Summer is in full swing and the peak is just around the corner, for many this is their favorite time of year; parties, late afternoons and warmer temperatures. However, the land isn’t the only thing that’s heating up the ocean also starts to warm during this time of year and ushers in the start of Hurricane season. This year is expected to produce an above average amount of storms and the American Red Cross with be on hand to help whenever and wherever they’re needed should a hurricane strike. Although it’s important to be safe and have an emergency plan for these kinds of weather conditions, no one can be fully prepared for a natural disaster and even the most prepared will need help which is where the American Red Cross steps in. Many people depend on their live saving assistance and emergency materials during a time of need and the American Red Cross depends on donations to be able to meet those needs.

While donating time or money may not be possible you can still help by donating a car to your local chapter. The car doesn’t have to be in the best condition, it doesn’t even have to run, they will still accept your vehicle donation. The vehicle donation program helps the American Red Cross get the emergency materials needed in dire situations and be able to respond at all. The proceeds from your vehicle donation will go towards funding for these materials as well as emergency preparedness which can help minimize the impact of a severe natural disaster. Every form of donation is appreciated and will be put towards good use. When you donate a car you are helping the American Red Cross provide people with emergency essentials including blankets, food, water and shelter if necessary. So don’t wait and keep that old car you aren’t even using anymore donate your car to charity and help your community stay safe and prepared.

When someone has a water emergency such as someone disappearing under the waves or in the pool or drowning they look to the lifeguard for help. The American Red Cross understands the importance of lifeguards as well as the importance of water safety and emergency response which is why the offer training classes and information on their website. These programs are free and can save lives. In order for these and other programs and services to continue the American Red Cross depends on money, blood and car donations to keep them going. If you’ve got an older car that you don’t really have much use for and are having trouble deciding what to do with it, you should consider donating your car to your local American Red Cross chapter. The proceeds from car donations go towards emergency preparedness and prevention and training programs. You car donation can be the difference between someone’s last breath during a water emergency and the breath that saves their life. Not to mention that when you donate a car you get a tax deduction so you’ll breathe easier as well come tax time.

Protect yourself this summer by knowing what to do and the best and safest ways to beat the heat. Most will try to avoid or cope with the warmer weather by going to the beach or the pool but you should know the basics of water safety before you venture out. Luckily, the American Red Cross has a few tips on how to not only stay safe in the heat but also how to be safe in the water. The basic water safety tips are fairly obvious; things like making sure a child is never left unattended in or near water, always going to a place that has a life guard, and making sure at least one or both parents are present when a child is in the water. However, even when following the rules and being cautious in or near the water accidents can and do happen causing emergencies that require immediate response but you can minimize the chances of these events by being informed and prepared just take a look on your local chapter’s website.

Source: http://www.seva-redcross.org/WaterandSummerSafety.htm

The average person thinks that tornadoes only happen in the Midwest but as the town of Bridgeport, Connecticut recently learned that’s not always the case. Just a few days ago residents were hit with and F1 tornado. Homes and buildings were damage and there were some injuries. As usual the American Red Cross was on the scene providing shelter to those who needed it, handing out food and water along with providing other services as needed. Weather events like these aren’t very common in the Northeast but they do happen and regardless of how often they occur people should always be prepared and message that the American Red Cross always tries to send out. One of the best ways to reduce injuries and damage caused by an emergency is by being prepared and taking preventative measures.

The American Red Cross urges people to be prepared and provides information on different safety precautions people can take to stay safe however, disasters still strike and they need to be there. You can help them be there when they’re needed the most by donating your car to your local chapter, the proceeds from car donations go towards emergency prevention and response. Your donated car could help someone in an emergency situation receive food, water even temporary shelter. This organization depends heavily upon donations and we depend heavily upon The American Red Cross to be there when we need them. You or someone you know can donate a car to charity and help keep people safe when disaster strikes. As we’ve all recently seen these events cannot be foreseen but we can still be prepared or at the very least equipped to respond. Make a vehicle donation today and help make a difference during an emergency. You’ll be really glad you did.

Source: http://www.ctredcross.org/detalle_noticias.asp?SN=7386&OP=7928&id=5818&IDCapitulo=T832P9HY64

Finally after months of bitter cold, biting wind and very little sunshine, summer has come to visit. Most people love the long sunny days, warm temperatures and the general sense of relaxation that summer brings but this season has its setbacks too. Just as the winter can become intolerably cold at times the summer can be unbearably hot even life threatening in some situations. The Southeast Louisiana Chapter of The American Red Cross wants their residents to be prepared for the heat by knowing what to drink wear and eat and also how to recognize the signs that someone may be in trouble and suffering from heat exhaustion or even possibly at heat stroke. While the south is known for being hot and steamy, in recent years more of the U.S. has begun to show similar weather patterns meaning we all need to be able to beat the heat this summer.

No matter how much we may try to be prepared for excessive heat there is still a chance that we may suffer a heat related illness, there is an even greater chance that an elderly person or young child may as well which is where the American Red Cross steps in. Volunteers always try to keep people informed about how to stay cool and healthy during heat waves however, they need help continuing their service to the community which is where you come in. By donating a car, blood or money you can help keep someone out of the heat and safe from a heat related illness. The funds from your car donation will go towards preparedness and prevention. Your old unwanted clunker could save the life of a child or senior citizen during a heat wave by providing your local ARC chapter with the resources it needs to respond to heat emergencies and more importantly prevent them from happening. So do a good deed and help your community stay cool during the hottest parts of summer and donate a car to charity today!

Source: http://www.arcno.org/index.php?bShow=233&cat=1

Often times when we think of a fire emergency we think of an emergency that was caused by carelessness or inexperience however, not all fires are caused by humans sometimes nature creates them. Just take Kissimmee, FL as an example just a week ago The American Red Cross responded to three fires in one week all caused by lightning. Fortunately responders were able to get all of those whose homes caught on fire as a result to safety and also provided them with meal cards and shelter for the night. Most of us know the basics about fire safety but are a little fuzzy on how to protect ourselves during a severe thunderstorm and if you’d like to learn more about what to do you can go to your local American Red Cross chapter in person, via telephone or online and get all the info you need on lightning safety.

It’s a great feeling to help someone and to know that your actions kept them safe, this is a feeling the American Red Cross emergency responders get quite often. However, in order for this feeling to continue they need donations be they money, blood or car donations every little bit counts and can go a long way towards doing a world of good. By donating a car to your local chapter you can help keep people safe during a severe summer storm. These events only last for a short time but the effects can be far reaching, especially in areas like Florida that are prone to severe storms and even hurricanes during this time of year. If you or someone you know has an old car that they don’t use for whatever reason donate the car to The American Red Cross. The proceeds from vehicle donations go toward emergency awareness and education which can help prevent some emergencies from happening and minimizing the impact of others. Do your part to keep the people of your community safe and prepared by donating a car.

Source: http://www.midfloridaredcross.org/detalle_prensa.asp?id=5769&SN=5942&OP=5944&IDCapitulo=9B23PSXU4I

In Washington, D.C., the winds of change have been blowing over the last year, and that has an impact on charities, as well. Along those lines, the American Red Cross has been impacted in many ways by the new presidential administration. Specifically, the car donation program that powers much of the Red Cross’s efforts has had its bottom line affected. But has it been a positive change or a negative one?

That question isn’t so much a political one, since the answer is pretty much cut and dry. Though you will never hear President Obama ask people to donate a car in Washington, the emphasis on public service has been a staple of his first year in office.

Even during the campaign period, Obama encouraged individuals to give of their time and give of their possessions to help out those in need. But simply giving that type of support has not been the only way that the new administration has helped to boost car donation.

There have also been some quantifiable changes that have taken place. The President has made sure that the tax plan includes some breaks for those people who want to donate a car to charity. Though the breaks have always been there to help car donation, it appears that they are here to stay for quite some time to come. The emphasis on service has not just been a bit of lip service in this instance. Instead, the follow through has helped make it a reality, and places like the American Red Cross have been a beneficiary.

It is widely known that Clara Barton founded The American Red Cross, but not many of us know that much about her. The point of this article is not to provide a detailed biography, but to provide a picture of the person whose spirit continues to resonate today as strongly as it did in 1881.

Clara Barton, the youngest child of Sarah Stone and Stephen Barton, was born on Christmas Day 1821 in Oxford, Massachusetts. Her childhood was quite a difficult one, but even at an early age she showed signs of what was to come. In her late teens her parents, on the advice of a doctor, advised Clara to become a teacher in order to overcome her shyness. She took on forty boys and girls at a district school. After her school received an award for discipline, Clara received many job offers, and demanded (and received) the same pay as male teachers.

On April 19, 1861 troops arrived in Washington in disarray, having been routed by the secessionists. Barton and her sister met the men, some of whom she had taught, at the train station. The city had no facilities for the soldiers, and so Clara and her sister took the most seriously injured to her sister’s home and looked after them. Finding that the men’s baggage had been lost in the fighting at Baltimore, Clara solicited local merchants to round up clothing, food, and supplies.

Barton became the recipient of supplies sent to Washington in reply to letters the men had sent home. When large numbers of wounded soldiers arrived in the city following the first battle of Manassas, she collected supplies from groups such as the Worcester Ladies’ Relief Committee, instructing the women on what to pack and how to pack it.

Following the war, President Lincoln put Barton in charge of locating Prisoners of War. She answered hundreds of letters that poured in, giving or requesting information about the dead and missing.

Clara first became associated with the newly formed International Red Cross in Europe when the Franco-Prussian War broke out. She set up a number of aid centers in several war torn cities.

The American Red Cross was formed on May 12, 1881 following four years of lobbying in Washington. The organization struggled financially for many years but provided great assistance wherever Chapters were established. Clara Barton made The American Red Cross presence felt in emergencies such as the Johnstown flood, the Sea Island and Galveston hurricanes, and typhoid outbreaks in Butte, Pennsylvania.

Clarissa Harlowe Barton died of pneumonia at Glen Echo on April 12, 1912.

Many people have decided to volunteer in various charities this month. This increase in interest has been stimulated by the awareness that so many people are struggling in this economic climate, and the fact that March is American Red Cross month. The Manitowoc/Calumet Chapter of The American Red Cross lists a number of volunteer opportunities on its website. Many similar opportunities are available through other Chapters. As a result, it is worthwhile describing some of those opportunities here.

A Disaster Action Team responder is called upon as the first person available to respond to emergencies, and to help with urgent emergency needs such as food, clothing and shelter. DAT members may utilize the Chapter Disaster Response Vehicle, Client Assistance Cards, and Disbursing Orders in order to provide assistance. DAT responders are also the first to respond when large-scale disasters strike. DAT candidates are required to complete about four hours of Red Cross training, and are initially accompanied by an experienced DAT responder. Candidates must be willing, and available, to work in all weather conditions and at any hour of the day or night.

First Aid, CPR, and AED instructors also play an important role as volunteer members of The American Red Cross. Instructors teach individuals and businesses regularly at local Chapters, including Manitowoc/Calumet. Instructors may also be required to give special presentations during community events, to civic groups, and to community organizations. Instructor positions require the ability to speak with confidence in public, to demonstrate basic skills in a classroom setting, and a willingness to learn. A teaching background is also preferred, but not essential. The American Red Cross will provide all appropriate training.

As a charity that receives no government funding, The American Red Cross relies heavily on donations by members of the public, as well as businesses. In order to maximize the amount of donations received, Chapters require motivated individuals to organize fundraising events in the local community. Donations may include money, blood, clothing, blankets, and even vehicles. This volunteer position requires the ability to express the mission of The American Red Cross to others in a professional manner, to utilize basic computer software, and excellent organizational, planning, and promotional skills.

These volunteer positions generally only require a few hours of effort each week, but make a huge difference to the people in your community. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact your local Chapter of The American Red Cross.

We have been reminded in the past few days of the hazards posed by wintry conditions. This weather also shows us that you need to be prepared for any emergency at all times. The following advice should make it easier to survive the hazards caused by severe snowstorms.

A winter storm watch means that a winter storm is possible in your area. When a storm watch is issued you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, tv stations, or cable tv stations such as The Weather Channel. You should also be alert to changing weather conditions, and avoid unnecessary travel.

A winter storm warning means that a winter storm is headed for your area. When a winter storm warning is issued, you should heed the following advice:

· Stay indoors during the storm.

· If you must go outside, several layers of lighter clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves/mittens and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

· Understand the hazards of wind chill.

· Walk carefully on icy sidewalks.

· If you are shovelling snow following the storm be sure to take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.

· Avoid travelling by car in a storm. But if you must travel: carry a disaster supplies kit in the trunk, keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing, let someone know your intended destination, route, and the time you expect to arrive.

A blizzard warning means that strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. You should immediately seek shelter.

Public donations allow The American Red Cross to provide assistance to individuals and families in the wake of winter storms and other emergencies. This assistance may include shelter, clothing, blankets, or possibly even food. Donations obviously come in many forms. Recently, The American Red Cross has been encouraging people to think ‘outside the box’ and consider donating a used car or other vehicle. All vehicles are accepted, and they don’t even need to be running. Donated vehicles sold by the American Red Cross for over $500 can be claimed as a tax deduction.

Yesterday, I wrote about some things you could do to prepare for flooding in your area. Today, I want to write about tornadoes. Tornadoes can be far more frightening than floods, but careful preparation can significantly reduce the risk of harm to your family. Your local Chapter of The American Red Cross can provide advice more specific to conditions in your area.

If the area where you live experiences tornadoes your family should make a home tornado plan. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado threatens your home. Some safe places may include a basement, a hallway in the center of your house, or even a closet on the lowest floor of the house. If you are caught in a high rise building and don’t have enough time to get to the ground floor move to a hallway in the center of the building. It is important to know what the various storm weather warnings mean, and what you should do when you hear them.

A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. When a tornado watch is issued, listen to local radio and tv stations for updates. Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado (similar to the sound of a freight train) may alert you.

When a tornado warning is issued and you are already inside, move to the safe place you picked as part of your family tornado plan. Move away from windows, and as close to the center of the house as possible. If you are outside the home when the warning is issued get inside as soon as possible. If you do not have enough time to get to your house, lie flat in a ditch, or low-lying area. If you are in a mobile home or car, get out of the vehicle and head for a safe area, as outlined above.

After the tornado passes, watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area; also, listen to the radio for information and instructions; use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage; and, do not use candles at any time.

Members of The American Red Cross play an important part in emergencies such as tornadoes, both before and after the tornado has passed. Volunteers can provide you with valuable advice at any time regarding preparations for tornadoes, and afterwards they are very visible in recovery efforts. You can help The American Red Cross to continue their important emergency work by donating a car or another vehicle. These donated vehicles can provide a substantial profit when they are re-sold and will make a real difference in the event of an emergency.