The Red Cross on the GM Headquarters Building for Red Cross Month!

Posted on March 6, 2013 by semtourofduty

We would like to to take this time to thank General Motors Company for their generous support of the Red Cross. As you may or may not know March is Red Cross Month. As a symbol of their support for the entire month of March, General Motors has generously offered to display the Red Cross logo on the General Motors World Headquarters building.

GM_RedCross (2)

Every four minutes the digital display atop the GM building cycles through a series of logos. When you find yourself downtown take a look up at the beautiful GM building to see our logo proudly sharing space with General Motors Company. When you see our iconic red cross snap a photo of your own, then, follow us on twitter and facebook if you aren’t already and send us a copy of your photo via direct message. We may choose to re-tweet your pictures in order to show off our communities Red Cross pride and your creativity!

We appreciate the support of GM this month and the continued support of all benefactors of the American Red Cross.

Filed under: Community, Disaster, Donate, Emergency Preparedness, News, partners, Red Cross Month, Southeastern Michigan Chapter | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Ford Wraps Vehicle with Red Cross logo at NAIAS

Posted on January 18, 2013 by semtourofduty

Thank you Ford!

Detroit is hopping with excitement as the North American International Auto Show is in town and in full effect!

Ford Transit

The Red Cross is also hopping with excitement because a Ford Transit displayed at the Auto Show is wrapped with the Ford and Red Cross logos.

As a way of acknowledging their relationship and support of The American Red Cross programs.

The Ford Motor Company has been a long time supporter and partner of the American Red Cross. Through their generosity, the Red Cross has helped many people in times of disaster and provided needed programs to the community.

Filed under: Disaster, Donate, National American Red Cross, partners, Preparedness, Southeastern Michigan Chapter, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Don’t let those pipes freeze!

Posted on January 2, 2013 by semtourofduty

Happy New Year!  Winter is here!  In Southeast Michigan, that means cold temps are in the forecast.  Therefore, it is important to take precautions to prepare your home.

Here are some easy tips to follow so you don’t end up with busted pipes!

FreezingPipes

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

Being prepared and informed may help you to avoid the messy and often expensive issue of frozen pipes. The American Red Cross provides information and suggestions around how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the “strength” of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

  • Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer or installer directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
  • Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
  • Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
  • Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape,” “heat cable,” or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action

  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
  • Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
  • Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Future Protection

  • Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
  • Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
  • Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
  • For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.

Find more information and tips at redcross.org

Filed under: Emergency Preparedness, National American Red Cross, Preparedness, Southeastern Michigan Chapter, Uncategorized, Winter Safety | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Thank you Ford! Ford Motor Company Fund Pledges $1 Million to American Red Cross

Posted on November 15, 2012 by semtourofduty
  • Ford Motor Company Fund announces $1 million pledge over two years to American Red Cross for disaster relief and career training for veterans and family members
  • Through this grant, 200 veterans, those soon to leave military service, or their family members will receive scholarships for free training for a career in health care
  • Healthcare Scholarships are available to military families in Detroit, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Nashville, Tenn. and Louisville, Ky.

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 15, 2012 – Ford Motor Company Fund is pledging $1 million to the American Red Cross for workplace development training for veterans, military members and their families, as well as to disaster relief through the Red Cross Disaster Responder program.

In this two-year commitment, Ford’s longstanding support of the American Red Cross is being expanded with 200 Blue Oval Scholarships for nurse assistant training in the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program. These scholarships will enable veterans, or those soon to leave military service, and their families to receive training for careers in the health field in five cities: Detroit, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Nashville, Tenn. and Louisville, Ky. All are cities in Ford’s Operation Goodwill program.

The Red Cross nurse assistant training program equips trainees to achieve state-level certification as nurse assistants and obtain sustainable and competitive employment. The program provides job development and work readiness resources as well as help for graduates to find employment.

“Ford’s support allows us to extend our nurse assistant training program in five areas of the country and helps us serve a larger number of service members and their families,” said Lynn Crabb, senior director of Policy and Programs, Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces.

“Recent government data show unemployment among post-9/11 veterans is at 9.7 percent,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “This expansion of our Red Cross partnership provides deserving veterans and their family members the chance to build new careers in the nursing field, which is a win-win-win for them, the Red Cross and our communities.”

This support builds on $50,000 in Ford grants in the past two years for the southeastern Michigan region health care career training program and disaster services programs.

As part of this partnership, Ford also is joining the Red Cross Disaster Responder program and pledges donations on an ongoing basis in advance of major disasters, which helps the Red Cross ensure an immediate response to meet the needs of those affected by disasters of all sizes, at no cost and regardless of income.

In addition, Ford Motor Company is donating two Transit Connect vans to support crisis response in Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services

Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. For more than 60 years, Ford Motor Company Fund has operated with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. The award-winning Ford Driving Skills for Life program teaches new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods. Innovation in education is encouraged through national programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, 25,000 Ford employees and dealers work on projects each year that better their communities in more than 20 countries. For more information, visit www.community.ford.com.

About American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

Filed under: Donate, Emergency Preparedness, Events, Health and Safety, NAT, National American Red Cross, News, Southeastern Michigan Chapter, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Retired Air Force Sergeant Expresses Appreciation

Posted on October 15, 2012 by semtourofduty

On October 2, 2012, the Southeastern Michigan Red Cross Chapter received a heartfelt package in the mail: a blue drawstring bag, accompanied by a letter that would bring tears to many.

The package was from Lawrence Gordon, Jr., Retired Master Sergeant of the US Air Force. In his letter, he expresses his gratitude toward the American Red Cross and explains the significance of the blue bag, which he had reportedly found on his bunk on Christmas Day, 1967, and has carried with him ever since. At the time, it encompassed food, toiletries, and other items that were typically found in care packages sent from the Red Cross to overseas troops. This bag in particular had been sent from our very own Southeastern Michigan Chapter, as a vintage hand-stitched label revealed.

Gordon considers the bag to be a symbol that there were people outside his family that truly cared. The bags brought comfort to all those who received them, some of whom would sadly not make it home. ”But they were happy on that day,” Gordon states.

Lawrence Gordon, Jr. concludes his letter with a final surge of patriotic compassion: ”America is my home. The part of U.S.A. I love the most is US.”

About the Service to the Armed Forces:

The American Red Cross is dedicated to providing an array of helpful services to our troops and their families. All day, every day, the Red Cross connects service members with their families back home when an emergency strikes. The Red Cross partners with the military aid societies to help service members and their families get emergency financial assistance 24/7. The Red Cross provides counseling, guidance, information, referrals and other social services for all military personnel and their families. Before, during and after deployments, the Red Cross provides training, information and support for military members and their families.

Filed under: Holiday Mail for Heroes, National American Red Cross, Service to the Armed Forces, Southeastern Michigan Chapter | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Teaming Up in the Name of Pet Safety

Posted on October 10, 2012 by semtourofduty

The American Red Cross and the Michigan State Animal Response Team (MI-SART) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Monday, which provides the framework for the cooperation between the two organizations in preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters that involve Michigan residents and their animals.  This gives the Red Cross and MI-SART an opportunity to coordinate plans during a disaster response and assess the need to open designated, pet assessable emergency shelters.  This will also clarify the roles of each organization when rendering assistance to victims of disaster and their companion animals.

“MI SART is here to makes sure owners get healthy and happy pets back in the event of a disaster,” said State Veterinarian Steven Halstead.“Knowing qualified and caring people are taking care of your pets helps a family cope in stressful situations.”  

“When a disaster strikes and families are affected, this often includes the family pet.   We want to make sure that together with MI-SART, we can provide necessary assistance to you and your family as well as assistance and shelter for your pets,” said Dave Gutierrez, American Red Cross, State Disaster Officer for Ohio and Michigan.

The American Red Cross will manage staff and operate general population shelters for individuals affected by disasters.  MI-SART will manage staff and manage separate co-located animal shelters.  A Co-located pet/human shelter is possible when a facility has a separate building with a separate ventilation systems and entrance.  Additionally, MI-SART will maintain and accept responsibility for the portion of the facility used for the co-located pet shelter.

Representatives from the Red Cross and MI-SART

 

About the Michigan State Animal Response Team:

MI-SART is an interagency, coordinated effort dedicated to preparing, planning, responding and recovering during animal emergencies in Michigan.  The mission is to develop and implement procedures and train and credential participants to facilitate a safe, environmentally sound and efficient response to animal emergencies on the local, county, state and federal level.  The team is organized and operates under the auspices of the Michigan Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) Animal Care Support Plan utilizing the principles of the Incident Command System (ICS).  Operating on the state level in Lansing, Michigan, MI-SART also promotes and supports the implementation of Community/County Animal Response Teams (CART) across the state. Visit the MI-SART Website to join or donate: http://www.michigansart.org/

Filed under: Disaster, Emergency Preparedness, Health and Safety, MI-SART, pet safety, Preparedness, Southeastern Michigan Chapter | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Passionate Disaster Relief Worker Reflects on Isaac

Posted on September 28, 2012 by semtourofduty

When news of the approaching Hurricane Isaac spread, Red Cross members from across the nation joined to provide shelter, clothing, food, and moral support to those who would soon be forced to vacate their homes. Carl Riley, who has been a member of the American Red Cross for over a decade and currently serves as a Crisis Duty Worker at the Southeastern Michigan Region chapter, was among the deployed volunteers.

Carl, who hadn’t been part of a disaster relief team since Hurricane Katrina, was up and ready for the task. Designated “Mass Care Associate” as part of the family services team, Carl left for Louisiana on the 26th of August, giving the crew enough time to open a shelter in Port Allen before Isaac struck. Their main concern was setting up cots and providing food; Carl was assigned to the kitchen where his job was to ensure that everyone was fed. There were close to 170 people in the shelter, and food was provided three times a day. “We all ate the same thing; cold ready meals, kind of like the food they eat in the military,” Carl recalls.

Carl also helped with mental health in terms of emotional and moral support. Since he and his team were pre-deployed, they dealt with fear-ridden families who were uncertain about the severity of the damage their homes would soon suffer. Luckily for them, Port Allen was not as affected by Isaac as other areas – power outages and minimal flooding was the extent of the storm for the residences of this particular region.

After the storm passed through Port Allen, Carl and his team headed to their next assignment in Gonzales, Louisiana. Their destination was an expo center, also known as a “mega shelter”. Carl’s job was to sign people in and out of the facility. 250 people were brought in at 2:00AM, and everyone was registered by 4:30AM. He reflects that although the work at this setting was more tedious it was also more rewarding, simply because he was able to talk to people and be exposed to their experiences. By the time they arrived in Gonzales the hurricane had already taken its toll, so it was now a matter of dealing with the aftermath.

“It was dramatically different than Katrina,” Carl says. He explains that the service was far more expedient with Isaac because what happened during Katrina was simply not expected to happen. In addition, Carl lets us in on what he believes to be a blessing in disguise: the storm was not as bad as it could have been because of the pre-existing drought. “The Mississippi River was well below its normal level so Isaac basically filled it up.”

Throughout Carl’s stay in Louisiana, he was fascinated by one particular encounter. A family of eight – a mother, father, and their six children – came to the shelter from La Place, Louisiana after losing everything. The mother continued to practice her daily routines at the shelter. In the morning, she would wake her children, sit them down, and bring them breakfast. To keep them entertained, she drew hopscotch lines on the shelter floor – the venue was spacious enough for them to freely frolic about. The mother also maintained daily communication exercises: she would read to them, and then would ask each of them to express what they gathered from the story. Each family member would then be applauded by the others. When it was time to shut down the Gonzales shelter, the entire Red Cross team approached the family to express how deeply they admired the woman for keeping her family together in the midst of such a disaster.

Carl believes that these experiences alter the perception of the Red Cross by accurately portraying what the organization is essentially about. He recommends that each Red Cross worker take the opportunity to contribute to a disaster relief assignment and extends his sincerest gratitude to everyone who made it possible for him to be a part of this team.

“People come in crying but leave with a smile on their face because of the work and compassion that the Red Cross offers. I love what I do and that’s the bottom line.”

Filed under: Disaster, Emergency Preparedness, Floods, Hurricane, National American Red Cross, Service to the Armed Forces, Southeastern Michigan Chapter, Volunteer | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

DTE Energy Volunteers Kick off Red Cross Ready

Posted on September 27, 2012 by semtourofduty

A group of DTE Energy volunteers helped kick off this year’s Red Cross Ready program on September 27 at Paul Robeson-Malcolm X Academy in Detroit.

These employee volunteers were in the Red Cross Ready program, an elementary school initiative that teaches the fundamentals of preparedness including fire safety, and the importance of making a preparedness plan with your family.  The program ends with a celebration and prizes for participating children.

The high school program, Team Red, kicks off in October.  This service learning program not only teaches the fundamentals of preparedness but also teaches Hands Only (Citizen) CPR, fire prevention, and awareness.

In 2011, the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region and the DTE Energy Foundation launched a new program in Detroit area schools to teach area youths how to prevent and prepare for disasters such as fire.

Thanks to the generous funding and support from the DTE Energy Foundation, Red Cross Ready and Team Red are being implemented at the elementary and high school levels by Red Cross staff and volunteers during the 2012-13 academic year.”

“This youth initiative through the Red Cross Clubs is an investment in the health, safety and well-being of the people of Southeastern Michigan that will make a difference in our community for years to come,” said Fred Shell, president of the DTE Energy Foundation. “The people of DTE Energy recognize the critical role that the Red Cross plays in our community and we’re very proud to support their efforts to make Southeastern Michigan a safer and more prepared place to live, work and grow.”

“We are grateful to the DTE Energy Foundation for their generous support with this program,” states La Forice Nealy, Regional Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region. “Preparedness and education are the best defenses against disaster. We hope this program will inform and help our community.”

There are currently 17 partner schools and organizations involved in the programs, located in areas with the highest rate of home fires in Detroit.

Filed under: Disaster, Emergency Preparedness, Grants, Southeastern Michigan Chapter, Uncategorized, Volunteer | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

An App Like No Other

Posted on July 11, 2012 by semtourofduty

About a week ago I was talking with a friend who has five children under the age of 10.  She and her family are very busy, on the move and someone is “always getting hurt” says Kristen, mother.

I told her about the new First Aid App from the American Red Cross.  She has an iphone and immediately downloaded the App.  It was quick and easy to find through the itunes store.

Yesterday I bumped into her at the pool and she couldn’t stop talking about the App and how great it was.  She said the other day her youngest son was very hot and she wasn’t quite sure if he was suffering from heat stroke.  She yelled to her oldest daughter to grab her phone and open the App.  She did and read though the symptoms and steps to help a person suffering from heat stroke. The steps even include a 911 call button.   She said it was great and now she feels prepared to handle situations if they arise with this  App on her iphone.  “It makes me feel a little better knowing that I have information like that at my finger tips and can help my kids.”

Download this App today!

Available for iPhone and Android devices

~ Red Cross Staff Member

Filed under: Emergency Preparedness, Fire, Learn, National American Red Cross, News, pet safety, Pool Safety, Preparedness, Safety Tips, Southeastern Michigan Chapter, Spa Safety, Swimming, Tips, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Red Cross Offers Tips on How to Have a Safe Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on May 23, 2012 by semtourofduty

As we head into Memorial Day there are many things to remember, packing, grilling, and heading to the pool.  But, it is also important to remember to be safe.   At the Red Cross, we are always looking out for your safety!  Here are some great tips as you plan you weekend!

Memorial Day weekend is just ahead and for many it may mean taking to the highway for a quick vacation, breaking out the grill for some outdoor cooking, or taking that first dip in the pool. The American Red Cross offers some safety tips to help everyone have a great weekend.

“The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer and we want everyone to enjoy it,” said Glen Hendricks, Southeastern Michigan Region, Director of Emergency Services “There are steps people can take to help stay safe while they have fun over the holiday weekend.”

DRIVE SAFELY With many people traveling over the holiday weekend, it’s more important than ever to drive safely. People should be well rested and alert, use their seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. If anyone plans on drinking alcohol, they should designate a driver who won’t be drinking.

Other tips for a safe trip include:

  • Drivers should give full attention to the road.  Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
  • Leave ample room when behind other vehicles.
  • Use caution in work zones.
  • Make frequent stops when traveling long distances. 
  • Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows, especially at night.
  • Turn the vehicle’s headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
  • Use high beams on rural roads unless approaching or following a vehicle.

SAFE GRILLING The onset of grilling season often results in injuries and fires due to careless cooking practices. The Red Cross offers steps people can follow to help stay safe while enjoying those tasty cookout treats:

  • Never grill indoors.
  • Always supervise a grill when in use, and make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
  • Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
  • Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.
  • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
  • Be ready to close the lid and turn off the grill to cut off the fuel if necessary.
  • Keep a fireproof pan under the grill to catch any falling ash or grease.

WATER SAFETY Learning to swim is one of the best steps someone can take to be comfortable and safe around water. People can contact their local aquatic facilities to get information about Red Cross swimming classes. Home Pool Essentials (homepoolessentials.org) is an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners.

Other safety tips include:

  • Swim only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
  • Prevent unsupervised access to the water. Install and use barriers around your home pool or hot tub.
  • Maintain constant supervision. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children even when lifeguards are present.
  • Know what to do in an emergency. If a child is missing, check the water first. Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
  • Have appropriate rescue equipment, a phone, life jackets and a first aid kit near the pool.

For full information on how to be prepared and to help stay safe this summer, visit redcross.org.

Filed under: Disaster, Emergency Preparedness, Events, Health and Safety, Heat Safety, Learn, News, Pool Safety, Preparedness, Safety Tips, Southeastern Michigan Chapter, Spa Safety, Swimming, Tips | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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