Red Cross Offers Tips for Safe Holiday Travel

It’s almost Memorial Day and for many it will mean heading out on the highway to a fun destination for the long holiday weekend. The American Red Cross has some travel safety information everyone can follow to help them enjoy their trip.

With more people on the roads, it’s important to drive safely. Be well rested and alert, use your seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink.
Other tips for a safe trip include:

• Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
• Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Make frequent stops. 
• Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights.

If you are traveling with your pet, the Red Cross has special advice to make your trip more enjoyable.

 Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional issues that could impact your safety.

• Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low. If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
• Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• Find out what disasters may occur in the place where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).

DOWNLOAD FREE APPS Another thing people can do is download the free Red Cross apps for mobile devices. The first aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergency at someone’s fingertips. If you know what disasters can occur near your destination, apps are available to help. The free apps are available for direct download from the Apple or Google Play for Android app stores.

Tornadoes Strike Quickly; People Should Be Prepared

The tornadoes that have hit in Oklahoma, Texas and other states in the past few days are a reminder that tornadoes can strike anywhere, at any time, and the best time to get ready is before the weather turns bad.

Experts warn that weather patterns can change quickly, and people should stay informed about any severe weather forecast for their community. The American Red Cross has safety steps people can take to be prepared should tornadoes threaten.

DOWNLOAD TORNADO APP One thing people should do is download the free American Red Cross Tornado App, available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. The app gives mobile-device users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a tornado.

The app includes important things like a high-pitched siren and tornado warning alert that signals when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued. This feature allows users to make critical decisions and to take actions to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe even in the middle of the night. An all-alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled.

Although severe tornadoes are more common in the Plains states, tornadoes have been reported in every state. Everyone should know the tornado danger signs, such as dark, often greenish clouds, a wall cloud, cloud of debris, large hail, funnel cloud or a loud, roaring noise. A tornado watch is issued when a tornado is possible in or near a specific area. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted and that people should immediately seek shelter.

SAFETY STEPS The Red Cross urges everyone to pick a safe room in their household where loved ones and pets can gather, such as a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Mobile homes are not safe during tornados. If someone is in a mobile home, they should get to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately—do not wait until the tornado is visible. People should also:

• Know their community’s warning system.
• Prepare for strong winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees.
• Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile
• If someone is caught outdoors, they should seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If that’s not possible, they should take the following steps:
• Get into a vehicle immediately, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If flying debris occurs while driving, pull over and park. They can stay in the car with the seat belt on with their head down below the windows, covering their head with their hands and a blanket if possible.
• If it is possible to safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, another option is to exit the car and lie in the low area, covering their head with their hands.
• Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances.

More information on tornado safety, including videos and downloadable checklists, is available in the Preparedness section of redcross.org.

Red Cross Statement on Oklahoma Tornado

Our thoughts and concerns go to everyone in Oklahoma following this horrific tornado.
The American Red Cross has one shelter open in Moore and is working on locating others; we continue to operate three shelters that were opened Sunday in the Oklahoma City area following the storms on Sunday. .

Red Cross volunteers are out tonight with food and supplies supporting first responders.

More than 25 emergency response vehicles are positioned to move at first light Tuesday, and we expect that the number will increase. The Red Cross is also sending in kitchen support trailers to support the upcoming operation to provide meals to those forced out of their homes.

People in Oklahoma near the tornado area are encouraged to connect with one another and let loved ones know that they are safe. This can be done through the I’m Safe feature of the free Red Cross tornado app. In addition, if you have access to a computer, go to redcross.org/safeandwell to list yourself as safe. If not, you can text loved ones or call a family member and ask them to register you on the site.

This has been a major disaster, and the Red Cross will be there for the people in this state and this community. People who wish to make a donation can support American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters like the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and Texas as well as disasters big and small throughout the United States by visiting redcross.org, dialing 1-800-REDCROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Red Cross Responds to Fire in Friendship over Weekend

The Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to provide disaster relief following a house fire on Maple Avenue in Friendship on early morning Saturday.

DAT volunteers Tom and Mary Lingenfelter of Houghton, were on scene to provide the initial disaster assistance. Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the family and their recovery process if additional services or referrals are necessary.

All disaster assistance offered by the American Red Cross is complimentary and made possible by generous contributions from the American people and residents of Allegany County. The United Way organizations of Allegany County also provide financial support to the local Red Cross mission.

Red Cross Urges Southwestern New Yorkers to Prepare for Earthquakes

The US Geological Service is confirming a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck an area Shawville, Quebec in Canada around 9:45am Friday morning, and other outlets are reporting an earthquake in Braeside, Ontario, Canada. People across the Western New York area have reported feeling the effects of an earthquake, although there have been no reports of any damage or injuries at this time.

Earthquakes are sudden and can strike without warning. They can happen in every region of the United States. The American Red Cross urges everyone to update their family evacuation plan, emergency preparedness kit and get better prepared for earthquakes and other emergencies.

The American Red Cross recommends the following preparedness actions:

Get or assemble an emergency preparedness kit:

A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. Check your kit and replace perishable stock every six months. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your three-day kit should include:

·         First aid kit and essential medications.

·         Canned food and can opener.

·         At least three gallons of water per person.

·         Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

·         Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

·         Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

·         Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

·         Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.

Prepare a home earthquake plan:

The American Red Cross urges each and every household to develop a household disaster plan.

·         Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.

·         Practice drop, cover and hold on at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children to drop, cover, and hold on!

·         Choose an out-of-town family contact.

·         Consult a professional to find out additional ways you can protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques.

·         Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your training current.

·         Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department.

·         Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.

Be informed

·         Find out how local authorities will contact you during a disaster. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions and follow the advice of local authorities.

• Contact your local American Red Cross for details about community disaster education presentations that may be arranged or are available in your workplace, school or community organization.

• Get trained in CPR and first aid so you will know how to respond to emergencies in the event that help is delayed.

For more information on earthquake preparedness, please visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/earthquake.

May 15th International Water Safety Day is May 15

International Water Safety Day is May 15, and the American Red Cross will participate in a congressional briefing in Washington, D.C., to bring attention to the importance of water safety.

Before Americans begin their summertime vacations, a coalition of organizations, including the Consumer Safety Commission, the YMCA and media outlet CNN, are participating in a hearing on Capitol Hill to prevent more drowning deaths.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 388,000 drowning deaths occur annually around the world, making drowning a global public health problem. In the U.S., drowning is the second leading cause of fatal unintentional injury death for children ages one to 14.
The American Red Cross encourages all household members to enroll in age-appropriate water orientation and Learn-to-Swim programs. To find classes for your family, contact your local aquatic facility and ask for Red Cross swimming programs. Developing skills and water safety behaviors help people be more comfortable and safe when they are in, on and around the water.

Water Safety Tips

•  Make water safety a priority.
• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy, and do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Never leave young children unattended near the water.
•  Prevent Unsupervised Access to the Water.
• If you own a pool or hot tub, install and use barriers.
• For above ground or inflatable pools, remove access ladders and secure the safety cover whenever the pool is not in use.
• Maintain constant supervision.
• Actively supervise children around the water – even if lifeguards are present.
• Always stay within arm’s reach of young children.
• Know what to do in an emergency.
• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count.
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
• Take the Home Pool Essentials course.
• The Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation® developed the online safety course for pool and hot tub owners.
• Home Pool Essentials helps people understand the risks of pool ownership and how to maintain a safer and cleaner pool and hot tub.

Jamestown Office to Close May 17th for Chief Justice Roberts's Visit at Jackson Center

The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York office in Jamestown will close on May 17^th, 2013 to accommodate Chief Justice John G. Roberts’s visit to the Robert H. Jackson Center.  It is a great honor to have Chief Justice Roberts in Jamestown and the Red Cross would like to support the Jackson Center in his visit.  The Red Cross offices in Olean (716-372-5800) and Wellsville (585-593-1531) will still be open to service clients of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties.