2013 Hometown Heroes Recognized at American Red Cross Event

The Mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies; when crises and disasters strike, the members and supporters of the American Red Cross join together and respond. This year, the Chautauqua County District of the Southwestern NY Chapter of the American Red Cross, together with major corporate sponsor NRG Dunkirk Power, conducted its eleventh annual “Salute to Hometown Heroes” celebration to recognize those local heroes who have demonstrated a tremendous willingness to help their neighbors during times of great need. This breakfast event celebration recognized and celebrated the knowledge, skill and actions of these exceptional individuals.

This year’s recipient of the Farm Fresh Foods Law Enforcement award was Patrolman James Muscato of the Westfield Police Department.  Patrolman Muscato responded to the scene of a fire in the Village of Westfield and his actions at that time saved the lives of several residents of the building.  Without hesitation, and at great risk to his own safety, he entered the house, at one point crawling on his hands, knees and stomach.  Patrolman Muscato’s actions demonstrate his dedication to the safety of the residents of Westfield.  We commend him for his bravery, dedication to duty, and unselfish actions.

Thomas Atwell of the Gerry Fire Department was the recipient of the Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company Emergency Personnel Award.  Thomas is the 1^st Assistant Chief of the Gerry Fire Department, an EMT as well as Rodeo Chairman.  Thomas loves his community, and recently headed up a wonderful fundraiser for the chief of the Gerry fire department who is battling cancer.  The event was a great success.  “We say ‘God Bless’ to Tommy for his excellence and dedication to the Town of Gerry,” stated nominators David and Dorothy Miller.

Wayne Engstrom was awarded the Cummins, Inc. Workplace Hero award for 2013.  On August 2, 2012, Ted Card was working on a tractor when he became trapped between the tractor and the hay wagon it was pulling.  He was injured and unresponsive.  Wayne, who works with Ted, blocked the wagon and moved the tractor ahead, freeing Ted who then fell to the ground.  Wayne realized the situation was bad and immediately called 9-1-1 and attended to Ted until the Fluvanna Fire Department arrived.  “Thank you to Wayne for assisting my son when he needed it the most,” said Pat Carr.

Deborah Washington of Dunkirk was the recipient of the Nestlé Purina PetCare Animal Rescue Award.  Deborah goes through great efforts to feed and befriend feral cats daily.  She has hand raised kittens by the litter in her bathtub.  From her own resources, she has taken feral cats to be neutered and released them.  She has also taken very sick cats and nurtured them back to health.  She has also comforted them when they are dying.  She is very deserving of the Animal Rescue award for these reasons.

The winner of the KeyBank Youth Award responded to an emergency in his own home.  On July 15, 2012, an explosion rocked the home of the Sweet family.  The explosion buried the father of the family, Mark, under rubble and knocked his son Brandon off his feet.  Brandon was able to dig his father out of the rubble and assisted him outside and to the ambulance when it arrived.  He also carried his mother to an ambulance and cared for his other two brothers.  Brandon did all this while injured himself.  His actions set an example for all of us.

               

This year’s recipients of the Everyday’s TrueValue Firefighter award were Doug Crane, Michael Courtney and James Irwin of the Stanley Hose Company in Sherman, NY.  After the fire department was dispatched to a fire, these three fire fighters responded directly to the scene.  Upon arrival, they noticed the rear of the residence was fully involved and that two people were trapped in the second story bedroom.  The fire fighters used quick thinking and acquired two ladders from contractors and proceeded to rescue the victims from the home.  If it had not been for the brave actions of these men, the outcome could have been much worse.

The recipient of the NRG Dunkirk Power Humanitarian Award was Justin Brunacini.  A humanitarian is defined as a person having concern for or helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people, or someone who works to save human lives or alleviate suffering.  This year’s humanitarian award winner reflected these values when, while on his way to a friend’s home he noticed flames and smoke coming from a home.  Justin immediately stopped and attempted to alert the residents.  He quickly noticed there were people trapped on the second floor of the home.  With total disregard for his safety, Justin pulled his van alongside the burning home and rescued the occupants. He did not leave the residents until he was sure that they were safely in the care of fire and EMS personnel.  Justin showed us that day that he is a Hometown Hero.  He unselfishly stopped to help when it was needed most.

            

These heroes and those sponsoring their awards are being recognized by the American Red Cross in what has become an annual tradition. This year’s winners received their awards at the Hometown Heroes Breakfast held at the Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown on Wednesday, May 29^th.  Award recipients also received a New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit from Assemblyman Andy Goodell and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Tom Reed.  The SWNY Chapter Vice Chairman, John Plumb, extended special thanks to those who made this awards event possible - the staff at Moon Brook Country Club, Allison Beach who sang the National Anthem, Master of Ceremonies Terry Frank, WJTN News Director, and the many corporate award sponsors.  Mr. Plumb also thanked Spectrum Eyecare and Jamestown Mattress, two local companies that sponsored tables for the event.  Southwestern NY Chapter Executive Director Bill Tucker said it this way:  “Our Hometown Heroes Event is a wonderful way to recognize ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” 

Funds raised through this event will support local Chapter programs such as disaster relief operations and Service to Armed Forces activities in Chautauqua County.

PHOTO CAPTION: Front row, L to R: Justin Brunacini, Brandon Sweet, Deborah Washington, Patrolman James Muscato and Wayne Engstrom.  Back row, L to R: Thomas Atwell, Doug Crane, James Irwin and Michael Courtney.

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. 

Local Red Cross Chapter Responds to Help House Fire Victims in Salamanca, NY

The Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to provide disaster relief following a house fire in Salamanca on May 8th. DAT volunteers Mike Johnson and Liz Young of Salamanca, Pat Coate of Allegany and Cindy Kozlowski of Olean 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 Cattaraugus County. The United Way organizations of Cattaraugus County also provide financial support to the local Red Cross mission.

Red Cross Salutes Its Nurses During National Nurses Week

It’s National Nurses Week, a time set aside to focus attention on the many ways the nation’s registered nurses work to save lives and improve the health of millions. The American Red Cross recognizes the more than 15,000 nurses and student nurses who serve the organization today, volunteering their time and service to help others.

Nurses have been part of the American Red Cross for more than 125 years, helping during the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1888. Today nurses serve directly as part of Red Cross disaster response teams, at health fairs, volunteering in military clinics and hospitals, manning first aid stations and promoting blood donations.

Nurses also teach and help develop different courses like CPR and First Aid, Disaster Health Services, Nurse Assistant Training, Babysitting and Family Caregiving. They serve in management and supervisory roles in Red Cross chapters and blood regions and in leadership roles on local Red Cross boards and the national Board of Governors.

Recently, American Red Cross National Nursing Committee representatives met with their counterparts from the Canadian Red Cross to discuss what each organization’s nurses to do help communities today, and explore different possibilities based on programs in the two countries.

The highest honor of national nursing achievement in the American Red Cross is the Ann Magnussen Award, presented annually to a volunteer or employed registered nurse who has made an outstanding contribution to strengthening or improving Red Cross programs and services. This year the award was presented to Vivian Littlefield, PhD, RN, FAAN, of Madison, Wisconsin.

Littlefield has served the Red Cross for 25 years as member and then chair of the board of the American Red Cross Badger and South Central Wisconsin Region; interim executive director; member of the Wisconsin State Service Council and the North-Central Regional Committee; National Chair of Nursing and Chair of the National Nursing Committee; and currently Biomedical Nursing Chair.

While serving as interim chapter executive director she faced the challenges of unexpected additional recruiting, training and fundraising after 9/11. As National Chair of Nursing, Littlefield was again faced with the unexpected when organizational restructuring eliminated the Chief Nurse position. Taking on the Chief Nurse duties in addition to those of National Chair, she worked to ensure that nursing was supported and sustained and, most importantly, reinstated in the organization.

Her contributions to the Red Cross and to Red Cross nursing are boundless. Littlefield revitalized the National Nursing Committee by increasing membership diversity, including student nurse members. She brought new life to the State Nurse Leadership Network by increasing the number of states represented, clarifying roles and personally mentoring network leaders. She established and continues to chair the Nursing Heritage Program designed to reconnect with, recognize and increase participation and financial contributions from current and former Red Cross nurses.

If you are an RN or LPN/ LVN consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Student nurses are also welcome. Contact your local Red Cross to learn about volunteer openings in your community.

Wildfires Force Evacuations – Red Cross Helps

A large wildfire in Riverside County, California is consuming thousands of acres, forcing hundreds from their homes. The American Red Cross is operating an evacuation center, providing food and water for those who have had to leave their neighborhoods and standing by if additional assistance is needed.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by today’s fire,” said Maxine Margaritis, regional chief executive officer for the Red Cross serving Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The Red Cross encourages anyone affected to come to the evacuation center for help. The fire has burned almost 3,000 acres, at one time forcing about 750 people from their homes. Winds and dry conditions make conditions ripe for fire through the end of the week.

 The National Interagency Fire Center’s Predictive Services reports there will be a significant potential for wildfires this month in Oregon, California, Arizona and Virginia. Severe drought conditions in the west raise the possibility for severe early season fire activity continuing into the summer.

 If wildfires are possible in someone’s community, they should make sure driveway entrances and house numbers are clearly marked and identify and maintain an adequate water source outside their home such as a small pond or swimming pool.

It’s a good idea to select building materials and plants that resist fire and regularly clean roofs and gutters. More information on wildfire safety is available on the preparedness section of www.redcross.org.

 Another thing people should do is download the free Red Cross Wildfire App, available in English or Spanish. The app, found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross, includes features like the “Blaze Tracker” which can be customized to alert someone to fires where they live, travel or have loved ones.

The Wildlfire App also includes:

• “Blaze Warnings” which let users see areas where NOAA has issued warnings that conditions are favorable for potential wildfires.
• “Blaze Alerts” which inform users when a wildfire has begun within 100 miles of any locations monitored.
• “Blaze Path” from Inciweb.org which provides users with a current view of an existing wildfire’s perimeter, how it has spread and the fire’s current location when available.
• One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets, text and email that they are out of harm’s way.
• Locations of open Red Cross shelters.

 In addition to this fire, Red Cross disaster workers have responded to several large disasters in the last several weeks, including the explosions in Massachusetts and Texas and the flooding across the Midwest. If someone would like to help people affected by disasters like these, they can make a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Local Red Cross Chapter Responds to Help House Fire Victims in Forestville, NY

The Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to provide disaster relief following a house fire in Forestville on May 1^st.

DAT volunteers Mary Walker and Fran Heath 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 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 Chautauqua County. The United Way organizations of Northern and Southern Chautauqua County also provide financial support to the local Red Cross mission.