Blood Donation Saves Lives
Did you know that every 6 minutes someone in this country needs blood. They may have been victims of an accident, they may be having a surgical procedure;
Can you imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of your smoke alarm? That piercing sound rips through your dreams and you.......................probably panic! What to
The American Red Cross relies on volunteers to help us with our mission of providing care and comfort to those in need. Thank you for your interest in becoming a Red Cross volunteer!
We organize several events annually to raise money, as well as awareness for our chapter. Each one is unique and depends heavily on volunteers to coordinate. We hold five Hoagie sales a year, ra
The First Response is usually the Most Important Response
The Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross offers training and volunteer opportunities for all ages. Whether you work wit
The biggest disaster threat to families every day isn't floods, earthquakes or tornadoes, it's fire. Last year, the Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to 14 home fires three of which resulted in total destruction of the home. October 5th thru the 11th is Fire Prevention Week and the Red Cross is encouraging people to take steps to minimize the
risk of home fires by remembering two key fire safety tips: install a smoke alarm and develop a fire escape plan.
Home fires can start quickly and without warning, devastating lives and property. But while home fires are a serious concern, the good news is that people can take steps to reduce their risk. Make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level
of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test your smoke alarm once a month by pushing the test button, and replace the batteries at least once a year. Also, create an escape plan. Home fire escape plans should include at least two ways to escape from every room of your home. Make sure to select a meeting spot a safe distance from your home where family members can meet after escaping. After discussing your plan with all members of your household, practice the plan twice a year.The Red Cross also recommends other simple steps to help prevent fires:
Keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding, and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from all heat sources when cooking, or using alternative heating like a space heater.
Don't leave the kitchen while you're frying, grilling or broiling food, and don't leave home if you're simmering,
baking, boiling or roasting food.
Keep matches and lighters away from and out of reach of children.
The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles depends on the generous support of financial donors to respond to their community members who are affected by home fires. You can find additional safety information at your Union County Chapter or make a donation to help your neighbors who are affected by home fires in your community.
Fall is in the air and that means people are starting to think about ways to keep warm. The weather is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter and the new school year i well underway. As you make all the hectic preparations for a smooth fall season please don't forget to be prepared for disasters too. We live in a beautiful and sunny place; however, our paradise is also prone to flooding along the Susquehanna River and small creeks and streams. Those who have ever been affected by this phenomenon will reinforce the importance of being disaster-ready. Incidents of home fires are also n the rise as cool weather comes along, so get a kit, make a plan and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones in this event. The American Red Cross urges all of us to make preparations for disasters because preparedness is the best defense we have. Here are few tips on getting ready for anything.
Make sure all smoke alarms are working properly.
Place several fire extinguishers in different locations inside your home.
Have an escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
Have at least two escape routes that lead you to safety.
Prepare for a anyting by completing each item on the checklist below. Then meet to discuss and finalize your Family Disaster Plan.
Put together a Disaster Supplies Kit in a clearly labeled, easy-to-grab container.
Call your local emergency management or planning and zoning office to find out if you live in
an area that could flood during a hurricane or heavy rains.
Prepare an evacuation plan in case you must leave. Share your plan with the relatives or friends
you plan to stay with-or plan to go to a Red Cross shelter. Add to your Disaster Supplies Kit a
map marked with two alternative routes to your destination.
Write instructions on how to turn off your home's electricity, water, and gas if advised to do so
by local authorities. (A professional must turn gas service back on.)
Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a storm. Keep this list in your Disaster
Supplies Kit.
Buy any items needed to board up windows and protect your home well ahead of time. Precut
plywood to fit windows so that you can quickly cover windows.
Have an engineer check your home and advise you about ways to make it more resistant to
hurricane winds.
And remember . . . when a hurricane, earthquake, flood, tornado, or other emergency happens in your community, you can count on your local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you and your family. Your Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions of your time, money, and blood. For more information, contact your local Red Cross chapter, National Weather Service office, or emergency management agency.
Flooding and storms while you are at home:
Floods and intense storms can cause serious damage to homes and property, often resulting in landslides. Landslides are a serious geologic hazard common to almost every state in the United States. It is estimated that nationally they cause up to $2 billion in damages and from 25 to 50 deaths annually. Individuals can take steps to reduce their personal risk. Know about the hazard potential where you live, take steps to reduce your risk, and practice preparedness plans.
Reduce potential flood damage by
Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods can take several hours to days to develop
A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
When a flood WATCH is issued
Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a flood WARNING is issued
Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
When a flash flood WATCH is issued
Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a flash flood WARNING is issued
Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades. They are there for your safety.
If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
![BEPREPARED[1].jpg](http://unioncountypa.redcross.org/images/BEPREPARED[1].jpg "BEPREPARED[1].jpg")
