A busy week at the American Red Cross of Southwestern New York

Our volunteers have been braving the bitter cold to help those displaced by fires recently in the Southwestern New York area.  Here is a quick update:

·         Mary Walker responded to assist a family of 2 after a fire last Friday afternoon  in Dunkirk

·         Fran Heath, Pete Peterson and Bob Goold responded to assist a family of six in Cherry Creek after a fire Tuesday afternoon
·         Bob Shook and Darci Ladabouche responded to a fire in Friendship on Wednesday and assisted three people
·         Gayle Fusco and Cindy Kozlowski responded to a single family fire in Franklinville on Wednesday evening and assisted one individual

As always, our gratitude goes out to our volunteers who respond 24/7 to assist those in need.

Red Cross Responds to Two Fires

Olean, NY – Members of the Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Team provided disaster relief following a home fire in Allegany.

Disaster Team members provided initial disaster assistance for two people.  Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the families 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 Cattaraugus County. The United Way of Cattaraugus County also provides financial support to the local Red Cross mission.

Members of the Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Team responded to provide disaster relief following a home fire in Mayville on Wednesday evening.

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Disaster Team volunteers David and Sandy Brown responded to provide initial disaster assistance for a family.  Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the individuals 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 Chautauqua County.

The American Red Cross is a United Way Community Partner.

Red Cross Responds to Fire in Belfast

Wellsville, NY – Members of the Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Team responded to provide disaster relief following a home fire in Belfast early Tuesday morning.

Disaster Team volunteer Bob Shook responded to provide initial disaster assistance for one person.  Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the families 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 of Allegany County also provides financial support to the local Red Cross mission.

Red Cross Responds to Multi-Apartment Fire in Fredonia Sunday

Fredonia, NY – Members of the Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Team responded to provide disaster relief following a multi-apartment fire in Fredonia Sunday.

Disaster Team volunteers Fran Heath and Pete Peterson responded to provide initial disaster assistance for 11 people. Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the individuals 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 Chautauqua County.

The American Red Cross is a United Way Community Partner.

It's Time to Fall Back!

Daylight Savings Time ends early this Sunday morning.  Be sure to set your clocks back one hour.

It is also the ideal time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detector, emergency radios and flashlights.  Have your heating system inspected or cleaned before the winter season sets in.  We are entering the busiest time of year for the American Red Cross in regards to response to home fires.

And visit redcross.org for many more cold weather safety tips for you and your family.

The American Red Cross Urges Southwestern NY to Prepare Now for Winter Storms

Western New York is prone to winter storms, and the Southwestern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross urges residents to take steps now to stay safer when severe weather threatens.

“By preparing together for winter storms, we can make our families safer and our communities stronger,” said Tina Jones, Disaster Program Manager with the American Red Cross. “We can help you and your family create a disaster preparedness plan now, before our community is threatened by dangerously low temperatures, snow, ice and strong winds.”  

Historically, our area has proven to be in the path of some pretty damaging winter storms, causing power outages and road closings.  Along with these storms, the need has arisen for the Red Cross to open shelters (in the case of the closing of I90 due to heavy snows, or during the flooding of Gowanda and Sunset Bay areas).  Winter typically brings an increased use in wood stoves and heaters, unfortunately spiking a higher incidence of local house fires.  Our Red Cross Disaster Teams respond during these local –silent disasters – typically by providing assistance in the form of immediate housing, food, and clothing.

As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by:

• Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.

• Heeding Storm Warnings: A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio or television stations. A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately.  

• Preparing Your Home and Car:  Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing. 

For more information on winter storm preparedness, contact the American Red Cross of Southwestern New York at 716-664-5115, visit www.redcross.org or www.cruzrojaamericana.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS. We urge you to share these Red Cross winter storm preparedness tips with every member of your household, because the best protection is to be prepared ahead of time.   

Red Cross Volunteers Respond to Fire in Fillmore

Wellsville, NY – Members of the Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Team responded to provide disaster relief following a home fire in Fillmore on Tuesday afternoon.

Disaster Team volunteers Tom and Mary Lingenfelter responded to provide initial disaster assistance for a family of three.  Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the families 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 of Allegany County also provides financial support to the local Red Cross mission.