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

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

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

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

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

Red Cross Responds to Two Fires

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

Disaster Team members provided initial disaster assistance for two people.  Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the families and their recovery process if additional services or referrals are necessary.

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

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

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

All disaster assistance offered by the American Red Cross is complimentary and made possible by generous contributions from the American people and residents of Chautauqua County.

The American Red Cross is a United Way Community Partner.

Red Cross Responds to Fire in Belfast

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

Disaster Team volunteer Bob Shook responded to provide initial disaster assistance for one person.  Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the families and their recovery process if additional services or referrals are necessary.

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

Red Cross Responds to Multi-Apartment Fire in Fredonia Sunday

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

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

All disaster assistance offered by the American Red Cross is complimentary and made possible by generous contributions from the American people and residents of Chautauqua County.

The American Red Cross is a United Way Community Partner.

It's Time to Fall Back!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Red Cross Volunteers Respond to Fire in Fillmore

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

Disaster Team volunteers Tom and Mary Lingenfelter responded to provide initial disaster assistance for a family of three.  Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the families and their recovery process if additional services or referrals are necessary.

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

Red Cross Responds to Fire in East Otto

Olean, NY – Members of the Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Team responded to provide disaster relief following a home fire in East Otto on Saturday.

Disaster Team volunteer Stu Moore responded to provide initial disaster assistance for three people.  Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the families and their recovery process if additional services or referrals are necessary.

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

RED CROSS RESPONDS TO FIRE IN BELMONT

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

Disaster Team volunteers Bob Shook, James Braley, Pat Jung and Darci Ladabouche responded to the scene to provide initial disaster assistance for seven people.  Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the families and their recovery process if additional services or referrals are necessary.

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

Western New York Volunteer Deploying to Colorado to Assist in Red Cross Response

Reservist Beth Shook leaving Tuesday to work in Staff Services

The American Red Cross is supporting rescue operations in Colorado by providing food, shelter, relief supplies and comfort to thousands of people forced from their homes by devastating flash flooding.

Beth Shook of Cuba, NY is deploying Tuesday to assist
in the flooding response efforts of the Red Cross

Red Cross volunteer Beth Shook, a reservist from Cuba, NY will be deploying Tuesday to Colorado, where she will serve as a volunteer manager in Staff Services.

Red Cross disaster workers are at the Boulder airport reception center to provide care and comfort as stranded residents arrive after being airlifted out of flooded neighborhoods and towns. Sunday night, as many as 1,000 people stayed in 24 shelters across the state.

“The Red Cross is making sure that people in Colorado get the help they need,” said Richard Reed, senior vice president of Disaster Cycle Services for the Red Cross. “We’re expanding our relief efforts as more workers, equipment and supplies arrive – and we’ll be on the ground for weeks to come helping people recover.”

The Red Cross is working closely with local emergency management officials, the Colorado National Guard and community organizations to ensure people get the help they need. More than 250 trained Red Cross disaster workers are deployed to Colorado, along with more than 20 emergency response vehicles and six trucks of relief supplies. Working with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Red Cross has served more than 7,100 meals and snacks.

Government officials estimate as many as 18,000 homes are affected by the Colorado flooding. Access to some communities remains difficult due to flood waters and damaged roads. As these areas begin to re-open, the Red Cross will be there to assess the damage, distribute relief supplies and support a recovery effort that will take weeks and months.

Flooding has also caused numerous evacuations in New Mexico and Texas and Red Cross workers are helping people in those states, providing shelter, meals and comfort for those affected. More than 50 people spent Sunday night in four shelters in New Mexico and Texas. The region continues to be a relief priority for the Red Cross as more rain is expected in the area from tropical storm systems over the next few days.

HOW TO HELP People across the flooded areas need help now. The Red Cross has launched a massive relief effort to help people in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas and needs the continued support of the public to help those affected. People can make a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting 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.

SAFETY TIPS If someone’s neighborhood is affected by flooding, or they are able to return home and begin cleaning up, the Red Cross has steps they can follow to stay safe. Most important is that people should avoid floodwaters whether walking or driving. Turn around and go another way. People should also keep curious children out of the water. More safety information is available at the link above.

September Blood Drives in the Southwestern New York Area

An urgent need for some blood types remains.  If you are O-, A- or B- please consider donating blood at an American Red Cross Blood Drive this month.

Below is a list of drives in the Southwestern New York area in September.  Please remember that our Fralick Donation Center, located at 325 East 4th St. in Jamestown is open Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:30-5:30pm as well.  However, the site will be closed on September 12th.

You may make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.  Walk-ins are always welcomed at blood drives!

MAKE YOUR FAMILY GAME PLAN TODAY!

In an emergency, every second counts – that’s why it’s crucial to make an emergency plan for your family – we’ll show you how.

Join us September 18^th from 5:00-6:00pm at one of our offices in the Southwestern New York area for a Preparedness Open House.  Learn more about the American Red Cross and what we can do to help our community prepare for any situation.  Hors d’oeuvres and punch will be served, and there will be drawings for door prizes at each office.

 

Allegany County: 112 N. Main St., Wellsville

Cattaraugus County: 452 N. Barry St., Olean

Chautauqua County: 325 E. 4^th St., Jamestown

9/11 Memorial Blood Drive

Join us for our 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive!  All presenting donors will receive a free t-shirt.  We are doing a grand prize drawing for a pair of round trip JetBlue airline tickets!  WPIG will be there with giveaways and doing a live radio broadcast throughout the day.  The Army Recruiters will be there with the dog tag machine (people can make their own dog tags!) and they will have giveaways as well.  The Bird of Prey rescue organization will be there with birds on display as well.  No appointment is necessary, but you may make one by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or visiting redcrossblood.org.

RED CROSS RESPONDS TO INCIDENT ON HAZZARD STREET IN JAMESTOWN

Jamestown, NY – The Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to provide disaster relief for three families following a car/house collision in Jamestown on Wednesday evening.

DAT volunteers Jeanie Shiffer, Bruce and Sarah Swanson, and Suzanne Allen were on scene to provide the initial disaster assistance. Mary Walker also assisted behind the scenes.  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 Chautauqua County also provide financial support to the local Red Cross mission.

Red Cross Responds to About 200 Disasters Every Day

The American Red Cross responds to about 70,000 disasters every year.

Most people hear about the large disasters that affect an entire part of the country, emergencies like the wildfires out west and flooding throughout the Midwest. But not as well known are disasters like a home fire, a personal tragedy that can leave someone with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
The American Red Cross recently responded to a large 48-unit apartment complex fire in Levittown, a suburb of Philadelphia. Red Cross workers provided assistance to about 20 families, providing them with resources for food, clothing, lodging and help getting medications refilled.

A recent five-alarm blaze in Manhattan left more than 40 families homeless. Red Cross teams worked with officials to set up a reception center where the displaced residents could receive food, water and health and mental health assistance. The Red Cross also provided emergency housing for those in need and caseworkers met with the families to ensure their needs were taken care of.

In Central Falls, Rhode Island, the Red Cross assisted two families after a fire destroyed their homes. Red Cross workers provided the fire victims with emergency housing, food and comfort kits containing items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving supplies and other things they may not have been able to gather in the rush to escape the fire.

Red Cross workers also assisted a family in Findlay, Ohio, with shelter, food and clothing after a fire destroyed their home. Red Cross caseworkers continue to assist the family as they begin to recover from the loss of their residence.

Disaster can happen anywhere, at any time. Fires like these are devastating to those involved.

No matter where the emergency occurs, or how large the disaster is, the Red Cross is prepared to respond. Thousands of trained disaster volunteers across the country are 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.

HOW YOU CAN HELP 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.

Red Cross Responds to Help House Fire Victims in Dunkirk, NY

The Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to provide disaster relief following a house fire on Front Street, Dunkirk over the weekend.

DAT volunteer Mary Walker was 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 Chautauqua County also provide financial support to the local Red Cross mission.

August Blood Drives

Keep Your Pets Safe amid Summer Heat Wave

With a heat wave scorching the East Coast this week, the American Red Cross encourages pet owners to pay attention to how the heat is affecting your furry friends.

Heat stroke (hyperthermia) occurs when a pet severely overheats. The good news is if the heat stroke hasn’t advanced too far (with body temperature of more than 104° F), you can help your pet recover.

Common causes of heat stroke include: a previous episode of heat stroke, leaving a pet in a parked car, excessive exercise in hot, humid weather (this may be exercise that your pet can usually handle but not in warmer weather), lack of appropriate shelter outdoors, thicker-coated pets in warm weather and underlying disease such as upper airway, heart of lung disease.

The Humane Society of the United States Pet Tips

• Never Leave Your Pet in the Car: In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car.
• If you do happen to see a pet alone in a car during hot weather, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police department immediately.
• Don't Put Your Pet in the Back of a Truck: It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves or is hit by another car.
• Stay Bite-Free: With people and dogs spending more time outside, pet bites are likely to increase in the warmer months. Spaying or neutering your pet reduces the likelihood that it will bite and provides many other health benefits.
• Pet Care 101: Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag. If you are separated from your pet, an ID tag may very well be his or her ticket home.
• Check with your veterinarian to see if your pets should be taking heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats. Another warm weather threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions

Recognizing the Signs of a Heat StrokeSigns and symptoms of heat stroke include: collapse, body temperature 104° F or above, bloody diarrhea or vomit, depression stupor, seizures or coma, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, salivation.

If you suspect heat stroke:

• Get your pet out of direct heat
• Check for shock
• Take your pet’s temperature
• Spray your pet with cool water then retake temperature
• Place water – soaked towels on the pet’s head, neck feet, chest and abdomen, turn on a fan and point it in your pet’s direction, rub Isopropyl alcohol (70 percent) on the pet’s foot pads to help cool him but don’t use large quantities as it can be toxic if ingested
• Take your pet to the nearest veterinary hospital

During a heat crisis, the goal is always to decrease the pet’s body temperature to 103° F in the first 10-15 minutes. Once 103° F is reached, you must stop the cooling process because the body temperature will continue to decrease and can plummet dangerously low if you continue to cool the pet for too long.
Even if you successfully cool your pet down to 103° F in the first 10-15 minutes, you must take the pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible because consequences of heat stroke will not show up for hours or even days. Potential problems include abnormal heart rhythms, kidney failure, neurological problems and respiratory arrest.

Learn more about pet safety.

Know the Risks Sweltering Temperatures Pose for Children

Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related injuries and conditions. As hot temperatures roast much of the U.S., the American Red Cross offers tips for keeping kids safe and cool.


Blistering Playgrounds

While playgrounds provide an outdoor respite for children, playground equipment that has been baking in direct sunlight can be dangerous. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reports of cases where metal, plastic, rubber and other nonmetal surfaces have been associated with thermal burns. The commission even had one report of a second-degree burn being sustained on a 74-degree day.

Children under two years old are specifically at risk because their skin is thinner and more fragile, and they may not know to remove their bodies from a surface that is hot.

The CPSC urges caregivers to pay close attention to uncoated metal equipment; metal equipment where the heat‐reducing coating has rubbed off; equipment children may sit on; dark‐colored plastics and rubbers, especially the surfacing under and around the playground; and asphalt and concrete surfaces.

The CPSC Fact Sheet on Burn Safety Awareness on Playgrounds recommends that adults:
Be aware of the sun and weather conditions, and do not assume that equipment is safe because the air temperature is not very high.
Check the temperature of the equipment and surfacing before letting children play on the playground.
If it feels hot to an adult’s hand, it may be too hot for a child’s bare skin. Because some materials transfer heat more slowly than others, materials may not feel hot with a quick touch.
Dress children in appropriate clothing for the playground (e.g., shoes, pants).
Playground equipment, as well as playground surfacing, may cause burns.
Always watch children while on the playground.

Preparing and Responding to Heat
Children, along with the elderly, sick or overweight, are also more vulnerable to excessive heat. Adults caring for children should pay attention to the heat index as well as the temperature. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined. Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index by as much as 15 degrees.
Other steps adults can take to protect themselves and children during hot days are:

• Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
• If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).
• Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
• Get trained in First Aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.

The American Red Cross First Aid App contains information on dealing with heat. The app is free app and available for iPhone and Android smart phone and tablet users in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross.


As the mercury climbs, people should also use the Red Cross Heat Wave Safety checklist to care for themselves and those around them

Local Red Cross Chapter Responds to Help Apartment Fire Victims in Olean, NY

The Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to provide disaster relief following an apartment fire on Fulton Street, in Olean .

DAT volunteers Susie Folts, Cindy Kozlowski, and Tammy Gardiner 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 Cattaraugus County. The United Way organization of Cattaraugus County also provides financial support to the local Red Cross mission.