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.

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

Without the Red Cross, We Would Have Been Lost

In recognition of the 2nd anniversary of the Haitian earthquake, we've excerpted this powerful piece that was posted on January 10th, 2012 by Kristiana Almeida on the American Red Cross Blog. It originally came from New York’s “Changing Lives: The Story Book” Blog.

Volunteers come from many walks of life. For some, it is a chance to give back to their communities. For Francklin Morose, a volunteer with the American Red Cross on Long Island, it’s much deeper than that— as his journey began with the world literally crumbling at his feet.

Morose was at his accounting job in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, on Jan. 12, 2010—the day of the worst earthquake in the island nation’s history.

It began with a simple shake he recalled. He and his colleagues thought a big truck had driven by.
“Then,” he said, “everything started to fall down—the walls, the ceiling.”

With all the entrances blocked, Morose and his colleagues were forced to jump to the ground from a second story bathroom window. That’s when they realized an earthquake had struck.

“The whole block was dark; everything had changed,” Morose said.

He described buildings destroyed; communications disrupted; trees down; and people who were bloodied and bruised running through the streets. He made his way home and found it destroyed.

That night, Morose located his family in a park, among hundreds of others that had lost their homes.

Read more at “Changing Lives: The Story Book” Blog.

How the Red Cross is Helping

"Since January 2010, Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross have joined together to bring lasting change to families in Haiti. Today, many families left homeless by the earthquake have a safe and decent place to call home because of the commitment and hard work of our local teams. I wish to thank the American Red Cross for their partnership in bringing housing and hope to the people of Haiti." - Jonathan Reckford, chief executive officer, Habitat for Humanity.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the American Red Cross is still at work in Haiti, rebuilding what the earthquake destroyed and working with local communities to make them safer and healthier. We have built homes, given people opportunities to earn money, provided access to clean water and sanitation systems, supported the delivery of health care, and taught communities how to prevent the spread of diseases and to be better prepared for future disasters. While our plans may evolve to respond to changing needs, in the coming years we will continue to help people leave camps to return to communities, and we will work to make these communities safe, healthy and vibrant.Learn more about the Red Cross response in Haiti.

Learn more about the Red Cross response.

Make Being Prepared One Of Your New Year’s Resolutions

It’s that time of year when many people look forward to the New Year, a fresh start and what they would like to change to make their lives better. Many resolve to lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier. The Oregon Red Cross asks that everyone resolve to make 2012 the year they get prepared, to be “Red Cross Ready” when emergencies happen.

Families can look ahead and determine how to deal with disasters, whether it be a fire in the home or something that affects their entire neighborhood. They need to know what emergencies are most likely to happen in their area. Knowing what to do when disaster strikes can make a difference for everyone in your household and your community. To be prepared, you should:

1. Get a kit. If you’ve ever had to search for your flashlight when the power goes out, you know what it feels like to be unprepared. The Red Cross has a downloadable checklist to help you assemble your emergency preparedness kit. It should include the following:

Ready-To-Go Emergency Preparedness Kit

• A three-day supply of non-perishable food and water—one gallon per person, per day for drinking and hygiene purposes.
• A battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
• At least one flashlight and extra batteries.
• A first-aid kit, which should include all prescription and OTC medications and any necessary medical items.
• Copies of all important documents (proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
• Extra cash in a variety of denominations.

2. Make a plan. Talk with members of your household about what to do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case everyone is separated, and choose two places to meet—one right outside the home, in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside the neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate. Other tips on how you should formulate your emergency plan are:

• Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. All household members should have this person’s phone number and email address. It may be easier to call long distance or text if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.
• Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.
• Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Travel your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable.
• Plan ahead for your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals. Keep a handy list of “pet friendly” accommodations and animal shelters along your evacuation routes.

3. Be informed. Know what situations may occur where you live, where you work, where you go to school.

• If you live or travel often to areas near a fault line, learn how to prepare and what to do during an earthquake. If summer includes a trip to the beach, know what to do in case you are faced with a tropical storm, hurricane or tsunami. Remember that emergencies like fires and blackouts can happen anywhere, so everyone should be prepared for them.
• Find out how local officials inform the public in the event of an emergency.
• Learn first aid and CPR/AED so that you have the skills to respond in a situation before help arrives, especially during a disaster when emergency responders may not be immediately available. Contact the Oregon Red Cross to sign up for training.

As you look to the new year and what you would like to change, add getting prepared to your list of resolutions for 2012. Visit the preparedness section of the American Red Cross website to know what to do, to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, in all types of emergencies.

Enjoy a safe and Happy New Year.

A little Blog-Love for an Incomparable Three

On Monday in Lake Oswego, a fair at a retirement community represented an extraordinary collaboration between three parties I greatly respect.

Party #1: The American Red Cross
Now I’m a bit biased to the Red Cross, but what’s making me so proud today is the wonderful work of a dynamite volunteer named Vicky Leslie. Her commitment to helping the community is evident as she has worked to bring Red Cross services to a wider audience. This is the third event at this location that she has planned and lead. She is awesome!

Party #2: Carman Oaks Senior Living Community
Disaster Preparedness is important for every segment of the population, but so few communities actually take steps towards empowerment. The management at Carman Oaks has graciously hosted us in several well attended activities for their residents, including discussions on how to prepare for disasters. Few groups are as open to the ongoing conversation that is disaster preparedness. Clearly, Carman Oaks really cares about the health of its residents.

Party #3: Back T Pack
This is a company doing something new. Marilyn Miller von Foerster is a physical therapist, dedicated to her field. Through her work, which focuses on prevention rather than treatment, she is an innovator in health and has now entered the arena of disaster preparedness. At Monday’s fair at Carman Oaks she offered one of her ergonomic packs as a door prize and we filled it with some Red Cross disaster supplies. The wonderful lady who won now has a disaster kit she can manage in an emergency. Thank you Back T Pack for making disaster prep a lot easier.




left to right: Marilyn Miller von Foerster, the lucky winner, and Vicky Leslie




To learn more please click any of the following:
Oregon Red Cross
Carmen Oaks
Back T Pack

Prepare-aphernalia: Office Edition

Here on the blog we spend a lot of time talking about being prepared. We’re pretty sure that a magnitude 9 or so earthquake (that will cause extensive damage and probably a pretty big tsunami) is coming and we know that you are all packing away food, water and emergency supplies so you’re ready for the “big one” but what about those day to day emergencies?

I came across a few key items to help solve workplace "emergencies" that many of us face everyday and wanted to share:

Can’t find a pen? Not a problem anymore you'll be offering, "borrow my pen" before anyone has a chance to ask with this set of eight reputable business logo pens such as “Stuffed with Love Taxidermy” where just as the pen says “No pet Too small – Give us a Call”. (We think these won't be walking away from your desk anytime soon either)

Someone keeps using your coffee Mug? Chances are good with this mug it won’t be a problem – wash as much as you like, the lipstick and coffee stains are there to stay.

No office windows? Here is an inflatable window with a lovely tropical scene. This could also be a useful addition to your office disaster kit – a little morale boost when your stuck under your desk waiting for help post earthquake.

Your lunch went missing from the staff fridge, again? Not a problem anymore with Anti-Theft lunch bags – these zip-locks have green splotches printed on both sides. Only you will know that sando hasn’t been in there since last summer.

[Note: We don't endorse, nor sell, the prepare-aphernalia products we feature here. We just like to share cool stuff we come across. These items and more availabe at perpetualkid.com]

All hail the new Prophet of Doom in Oregon!

There's an awesome article by Bruce Barcott in the October issue of Outside Magazine called "TOTALLY PSYCHED FOR THE FULL-RIP NINE", about a Cascadia earthquake and its effects at the coast in Oregon and Washington.

Pat Corcoran with Oregon Sea Grant, who is the "star" of the story has come up with the best line ever... It's so good that I need to hand off the title of Prophet of Doom to him. Here's what Pat says in the article about being at the coast when THE FULL-RIP NINE starts shaking:

“When that earthquake hits, it’s going to shake for a long time,” says Corcoran. “Three to five minutes or more. You’re going to feel lucky to survive. Then guess what. You rode out the quake? Congratulations. Now you have 15 minutes to get above 50 feet of ele­vation. Fifteen minutes. You’re elderly and not very mobile? Sorry. Your condition does not change the geologic facts. It’s called a tsu­nami. The water’s coming. It can’t be stopped. Don’t ask Jesus to save you. Be your own Jesus.”

All hail the new Prophet! The only problem I've got with the article is the estimates of fatalities and loss. In my humble opinion, they are way, way too low. Take what Bruce writes at the end of the article about deaths and costs (679 tsunami related fatalities, $30 billion in damage) and multiply by 10.

BTW, the photos above are of emergency management personnel holding on for dear life on the roof of their 4 story Operations Center in Minamisanriku, Japan during the tsunami on March 11th. 9 of the 25 people who used the roof as a vertical evacuation shelter survived (after is the top pic, during below). I'll show the full sequence of these slides at the upcoming Oregon Emergency Management Association annual conference.