Earthquake App Brings Safety Information to Mobile Devices

     The American Red Cross released its official Earthquake App, putting lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or who visit earthquake prone areas.
    This free app—available in English or Spanish—is the third in a series created by the American Red Cross, the nation’s leader in emergency preparedness, for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. The Earthquake App comes on the heels of the highly successful First Aid and Hurricane apps, which have more than 1 million users.
    “This app gives users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after earthquakes,” said Dr. Steven J. Jensen, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Committee, and a professor in emergency management at California State University at Long Beach. “The new, simplified ‘Shake Zone Impact Maps’ provide users with personalized local impact information on the status of their community in order to help them make crucial decisions.”
    Features of the app include:

• Earthquake epicenter location, impact magnitude and local geographical impact data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey;
• Personalized push notifications, monitoring both magnitude and geography;
• A “Shake Zone Impact Map” that provides real-time, simplified impact assessment when available;
• Comprehensive reporting of all seismic activity for every geographic area in the United States;
• Options to view the app in English or Spanish based on user handset settings;
• One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way;
• Locations of open Red Cross shelters;
• Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan;
• Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;
• Information on events that may happen after earthquakes such as fires and tsunamis;
• Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and
• Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

    “The new customizations and introduction of the ‘Shake Zone Impact Map’ can help individuals and families gain a better understanding of the effects of earthquakes both near their homes or where friends and family reside,” said Jack McMaster, president of Preparedness and Health and Safety Services for the Red Cross. “With more than 1 million downloads and high praise from the digital community, the Red Cross has established itself as a leader in mobile apps that put critical information in people’s hands when they need it most,” McMaster added.
    National Red Cross experts in health, safety and preparedness have thoroughly reviewed and field tested the information and advice provided in Red Cross apps. A recent Red Cross survey found that apps have tied social media as the fourth most popular way for people to get information during emergencies, making the Red Cross app development effort even more important.
    The Earthquake App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. Apps can help prepare people for disasters, but they are not a substitute for training. Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. People can visit redcross.org/takeaclass for course information and to register.
     The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year and we help people get ready to respond to emergencies by providing these apps for free. The Red Cross needs the help of the public to continue this lifesaving effort. People can make a donation to the Red Cross by going to redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

Tina Jones to Head Emergency Services at American Red Cross of Southwestern New York

The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York has selected Tina Jones to lead and coordinate Red Cross emergency services throughout Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties.  Tina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development from SUNY Empire State College and has certifications in education and counseling.  She previously served as an educator, counselor, and caseworker at Catholic Charities of Western New York, where she worked with at-risk adolescents and their families to develop and implement corrective action plans.

In her role as Emergency Services Manager Tina will be responsible for the delivery of Red Cross emergency services to the community, to include disaster relief services, service to armed forces, and community disaster education programs.  As a member of the Red Cross’s western New York regional team, Tina will also ensure seamless integration of the Chapter’s disaster response activities with regional and national level response efforts during major disaster events.

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

Red Cross Responds to Disasters- Large and Small

The American Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters every year. That’s one about every nine minutes. Most people hear about the large disasters that affect a large part of the country - emergencies like Hurricane Isaac that recently devastated the Gulf Coast. The residents of LaPlace, Louisiana suffered when Hurricane Isaac hit the area. Water poured into homes, at times waist deep.

It has been two weeks since the waters flooded people’s homes. At first, Red Cross response vehicles pushed disaster relief supplies, including clean-up kits, snacks, and water. Now Red Cross caseworkers are meeting with families to provide access to resources and tools to support the recovery process.

While not as well-known as big hurricanes, the Red Cross also responds to disasters like home fires - personal tragedies that can leave families with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Recently, the Red Cross in Southwestern New York has responded to help 20 people in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties just in September alone. The Red Cross helped with various house fires, flooding incidents and other disasters. The Red Cross provided emergency relief, which may have included shelter, food, personal hygiene items, and clothing, and provided referrals to help the victims try to get back on their feet.

Throughout the United States the Red Cross has been busy as well. In Killeen, Texas, the Red Cross provided shelter, meals and other support for 29 residents displaced by an apartment fire. In Pascagoula, Mississippi, five families were displaced when fire hit their apartment building. The Red Cross worked with the families to fill their immediate emergency needs. And in Brentwood on Long Island, the Red Cross helped four families after an explosion destroyed one home in the neighborhood and damaged neighboring houses.

Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. Incidents like these are devastating to those involved. No matter where the emergency occurs, or how large the disaster, the Red Cross is prepared to respond. There are more than 70,000 trained disaster volunteers across the country ready to lend a hand, along with a fleet of more than 320 emergency response vehicles ready to travel through affected neighborhoods to distribute meals and relief supplies.

A donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief can help provide shelter for someone who has had to leave their home, food and water for them to eat, a warm blanket on a cold night. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Another way to help those in need is to become a Red Cross volunteer. Learn how to help run a shelter or be part of an emergency response vehicle team. There are many different positions people can learn about to be part of their chapter’s disaster response team. By becoming a Red Cross volunteer, you can change lives, starting with your own. Contact your local office for more information: Jamestown 716-664-5115; Olean 716-372-5800 or Wellsville at 585-593-1531.

Prepare for Official Start of Fall Season

    With the official start of autumn on September 22, the American Red Cross urges preparedness as the season changes and temperatures fall.
    As cooler weather starts to set in across the country, families and individuals will turn on heating sources such as furnaces, fireplaces, space heaters and wood or coal stoves to warm their homes. Remember the biggest disaster threat is not floods, tornadoes or even hurricanes - it’s home fires. In fact, the Red Cross responded to 63,000 in 2010. That’s one every eight minutes. But unlike other disasters, most home fires can be prevented.
  Families should make sure to take necessary precautions when using heating sources and never leave a portable heater or fireplace unattended. Other safety steps when using alternative heating sources include:

• Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
• Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
• Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• When buying a space heater, look for models that shut off automatically if the heater falls over as another safety measure.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and furnaces professionally inspected and cleaned once a year.
• Learn more about how to prevent home fires.

   While it’s important to prepare for seasonal changes, people should remember that hurricane season continues through November 30. Particularly residents living in areas which can be affected by tropical storms and hurricanes need to stay prepared.
   The Red Cross has hurricane preparedness steps people can follow to make a plan, build a kit, and be informed. An emergency kit should include items such as a gallon of water per person, non-perishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, medications and copies of important documents. Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Learn about how your community responds to hurricanes and plan routes to local shelters. And remember family members with special medical needs and plan how you will care for your pets.
   The Red Cross Store has items available for your preparedness kit, ranging from a hand-crank radio to a fully stocked deluxe emergency preparedness kit.
    People should also download the free Red Cross Hurricane App for iPhone and Android smart phones to access instant preparedness information. The app puts real-time information on hurricane safety at people’s fingertips while keeping individuals and families informed of the storm’s progress from the National Weather Service. The app also features information on Red Cross shelters, a toolkit with flashlight and alarm, and a one-touch “I’m Safe” button connecting to social media outlets to tell family and friends they are okay.
   Links to the apps can be found at redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps. The Hurricane and First Aid Apps can also be found in the Apple App Store and theGoogle Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross.

Ready-Set-Hut! Prepare!

Take a break from all of that backyard football; it’s time to make that family game plan! You make a game plan to score the winning touchdown versus your uncle and cousins, now it’s time to sit down at the kitchen table and make the winning play of preparedness. Pull out your playbook in the Red Cross Preparedness app and see what it suggests. Assess the defense: what could the opposing team- Team Mother Nature- throw at you. Be ready for any sneaky plays that you are not ready for, because disaster could sneak up on you at any time and tackle you! Just don’t fail to prepare or you will have a flag on the play and be penalized. So put your family game plan in action and score big in disaster preparedness!

Red Cross Still Needs Your Help for "Pains in the Alleganies"

On Sept. 23, athletes from the area will test their strength in ‘Pain in the Alleganies’, a half iron man and relay event, at the Allegany State Park. A Half Ironman consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. The event will also include an Aquabike Half, Sprint Triathlon, and a Duathlon coordinated by ScoreThis!!.

The Red Cross needs volunteers on Sept. 22 to help setting up the course from 4:30pm-8:00pm  and various times starting at 7:00am until 4:00pm on race day to work at water stations, registration tables and along the course. “This is a great event for the Cattaraugus County area,” stated Kathy Burch, chapter assistant executive director. “Every person who signs up to volunteer for the Red Cross on the day of the event earns the Chapter a donation towards our programs and services in Cattaraugus County.  They also receive a free t-shirt from race organizers.”

For more information, please contact the Olean Red Cross Office at 716-372-5800. The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York is a United Way agency. 

Red Cross Responds to Help Family in Whitesville, NY

The Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to provide disaster relief following a house fire during the evening on September 16, 2012.

DAT volunteers Bob Shook of Cuba, Mona Meagher of Andover and Carol Bentz of Alfred 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.

Check Out the Local Blood Drives for September

What is in a comfort kit?

Have you ever wondered what is in a comfort kit? Let these girls explain. 

Red Cross Responds to Help Two Families in Great Valley, NY

The Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) provided emergency relief for two separate disasters in Great Valley over the weekend.  DAT volunteers Mike and Diane Kujawski of Franklinville, Mike Johnson of Great Valley, and Susan Folts of Knapp Creek were on scene to provide initial disaster assistance to the families. 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 organizations of Cattaraugus County also provide financial support to the local Red Cross mission.

9/11 Memorial Blood Drive to Be Held in Olean on Tuesday, Sept. 11th

            In the hours and days following the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, thousands of Americans lined up to donate blood, hoping to help victims and to prepare our nation for the turbulent times that remained ahead.  The outpouring of compassion and patriotism across America still stands strong in all of our minds. The unprecedented response by citizens to help our American community was inspirational.  The American Red Cross hopes to draw on that spirit as the eleventh anniversary of the tragedy nears.

            As we once again prepare to remember those lost with a National Day of Service and Remembrance, the Red Cross encourages people to roll up a sleeve to give the gift of life in honor of the victims of that tragic day.  The Police and Fire Departments of Olean and the American Red Cross are joining together for the September 11 Memorial Blood Drive on Tuesday, September 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Olean Knights of Columbus at 129 Hamilton Street. The first 300 presenting donors will receive a free patriotic t-shirt. Additionally, each presenting donor will have the opportunity to enter into a grand prize drawing for one of two pairs of tickets to the Bills vs. Patriots game on September 30. Local Army Recruiters will be on site with a football toss game and a personalized dog tag machine. All attendees will also have the opportunity to see the birds and hawks of the Birds of Prey bird rescue organization. WPIG-FM will be broadcasting live and refreshments will be available throughout the day. There will be free parking available in the public parking lot on North Barry Street courtesy of the City of Olean.

It is the blood on the shelves today that helps save lives tomorrow. That is why your donation through the American Red Cross is so important. Now is the perfect time to show your support and give back to the Olean community, as Red Cross is the primary supplier of blood products and services to Olean General Hospital. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please respond to this email, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  Appointments are not necessary, as walk-ins will be gladly accepted.

Please help spread the word about this lifesaving, memorial event by forwarding this email to your family, friends and colleagues.  We hope to see you there!

Red Cross to Offer Disaster Trainings

            The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York will be offering disaster training. These classes are strongly encouraged for those interested in volunteering in shelters, national level disaster assistance, or for the local Disaster Action Team in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties. In order to ensure that our communities are ready and prepared, the American Red Cross offers all disaster training free of charge.

             Disaster Assessment Basics and Fundamentals will be held September 22^nd, 9:30a-5:30p at the Red Cross Office in Jamestown. Volunteers interested in supporting a local incident such as a fire or national response should take this course to learn preparedness tasks, how to collect and communicate disaster assessment information and become familiar with how to support services delivery decisions.

Disaster Services Overview and Shelter Operation will be held on October 20^th, from 10:00a-6:00p on the Alfred State College Campus (specific location to be determined). This course is recommended for all disaster volunteers as the first course to set a foundation; a requirement of all affiliated disaster volunteers. The course provides an overview as to what the organization structure is and how it functions during a disaster.

            Shelter Simulation will be held on October 21^st from 2p-5p at the Red Cross Office in Olean. This course is open for volunteers interested in working on Shelter Operation teams in their county.

Psychological First Aid will be held on October 25^th from 6p-9p at the Red Cross Office in Olean. Psychological First Aid is a requirement of all affiliated disaster volunteers and is designed to help with understanding the factors that affect stress responses of clients and workers.

            To sign up for any of these classes, please contact your local American Red Cross located in: Jamestown, NY 716-664-5115; Olean, NY 716-372-5800; or Wellsville, NY 585-593-1531. The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York is a United Way Agency.

Red Cross Responds to Two House fires During the Evening of Sept.5

The Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to provide disaster relief following a house fires during the late evening of Sept. 5^th in Swain and Gerry, New York.

DAT volunteer Bob Shook of Cuba and Allegany County District Manager Darlene Wells were on scene to provide the initial disaster assistance for the fire in Swain and Sarah Swanson from Bemus Point, Mary Ritchie and Ramon Martinez from Jamestown provided assistance in Gerry.

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 and Chautauqua Counties. The United Way organizations of Allegany and Chautauqua Counties also provide financial support to the local Red Cross mission.

"God's Favorite' To Benefit American Red Cross

On Sept. 14-15 and 21-22 at 8 pm the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Winged Ox Players present Neil Simon’s play ‘God’s Favorite’ at the Robert H. Jackson Carl Cappa Theatre. Admission is $10;with all proceeds benefiting  the American Red Cross of Southwestern New York, Love, Inc, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, and St. Susan’s Center.

“We are thankful for all who made ‘God’s Favorite’ possible,” said Bill Tucker, executive director of the American Red Cross of Southwestern NY. “The donations will help their neighbors throughout Southwestern New York.”  

Red Cross Seeks Volunteers for "Pains in the Alleganies"

On Sept. 23, athletes from the area will test their strength in ‘Pain in the Alleganies’, a half iron man and relay event, at the Allegany State Park. A Half Ironman consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. The event will also include an Aquabike Half, Sprint Triathlon, and a Duathlon coordinated by ScoreThis!!.

The Red Cross needs volunteers on Sept. 22 to help setting up the course, and on race day to work at water stations, registration tables and along the courses. “This is a great event for the Cattaraugus County area,” stated Kathy Burch, chapter assistant executive director. “Every person who signs up to volunteer for the Red Cross on the day of the event earns the Chapter a donation towards our programs and services in Cattaraugus County.  They also receive a free t-shirt from race organizers.”

For more information, please contact the Olean Red Cross Office at 716-372-5800. The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York is a United Way agency. 

Hoberg Deployed to LA

Judy Hoberg of Belmont, NY deployed to Baton Rouge, LA

Judy Hoberg  of Belmont, NY deploys Wednesday to Baton Rouge LA, to provide nursing assistance in the American Red Cross shelters as the residents recover from Hurricane Isaac.

The Red Cross expects the Isaac relief response will continue for several weeks. Days after the storm moved on, hundreds are still in shelters and evacuations are still occurring as waters continue to rise. Hundreds of thousands are still without power, and entire communities are cleaning up after devastating flooding.

“The road to recovery for these communities will not be easy, but they will not be alone,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president for Red Cross Disaster Services. “As families return home to take stock, the Red Cross will be there – to make sure their emergency needs are met and help them get back on their feet.”

Anyone wishing to help those affected by disasters such as Isaac are encouraged to make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation (charges will appear on phone bill).

Preparedness - There's an App For That!

In the age of technology, safety is not left out. The American Red Cross designed an app to help better prepare and equip smart phone users so they can have first aid instruction and disaster preparedness information anytime, anywhere. The app includes simple step-by-step instructions for everyday first aid scenarios, prioritized steps to take during an emergency, with a 9-1-1 call button, sharable badges to be unlocked through interactive quizzes. Videos and animations make learning first aid fun and easy; with safety and preparedness tips for a range of conditions- including severe winter weather, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes, and preloaded content that gives instant access to all safety information at any time. To download this app and other Red Cross apps visit the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for Android.