Nine More Deploy to Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

The American Red Cross is continuing a major relief operation throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast to shelter and assist people affected by Superstorm Sandy. Millions awoke this morning to power outages, fallen trees, scattered debris, and flooded neighborhoods and the Red Cross is working hard to get help where it is needed.  Nine volunteers from the Western New York region will be deploying downstate Wednesday morning to assist the relief efforts in some of the areas hardest hit by the storm.

The volunteers will be driving to the operational headquarters in White Plains, NY, where they will then be assigned to the affected areas. Nine additional volunteers were deployed in advance of the storm, bringing the total number of Western New Yorkers assisting in the Red Cross response to 18, and it is expected several more will be deployed in the coming days. Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) from Niagara Falls and Jamestown remain on alert, and are expected to be deployed with additional volunteers within the next 48 hours.

Below is a current list of Western New York volunteers who have been deployed to assist in the Red Cross response, with those deploying Wednesday listed in bold:

NAME, HOMETOWN                      FUNCTION                                                             

James Collingwood, Amherst                   External Relations/Government Operations

Tom Daley, Tonawanda                             Mass Care/Sheltering

Janice Davis, Friendship                           Disaster Health Services

Marianne Evans, Ransomville                 Mass Care/Sheltering

Allison Hall, Buffalo                                   Disaster Mental Health

Michael Hoplight, Niagara Falls              Mass Care/Shelter Supervisor

Tara Hughes, Amherst                               Disaster Mental Health Chief

Norman Kehl, Strykersville                     Mass Care/Sheltering

Jose Latalladi, Buffalo                              Financial & Statistical Information

Rosalind Lind, Medina                             Mass Care/Sheltering

Margaret McGee-Smith, Kenmore       Disaster Mental Health

Diane Sargent, Lockport                         Disaster Assessment

 Beth Shook, Cuba                                    Staff Services

Katherine Story, West Seneca              Disaster Health Services

Peter Swales, Springville                       Disaster Assessment

Terry Sweet, P0rtageville                      Mass Care/Sheltering

Noel Varela, Orchard Park                   Mass Care/Sheltering

Dawn Zaker, Niagara Falls                   Mass Care/Sheltering

In the Greater New York region, more than 2,000 residents sought shelter with the Red Cross Monday after Sandy caused widespread power outages, damaged homes and flooded neighborhoods, and those numbers are expected to increase. Nationwide, nearly 11,000 people spent Monday night in more than 250 Red Cross shelters across 16 states. The Red Cross has mobilized 1,700 disaster workers from all over the country who have served more than 25,000 meals and snacks so far. We have also activated 167 response vehicles and shipped in more than 230,000 ready-to-eat meals. This is a huge disaster, bigger than any one organization can handle and the Red Cross is working closely with multiple partners including a variety of civic groups, advocacy organizations, professional organizations and houses of worship to share their expertise and volunteers.

People can let their loved ones know how they are by using the “I’m Safe” button on the Red Cross Hurricane App which can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. People can also register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website to let loved ones know they are okay. To register, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

FINANCIAL AND BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED This is a large disaster with an even larger footprint. Financial donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Approximately 300 Red Cross blood drives have already been cancelled due to the storm, and more are expected. The Red Cross is urging immediate blood and platelet donations in areas unaffected by this storm and asks that people in the affected areas consider donating blood once the storm passes through and it’s safe to do so.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet height and weight requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height), and who are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood. To schedule an appointment, please go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Red Cross Shelter in Silver Creek Closed

At approximately 11:30pm Monday, October 29, American Red Cross volunteers opened a shelter at the Silver Creek Central School following a non-mandatory evacuation order for areas along streams issued by the Chautauqua County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The shelter remained open overnight to accommodate evacuees, but no residents were served at the shelter and at the request of the EOC, the shelter was shut down at approximately 7:30 this morning.

The Silver Creek Central School is one of several potential shelter locations that remain on standby throughout the eight counties of the Western New York region. Red Cross Emergency Services personnel continue to monitor the situation and are in contact with local government agencies to coordinate the response to this storm.

Hurricane Sandy is a large disaster with an even larger footprint. Nearly 11,000 people spent Monday night in 258 Red Cross shelters in 16 states. Over 2,000 residents sought shelter in the Greater NY Region, and that number is expected to grow as there are widespread power outages, damaged homes and flooded neighborhoods throughout the NYC area.

Nine volunteers from the WNY region were deployed downstate ahead of the storm to assist in the Red Cross relief operations. It is expected that several additional volunteers from this area will be deployed once it is deemed safe for them to do so, and Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) from both Niagara Falls and Jamestown are on alert.

This will be a large, costly relief response across several states. Donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Volunteers Deploy to Hurricane Sandy

 Red Cross preparing to respond across east coast if needed

Janice Davis

Two volunteers from the Western New York region deployed ahead of Hurricane Sandy to assist in response efforts throughout New York.  Beth Shook of Cuba, NY, left Saturday for White Plains, NY to provide Shelter Management, and Janice Davis from Friendship, NY also was deployed to White Plains, NY for Health Services.  In addition,  the Emergency Response Vehicle  from the Southwestern NY Chapter  is on alert to be sent to affected regions as needed, and it is expected that several additional volunteers from the Western New York region will be deployed to assist in the response to Hurricane Sandy in the coming days.

Beth Shook

The American Red Cross encourages people in the possible path of Hurricane Sandy to keep informed about the storm’s progress and prepare now in case their community is affected. The American Red Cross Hurricane App puts lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or who visit hurricane prone areas. This free app—available in English or Spanish—is for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. It gives users instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during and after hurricanes. The app also includes a number of features that allow people to monitor personalized weather alerts in locations where family and friends reside and share information with others in their social networks who might also need it.

Other features of the app include:

·         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;

·         Location-based NOAA weather alerts for the United States and its territories users can share on social networks;

·         Remote monitoring of personalized weather alerts where family and friends reside

·         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;

·         Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and

·         Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

The Hurricane can be found in the iTunes or Google Play app stores by searching for American Red Cross. The Red Cross First Aid App helps people learn what to do in an emergency in case help is delayed. Download all of the preparedness apps at redcross.org/mobile-apps. People can go to redross.org for additional information and resources. 

The American Red Cross spends an average of more than $360 million each year preparing for and responding to disasters across the country and around the world. Those wishing to help people affected by disasters such as Hurricane Sandy are asked to make a donation to the 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.

Red Cross Responds to Hurricane Sandy

The American Red Cross is responding across multiple states as Hurricane Sandy bears down on the East Coast. A High Wind Warning is in effect for all of Western New York from 5pm Monday until 2pm Tuesday, with winds gusting as high as 60 mph, and these potentially damaging winds could cause widespread power outages. A Flood Watch is also in affect for the entire region during that same timeframe, with two to three inches of rainfall expected, and a Lakeshore Flood Warning is in effect for Niagara, Orleans and Chautauqua Counties.

The American Red Cross has potential shelter locations and volunteers on standby throughout the eight counties of the Western New York region, ready to respond as needed. The Red Cross is also working closely with government officials to plan and coordinate the relief response.

Important information about how to get ready for the storm – steps to take for emergencies like flooding, power outages, even winter weather - is available on the Red Cross web site. Videos are also available to help people get prepared, including information on severe weather preparedness and how to get ready for winter weather. To find a shelter, people can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check local media outlets. They should also register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies. To register, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This site also connects with the Twitter and Facebook accounts of users.

In addition, nine volunteers from the Western New York Region have been deployed to White Plains, NY to assist in the Red Cross relief efforts, and Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV’s) from both Niagara County and Jamestown are on alert. Here is a full list of local volunteers currently deployed to assist in the response to Hurricane Sandy:

·         James Collingwood of Amherst for External Relations/Government Operations

·         Tom Daley of Tonawanda for Mass Care/Sheltering

·         Janice Davis of Friendship for Disaster Health Services

·         Marianne Evans of Ransomville for Mass Care/Sheltering

·         Michael Hoplight of Niagara Falls as a Logistics Supervisor

·         Tara Hughes of Amherst as Disaster Mental Health Chief

·         Margaret McGee-Smith of Kenmore for Disaster Mental Health in Harrisburg, PA

·         Beth Shook of Cuba for Staff Services

·         Dawn Zaker of Niagara Falls for Mass Care/Sheltering

The large and powerful storm could affect as many as 60 million people in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and the Red Cross has workers and relief supplies in place to provide help to people in the path of Sandy.

The effects of the storm are already being felt with 128 people spending Saturday night in Red Cross shelters in North Carolina and Virginia. Red Cross workers are preparing to open and support more shelters today as the storm moves northward.

Almost 100 Red Cross emergency vehicles are mobilizing to distribute meals and relief supplies after the storm passes. Thousands of ready-to-eat meals and relief supplies such as cots and blankets are also being sent into the region.

HOW TO HELP  Donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

PLEASE GIVE BLOOD The storm has already caused the cancellation of Red Cross blood drives in the region, and more cancellations are expected. This has resulted in the loss of several hundred units of blood and platelets so far. The Red Cross has shipped blood products to hospitals in the affected area in advance of the storm as patients will still need blood and platelets despite the weather. If anyone is eligible, especially in places not affected by the storm, they are asked to please schedule a blood donation now.

To schedule a blood donation or get more information about giving blood, people can visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To give blood, someone must be at least 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements and be in general good health. 

Donors should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID with them.  Some states allow 16-year-olds to give with parental consent.

RED CROSS APPS People should download the free Red Cross Hurricane and First Aid apps for mobile devices to have emergency information at their fingertips. The Hurricane App keeps people up to date on the situation with weather alerts, locations of Red Cross shelters, and features a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm. The “I’m Safe” button lets someone use social media sites to tell family and friends they are okay. And it’s available in Spanish by changing the language setting on someone’s smart phone to Spanish before downloading.  The First Aid app includes expert advice for everyday emergencies. The apps can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross.

Red Cross Responds to Fire in Jamestown

The Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to provide disaster relief following an apartment fire on Lafayette Street in Jamestown in the evening of October 28^th.

DAT volunteers Jeanie Shiffer and Phil Baker of Jamestown 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 Chautauqua County. The Northern and Southern United Way organizations of Chautauqua County also provide financial support to the local Red Cross mission.

RED CROSS HONORS VOLUNTEERS IN CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

The Chautauqua District of the American Red Cross of Southwestern New York honored their volunteers on Thursday, October 25^th at the Cassadaga American Legion.

Chapter Executive Director Bill Tucker presented “Highlights of our 105^th Year of Community Service” to over 60 volunteers and supporters, thanking them for their tremendous support in carrying out the mission of the Red Cross here in Chautauqua County.  “Volunteers constitute over 90% of the total workforce of the American Red Cross, providing the service delivery necessary to carry out our mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in face of emergencies; we couldn’t do it without these wonderful individuals.”

22 volunteers received certificates for volunteering over 200 hours of service between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012.  In addition, 16 volunteers and staff were honored for reaching an anniversary with the Red Cross.  Among those, Kathy Burch, who currently serves as the Chapter’s assistant executive director, received her pin for 25 years, and Dudley Erickson, of Lakewood, was honored for dedicating 50 years of service to the Red Cross on the local, regional and National levels.  “Dudley, or ‘Spud’ as we all know him, exudes a contagious passion for the Red Cross, extolling the importance of our mission to the community, friends, and family.  We are honored to call him ‘friend’,” said Tucker during his remarks.

Kellie King; Sue King; Donna and Charlie Meder, recipients of the Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Amy King; Vince Horrigan, Board of Directors, American Red Cross of SWNY; Kathy Burch, Assistant Executive Director, American Red Cross of SWNY 

Donna and Charlie Meder of Stockton were awarded the Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Amy King, and were named the Chapter’s 2012 Volunteers of the Year for Chautauqua County.  The Meders have dedicated many hours, both day and night, over the past 15 years to assist victims of disasters, locally and nationally.  Charlie continues to travel to national disasters with the Chapter’s Emergency Response Vehicle, and both Charlie and Donna continue to respond locally to help assist victims of home fires and other natural and man-made disasters.  They have participated in speaking engagements about their experiences with the Red Cross, most recently regarding their support of the Katrina relief efforts.  Donna assists the Chapter with client casework, and has also assisted the Chapter with Services to Armed Forces.  Charlie often drives a van at our blood drives in the Amish communities, serving as a shuttle for donors.  “This award has been presented to many deserving individuals in the past, and this year is no exception,” said Mr. Tucker.  “It is an honor to recognize volunteers as dedicated as The Meders for their years of service.”

Vince Horrigan, Board of Directors, American Red Cross of SWNY; Dudley Erickson, recognized for 50 years of service; Kathy Burch, Assistant Executive Director, American Red Cross of SWNY; Tory Irgang, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County

“The volunteers of the American Red Cross of Southwestern New York contributed over 18,151 hours of service in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties last year,” stated Kathy Burch, assistant executive director.  “Our volunteers are priceless to us, and we thank them for everything that they do for the Red Cross and our communities here in Southwestern New York.”

Tropical Storm Sandy Threatens Caribbean

Storm preparations are underway throughout the Caribbean as Tropical Storm Sandy moves northward through the region, toward Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti.
A hurricane watch is already in effect for Jamaica and a tropical storm watch has been issued for Haiti, bringing a potential for strong winds, dangerous rainfall, flash flooding and mud slides. The storm is forecast to reach hurricane strength before landing over Jamaica as early as tomorrow.

“We are in close contact with all of the Red Cross societies situated in Tropical Storm Sandy’s path. Disaster Management delegates are ready to be deployed if any society needs direct support to respond to the storm,” said Enrique Guevara, communications officer for the Red Cross Americas Zone.

As was the case with Tropical Storm Isaac two months ago, the Red Cross network is working to prepare vulnerable Caribbean communities to weather the storm as best as possible. The Pan-American Disaster Response Unit is tracking the storm and is ready to distribute relief supplies throughout the region as needed.

The Jamaica Red Cross is on alert with disaster response teams on standby. Prepositioned supplies are in place at the four branch offices in the country, ensuring they are available for quick distribution after the storm passes.

In Haiti, the Red Cross is working to ensure that people living in camps are aware of the possible risks and knowledgeable about how to prepare and protect themselves.

“We know from experience that Haiti is particularly vulnerable to flash floods, so our teams are working to reiterate the Haitian government’s disaster alert system in the camps, warning communities in high-risk areas to get to higher ground when necessary,” said Sinan Al-Najjar, deputy country representative in Haiti for the American Red Cross.

Sandy’s current path is expected to take it near Haiti’s western peninsula, where higher elevation in mountainous areas may lessen the storm’s force. The Red Cross has initiated an SMS campaign and activated sounds trucks to provide early warning and preparedness messages. In-country Emergency Response Teams are on standby and able to distribute emergency relief supplies to up to 11,000 families if needed.

“We have been monitoring the storm since it formed as a tropical depression yesterday. Once it increased to tropical storm strength, the Government of Haiti issued an orange-level alert, so we are working closely with members of the National Center for Emergency Operations to monitor and prepare for Sandy accordingly,” said Diene Diouf, disaster risk reduction program delegate for the American Red Cross in Haiti.

Since the January 2010 earthquake, the American Red Cross has partnered with the Haitian Red Cross to regularly send local volunteers and staff into vulnerable communities to provide disaster prevention tools and training.

Through its disaster preparedness programs, the American Red Cross has carried out many mitigation activities – community-level projects designed to help prevent or lessen adverse effects from natural disasters. To date, the American Red Cross has spent or committed to spend more than $27 million on disaster preparedness in Haiti, benefitting more than 465,000 people as of July this year.

It remains to be seen where Sandy will head once it passes over the Caribbean islands.

Forecasters have not ruled out a potential landfall along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. If Sandy threatens American coastal communities, the American Red Cross will work to identify shelters, ready supplies and mobilize disaster workers to help people in the path of the storm.
The Red Cross urges individuals and families prone to tropical storms to take personal preparedness steps today to ensure the safety of loved ones and property. Download the free Red Cross hurricane app for more information about how you can stay prepared.

Beep! Beep! Beep! What's that Sound?

Did you know that your chance of dying in a home fire is cut in half if you have a working smoke alarm? They should be in every home. When mounting a smoke alarm install on the wall or ceiling. Wall-mounted alarms should be six to 12 inches from the ceiling and ceiling-mounted alarms should be installed at least six inches from walls. In rooms with pitched ceiling, mount alarm at or near the ceiling highest point but not too close to windows, doors or forced-air registers where drafts can interfere with detector’s operation. Test alarms at least once a month and batteries twice a year. For more information on smoke alarms visit www.redcross.org/swny.

Cooking is the Number One Case of Home Fires!

    Cooking is the number one cause of home fires in the United States. During Fire Prevention Month the American Red Cross suggests using safety steps to avoid a fire while cooking.
   The National Fire Protection Agency cites that in 2010, cooking was involved in an estimated 156,400 home structure fires and caused an overall 44% of home fires that were reported to U.S. fire departments.
   The cook should not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. They should also stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food - never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Other safety steps include:

• Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.
• Keep children away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
• Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Contact the local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
• Check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
• Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

You can help people affected by disasters like fires, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org/swny or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter at 325 East 4th St. Jamestown, NY 14701

Babysitters Training Offered in November

The American Red Cross is offering a Babysitter’s Training course that will give 11-15 year-olds the skills and confidence to safely and responsibly care for children and infants, as well as some tools to help them get started in their own babysitting business.

Caregiving skills take prospective young sitters from feeding to diapering and playtime to bedtime routines. Participants also learn how to handle emergencies such as injuries, illnesses and household accidents.

What: American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training

When: Saturday, November 17, 2012

9:30am-4:30pm (students should bring lunch)

Where: Cuba Library

39 East Main Street

Cuba, NY 14727

Why: Course participants learn decision making and problem solving skills as well as how to draft resumes and interview for potential jobs. Take-home tools include a compact emergency reference guide, a CD-ROM featuring games, songs, and recipes, and a babysitting client organizer.

Cost: $60/student. Discounts are available for Independent Health and BCBS/Aqua members.

Register: Interested 11-15 year olds should register at the Cuba Library by calling 585-968-1668.

For more information on American Red Cross Babysitter’s training, visitredcross.org/babysitting or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are a great tool, but like any tool, you need to learn how to use them properly and safely. Using a fire extinguisher on even small fires takes practice and quick thinking so there is not a delay in calling 9-1-1. The Red Cross suggests learning how to properly use fire extinguishers by contacting your local fire department to get training.

Use a portable fire extinguisher only if you have been trained by the fire department and the fire is under these conditions: the fire is confined to a small area and is not growing, the room is not filled with smoke, everyone has exited the building, and that the fire department has been called.

Remember the word PASS when using the fire extinguisher. Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing it away from you. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

For more information on fire extinguishers contact your local fire department or visit www.redcross.org/swny.

SWNY Humanitarian Law Conference

Join us on November 7, 2012 from 4:30-8:00pm at the Robert H. Jackson Center for a conference on Humanitarian Law.  This conference will include information on the Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL) curriculum offered by the American Red Cross.  In addition, speakers on various subjects involving Humanitarian Law will be scheduled to appear.  Participants will hear speakers on various subjects involving Humanitarian Law, Justice Jackson, and Nuremberg--all with classroom-ready activities for teachers to immediately use.  Also, materials will be shared for how to teach about the conflict in Syria,  highlighted by a live conversation with Ammar Abdulhamid, a leading Syrian human rights and pro-democracy activist. An important focus at the event will be how the EHL program works with New York State Common Core Standards.

Cost to attend is $10.00, which includes your meal for the evening (catered by Elegant Edibles) and the EHL Educational Manual .  To register, visit our website at http://swnyehlconference.weebly.com/, or contact the Southwestern NY Chapter of the American Red Cross at 716-664-5115.  Register by November 2, 2012! 

The Robert H. Jackson Center is located at 305 East Fourth St. in Jamestown, NY.

Fire Prevention Tips

October is fire prevention month and the American Red Cross of Southwestern New York wants you to take precautions in your home. Install smoke alarms in your home if you have not done so already. They are widely available and fairly inexpensive.  Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and test it monthly.

Do not overload circuits or extension cords. Avoid high traffic areas to prevent tripping and possible sparks catching something on fire. Never place cords under rugs. Check electrical connection by checking the fit of the plug in the outlet. If the plug is loose, inspect the outlet to find out why. A poor connection can cause overheating and could start a fire within minutes. Unplug all appliances when not use.

When arranging a home, place appliances carefully. Try to keep TVs, kitchen and other appliances away from windows with curtains. If there is a wiring problem, curtains can spread a fire quickly. Also, keep appliances away from water sources –like rain coming in from windows or near a sink. This can help prevent wiring damage which can lead to a fire.

Finally, conduct regular home inspections. Check all outlets and equipment plugged in. Taking time to check the wiring at least once a month could save you from a fire in your home. For more fire prevention tips visit www.redcross.org/swny.  The American Red Cross of Southwestern NY is a United Way agency. 

Fire Prevention Starts at Home

Fire prevention starts at home with children. A child who is coached and taught proper fire prevention and safety has a better chance of surviving should the unthinkable happen. Children should recognize the sound of a smoke alarm and know what to do when they hear it. Teach them to get outside quickly and crawl low if there is smoke. When it comes to opening doors, teach children to touch doors with the back of your hand before opening. If it is hot, use an alternative exit and never go back into the building for a pet or toy. Teach the child if their clothes catch on fire to immediately stop, drop to the ground, and roll back and forth quickly to extinguish the flames.

Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children and keep candles and gasoline out of reach of children. When in the kitchen, keep children away from cooking and heating appliances. Never leave the kitchen while cooking. Remove anything that could catch fire away from the stovetop. Cook with pots and pans on the back burners with handles away from the front and edges of the stove.

Sometimes children are scared of a firefighter and may hide from them during a fire. Take time to tour your local fire station so children can see a firefighter in full gear so they know that they are there to help them. For more fire safety and prevention tips, visit www.redcross.org/swny. The American Red Cross of Southwestern NY is a United Way agency. 

Do not let your home become a fire statistic

During Fire Prevention Month in October, the American Red Cross of Southwestern New York is helping residents of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties protect themselves and property with fire prevention tips.

Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die in fires, more than 25,000 are injured, and more than 100 firefighters are killed while on duty. Eighty three percent of all civilian fire deaths occurred in residences. The most devastating statistic? Many of these fires could have been prevented.

In order to protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire moves fast - in just two minutes fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. Fire produces gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may actually fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio. Finally, fire is hot - heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the superhot air can sear your lungs and can cause severe burns from things such as doorknobs.

The best way to keep a fire from hurting your family is to put fire prevention practices in place. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half. They can detect smoke and wake you up so you can leave the home. Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence, including the basement. Install a working carbon monoxide detector in the common area near the bedrooms. Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms every ten years.

Common causes of home fires start with heating sources. When using space heaters, place at least three feet away from flammable/combustible materials and use only the type of fuel designed for your space heater. Check all furnaces and stoves before heating your home. Clean all flumes and vents.

For more fire prevention tips visit www.redcross.org/swny or call your local Red Cross office in Jamestown at 716-664-5115, in Olean at 716-372-5800, and in Wellsville at 585-593-1531. The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York is a United Way Agency.

Holiday Mail for Heroes Starts Oct. 1

Military deployments, distance, and hospital stays mean many service members and veterans will be separated from their families this holiday season. The American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program empowers people to “Give Something That Means Something” by sending a card of thanks and support to the members of the Armed Forces, veterans or their families starting October 1^st through December 7^th.

All you need is a pen and a holiday card to share your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the military community make to protect our freedoms. The process is simple- just address the card “Dear Service Member, Veteran or Military Family”-because those cards can be shared with anyone in the military community- then write a heartfelt message. Then cards can be set to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, PO Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD, 20791-5456, where our partner Pitney Bowes scans them to ensure safety and security. Red Cross volunteers then sort and deliver them to service members, veterans, and their families at military installations, in VAs and military hospitals and veteran’s organizations in the United States and overseas.

The Red Cross relies on the generosity of the American people to carry out its mission of service to the two million members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 24 million veterans, and their families. The Red Cross supports service members and their families before, during and after deployments. It prepares families for the realities of deployment with educational courses and keeps families in touch during emergencies with its global communication services.

          During this holiday season, you can support all Red Cross services by making a financial donation at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767). You can also give the perfect gift-the gift of life-by making an appointment to give blood. Visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS to make an appointment. The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York is a United Way agency.

Get Kids Involved during Fire Prevention Month

This October, Fire Prevention Month can offer much more than just checking smoke detectors and learning about fire hazards. While they are great ideas to do each month, take time in October to do fun fire prevention learning activities.

Parents can do something as simple as talking with their children about fire safety. By having children recall what they know or have learned in school brings it back to mind and they are likely to be more aware of fire hazards in the home. Create a fire safety matching game with a word and picture to incorporate other learning skills. For older children have them write a story on fire prevention or how fire prevention actually worked. You will be surprised at their imagination!

It is a great idea to make a family escape plan with your children. That way they know two ways out of each room and know what to do in the case of a fire. Start with a large sheet of paper and draw the layout of the home. Then have each child and adult show how they would get out of the room if they smelt smoke at night. Include a safe place where they should go if they are alone.

Some children would enjoy becoming a firefighter, so enable their creativity by downloading a printable free hat template. Then they can color and decorate it any way they choose.

Finally, children love rewards for learning something new, so create a fire prevention badge for the children. As they learn different prevention skills and information, they earn a new badge. Topics can include “stop, drop and roll,” outlet safety, heater safety and several other topics. 

For more fire safety information visit www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York is a United Way agency.

Take a Look at the Busy Blood Drive Schedule for October!