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.

Caring Is Sharing! Give Blood On Valentine's Day

Come celebrate Valentine's Day at the Red Cross!

Do you love chocolate? All presenting donors at our Clark County Donor Center on this special day will receive a small box of chocolates from Russell Stover. There will also be drawings held for other chocolate goodies throughout the blood drive.

You can also give from the heart this Valentine's Day at our Bend Donor Center! Bring a friend to donate blood at the Bend Donor Center during this week, February 13 - 17 and both presenting donors will receive an American Red Cross water bottle*.

*Presenting donors will fill out a form with name and number to receive their water bottles. Donors do not need to present to donate at the same time.

Schedule your appointment now or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Where Do You Fit?

Graphic courtesy of socialgraphics.files.wordpress.com

No matter what your blood type, the need is constant. Sign up to donate at redcrossblood.org or 1-800 RED CROSS today!

The Red Cross Has Redesigned Its Logo!

The American Red Cross officially unveiled its new logo last Thursday, featuring the iconic Red Cross in a button, to symbolize the personal investment of volunteers, employees and supporters in the Red Cross mission. The Red Cross, one of the world’s most recognized and trusted brands, has historically represented hope, safety on the battlefield, and care in crisis.

This new look is designed to reflect the organization as it is today: modern, authentic and innovative. The updated identity is meant to appeal to both long-time Red Cross supporters and an entirely new generation of volunteers and donors, eager to show their affiliation with the organization. This presentation of the Red Cross logo is similar to the lapel pins and buttons worn by Red Cross supporters in the early part of the 20th century.

While most people think of disaster relief and blood donation when they think of the Red Cross, the updated brand identity is meant to invite people to learn more about the organization and its mission.”We want to show more people how they can be part of a Red Cross that intersects with their lives in many ways,” said Peggy Dyer, chief marketing officer of the Red Cross. “We’re proud of both our history and our future. We look forward to telling our story to a wider audience and the new brand identity is an important step in that process.”

The American Red Cross will continue to roll out its new look when it debuts a redesigned corporate website later this year. The new site will feature the logo button, updated graphics and an enhanced use of photography. It will also feature user-generated content to allow individuals to share their Red Cross experiences.

The American Red Cross is currently developing a public-service ad campaign that will feature stories of people whose lives have been touched by the Red Cross mission.

Scientific and Humanitarian Lessons from The Haiti and Japan Earthquakes

Our friends (and partners) at OMSI have piqued our collective Red Cross interest again with February 22nd's Science Pub Portland topic! "Scientific and Humanitarian Lessons from The Haiti and Japan Earthquakes" promises to be an elucidating and relevant lecture, held in the comfort of the Mission Theatre.  For more information and the address, visit: http://www.omsi.edu/node/1007. 

Grab a drink and a snack and get ready for a discussion about the scientific processes that led to these disasters as well as an overview of the overwhelming global humanitarian response. 
Dr. Wayne Pennington will also discuss how lack of public awarenesss or disaster preparedness magnified the Haitian earthquake's and Japanese tsunami's effects - and how this danger lurks globally for ill-prepared areas. 

Pretty relevant stuff, given that we are due for an enormous earthquake and ensuing tsunami in our little corner of the world! 
Red Cross also has a wealth of information on disaster preparedness; you can visit oregonredcross.org to learn about preparedness, schedule a class or presentation, buy safety products and print materials, and learn about blood donation.  As always, we love to remind you to "Be prepared for anything!" 

Photo courtesy of mcmenamins.com

Can You Save a Life by Singing?

A couple of days ago, I posted a funny blog entry regarding chest compressions as demonstrated in a Superbowl ad by Hyundai. On a more serious note, I ran across an interesting study, also regarding chest compressions.

Picture the scene: the man in front of you has collapsed, his heart has stopped and only you can save him by performing CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). Is now the time to start sifting through your mental musical jukebox for an up-tempo number?

Up until recently, the answer would probably have been yes. For a while now, potential life-savers have been encouraged to mentally follow certain songs in order to keep up a steady rate of CPR compressions. In the US, people have been advised to follow the beat of the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive song. (In the UK, Nellie the Elephant was evidently the preferred track.)

But a study, published in the British 'Emergency Medicine Journal' a few months ago, has shown that such musically-themed interventions often aren’t effective. Sing-song life-savers tend to concentrate so much on keeping the right rhythm that they don’t compress the victim’s chest deeply enough.

The American Red Cross recommends a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute during CPR – but also stresses that the chest should be compressed by 2 or 3 inches. Correctly performed, CPR is life-saving and can triple survival rates – but unless the compressions are deep enough, the study concluded, you’re essentially using someone as a drum kit while singing Stayin' Alive.

The study measured responses using a number of ‘recommended’ songs (including, inevitably, Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus) and found that more than a third of compressions were too shallow, regardless of the piece. The study concluded: “We are unconvinced that music provides any benefit in improving the quality of CPR…and suggest that this interesting but unproductive area of resuscitation research should be discontinued.”

Music or no, the key thing is to try to help. As a spokesperson at the Red Cross put it: “It’s important not to get too distracted by the mechanics and rules of applying CPR. Dial 911, and start giving steady chest compressions until emergency help arrives.”

And consider taking a refresher course in CPR, to learn the latest techniques. Sign up for a local course at the American Red Cross website.

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...

AUSTRALIA: Thousands of Australians have been forced to abandon their homes, and many towns have been left isolated as heavy rainfall has caused flood waters to rise in south-western Queensland and northern New South Wales. The Australian Red Cross has more than 150 Red Cross people assisting with the relief effort, managing evacuation centers, and assisting people on their return.

SOUTH SUDAN: After six months as an independent country, South Sudan still faces humanitarian challenges. With a history of 30 years of conflict, the northern regions of today's South Sudan remain particularly volatile. The ICRC is working with the new South Sudan Red Cross to ensure civilians are respected, the wounded are protected, and to provide aid in conflict-affected communities.

MALI: Fighting in the Northern Mali since mid-January has led to a massive number of displaced people living in dire conditions. The ICRC is assisting 26,000 displaced people in and around Ménaka, 4,000 around Aguelhoc and 15,000 others displaced in neighboring Niger. Together with the Mali Red Cross, the ICRC is distributing millet, rice, oil, salt, tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping mats, buckets, kitchen utensils and hygiene items.

MADAGASCAR: Last week a plague-prevention campaign was launched at places of detention in Madagascar with support from the ICRC. In all, more than 3,600 people will benefit at two facilities in Antanimora and Tsiafahy, which have severely overcrowded conditions and limited opportunities for maintaining hygiene. Madagascar is one of the few places where the plague is still prevalent, with between 300 and 600 cases occurring in recent years.


GLOSSARY:

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

PHOTO:
Red Cross volunteer Lynette Tyler provides personal support for Mary Stanton, a Kamilaroi Aboriginal elder, who had to evacuate her home along with 3,000 others from the town of St. George. Australian Red Cross/Jack Tran

How the Red Cross Responded to January's Storm, and How They Will Respond in the Future

Two weeks ago, the Oregon Red Cross set up an Emergency Disaster Relief Shelter at the Newport Fairgrounds for victims of the recent storms and floods. The shelter was only operating for 24 hours before it was removed, and did not serve any clients during that time. However, before it was removed, the Red Cross wanted to open it up to anyone curious to learn more about how an Emergency Disaster Relief Shelter would operate.

Oregon Coast Daily News was there to learn from Red Cross Emergency Education Coordinator, CiCie Pratt.

Filmed by Kiera Morgan, edited by Guy Leech

Speaking of Super Bowl Ads...Awesome Job Neymarc Brothers!

A HUGE congrats to our award-winning friends at Neymarc Visuals, who, before creating their hilarious Super Bowl commercial for Dannon (earning them the title of "Youngest Ever Directors in Super Bowl Ad History"), filmed two incredible pro-bono ads to encourage blood donors at the Red Cross. Vote for their Super Bowl ad and support these hardworking brothers...and watch their Red Cross videos below!

MOFILM 1st Place Winner: "You Save"

MOFILM 2nd Place Winner: "SuperHero"

For more information on these outstanding artists, visit Neymarc Visuals on their website and become a fan of their Facebook page.

"Think Fast" - take a Red Cross CPR class

During the Superbowl, Hyundai demonstrated an amusingly inefficient way to perform chest compressions on a comatose patient. Not a substitute for taking a Red Cross CPR class, but this sure is funny.

Blaze sparks at SE Portland apartment complex

Oregon Red Cross volunteers are assisting several SE Portland residents displaced by an apartment fire in the 2000 block of SE 122nd Avenue. Red Cross volunteers are prepared to provide humanitarian assistance, which is provided free of charge, and may include comfort kits, lodging, food, clothing and information about health and mental health services.

As reported by KOIN Local 6, investigators believe the two-alarm fire at a Southeast Portland apartment complex on Saturday night was caused by a careless smoker. The blaze broke out sometime before 7:39 p.m. at the El Moro Apartments, located at 2016 SE 122nd Avenue.

Alisa Cour, spokesperson for Portland Fire and Rescue, says the fire initially started in a one-story unit, but arriving crews discovered that strong east winds had spread it to three others through a common attic space, prompting the second-alarm.

Firefighters cut a hole in the roof of all four one-story units, which had all been safely evacuated prior to their arrival. The fire was brought under control within about 40 minutes.

There were no injuries, but an elderly woman was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents with housing. TriMet also sent a bus to the scene to help residents stay warm.

Red Cross responds to McMinnville Apartment Fire

Oregon Red Cross volunteers responded to an apartment fire on Sesame Street in McMinnville, OR. They provided humanitarian assistance to 15 people displaced by the fire. All services were provided free of charge and may have included comfort kits, lodging, food, clothing and mental health services.

As reported by KWG news, two young children, a 5-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy, were home alone when a fire started in a McMinnville apartment and spread to three other units Friday morning, authorities said. A neighbor pulled the girl to safety from the burning apartment.

Emergency crews were called just before 11 a.m. on Friday to a report of a fire in the 1700 block of Sesame Street. A blanket had caught on fire and the flames quickly spread through the apartment, according to the McMinnville Fire Department. Neighbor Tonya Wright said by the time she got downstairs the boy had already jumped out of a bedroom window. But his 5-year-old sister was still trying to get out.

“She was standing there and I just grabbed her by the arm and pulled her out,” Wright told KGW. Investigators said one of the children or a dog inside the apartment started the fire by knocking over a candle. That unit and a nearby apartment were heavily damaged.

Two other units were also damaged. There were no reports of injuries. A total of 15 tenants were displaced by the fire and Red Cross was assisting at the scene.