as well as services to the military, health and safety training, and a majority of the region’s blood supply.

While the U.S. president has traditionally declared every March as Red Cross Month since 1943, the local Red Cross was glad to receive the recognition in its own back yard.

The Board of Commissioners recognized the Southeastern Michigan Chapter at its recent Feb. 25 meeting with an official proclamation, for such things as providing local disaster relief to an average of four home fires a day in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, providing families with temporary food, clothing and shelter to help them rebuild after their losses.

The Board of Commissioners also acknowledged the local Red Cross for supporting military personnel and their families, helping them to cope with the stresses of deployment as service members help fight terrorism a world away.

The Board further recognized the Chapter for preparing residents for medical emergencies, citing the fact that last year, the Red Cross certified 47,762 Oakland, Macomb and Wayne county residents in First Aid/CPR/AED, and 76,176 residents in water safety skills.

Similarly, the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross was recognized for supplying a majority of the blood supply, providing blood to 43 hospitals in the region.

The Red Cross was also lauded for supporting international relief efforts, to help other countries cope with enormous disasters, such as the recent earthquake in Haiti, where the Red Cross will continue providing aid for years to come.

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Text “Chile” to 90999: ACTIVATED

Posted on March 3, 2010 by semtourofduty

You can now text “Chile” to 90999 to donate $10 to survivors of the Chile earthquake.

Today the International Federation for the Red Cross/Red Crescent launched a preliminary $6.4 million emergency appeal for Chile, so we are now able to accept contributions designated for survivors of the February 27 earthquake.

We will also accept designated donations via

* online gifts to redcross.org
* toll-free calls to 1-800-RED CROSS
* toll fee calls to 1-800-257-7575 to make a donation in Spanish

Thank you for your support of the operation in Chile, as well as our ongoing work in Haiti, which will continue for the long term.

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Red Cross Month Video

Posted on March 3, 2010 by semtourofduty

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March is Red Cross Month

Posted on March 3, 2010 by semtourofduty

March is Red Cross Month!

Down the street.  Across the country.  Around the world.

Each year, the president of the United States proclaims March “Red Cross Month“

How did this tradition come about?

Since Clara Barton created the American Red Cross in 1881, it was largely dependent for publicity and funds on the spontaneous support of people who learned of catastrophic events and the Red Cross response to them. News of an event broke. The American Red Cross rushed to the scene with help. People around the country came forth with outpourings of volunteer assistance and donations of funds and supplies.

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the month of March 1943 as
“Red Cross Month.” The Red Cross set a goal of $125 million, the largest amount ever requested in one campaign by any American organization. Again, the response was overwhelming. It took less than six weeks to reach the target. By June 1943, donations totaled nearly $146 million. Roosevelt called it “the greatest single crusade of mercy in all of history.”

This Red Cross Month, we are focusing on thanking our supporters and urging people in America to continue to get involved with their Red Cross; Down the street, across the country and around the world.SM

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Dr. McGeorge Delivers Medical Care to Haitians

Posted on March 3, 2010 by semtourofduty

WDIV Good Health Reporter Dr. Frank McGeorge went to Haiti shortly after the earthquake to provide medical care and humanitarian aid to people, as well as news reports for Channel 4.

On his first morning, Dr. McGeorge began setting up his medical supplies at 6 a.m. in a standing structure, and word spread quickly throughout the neighborhood.  Soon, the “walking wounded” as he calls them, were lined up to be treated for such things as fractures and sprains.

Because Dr. McGeorge arrived after the first week following the earthquake, the people with horrible crash injuries had either already received medical treatment or were currently aboard the USNS Comfort receiving medical care.

When he wasn’t providing medical care, Dr. McGeorge witnessed – and videotaped with the help of a cameraman – the vast devastation in Haiti.

“While we clearly have our problems here in America, the human tragedy that I witnessed in Haiti is so far beyond anything I’d ever witnessed,” Dr. McGeorge told WDIV viewers.  “We are all on the same little planet.  Be thankful for the life that you’re blessed with.  Help anyone who’s less fortunate whenever you can.”

While witnessing and videotaping the destruction with his cameraman, Dr. McGeorge noticed a huge need for food, shelter and water, the basic humanitarian provisions that the Red Cross has been providing to the Haitian people.

He noted that shelter is an especially huge problem, because the makeshift homes made from sticks and blankets and tied with a string would never stand up to the coming winds and rain, and provide very little privacy, which is a basic human need.

He said the tents and cooking supplies that the American Red Cross began delivering will be a tremendous help. Until the Haitians can redevelop their agricultural base, they need food.

Besides being a medical reporter, Dr. McGeorge also serves on the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter’s Ambassador Council and is an Emergency Room Physician for Henry Ford Hospital.

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Learn Lifesaving Skills through the Red Cross

Posted on February 18, 2010 by semtourofduty

March is the perfect time to learn lifesaving skills, as it is American Red Cross Month.  The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross offers the following classes at its Riverview classroom site, located at 20950 Grange Rd.

Adult CPR/First Aid/AED is taught on March 11 and 18, from 6-10 p.m. – or a one-day session on March 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – for a cost of $55.  There is also a blended learning class, taught both online and in the classroom for $60.  The second (classroom) portion is taught on March 20 from 9 a.m. to noon.

For those with children in their lives, the Adult First Aid/CPR/AED and Child/Infant CPR class is taught on March 6 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or March 8, 15 and 22 from 6-10 p.m., for $70.  The blended learning class is on March 9 from 6-10 p.m. for $75.

For youth, the Red Cross offers its Babysitting Training class on April 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at a cost of $55.

Advance registration is required for all classes.  To learn more or register, call 313-576-4101 or log on to www.semredcross.org

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