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.

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As National Preparedness Month Continues, Families are Urged to Make a Plan and Download the App

Posted on September 24, 2012 by semtourofduty

As National Preparedness Month continues the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region is encouraging all households to create a family disaster plan to make sure they are ready for the next emergency or disaster.

Plans should include designating a meeting place right outside the home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire, an out-of-area emergency contact person and a location where everyone should meet if they can’t go home. All members of the household should work together on the emergency plan and each person should know how to reach other family members.

“Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared is a family’s best defense,” said Glen Hendricks, Director of Emergency Services, Southeastern Michigan Region. “Making a plan is an important step in making sure all household members know what to do in an emergency.”

Red Cross tools make it easier for people to make or update plans. The American Red Cross Hurricane App for iPhone or Android smart phones helps people create a plan, share it with household members and over social networks. In addition, a template and instructions to build a plan are available at redcross.org/npm.

“Everyone must be prepared to take care of themselves and their neighbors in an emergency,” Hendricks said. “No one can predict where or when disasters will strike, but preparedness steps taken today can save lives tomorrow.”

Other Ways to Get Ready

The Red Cross has several programs to help people, businesses, schools and communities be better prepared.

  • Be Red Cross Ready is an online tutorial that teaches people to be ready for emergencies.
  • Red Cross Ready Rating™ is a free, web-based membership program that measures how ready businesses, organizations and schools are to deal with emergencies and helps them improve their readiness level.
  • The Ready When the Time Comes program trains employees from businesses so they can be used as a community-based volunteer force when disaster strikes.
  • Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training courses provide participants with the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed.
  • People can visit redcross.org for information on what to do before, during and after emergencies and disasters.

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Yes, it can even happen here…

Posted on September 12, 2012 by semtourofduty

Being prepared is more than just grabbing a sweater in case you get cold.  In Michigan we get to watch things like, wildfires, hurricanes and other strong storms from a far.  When disaster strikes across the country, I comfort my kids by saying, “Don’t worry, those things don’t happen in Michigan.”  And, for the most part, that is true.

But, last spring a big disaster did hit Michigan.  A severe tornado touched down in Dexter, Michigan, destroying many homes and devastating the lives of those affected.  Residents in the area took shelter in their basements and hoped for the best, but some came upstairs and found nothing  but debris.  Others found their clothes and belongings thrown all over the neighborhood;  miraculously, no one was hurt.

I was in Dexter that night and saw the devastation.  I had never seen anything like that before.  It was an eye opening experience for me.  Things like this DO happen in Michigan.  And, I want to make sure my family is prepared.

The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region is second to New York in the number of emergency responses to home fires.  If that isn’t a reason to be prepared, then I don’t know what is.  A home fire can change your life in an instant.  Knowing proper fire safety and preparedness can help!

Get a Kit

Make a Plan

Be Informed

Plans should include:

  • A meeting place right outside the home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire
  • A location where everyone should meet if they can’t go home
  • An out-of-area contact who can help connect separated family members

All members of the household should work together on the emergency plan and each person should know how to reach other family members.

Tools to help you make or update family plans:

Written by:  Allison Koenigbauer, Regional Communications Officer, American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region

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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

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Southeast Michigan Region Volunteers head to Minnesota and Colorado to aid victims of disaster

Posted on June 26, 2012 by semtourofduty

Red Cross Workers Respond wildfires and floods

As disasters crop up around the United States, Red Cross volunteers from Southeast Michigan are on the road to help the communities that have been affected.  From the wildfires in Colorado to flooding in Minnesota, volunteers are coming together to help when it is needed most.

Two wildfires have ravaged the areas of Lake Geirge, Colorado and the Waldo Canyon area in Colorado Springs.  Homeowners were forced to leave their homes and were given little time to prepare due to the nature of these fires.  At this time, there are two shelters open to help the displaced families.  Last night displaced individuals were given food, clothing, shelter and comfort kits with basic hygiene products.  Southeastern Michigan Red Cross Volunteer, William Pacey has been deployed to this provide mental health assistance to people of the area.

 

 

 

In Minnesota, the Red Cross is assisting communities who have been affected by “Northland” flooding, forcing hundreds to flee their homes. The flooding has made dozens of neighborhoods inaccessible to residents.  The American Red Cross is operating two shelters and supporting several more in the region to provide, meals, health and mental health assistance as needed.  Volunteers Zach Baker, Debbie Kemp, Jim Collins and Flo Collins from the Washtenaw-Lenawee Chapter arrived in Minnesota to provide, disaster assessment and feeding services.

 

 

 

 

“Red Cross volunteers are trained to provide immediate disaster relief services for those affected by the disaster,” explains Ashley Cieslinski, Emergency Services Director for the Washtenaw-Lenawee Chapter.

If you would like to help people affected by disasters like the recent floods, storms and wildfires, you can make a donation today to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief 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.

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American Red Cross Pulls Through in Duck Lake Fire

Posted on May 30, 2012 by semtourofduty

A wildfire has hit the area of Newberry in Michigan’s Upper Penninsula and is headed to the area of the Tequamenon Falls.  Although the fire is 20% contained it is expected to keep on.

Over 600 people in the area have sought the help of the American Red Cross.  The Red Cross has opened a shelter, and provided food, clothing and mental assistance to residents as well as fire fighters in the area.

If you would like to donate to support Red Cross Disaster Relief to help with disasters like this and others across the country call 1-800-red-cross or go to redcross.org

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Toby is thankful for his family

Posted on April 2, 2012 by semtourofduty

April Is Pet First Aid Awareness Month!

Toby is a good, family dog.  His owners love him and don’t know what life would be like without him.  He is a part of their family.  Toby’s owners feed him good food, give him lots of love, a nice warm bed and great walks in the park.  Toby is super healthy and loves to play in the sun.

But, in the summer, in an instant, Toby can be affected by one of the most common problems that a dog can face…heat stroke, especially when they are not used to the warmer temperatures yet.

Pet owners should remember that the inside of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees in warm weather and should not leave their animals in the car, even during short trips. This can quickly lead to heat stroke. The signs of heat stroke include:

  • Heavy panting and being unable to calm down, even when lying down.
  • The pet’s gums may be brick red, they may have a fast pulse rate, or they may not be able to get up.

If someone suspects their pet has heat stroke, they should take the pet’s temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees Fahrenheit, they should cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring the pet to the veterinarian immediately as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.

PET FIRST AID
Courses are available at many Red Cross chapters on how to care for your pet. The Red Cross has also developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid Guides with DVDs that teach basic responsibilities like spaying/neutering and giving medications, to performing CPR and preparing for disasters. VisitRedcross.org/training or call 1-800 RED CROSS to see when classes are available. The Guides are available through the Red Cross Store.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR PET HEALTHY
Pet owners can follow these important steps to help keep their pet healthy:

  • Give pets plenty of exercise.
  • Make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool water.
  • Make sure they get regular yearly checkups with their veterinarian, and are up to date on vaccines, especially rabies.
  • Get pets spayed or neutered.
  • Keep dogs on leashes outside – another animal may be too much temptation
  • Know how to perform CPR and provide basic first aid until veterinary care is available

EMERGENCIES AND YOUR PET
Don’t forget to include pets in planning for emergencies in your home or neighborhood:

  • Make plans to take your pets with you if you have to evacuate.
  • Most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Know which friends, relatives, hotels, boarding facilities will accept pets in an emergency.
  • Assemble an easy-to-carry kit with emergency supplies for pets:
    • Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers
    • Food, drinking water, bowls, manual can opener
    • Medications and copies of medical records
    • Current photos of the pets

Pet First Aid Awareness Month is a great time for people to learn how to protect their pet and keep them healthy. More information on how to keep pets in good health are located on the Red Cross Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist.

Toby’s family has decided to educate themselves in Pet First Aid and now Toby feels relaxed and cool knowing that they can take care of him in an instant.

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During Red Cross Month, Help People In Need By Supporting the American Red Cross

Posted on March 1, 2012 by semtourofduty

During March, the American Red Cross is asking everyone to help people in need by supporting the lifesaving services it provides.

“Please remember those who need our help and support the Red Cross by making a donation, becoming a volunteer, taking a class, or giving blood,” said James J. Laverty, Regional Executive Officer, Southeastern Michigan Region “We want to thank everyone for their generosity, which has enabled us help people here at home, across the United States, and around the world.”

March is Red Cross Month, first proclaimed in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since that time, every president, including President Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross is synonymous with helping people, and has been doing so for more than 130 years.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this country, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world; collects and distributes more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than 9 million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year.

Here in the Southeastern Michigan Region, we have responded to 1283 local emergencies, assisted military families and trained 157,509 people in lifesaving skills. And, people from this area donated approximately 220,000 units of blood.

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“Red Cross Month is a great time for people to support our mission,” Laverty said. “Their kindness will enable us to continue our work, both here at home and across the globe.”

The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar given to the Red Cross is invested in helping the people the Red Cross services.

The Southeastern Michigan Region of the American Red Cross serves the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Lenawee, St. Clair and Monroe. Please check our local websites for Red Cross Month events and activities.

www.semredcross.org

www.wc-redcross.org
www.arc-monroe.org

 

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Red Cross Offers Tips for Twelve Days of Holiday Safety To Keep the Season Safe, Happy and Bright

Posted on December 13, 2011 by semtourofduty

Having a busy time getting ready for the holidays? While everyone is shopping, baking, gift wrapping, decorating and going to parties, the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Regional Chapter has holiday tips to help make the season a safe one.

1. Prepare vehicle for traveling to grandmother’s house. Build an emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, and a tow rope.

2. Drive the sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm. If travel is a must, let someone know the destination, the route being taken to get there, and how long it should take to arrive. If the car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along the predetermined route.

3. Help prevent the spread of the flu. Stay home if sick. Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, someone should cough or sneeze into their elbow, not their hands.

4. Follow Santa’s fashion lead – dress in layers. When it’s cold outside, layered lightweight clothing will keep a person warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves and a hat will prevent loss of body heat.

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

6. Avoid danger while roasting chestnuts on an open fire. Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If leaving the kitchen even for a short period of time, turn off the stove. This is important because unattended cooking causes nearly 90 percent of all kitchen fires.

7. Be a lifesaver during the holidays. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should take first aid and CPR/AED training. Visit www.redcross.org/training for details and to register.

8. Designate a driver or skip the holiday cheer. Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired. If someone plans on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.

 9. When the weather outside is frightful, heat the home safely. Never use a stove or oven to heat the home. Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms.

10. Cut down on heating bills without being a Grinch. Get the furnace cleaned and change the filters. Make sure furniture isn’t blocking the heat vents. Close off any rooms not in use and turn off the heat in those rooms. Turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater.

11. Home for the holidays? Travel safely. Check the tire air pressure and make sure the windshield fluid is full. Be well rested and alert. Give full attention to the road – avoid distractions such as cell phones. If someone has car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

12. Resolve to Be Red Cross Ready in the New Year. Get ready now in case someone in the household faces an emergency in 2012.

Filed under: Emergency Preparedness, Fire, Health and Safety, Heat Safety, News, Preparedness, Safety Tips, Southeastern Michigan Chapter | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

This Black Friday, Give Something That Means Something

Posted on November 22, 2011 by semtourofduty

This holiday season, the American Red Cross is urging everyone to give something that means something.

The 2011 American Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog, now available online at http://www.redcross.org/gifts, contains over 25 meaningful “symbolic” gifts that can be given in honor of friends, family members and business associates. Gift-givers can provide a full day of emergency shelter for victims of disaster, purchase hospital comfort kits for wounded service members, or pay for critical vaccinations that will save children’s lives. With each gift purchased, the gift-giver receives a greeting card that can be presented to friends and family explaining the gift given in their honor.

“Selecting a gift from our Holiday Giving Catalog is a wonderful way to live-out the spirit of the season,” said Kim Baker, chief development officer in the Southeastern Michigan Region. “Holiday donations help save the day when fire destroys a neighbor’s house, when a patient needs blood, or when a member of the military has a family emergency back home.”

This year in Southeastern Michigan, 681 local Red Cross volunteers responded to 1,163 emergencies, helped 9,611 individuals in time of crisis, and served 8,314 active military, veterans, and family members. Nationally, the Red Cross responded to more than 68,000 disasters, including wildfires that burned hundreds of thousands of acres, tornadoes that destroyed entire towns, and flooding that left communities under water from the Dakotas to the East Coast.

Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces workers provided assistance to more than 386,000 members of the military and their families, veterans and civilians. And Red Cross Blood Services distributed more than nine million blood products for patients in nearly 3,000 hospitals across the United States.

“History has proven that Americans respond generously when people are in need,” said, Baker.  “Giving through the American Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog is an opportunity to help us be ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whenever the need arises.”

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. 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. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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