Join the Movement. Become a Volunteer!

March is Red Cross Month; the perfect time for people to learn more about our mission and perhaps become part of a movement that exists around the world, created to help all people. A member of Benson's Rose Festival Court, Destiny Camara-Fulton (far left), is a member of the Red Cross Club.

Involvement of young people with the American Red Cross is more important than ever. The American Red Cross currently offers over 169,000 youth and young adults with meaningful opportunities for education, training, and volunteer/community service, so they might remain a part of the American Red Cross family throughout their lives.

We often hear people ask, “How can I help?” after a disaster strikes. One of the surefire ways you CAN help is to get registered and trained with your local chapter. Volunteers can be called upon to respond to anything from a local home fire to a large scale national disaster like the tornadoes in the Midwest this month.

Join the movement. Become a volunteer!

Red Cross Launches Huge Tornado Relief Response

The American Red Cross has launched a large relief operation across 11 states to help people affected by yesterday’s devastating tornado outbreak in the South and Midwest. Weather experts reported as many as 95 confirmed tornadoes touched down, destroying communities from the Great Lakes to the Southeast.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by this week’s severe storms,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president, Disaster Services. “Our top priorities right now are making sure people have a safe place to stay, a warm meal and a shoulder to lean on as they begin to clean up their neighborhoods. The Red Cross is also working closely with our government and community partners to make sure everyone gets the help they need.”

Friday night, the Red Cross opened or supported 22 shelters in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Alabama, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Across the affected states, trained Red Cross disaster workers are mobilizing to begin feeding operations and distribution of relief supplies. Red Cross health services and mental health workers also will be out in neighborhoods help people cope with what they’ve seen and experienced. And damage assessment teams will also help the Red Cross and our partners discover the full scope of the damage.

If someone would like to help people affected by disasters like tornadoes and floods, they can make a donation to support American 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 their local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Those affected can let loved ones know they are safe by registering on the secure Red Cross Safe and Well website, where they can also update their Facebook and Twitter status. If you don’t have computer access, you can also register by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Loved ones outside the disaster area can use Safe and Well to find information about loved ones in the affected areas by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address.

Please Join Us at the 2012 Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions

March is 'Red Cross Month' and the Oregon Red Cross will be honoring local heroes who have displayed courage and compassion at our March 6th Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions.

“This is our largest charitable event of the year,” said Maree Wacker, Regional Executive of the Oregon Red Cross. “We celebrate the mission of the American Red Cross; the idea that we can all be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We also honor hometown heroes and we put together an amazing interactive experience for everyone that attends.”

When a massive EF 5 tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri on May 22nd, it completely destroyed over 7,000 homes and left damage to 75% of this city of 50,000 (the same size as Corvallis).

Joplin native Jack Jewsbury, the Portland Timbers all-star midfielder, heard from his father that his family members were safe, but his hometown had suffered catastrophic damage.

Jewsbury, the Timbers and their legion of fans raised thousands of dollars for the American Red Cross disaster relief effort, which helped send over 800 Red Cross workers to Joplin; they, in turn, helped families hit by the tornado get back on their feet.

DeOna Bridgeman of Canby witnessed a teenage boy being struck by a truck and trailer. She rushed to the boy’s aid and saved his life by performing citizen CPR until paramedics arrived.

When a rare, but incredibly damaging tornado struck Aumsville in December 2010, Dean and Marcia Howell, and their family, mobilized to respond to the immediate needs of their community.

Chelsea Carpenter used her CPR training to aid a woman who had collapsed in a parking lot. After EMTs arrived, she offered assistance and emotional support to the woman’s daughter.

The David Douglas High School football team responded to a call for blood donations during their summer break by bringing their entire team into the Portland Blood Donation Center.

The Oregon Red Cross will be honoring these and other amazing local heroes who have displayed courage and compassion at the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions on March 6th in the Oregon Convention Center.

"The heroes we honor are unselfish, caring individuals who stepped up to help, heal, and comfort, sometimes in someone’s most desperate hour. And that’s what this event is all about -- celebrating those who would put aside their own needs to come to the aid of others," said Wacker.

Please join us at the 2012 Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions. Contact Tracy Madsen at 503-528-5692 for information regarding attending this charitable event.

When We Celebrate We Do It Right. #BlackHistoryMonth

Meet Local Heroes at Upcoming Oregon Red Cross Fundraiser

March is Red Cross month and the Oregon Red Cross will be honoring local heroes who have displayed courage and compassion at our March 6th Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions. This event, which is the Oregon Red Cross' largest fundraiser of the year, celebrates the mission of the American Red Cross; the idea that we can all be a part of something bigger than ourselves.

When an incredibly damaging tornado struck Aumsville in December 2010, Dean and Marcia Howell mobilized to respond to the immediate needs of their community.

In their words “After surveying the massive mess, we talked about our need to get involved in the cleanup.” They gassed up their front-loader tractor, and a 14-foot, high-sided dump truck, and went to work. For three days, with family members serving as their crew, Dean and Marcia gathered orphaned siding, fallen trees, and other storm debris, hauling multiple loads to a facility to be recycled.

Of the experience, Marcia said, “We believe we have a responsibility, or better yet, an ‘opportunity’ to care for those around us in meaningful ways, especially during times of need.”

In Oregon, the Red Cross responds to an emergency once every 16 hours - but the Red Cross does much more than respond to disasters. We train everyday people in lifesaving skills. We assist members of the military and their families. We provide transportation to essential appointments for the elderly and disabled. We provide warming centers in response to particularly cold nights in the winter. We educate the community about emergency preparedness. And we reconnect families separated by war or disaster.

Each year, the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions features an interactive theme that draws you in to experience first-hand what it is like to be helped by the compassionate volunteers of the Oregon Red Cross. This year, the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions will highlight the awesome power of natural disasters and the role of the Red Cross in responding to them. Contact Tracy Madsen at 503-528-5692 for information regarding attending this charitable event.

When you arrive at the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions, you will find yourself physically immersed in episodes of tornado, earthquake, wildfire and floods, and witness Red Cross efforts to shelter, feed and care for Oregonians displaced by these disasters. Arrive early to give yourself time to explore this multimedia experience. Then enjoy breakfast and a heartfelt celebration; marvel at the touching stories of local heroes as we honor them for their acts of compassion, bravery, excellence and selflessness.

These individuals are the beacons of hope many see in their most desperate hours. And that’s what this event is all about -- celebrating those who would put aside their own needs to come to the aid of others. Please join us at the 2012 Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions, the Oregon Red Cross' largest fundraiser of the year. Contact Tracy Madsen at 503-528-5692 for information regarding this charitable event.

You're Making Us Proud Portland.

The Portland Red Cross received an incredible gift to help us celebrate the first day of Red Cross Month!

See the photo to the right? That's not just another cluttered desk - each slip of paper (blurred for privacy) in this massive stack represents a person's commitment to donating blood or platelets, getting trained in CPR/1st Aid, volunteering for disaster relief, providing financial assistance, or a combination of these lifesaving actions.

This overwhelming response came as a result of two recent outreach events in the city. Wow.

To all of you Portlanders who have a long history of supporting us, are just recently commiting to help or are considering that first step in making a difference for those in need, we thank you.

Saving. Giving. Living. Join In.

Do you need an aircraft carrier to be prepared?

One of the core fundamentals of the American Red Cross is disaster preparedness, and earlier this week the state of Wyoming showed quite the initiative in being prepared for 'anything'.


Wyoming House Bill 85 would have allocated $16,000 for a panel of legislators and emergency managers to study various measures, including a new state-issued currency, for handling a range of doomsday scenarios. Wyoming's Department of Homeland Security already has a statewide crisis management plan, but it does not include the so-called doomsday scenario. To add some humor, and introduce a 'poison pill', some legislators tried to introduce an amendment that mockingly asked whether Wyoming should purchase its own aircraft carrier and fighter jets (Wyoming is land-locked). Unlike most states that are in financial strife, Wyoming has $14 billion in savings and assets.

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead laughed off the idea of being the only governor to command his own aircraft carrier saying, "If we got an aircraft carrier, we'll need a bigger lake." The largest body of water currently in Wyoming is Lake Yellowstone which is deep enough to hold the largest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. I thought it would be entertaining to visualize an aircraft carrier in a small lake...


However, the big natural disaster Wyoming potentially faces is the Yellowstone Supervolcano exploding... which is located directly under Lake Yellowstone (in recent years the geology under the lake has started to rise significantly). Who says you need to put an aircraft carrier in water? You could always airlift one and place it at a high, out of reach location such as Devil's Tower...


Unfortunately, House Bill 85 was narrowly rejected 30-27 in a final House vote. Maybe they watched the short-lived TV series Jericho, that featured the aftermath of nuclear attacks on the US with Wyoming taking over (SPOILER ALERT: ...after a Wyoming contractor examined similar 'what-if' scenarios and decided that instigating nuclear attacks would be good business sense).

OK - so an aircraft carrier might not make sense for Wyoming, but Oregon has considered one for disaster preparedness...

March is Red Cross Month!

March is ‘Red Cross Month’, as first proclaimed in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since that time, every president, including President Obama, has designated March as ‘Red Cross Month’. The American Red Cross uses this time to communicate the range of its services to the public, and for fundraising. How did this tradition come about? Read more about the history of Red Cross Month. The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 emergencies and disasters every year in the U.S., providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It provides 24-hour help to victims of house fires across the country. It also offers 24-hour assistance to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military bases around the world. Finally, it collects and distributes more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than 9 million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills each year. This month, the American Red Cross is asking everyone to help those in need by contributing to the lifesaving services it provides. “Red Cross Month is a great time for people to aid our mission. Their kindness and generosity will enable us to continue our work, both here at home and across the globe,” said Maree Wacker, Regional Executive of the Oregon Red Cross. The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar given to the Red Cross is invested in helping the people the Red Cross services. Regardless of nationality, political beliefs, religious background or anything else, the Red Cross is there for everyone. In this year’s proclamation, Obama encourages “all Americans to support this organization’s noble humanitarian mission.” “Please remember those who need our help by making a donation, becoming a volunteer, taking a class, or giving blood,” Wacker said. “When you do, know that you are part of a movement that exists around the world, created to help all people.”

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

AFGHANISTAN: Over the last couple of weeks, the Afghan Red Crescent Society, with the support of the IFRC, has helped almost 2,000 families in Kabul through the coldest winter for 15 years by distributing blankets and clothes. Hundreds of people have been returning to Kabul from Pakistan and conflict affected areas, setting up in makeshift unheated tents.

HAITI: More than two years after a devastating earthquake demolished thousands of homes in Haiti, up to half a million vulnerable people are estimated to still be living in camps. A majority of these were renters before the quake and with limited income generating activities available many people have no way of affording their rent now. To support people to leave the camps the IFRC is providing resettlement grants with a series of different options for families to choose from, such as receiving rental support or moving assistance.

SENEGAL: In the run up to elections in Senegal, social unrest gripped areas of the nation and put the Senegalese Red Cross on stand-by with 98 rapid response teams comprised of 686 first-aid volunteers. 153 people were assisted during pre-election demonstrations, mostly for minor injuries with 44 sent to local hospitals for further attention.

CYPRUS: During a meeting last week the ICRC decided to recognize the Cyprus Red Cross Society as the 188th National Society. In accordance with the Cyprus Red Cross Law of 1967, it acts as an auxiliary to the national authorities of the Republic of Cyprus in the humanitarian field and plays a central role in disaster preparedness and disaster response.


GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

PHOTO:
Afghan Red Crescent Society distributed clothes and blankets to almost vulnerable and snow affected families in Kabul

Oregon Red Cross Helps More than 35 People Displaced by Fires Last Week

On Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 2:24pm, Oregon Red Cross volunteers responded to a two-alarm multiple family apartment fire, affecting ten units, 22 people and two pets. Red Cross provided assistance of shelter, food, clothing, comfort kits, blankets, and medication needs to families from seven of the units.

The Rolling Hills Community Church was identified as an overnight shelter; a TriMet bus provided evacuation staging for the residents. Red Cross volunteers arranged dinner for all the displaced residents with donated food from California Pizza Kitchen of Tigard. The Oregon Red Cross continues to work with the apartment complex management to identify vacant units, and help those displaced with short and long-term recovery issues.

House fires are devastating for families and the Red Cross responds to these more often than any other emergency. Oregon Red Cross volunteers responded to four home fires and two multi-unit apartment fires in Oregon over the past week. They provided humanitarian assistance to a total of 34 adults, three children and four pets displaced by these fires.

"The volunteers came over really quick; I didn't call," said Tom P. "I didn't even have a toothbrush anymore; I had nothing. But they supplied me with all the necessary stuff a person needs right off the bat. They offered me money, food, a place to stay. They were just so good it was unbelievable. I can't say enough about them." Red Cross assistance during the week included an evacuation shelter near one of the apartment units, immediate lodging, food, clothing, comfort kits, help with replacing medication, medical supplies and mental health services.

All services are always offered free of charge, as part of the Red Cross mission to provide relief to victims of catastrophe. "Being displaced by fire is already scary enough," said Maree Wacker, Regional Executive of the Oregon Red Cross. "In those moments, when a person or family most needs help, the Red Cross is there."

A Celebration of Local Heroes at Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions

March is Red Cross month and the Oregon Red Cross will be honoring local heroes who have displayed courage and compassion at our March 6th Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions. This event, which is the Oregon Red Cross' largest fundraiser of the year, celebrates the mission of the American Red Cross; the idea that we can all be a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Chelsea Carpenter first learned CPR when she was in 7th grade, but fortunately her training didn’t stop there. Two months after renewing her certification, Chelsea heard a woman calling for help. The woman’s mother had collapsed in her car while parked in the lot of a local market.

Chelsea ran to where bystanders had carried the distressed woman. Emergency responders were called, and after a quick assessment of the victim, Chelsea began CPR.

EMT’s arrived and took over, but Chelsea wasn’t through. She comforted the victim’s distressed daughter, walked her to the ambulance, retrieved the two women’s belongings from their car and offered to call someone to meet the daughter at the hospital.

Chelsea is our hero because she exemplifies American Red Cross mission to offer not only material support, but emotional comfort as well.

In Oregon, the Red Cross responds to an emergency once every 16 hours - but the Red Cross does much more than respond to disasters. We train everyday people in lifesaving skills. We assist members of the military and their families. We provide transportation to essential appointments for the elderly and disabled. We provide warming centers in response to particularly cold nights in the winter. We educate the community about emergency preparedness. And we reconnect families separated by war or disaster.

Each year, the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions features an interactive theme. This year, the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions will highlight the awesome power of natural disasters and the role of the Red Cross in responding to them.

When you arrive at the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions, you will find yourself physically immersed in episodes of tornado, earthquake, wildfire and floods, and witness Red Cross efforts to shelter, feed and care for Oregonians displaced by these disasters. Arrive early to give yourself time to explore this multimedia experience. Then enjoy breakfast and a heartfelt celebration; marvel at the touching stories of local heroes as we honor them for their acts of compassion, bravery, excellence and selflessness.

These individuals are the beacons of hope many see in their most desperate hours. And that’s what this event is all about -- celebrating those who would put aside their own needs to come to the aid of others.

Please join us at the 2012 Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions. Contact Tracy Madsen at 503-528-5692 for information regarding attending this charitable event.

Jack Jewsbury to be Honored at Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions

Following the devastating tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri on May 22, Jack Jewsbury and the Portland Timbers partnered with the American Red Cross to assist in fundraising. Jack, a Joplin native, still has close family in that area, some of whom were directly affected by the costliest single tornado in U.S. history. The official death total from the tornado was 160; 990 people were injured. Emergency managers reported damage to 75% of Joplin. In total, nearly 7,000 homes were destroyed and over 850 others were damaged. It has been estimated that it will cost 3 billion dollars to re-build.

Jack and the Timbers rallied fans to donate money for Red Cross disaster relief through a mobile text-in campaign and with a request for in-stadium donations during the club’s May 29, 2011 match.

Utilizing their “Stand Together” community outreach platform, Jack, the Timbers, and their legion of fans helped to raise over $11,000 for the American Red Cross’s disaster relief efforts in Joplin, greatly surpassing the nearly $7,000 they raised for Japan earlier in 2011.

March is Red Cross month, and the Oregon Red Cross will be honoring Jack and the Portland Timbers, along with other local heroes who have displayed courage and compassion, at our upcoming Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions. This event celebrates the mission of the American Red Cross; the idea that we can all be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It is the Oregon Red Cross' largest fundraiser of the year; if you would like to attend, contact Tracy Madsen at 503-528-5692.

In Oregon, the Red Cross responds to an emergency once every 16 hours - but the Red Cross does much more than respond to disasters. We train everyday people in lifesaving skills. We assist members of the military and their families. We provide transportation to essential appointments for the elderly and disabled. We provide warming centers in response to particularly cold nights in the winter. We educate the community about emergency preparedness. And we reconnect families separated by war or disaster. This year, the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions will highlight the awesome power of natural disasters and the role of the Red Cross in responding to them.

When you arrive at the  Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions on Tuesday, March 6th, you will find yourself physically immersed in these episodes of tornado, earthquake, wildfire and floods, and witness Red Cross efforts to shelter, feed and care for Oregonians displaced by these disasters. Arrive early to give yourself time to explore this multimedia experience. Then enjoy a breakfast and a heartfelt celebration; marvel at the touching stories of local heroes as we honor them for their acts of compassion, bravery, excellence and selflessness.

These individuals are the beacons of hope many see in their most desperate hours. And that’s what this event is all about -- celebrating those who would put aside their own needs to come to the aid of others. Join us at the 2012 Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions. Please contact Tracy Madsen at 503-528-5692 regarding attending this charitable event.

The Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions: Meet Local Heroes

Blood drives at high schools don’t take place during the summer break, but summer vacation didn’t stop David Douglas high school from saving lives. The school responded to an invitation from the ‘Red For Life’ program by bringing their entire football team into Portland during summer 2011.

Thirty-six players presented to donate blood, 35 of whom were first-time donors. Coaches and other students joined in. The football team plans to issue a challenge to other high schools for summer 2012, to encourage them to share in this rewarding experience and to spread the word about the importance of blood donations.

The Oregon Red Cross will honor these and other heroes who have displayed courage and compassion in their actions at our upcoming Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions. This event celebrates the mission of the American Red Cross; the idea that we can all be a part of something bigger than ourselves. This event is the Oregon Red Cross' largest fundraiser of the year. If you would like to attend, please contact Tracy Madsen at 503-528-5692.

In Oregon, the Red Cross responds to an emergency once every 16 hours - but the Red Cross does much more than respond to disasters. We train everyday people in lifesaving skills. We assist members of the military and their families. We provide transportation to essential appointments for the elderly and disabled. We provide warming centers in response to particularly cold nights in the winter. We educate the community about emergency preparedness. And we reconnect families separated by war or disaster.

Each year, the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions features an interactive theme that draws you in to experience first-hand what it is like to be helped by the compassionate volunteers of the Oregon Red Cross. This year, the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions will highlight the awesome power of natural disasters and the role of the Red Cross in responding to them.

When you arrive at the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions on Tuesday, March 6th, you find yourself physically immersed in these episodes of tornado, earthquake, wildfire and floods, and witness Red Cross efforts to shelter, feed and care for Oregonians displaced by them. Arrive early to give yourself time to explore this multimedia experience. Then enjoy a breakfast and a heartfelt celebration; marvel at the touching stories of real-life heroes as we honor them for their acts of compassion, bravery, excellence and selflessness.

These individuals are the beacons of hope many see in their most desperate hours. And that’s what this event is all about -- celebrating those who would put aside their own needs to aid others.

Please join us at the 2012 Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions, our biggest fundraiser of the year. Contact Tracy Madsen at 503-528-5692 regarding attending this charitable event.

National Geographic Article Features Tsunamis and Pacific Northwest

Posted in National Geographic Magazine February Edition 2012

Article: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/02/tsunami/folger-text

What makes this article a must-read?

This article interviews Kerry Sieh the Director of Earth Observatory in Singapore. Sieh is world’s famous paleoseismologists. He highlights his top three areas of concern for Tsunamis activity in the future. They extend from the Manilla Trench in the Phillipines, to the Sunda Megathrust in Singapore, and most directly the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 600 mile long fault line that runs from Northern California to Bristish Columbia.

Is the Cascadia Subduction Zone really a priority?

According the article, studies of seafloor sediment traced up and down the Pacific Northwest Coast suggest that earthquakes consistently taken place there every 250 to 500 years.
Additionally, when it does rupture scientist believe it will be as large as the Japan Tsunami and will reach the coast in 20 minutes.

What does this mean for you and how can the Red Cross help?

While we can’t control the timing of natural disasters we do have control over our level of preparedness. The Oregon Red Cross offers community preparedness presentations or what is known as Together We Prepare.

Typically these presentations last about 1 hour but they can be tailored depending on the needs of the audience. They cover natural disasters in depth and how to make a 72 hour survival kit. By taking these steps, you’ll be able to respond safely and with confidence in a variety of emergency situations. Simple steps that can ultimately save lives.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

SYRIA: With continued fighting impeding relief response, the ICRC is urging the Syrian authorities and all others to implement a daily cease fire for at least two hours. A temporary halt in the fighting would allow the ICRC staff and Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers to deliver aid and evacuate the wounded and the sick.

MADAGASCAR: On February 14th, tropical cyclone Giovanna landed in the district of Brickaville on the East coast of Madagascar, resulting in at least 16 dead, 65 injured, 10,856 people affected, 3,380 houses totally destroyed and 1,480 houses damaged. The Malagasy Red Cross responded well before the cyclone with 1,416 volunteers involved in an early warning campaign. A few hours after the cyclone, the Malagasy Red Cross volunteers started to assess the damage and the resulting needs.

NEW ZEALAND: Staff and volunteers from the New Zealand Red Cross took part in a variety of memorial events to mark the one year anniversary of the deadly 6.3 magnitude earthquake that claimed the lives of 185 people on February 22, 2011 and damaged large parts of the city of Christchurch. In the aftermath of the disaster the Red Cross helped over 76,000 individuals and households, making it the largest relief and recovery program in the history of the New Zealand Red Cross.

MOZAMBIQUE: Late last month Tropical Cyclone Funso swept across the coastal areas of Zambezia province in Mozambique, leaving a trail of destruction to property and crops. Thousands of people were left homeless. The Mozambique Red Cross Society and the IFRC are launching an effort to provide relief to 10,000 families in need of shelter, food, mosquito nets and clean water.


GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

PHOTO:
Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers and members of the local community unload trucks of humanitarian assistance in Homs, Syria

Miss Oregon 2011 Returns to College for OSU Blood Drive

Miss Oregon 2011 Caroline McGowan, while taking an interim year from college at Oregon State University during her reign, returned to campus on Monday, February 20, 2012 for the first day of the Feb. 20-23 Winter Term Blood Drive, one of four quarterly blood drives coordinated by the incredible OSU Blood Drive Association! (see photo below)

As Miss Oregon, McGowan is the official hostess for the state, running on the platform of the American Red Cross. Watch her KBVR interview below to see how she inspired students and faculty by speaking about the need for blood donors, providing photo opportunities for those in attendance and even posed with Buddy the Blood Drop mascot!

McGowan, a member of Delta Gamma Sorority, began her path to pageantry in the Miss Linn-Benton competition and was crowned Miss Oregon on July 2, 2011 in Seaside, Oregon.

The Winter Term Blood Drive at OSU will be held February 20-23, 2012 with donor hours from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily at the Oregon State University Memorial Union Ballroom. Area students, faculty, alumni and more can give blood, volunteer their time or support the event through a combination of both, like veteran volunteer, blood donor and alumni Byron Womack! (pictured below)

For those interested in the blood drive event, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit us online at redcrossblood.org sponsor code OSU. Please contact the Blood Drive Association at osublooddrive@yahoo.com if you are interested in volunteering at the event. Blood donors must be at least 16 years old (16 year-olds require parental consent) and meet minimum height and weight requirements. More information for potential donors is available at redcrossblood.org

The Breakfast of Champions: An Event You'll Never Forget

Last spring, DeOna Bridgeman of Canby witnessed a teenage boy struck by a car.  DeOna rushed to the boy, who was lying in the road, not breathing and without a pulse.  She performed citizen CPR until paramedics arrived. The 15-year old not only survived, but has made an amazing recovery.

The Oregon Red Cross will honor DeOna and other heroes who have displayed courage and compassion in their actions at our upcoming Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions. This event celebrates the mission of the American Red Cross; the idea that we can all be a part of something bigger than ourselves. This event is the Oregon Red Cross' largest fundraiser of the year. If you would like to attend, please contact Tracy Madsen at 503-528-5692.

In Oregon, the Red Cross responds to an emergency once every 16 hours - but the Red Cross does much more than respond to disasters. We train everyday people in lifesaving skills. We assist members of the military and their families. We provide transportation to essential appointments for the elderly and disabled. We provide warming centers in response to particularly cold nights in the winter. We educate the community about emergency preparedness. And we reconnect families separated by war or disaster. 

Encounter the Red Cross Experience

Each year, the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions features an interactive theme that draws you in to experience first-hand what it is like to be helped by the compassionate volunteers of the Oregon Red Cross. This year, the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions will highlight the awesome power of natural disasters and the role of the Red Cross in responding to them. 

When you arrive at the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions on Tuesday, March 6th, you find yourself physically immersed in these episodes of tornado, earthquake, wildfire and floods, and witness Red Cross efforts to shelter, feed and care for Oregonians displaced by them. Arrive early to give yourself time to explore this multimedia experience. Then enjoy a breakfast and a heartfelt celebration; marvel at the touching stories of real-life heroes as we honor them for their acts of compassion, bravery, excellence and selflessness. 

These individuals are the beacons of hope that many see in their most desperate hours.  And that’s what this event is all about -- honoring those who put aside their own needs to come to the aid of others.

Please join us at the 2012 Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions. For more information, contact Tracy Madsen at 503-528-5692.

Oregon Red Cross Assisted at Five Home Fires Last Week

Home fires are devastating for families, and almost twice a day in Oregon, a family is displaced by fire and left on their own. That's when the Oregon Red Cross steps in to help.

"I am in awe. You and your team helped us out so much," said Jan B. "I thank you for all you did for my family."

In the past week, Red Cross volunteers responded to five home fires in Oregon. Our volunteers provided humanitarian assistance to 17 adults, 13 children and three pets displaced by these fires. Sadly, one person and several pets were also lost in these blazes.

"The tragedy of home fires touches so many lives," said Maree Wacker, Regional Executive of the Oregon Red Cross. "Friends, neighbors and the community are also affected when families are forced from their homes, but in the immediate aftermath, when a family needs help the most, the Red Cross is there." 

Red Cross assistance for these families included immediate lodging, food, clothing, comfort kits, medical supplies and information on health and mental health services. These services are given free of charge as part of the Red Cross mission to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It is a voluntary relief movement, supported by the American people, and not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

To learn more about how the Red Cross helps families following a home fire, see our video on YouTube: http://youtu.be/lPWb2D82u5E.

Oregon Red Cross Responds to Fatal House Fire

Oregon Red Cross volunteers responded to a house fire on Failing Street in Portland, OR early this morning. They provided humanitarian assistance to at least two people displaced by the fire. All services were provided free of charge and may have included lodging, food, clothing, comfort kits and mental health services.

As reported on OregonLive.com, Portland firefighters arrived at the Failing Street home about 4 a.m. and found people evacuating from the basement and first floor windows, according to Paul Corah, spokesman for Portland Fire & Rescue. Some were woken up by the lights of the fire engine because there were no working smoke alarms in the home, fire investigators said.

On the second floor, it was so hot firefighters' helmet shields were melting and they had to crawl on their stomachs to look for any trapped victims, according to Station 13 Capt. Rob Hutchens. They knew they had to get out, but they gave it one more shot, he said, and that's when they found a man in the hallway.

Firefighters carried the man downstairs to paramedics, who determined that the 39-year-old man had died. His name has not been released, pending notification of his family. An investigation is continuing.

Corah urged people to make sure they have a working smoke alarm in every sleeping area, on every floor of their home. 

Four people were in the house at the time of the fire. Rooms in the home were rented out to individuals, Corah said. The Oregon Red Cross helped at least two displaced adults get shelter and other services.

The “Other” List of Winter Preparedness Tips

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement, warning of lower snow levels beginning Friday evening, in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. Since this is a holiday weekend for most, we thought we share with you some of our "other" winter preparedness tips.

The American Red Cross has been at the leading edge of preparedness for decades and every year we have brought you our Winter Storm Safety Checklist, which is chock full of excellent information to keep you and your loved ones safe before, during and after a storm.

But how does one prepare for the dozens of hours that will be spent inside while the storm rages outside? Today, we would like to provide you with a few “other” winter preparedness items to include:

Indoor Fort Supplies

This should include blankets, sheets, chairs, and some other sturdy furniture. And if your indoor fort building skills have diminished over the years, Apartment Therapy has some very easy-to-follow instructions, design ideas and decor inspirations for the young and young-at-heart.

Movies

Having a family movie night is an idea that’s an oldie but still a goodie. Either stock up on titles from your local library, go rent a variety of movies, or turn on your favorite video streaming service. Be sure to buy popcorn and candy for the full movie night experience. For the ultimate experience, you might even combine fort building with movie night!

Puzzles and Games

Puzzles and board games are a great way to enjoy each other company and avoid getting bored! Other games might include: charades, tic-tac-toe, Texas hold ‘em, or something creative, like a karaoke/dance competition (be sure to have your First Aid Kit on hand in case this game goes awry). Maybe buy a few small prizes, or allow the winner a pass on doing the dishes that day.

Sleds

Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, you can go sledding during or after a snowstorm. Sometimes going down a hill isn’t enough, so you might want to build a Sled Mountain! (in which case, you might want to go ahead and grab that First Aid Kit again….)

Enjoy Old Man Winter as much as you can, and at some break in the fun don’t forget to check out our more “traditional” winter preparedness tips so you and your family will be able to tackle the season with confidence!

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

PHILIPPINES: Last week a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit western Visayas and some parts of northern Mindanao in the Philippines, claiming at least 22 lives with a further 71 people missing and 52 injured. Within hours of the earthquake the Philippine Red Cross, with the support of the IFRC, deployed 500 food packs, 1,000 bottles of drinking water, 1,000 sleeping mats, 1,000 blankets, 500 jerry cans, 30 tents and one mobile warehouse to serve as the temporary hospital.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Early this month a ferry carrying at least 560 passengers sank off the north coast of Papua New Guinea. Two weeks later, over 180 people were still missing with authorities believing the death toll could reach at least 200. Staff and volunteers of the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society have been at the scene of the disaster since the accident occurred, offering counseling to relatives of the passengers waiting anxiously on shore and carrying out small distributions of emergency relief supplies.

SYRIA: Relief efforts continue in Syria as the violence escalates. Over the weekend Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoys reached the cities of Homs and Bloudan, providing much needed food, medical supplies, blankets, and hygiene consumables to thousands of people. The Syrian Red Crescent and the ICRC are planning further missions to continue providing humanitarian aid to people affected by the unrest.

BANGLADESH: Throughout the last decade, the ICRC has been working with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society to promote international humanitarian law to authorities in Bangladesh. Last week deans and department heads of 35 public and private universities in Bangladesh met to discuss the inclusion of international humanitarian law in their curricula. Additionally, this week the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an anti-crime force, is participating in an ICRC training course on humanitarian principles and international human rights law in domestic legislation.


GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

PHOTO:
Survivors of the 6.9 earthquake in the Philippines receiving relief support. Philippine Red Cross

Oregon Red Cross Assisted at Six Metro House Fires Last Week

In the past week, Oregon Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to six home fires in the Portland Metro area. Our volunteers provided humanitarian assistance, free of charge, to 13 adults, 16 children and four pets displaced by these fires.

Assistance for these families included immediate lodging, food, clothing, comfort kits, and information on health and mental health services. One child required special needs accommodations, and one woman was transported to the hospital, treated for smoke inhalation, and then released.

Home fires are the number one disaster facing families in Oregon and last year, the Oregon Red Cross responded to almost 600 home fires across our state. That's an average of almost twice each day that Red Cross volunteers are assisting families who have no place else to turn in the immediate aftermath of a devastating fire.

Practice fire safety at home

Be Red Cross Ready - Fire Prevention & Safety Checklist [PDF]

Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.



• Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.



• Once a month check whether each alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button.



• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Immediately install a new battery if an alarm chirps, warning the battery is low.



• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Never disable smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.



• Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

Fire Escape Planning

• Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home.



• Make sure everyone knows where to meet outside in case of fire.



• Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.



• Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

For more information, see additional fact sheets on Fire Safety & Prevention.