We need your Red Cross stories!

For most people, encounters with the Red Cross never go beyond the occasional office blood drive or what they see on the news after a major disaster. It’s hard to explain the people behind the stories, and the very real effect the Red Cross has on those lives, unless you've experienced it yourself.

That’s why we need you. If you've been helped by the Red Cross, in any way, this is your chance to give back by sharing your story of the American Red Cross with a national audience.

Whether you were helped following a house fire or a flood, received a blood donation, were able to give life-saving CPR, were assisted by our Services to the Armed Forces, or are a volunteer remembering a special moment from a disaster deployment, your story is one we want to share.

Tell us how you were helped and what that meant to you. Go to: https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=ntld_great_stories to find out more.

Fire Hurts: Red Cross Helps

On Thursday, January 05, 2012 at 8:19pm, Oregon Red Cross volunteer Kenneth Rislow responded with humanitarian assistance to a duplex fire in the 700 block of Erie Avenue, Astoria, OR. On site Red Cross volunteers assisted one adult, one child and a dog by providing, free of charge, assistance with immediate lodging, food, comfort kit, and information about Health and Mental Health services to insure the safety and well-being of those displaced in this fire.

On Friday, January 06, 2012 at 3:08am, volunteers from the Oregon Red Cross also responded with humanitarian assistance to a 2-alarm house fire in the 3300 block of SW Golf Course Road, Cornelius, OR. Red Cross volunteers assisted two adults and three dogs by providing, free of charge, immediate lodging, food, clothing, comfort kits and information about Health and Mental Health service to insure the safety and well-being of those displaced in this fire.

Firefighters determined the blaze was caused from an electrical malfunction near an electrical panel, located in the residence's garage, said Matt Johnston, a Forest Grove Fire & Rescue inspector who serves as a spokesman for the Cornelius Fire Department. Johnston said the initial damage estimate to the home is $30,000.

Johnston also said the home did not have any smoke alarms, so the residents were fortunate to notice the fire. Firefighters encourage residents to have a working alarm on each floor and outside bedrooms.

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.