Greater Somerest County Red Cross

Red Cross Relies On Partners To Assist With Disaster Efforts

2011-09-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 — Thousands of Red Cross workers from all over the country have been working side by side with federal, state and local officials as well as local community partners to help ensure people affected by the recent tropical storms, flooding and wildfires receive the help they need.

When large disasters hit the country, no one agency or organization can respond alone. Government officials and relief organizations coordinate their planning and response, working together to help people get back on their feet. Since Hurricane Irene hit the United States at the end of August, the country’s residents have also battled hungry wildfires eating up thousands of Texas acres and raging floodwaters in the northeast.

From Texas to Maine, organizations have stepped up to support Red Cross relief efforts. Local governments, schools and businesses have pitched in to get their communities back up and running. Volunteers from organizations like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Southern Baptist Convention, National Baptist Convention USA, Islamic Relief USA, HOPE worldwide, Buddhist Tzu Chi, Samaritan’s Purse , Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Children’s Disaster Services, AmeriCorps NCCC and NAACP are working alongside Red Cross workers to help people in need.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Red Rover and the American Humane Association have helped shelter pets whose owners evacuated to shelters. Other groups assisting disaster victims include Lutheran Disaster Response, UMCOR, United Church of Christ, All Hands Disaster Response, the hundreds of partners within the Coordinated Assistance Network, Texas Food Bank, Austin Disaster Relief Network, Victims Relief Ministries and Texas Baptist Men.

Volunteers from partner corporations have also lent a hand as part of Ready When The Time Comes, a volunteer program under which businesses train their employees to respond when disasters occur. W.W. Grainger, Inc. employees have helped in Puerto Rico, Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and New York – passing out meals, assisting in shelters, and supporting damage assessment efforts.

Jet Blue employees, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Yankee Clipper and the New York Army National Guard joined forces with the Red Cross and New York Emergency Management Agency to airlift food supplies to Pine Hill, N.J., where residents were cut off from the world by Hurricane Irene flooding.

In New Jersey, Ready When The Time Comes volunteers from the Somerset County School Nurses Association, Rutgers Christian Community Church, Centro Christian Church and Sanofi Aventis helped set up shelters, move equipment, feed those affected and provide translation services.
The Red Cross ability to respond to disaster begins with support from its Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) members whose annual contributions to Red Cross disaster efforts help ensure an immediate relief response when emergencies occur. ADGP members include Altria Group, American Express, AXA Foundation, ConAgra Foods, FedEx Corporation, GE Foundation, General Motors Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, John Deere Foundation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Merck, Morgan Stanley, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Ryder Charitable Foundation, State Farm, State Street Foundation, Target, The TJX Companies, Inc., UnitedHealthcare and UPS.

Nearly 8,000 Red Cross workers are helping people recover from flooding in the Northeast, wildfires in Texas and the destructive winds and rain of Hurricane Irene. To date, the Red Cross has served more than 2.1 million meals and snacks, distributed more than 260,000 comfort and clean-up items and provided more than 34,000 health and mental health services.

The Red Cross response to these multiple disasters across many states will cost millions. If someone would like to help, they can visit www.redcross.org , call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to their local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

The Red Cross Can Help You Prepare

2011-09-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 19, 2011 — Almost everyone believes being prepared is important, but it’s a fact that close to 60 percent of Americans are unprepared for a disaster of any kind.
It might sound like a big job, but getting prepared is easy—and the American Red Cross has products that make it even easier.

Kits

If you want to put together your own emergency preparedness kit, the Red Cross has a list of the basic supplies a family should have.

If you’re pressed for time and want to purchase a ready-made kit, the Red Cross has plenty to choose from. Some kits—such as the Vintage-Style Emergency Preparedness Kit and the Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit—contain everything from emergency food and water to first aid supplies and a radio.

The Personal Safety Emergency Pack includes basic preparedness and first aid items, and is small enough to stash in a glove compartment.

Emergency Radios

The electricity is out, and you need information fast. The American Red Cross Microlink FR160 Eton Emergency Radio and the Solarlink FR360 Eton Emergency Radio can help keep you informed.

Both radios can be charged with both solar power and a hand crank, giving you unlimited power for AM/FM radio, NOAA weather channels, emergency lights, cell phone battery life and more.

The Go-To Site for Emergency Preparedness

The Red Cross Store has many other supplies to help you and your family prepare—everything from emergency lights and water storage to guides on first aid and CPR. Check it out today!

Red Cross Helps Pennsylvanians Get Back On Their Feet

2011-09-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 26, 2011 — The American Red Cross is providing shelter, food, clean-up supplies and emotional support to thousands of people across northeastern and central Pennsylvania still cleaning up their homes damaged by the devastating flooding which inundated the area two weeks ago.

More than 1,550 Red Cross volunteers have come from all over the United States to help. Since the onset of the flooding, they have provided a safe place to stay to more than 7,450 people in 69 shelters, and have served almost 338,000 meals and snacks, distributed by volunteers on board almost 100 Red Cross emergency response vehicles.

The Red Cross has also distributed more than 114,900 relief supplies like shampoo, toothpaste, soap, rakes, shovels, garbage bags and other clean-up items. Meals are being prepared through a partnership with the Southern Baptist Convention. Red Cross volunteers have also provided more than 3,500 health and disaster health consultations such as assisting with replacing prescriptions and eyeglasses and helping people who have lost everything they own plan their next steps.

When flooding strikes, homes are filled with water and mud and the clean-up is a Herculean task. While families try to get their lives back to normal, they are grateful for the Red Cross support in Pennsylvania.

Red Cross emergency vehicles have been visiting Shamokin, Pa. twice a day, reaching as many people as possible with food, snacks and water. Other vehicles are on hand to distribute cleaning supplies. Sue Wiseman, a Red Cross volunteer from Grand Junction, Colorado, and her two team members have been serving the people of Shamokin. Wiseman and her team members often leave the vehicle to help people carry a stack of meals or a case of water to their vehicles. With tears in her eyes, she describes a recent conversation she had with a woman who comes for meals each day for herself and her six grandchildren. The woman said, “Susan, when I get sad and I start to cry, I just think about you and your smile, and I know I can get through.”

In Laceyville, Pa., Cindy Chmel, a Red Cross volunteer from Pittsburgh, visits everyday to serve food and water and Will Wylie is grateful for her help. His home was damaged when water from the Susquehanna River almost reached the second floor. Now the waters have receded and Wylie is fixing his home during the day and working his full-time job at night. He has no electricity or heat in his home and depends on the Red Cross for drinking water and two hot meals a day. He is also grateful for the cleaning supplies the Red Cross has provided to help deal with the debris and mold.
Red Cross volunteers help Tunkhannock, Pa. resident Sandra Coolbaugh after floodwaters filled her apartment.
Laceyville, Pa. resident Will Wylie is visited daily by Red Cross volunteers who bring him drinks and hot meals as he cleans up his home.
Thirteen-year-old Amy Lloyd of Shamokin, Pa. presents Red Cross volunteer Sue Wiseman with a thank-you note for bringing her family food and drinks every day since flooding devastated her home..Ellie Berman is a volunteer Red Cross nurse helping people in Tunkhannock, Pa. One local resident, Sandra Coolbaugh, remained in her basement apartment for several days after it was completely flooded. When she came to the Red Cross shelter, Berman helped secure oxygen and several medications to help Coolbaugh recover, and worked with community agencies to find her a place to live. “She is my angel,” Coolbaugh said. “I can’t tell you all she did, but she is my angel.”

The Red Cross has been responding to multiple disasters across many states, and these relief efforts will cost millions of dollars. If you would like to help, you can call 1-800-REDCROSS, visit www.redcross.org, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

2011-08-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

Greater Somerset County Chapter
14 West Cliff Street
908-725-2217
http://www.american-redcross.org
Contact: Jessica Alfrey
908-246-7961
AlfreyJ@usa.redcross.org

Greater Somerset County Red Cross Opens Shelters
SOMERVILLE, N.J., August 27, 2011 – The Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross encourages people to take the necessary steps to shelter themselves in their homes with enough water, food, flashlight/batteries, portable radio and medication for at least three (3) days.
Should the need arise, the American Red Cross will be opening shelters for residents who were evacuated because of flooding from this weekend’s storm in the following locations today:

• Bound Brook High School, 111 West Union Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ 08805 at 4:00 p.m.
• Manville VFW, 600 Washington Avenue, Manville, NJ 08835 at 8:00 p.m.
• Raritan Valley Community College, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876 at 5:00 p.m.

To prepare before the storm.
American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist
Real time Disaster information can be found out the Red Cross Disaster Newsroom.
American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom
To locate where the Red Cross has opened shelters near you home visit. There is also a downloadable application available.
Find American Red Cross Shelters and Supplies
To locate loved ones who have been separated by disaster visit.
American Red Cross Safe and Well Website
Here is what people need to know about pets before, during and after disaster strikes
American Red Cross Preparedness Fast Facts for Pet Safety
For more information, call (908) 725-2217.

To make a donation, please visit www.american-redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.
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Red Cross Urges Those in the Possible Path of Hurricane Irene to Get Ready Now

2011-08-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 22, 2011 — Irene, the first hurricane of 2011, is pounding Puerto Rico today with heavy rain and winds as high as 80 miles per hour after leaving many residents on St. Thomas and St. Croix without power Sunday. Irene is expected to gain strength as the week goes on, threatening Florida and the southeast states as early as Thursday.

The American Red Cross opened shelters on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John and is working closely with government partners in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to coordinate any relief services that may be needed. The Red Cross has warehouses on the islands equipped with thousands of cots and blankets, kerosene lanterns and comfort and clean-up supplies.

Shop Redcrossstore.org
for all your hurricane preparedness needs.

Experts predict the storm will impact Haiti and the Dominican Republic on Tuesday. In Haiti, the Red Cross is busy preparing for the storm, working to help people in vulnerable camps prepare for the storm, and putting emergency disaster risk reduction teams on alert.

The American Red Cross has been working in Haiti’s camps for many months on such activities as emergency first aid courses, training in early warning systems (megaphones and whistles), projects such as digging ditches and sandbagging hillsides, preparing evacuation routes and teaching children about disaster preparedness.

Red Cross officials are preparing to respond along the East Coast if needed, and urge anyone in Irene’s projected path to get ready too. Trained disaster relief workers are on alert, along with Red Cross mobile feeding vehicles and trucks equipped with communications technology.

“Just because the U.S. has largely been spared from hurricanes over the past several years is no reason to believe Irene will change course and go out to sea,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the Red Cross. “People who live in or who are vacationing in the areas that could be affected by this storm need to get ready now.”

It’s important to know what the hurricane warnings mean. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions could threaten the area within 48 hours. People should stay informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Those in the affected area should finish their storm preparations and leave the area if authorities ask them to do so.

The Red Cross has steps people can take this week as the storm approaches to help ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones.

Before the hurricane:

Check your emergency supplies and replace or restock as needed. Your disaster kit should contain items such as gallons of water, non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food and sanitation and personal hygiene items. More information about what you should include is available on the Red Cross web site.
Create an evacuation plan with members of your household and practice it to cut down on any confusion.
Plan routes to your community’s shelters, register family members with special needs as required.
Make plans for your pets.
If a hurricane is predicted for your area:

Bring items inside that can be picked up by the wind.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and keep them closed as much as possible so food will last longer if the power goes out.
Turn off any propane tanks and unplug your small appliances.
Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you don’t have hurricane shutters, close and board up your windows and doors with plywood.
Listen to local authorities and evacuate if advised to do so. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
After a hurricane:

Return home only when officials say it is safe.
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them to the power company.
Stay out of any building that has water around it.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you’re sure it’s not contaminated.
Keep your animals under your direct control./li>
To learn more about how to remain safe should Hurricane Irene become a threat, visit www.redcross.org.

Half A Million Blood Donations Needed For Patients in August

2011-08-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 — The American Red Cross estimates more than 500,000 blood donations will be needed this month to help hospital patients recover all over the United States.

The Red Cross provides blood products to nearly 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

Eligible blood donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make an appointment.

Doug Hodgens knows the importance of having blood products available when a patient needs them. His young daughter Mikala has been diagnosed with leukemia and requires transfusions of platelets as part of her treatment.

When Hodgens took his daughter to a hospital in Kansas recently, the A-negative platelets she needed weren’t available. "They actually had to have some flown in from Omaha," he said.

Mikala’s father has now become a platelet donor and is urging others to join him. "I don't want other parents to go in there and hear them say, 'Sorry we don't have any blood,' " Hodgens said.

Before Mikala was diagnosed with leukemia in January, Hodgens was an occasional blood donor. "I wasn't a regular giver; I just gave whenever it came up," he said. "This is my first time being a regular."

Doug Hodgens completes his platelet donation at the Red Cross Blood Center in Wichita, Kansas.
.Many patients who need platelets are undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplant and have weakened immune systems. A platelet dose from a single donor reduces the patient’s exposure to multiple donors and is therefore preferred by many physicians.

Platelet, or apheresis donations can take as long as two hours. A single platelet donation can provide enough platelets for a full therapeutic dose for a patient in need. Some platelet donations yield enough platelets for two or three therapeutic patients. By contrast, it takes four to six whole blood donations to produce a single therapeutic dose.

If you are interested in donating platelets for a patient in need, call 1-800-RED-CROSS for platelet donation opportunities at a local American Red Cross Blood Donation Center near you.

Red Cross Offers Tips On How To Stay Safe As Extreme Heat Continues

2011-08-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Friday, August 05, 2011 — Record-setting temperatures and extreme drought are still plaguing most of the southern region of the United States, a hazardous situation for people living there. The hot weather is especially dangerous for athletes practicing for their various fall sports.

The American Red Cross has steps residents of the affected states can take to help ensure their well-being during the ongoing heat wave, with special advice for team officials to follow to help ensure the safety of their players.

“Keeping athletes safe during extreme temperatures is as important as getting them ready for the upcoming season,” said Dr. David Markenson, chair of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. “One of the most important thing athletes can do is stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids like water or sports drinks with electrolytes before, during and after practice – even if you are not thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol,” Markenson added.

During the hot weather, team practices should be scheduled for early in the day and later in the evening to avoid exposing players to the hottest times of the day. Other steps teams, schools and parents should take to protect their athletes include:

Allow athletes to get acclimated to the heat by reducing the intensity of practice until they are more accustomed to it.
Make frequent, longer breaks a regular part of practice. About every 20 minutes stop for fluids and try to keep the athletes in the shade if possible.
Reduce the amount of heavy equipment—like football pads—athletes wear in extremely hot, humid weather.
Dress athletes, when appropriate, in net-type jerseys or light-weight, light-colored, cotton T-shirts and shorts.
Know the signs of heat-related emergencies and monitor athletes closely.
“Knowing the signs of heat-related emergencies and how to help someone who is suffering from the heat is vital,” Markenson stressed. “Coaches and parents need to be vigilant in watching for signs of heat-related emergencies. Athletes should inform their coaches, teachers or parents if they are not feeling well.”

The hot, dry weather is expected to continue for at least the next week in areas of the south. Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas have been particularly hard hit by the heat wave. Red Cross chapters have opened cooling centers in some areas and supported first responders as they answer numerous calls for grass blazes and home fires.

The Red Cross has steps people should follow to help ensure their safety as the heat continues:

If someone does not have air conditioning, they should choose places to get relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day, such as schools, libraries, theaters or malls.
Temperatures inside a vehicle quickly reach dangerous levels. Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
People should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if they aren’t thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
During the heat, it’s best to eat small meals and eat more often.
Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Postpone outdoor games and activities.
Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
If someone must work outdoors, they should take frequent breaks.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

Heat Wave Safety

Power Outages

Shop Redcrossstore.org for all your preparedness needs..Knowing the signs of heat-related emergencies and how to help someone who is suffering from the heat is important.

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. If someone is experiencing heat cramps:

Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Stretching, massaging and icing the affected muscle may help.
Give a half glass of cool water or a sports drink with electrolytes every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
Heat exhaustion is caused by a combination of exercise induced heat and fluid and electrolyte loss from sweating. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion. To help someone with these symptoms:

Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing. Spray him or her with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water cool water or a sports drink with electrolytes to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in his or her condition.
If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself.

Signs of heat stroke include those of heat exhaustion and hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; change or loss of consciousness; seizures; vomiting; and high body temperature.
Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. If unable to immerse them, continue rapid cooling by applying bags of ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits, spraying with water and/or fanning.
Learn how to prevent and respond to heat-related and other emergencies by taking a First Aid/CPR/AED course. Contact your local Red Cross or visit redcross.org/training to register.

American Red Cross Pledges Up to $1 Million for Horn of Africa

2011-08-03T07:36:00.001-07:00

. [Washington, DC] July 28, 2011 – The American Red Cross today announced a pledge of up to $1 million for the evolving humanitarian crisis in eastern Africa, continuing its history of support to the region.

With 2011 classified as the driest year on record in the eastern Horn of Africa, the health, livelihoods and food security of millions of Somalis, Ethiopians and Kenyans are at serious risk.

“The need is dire at best as families grapple with the lack of food, water and health services, and the American Red Cross is eager to support our local partners that are tackling malnutrition, providing water and medical care, stabilizing livelihoods, and mitigating other consequences of this complex crisis,” said Apu Patel, regional director for Africa with the American Red Cross.

With water sources dwindling, rural families are increasingly consuming untreated water, collected directly from streams and rivers, putting them at serious risk from waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Fields used by farmers for grazing livestock have dried up in the worsening drought, causing many families to uproot and migrate in search of viable food and water sources. The rising cost of fuel and food as well as political insecurity in some areas of Somalia has also exacerbated problems.

“Many people are living in the open or in makeshift camps,” Patel said. “They represent a heavy burden for the host communities that share their scarce resources with them. Most of the displaced have nothing left to sell and cannot buy food, which is resulting in even higher malnutrition rates among displaced people.”

In the face of this growing humanitarian tragedy, the Somali Red Crescent, with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is expanding its existing outpatient therapeutic feeding programs in southern Somalia. Together, they are also launching an additional feeding program for malnourished children under five and other vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and lactating women, and recruiting additional nurses and nutritionists to visit people in the worst affected areas. The two organizations are also complementing the feeding programs with targeted food distributions.

In Somalia, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are also offering medical treatments as well as distributing seeds, farming tools, irrigation pumps and fishing equipment to help stabilize livelihoods. And in Kenya and Ethiopia, the Red Cross is helping those affected by the drought through school feeding programs, well rehabilitation, water trucking and general food distribution.

Even with these activities, the region’s current and predicted need far outweighs the humanitarian response. With no likelihood of improvement until early 2012, the situation will require large scale and sustained humanitarian assistance.

“The tragedy in the Horn of Africa is chronic, and even as we respond with emergency aid for these new developments, we must also work on longer-term solutions,” Patel said. “The global Red Cross and Red Crescent network was one of the first organizations to sound the alarm and launch an international response, but the solution to this crisis is a long-term commitment to building up resilience and capacity within the region’s most vulnerable communities.”

Gifts to the American Red Cross can support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the drought and current humanitarian emergency in Horn of Africa. On those rare occasions when donations exceed American Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.

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American Red Cross Launches Ready Rating™ Program to Prepare Businesses and Schools for Emergencies

2011-07-27T10:09:00.001-07:00

Sam’s Club joins founding sponsor Anheuser Busch to bring Ready Rating to Somerset County

Somerville, New Jersey, July 27, 2011- The American Red Cross has launched a new, one-of-a-kind website, ReadyRating.org, to help both schools and businesses in Somerset County with their emergency planning and preparedness efforts.

Schools and businesses can face a number of emergencies that threaten to disrupt their operations, ranging from natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, floods and wildfires to outbreaks of illness like seasonal or H1N1 flu. According to the Insurance Information Institute, between 15% and 40% of businesses fail after a disaster; the Ready Rating™ program can help businesses from becoming part of that statistic.

The Red Cross Ready Rating program offers free memberships to businesses, organizations and schools. Members can use the program’s online checklist to measure their current preparedness efforts and receive customized feedback about how to improve their preparedness level.

According to Chapter CEO, Amy Sutton, “Somerset County has experienced large scale flooding disasters, so we understand how critical it is for our community to be prepared and resilient. The American Red Cross is committed to preparing our community by providing tools like the Ready Rating Program for businesses and schools. These programs, in combination with Red Cross training, give people the knowledge and skills they need to be ready before the next disaster strikes."

The nationwide launch began in an 8 city pilot program in 2009 with a $2.1 million grant from Anheuser Busch. Now, Sam’s Club is lending its support to the program by joining as a national sponsor of Ready Rating and has provided $500,000 to help bring the program to additional cities.

Ready Rating also encourages businesses and schools to promote personal preparedness efforts among employees, students and families. A recent Red Cross survey* showed that 51 percent of Americans have experienced at least one emergency situation where they lost utilities for at least three days, had to evacuate, could not return home or communicate with family members or had to provide first aid to others. Although 89 percent of those surveyed believe it is important to be prepared for emergencies, far fewer are actually taking the steps necessary to prepare.

More information about the program can be found at www.ReadyRating.org or contact the Greater Somerset County chapter at (908) 725-2217.

Appeal For Donors – How Blood Helped Two Women Survive

2011-07-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 25, 2011 — The American Red Cross is urging people who are eligible to schedule a time to give blood as soon as possible to help ensure a safe and adequate supply of blood for patients who need it.

The number of people giving blood has dropped this summer and the Red Cross reminds people that hospital patients need blood seven days a week, 365 days a year, no matter what time of year it is.

Some people learn firsthand how important it is to have an adequate supply of blood on hand. Traci was involved with the Red Cross for years, well before she discovered she would need blood to help save her life. Her father worked for the Red Cross as a career member of the military in Korea. Her grandmother received blood when undergoing treatment for leukemia.

Traci began coordinating her employer’s blood drive. On the day of the blood collection, Traci tried to give blood but was deferred. The level of iron, or hemoglobin, in her blood was very low and the Red Cross staff advised her to see her family doctor. She did, and was admitted to the hospital where she received nearly a dozen units of blood.

Today, Traci takes routine shots to control her health condition and is doing well. She hopes to donate again someday soon, but until then, she volunteers at Red Cross blood drives and shares her story about how blood donors helped save her life.

Stan and Tracey also learned how important it is to have blood available when a patient needs it. The couple traveled 200 miles to go snowmobiling. The trails were smooth. The scenery was beautiful. Then Stan saw a deer dart from the woods and knock Tracey from her snowmobile and into a tree.

Tracey was transported to the hospital and immediately taken into surgery. Her femur was broken. Her kidneys and lungs were damaged. Doctors removed her gall bladder and spleen. And she received 100 units of red cells and platelets to control profuse internal bleeding.

Tracey was in the hospital for four months. She had a stroke and drifted into a coma. Then one day, with Stan by her side, she opened her eyes. The next day she moved her finger. She was ready, Stan says, to start her recovery.

Doctors say Tracey’s life is a miracle. Tracey agrees, and takes simple pleasure in being able to walk, talk and even breathe. Both Tracey and Stan say the experience gave them a new outlook on life. And each says, too, they’ll donate blood or platelet every chance they get, simply to help others the way blood donors helped them.

To help build the blood supply back up to where it should be, all blood types are needed. There is a particular need for donors with Type O-Negative blood, the universal blood type. Type O-Negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is often used in emergency situations when doctors don’t have the time to type a patient’s blood.

Traci needed transfusions to build the iron level in her blood.

Tracey received nearly 100 blood products after being injured.
.Type O-negative blood donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a lingering summer shortage. A drop in blood donations often occurs during the summer months when many people go away on vacation, schools are on summer break and companies are hosting fewer blood drives. This summer, the heat is keeping many people indoors out of the sweltering humidity, away from blood collections.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Accident victims, as well as cancer patients, patients with sickle cell disease and other blood disorders, burn victims and many others receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in general good health may be eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

Blood Donors Needed To Build Blood Supply

2011-07-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 18, 2011 — The country has been responding to the urgent appeal for blood donors recently issued by the American Red Cross, but that support is now diminishing in spite of the fact that the blood supply has not returned to adequate levels.

Fewer people are making appointments to give blood now than were a week ago. The Red Cross reports the blood supply has not grown back to a sufficient level because the majority of the blood that has been donated since the appeal was issued on July 11 has already been delivered to area hospitals.

“We need those who are able to continue to give until we can build the blood supply back up to a safe and adequate level,” said Dr. Richard Benjamin, chief medical officer for the Red Cross.

At Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., the Department of Anesthesiology is sponsoring a blood drive later this month and encouraging all of its members to participate. “Our department chose to sponsor this blood drive to give back to the Red Cross donor pool, as well as to visibly acknowledge the incredible need for life-saving blood products,” said Warren S. Sandberg, M.D., Ph.D., chair of Anesthesiology. “We are encouraging our own members, as well as everyone who is able, to step up and donate. The Red Cross is facing a critical shortage of blood products, particularly type O negative, and we want to do our part to meet the need in our region.” The medical center is one of 57 hospitals supplied by Red Cross Blood Services, Tennessee Valley Region in Paducah, Ky.

Pam Fagan spotted a billboard about the need for blood donors put up by Red Cross Blood Services, Southwest Region, Tulsa, Okla. She then gave blood for the first time. Pam reported she has received blood and wanted to give to “pay it forward”.

April Morgan is a school nurse from Arkadelphia, Ark., and heard about the need for blood donors during a CPR class at her local Red Cross chapter. She donated blood after the class. April, a mother of two, gave blood for the first time in high school “because it got you out of class.”

Mother and daughter Jennifer Naylor and Calien Whitney of Little Rock, Ark. answered the call for blood donors after hearing about it on the radio and passing a billboard about the blood appeal. Calien first gave blood when she was a nursing student at St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock. She is now an Army National Guard Combat Medic, as is her husband. Her mom, Jennifer, had not given blood in many years. Both gave blood recently in Little Rock. Calien has decided to return to the Red Cross to donate platelets during an apheresis donation and is encouraging her friends to give blood now.

Red Cross staffers are also supporting the appeal for blood donors, giving at blood drives all over the country. In Washington, D.C., Peter Macias, communications director for Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, said he first gave blood on a dare in the early 80’s. “After doing so, I realized that it’s such an easy way to make a difference and I’ve been doing so ever since,” he said. “In the time that it takes to watch the evening local and national news, you can save more than one person’s life. It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a huge impact in someone’s life.”

Pam Fagan is a first-time donor who received blood and now wants to “pay it forward”.

Pete Macias is one of many Red Cross staffers answering the call for blood donors.

Warren Sandberg is helping organize a blood drive at Vanderbilt University Medical Center..The Red Cross provides blood products to nearly 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

Eligible blood donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and make an appointment. To give blood, individuals must be 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and be in generally good health. Those giving blood are asked to bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when they come to donate.

Red Cross-funded shelters help displaced Haitians return to their neighborhoods

2011-07-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 08, 2011 — Marie-Claudette Brutus beamed as she showed visitors her new home. The wood-sided, semi-permanent structure with a metal roof is nestled among a grove of palm and banana trees on the outskirts of Leogane, a city at the epicenter of last year’s devastating earthquake in Haiti. The house is neatly decorated with pink curtains, and big cooking pots hang from the walls. A cluster of stuffed animals belongs to the youngest of her four children.

Thanks to Red Cross support, thousands of Haitian families are living in new homes.
Photo credit: Allison Shelley, American Red Cross“I love it,” Marie-Claudette said of her new home, which was built by Habitat for Humanity with funding from the American Red Cross. She is especially grateful to be back in her former neighborhood, surrounded by extended family – she has 12 siblings in the area – and the warmth of community.

Thanks to financial support from the American Red Cross, thousands of families across Haiti have made similar transitions from makeshift camps into safer and sturdy new homes in their former neighborhoods.

As of June 30th, 2,655 semi-permanent homes – enough for more than 13,000 people – had been built by partner organizations with American Red Cross funding. Having allocated $28 million for semi-permanent shelters, including water and sanitation services, the American Red Cross plans to fund construction of 6,500 homes by the end of the year.

In addition to Habitat for Humanity, other American Red Cross partners building semi-permanent shelters in Haiti include UNOPS, Haven, Handicap International, and ACTED.

Marie-Claudette, who is 31 years old, said her new home is a vast improvement over the tent her family lived in for months after their former house was destroyed in the earthquake.

“I feel more secure here,” she said. “We used to get wet every day” in the tent. “When it rained it was very hard for us, but we had nowhere else to go. It’s much more comfortable to sleep here.”

The global Red Cross network, which aims to help 30,000 Haitian families transition to safer, more secure homes, has already completed more than 10,000 semi-permanent homes, including those funded by the American Red Cross.

ND Residents Wait to Return Home; Tornado Cleanup Continues in MO

2011-07-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 05, 2011 — The holiday weekend meant festivities for many people across the U.S., but in some towns, it meant waiting to return home or continuing to clean up after a natural disaster.

On Sunday, the Red Cross closed its shelters in Los Alamos, N.M., after wildfire evacuation orders were lifted. However, the Red Cross will continue assisting disaster victims over the coming days and weeks, as staff help determine the long-term needs of those affected by the Las Conchas fire.

In Minot, N.D., which was inundated with record-breaking floods last week, residents continue to wait to return home to assess the damage. Since flood evacuations began, some have taken shelter with the Red Cross each night. On Monday evening, 160 people spent the night in one of the two Red Cross shelters open in Minot.

Once it is possible for residents to go home, the Red Cross will be there to distribute cleanup supplies such as bleach, shovels, trash bags and rakes. The Red Cross will also travel through neighborhoods to offer residents food and water as they work in their homes.

This kind of cleanup is now well underway hundreds of miles away in Joplin, Mo., the city hit by an EF5 tornado on May 22.

Since that day, the Red Cross has been there to help—providing shelter, food and water, cleanup supplies and emotional support. As temperatures hit 100 degrees in Joplin last week, Red Cross workers drove through neighborhoods to distribute water and ice, and to caution workers to be heat-safe and cleanup-safe.

“Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees,” said Brian Keath, director of Emergency Services for the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross. “This week has been especially stressful for workers out in the heat raking and shoveling tornado debris. They need to be aware that they are susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses, and need to take care of themselves.”

“Our crew is demolishing several homes that the tornado destroyed,” said Gary Sommer, a contractor from Osceola who has been working in Joplin for the last eleven days. “With this heat, we start work early in the morning and take breaks.”

Following their own advice, Sommer and his three crewmates took a breather from their work to get cold drinks from the Red Cross vehicle as it came down the street.

Lew Burdette, RN, is the disaster health services manager for the Joplin relief operation. He cautions cleanup workers to stay safe while they’re working in the debris.

The Red Cross is providing water and ice to help keep residents and workers hydrated during tornado cleanup efforts in Joplin, Mo. Red Cross volunteer Terry Ransom from Springfield, Ill., talks with Anna Santillan, who is in Joplin helping her daughter.
Photo: Marie Colby/American Red Cross

. “The two most common problems that people working in the debris encounter are punctures from nails or sharp metal and skin dermatitis caused by irritants in contact with their skin,” he said.

Lisa and Borde Williams are volunteers from New Mexico who have come to Joplin to help the town clean up. The Red Cross vehicle making rounds through the devastated neighborhoods found them raking debris from the yard of Christopher Richardson’s severely damaged home on Annie Baxter Street. “It is hot and dirty work, but everyone is pulling together and we know that Joplin will get back on its feet.”

Safety Comes First for Fourth of July Holiday

2011-06-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 — Your Fourth of July holiday plans may include taking to the highway, setting up a small fireworks display, or firing up the grill to cook something delicious. The American Red Cross provides useful tips that will help you and your loved ones have a safe weekend:

Get your disaster supplies kit from the Red Cross store.How to stay safe as you travel over the holiday weekend:

Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive impaired.
Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road.
Use caution in work zones.
Observe speed limits.
Make frequent stops.
Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
Don’t overdrive your headlights.
Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
Find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.
Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
If you are travelling with your pet, our web site offers special things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable.

Use caution around fireworks:

Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
To find out more about how to enjoy your holiday, visit www.redcross.org.

Red Cross Shelters Evacuated Minot Residents

2011-06-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 24, 2011 —

As flood projections in Minot, N.D., worsen, more residents of this town have been forced to leave their homes ahead of the advancing Souris River.

The American Red Cross has two shelters open in Minot, with others on standby in nearby Burlington and Bismarck. More than 200 people stayed in the Red Cross shelters in Minot on Thursday night.

Approximately 4,000 homes are estimated to be affected by the floods in Minot, in addition to 200 in Burlington. As evacuations expand in Minot and nearby towns, it is expected that more residents will seek shelter with the Red Cross.

Red Cross workers are providing sleeping accommodations, meals, health services and emotional support for those impacted by the flooding. Relief supplies have also been pre-positioned on the north and south side of the river in case road access across Minot becomes impassible.

Supplies such as cots, blankets, meals and comfort items were sent into the area previously to prepare for what could be an extended relief operation. According to FEMA, people could be out of their homes for as long as a month.

More Red Cross volunteers from across North Dakota and around the country are now on their way to the state to assist with this disaster relief effort.

How You Can Help

This spring has brought destruction to a large portion of the U.S. Since March 31, the American Red Cross has launched 42 relief operations in 29 states to help people affected by tornadoes, floods and wildfires —

Serving more than 3.1 million meals and snacks;
Opening more than 270 shelters and providing 35,000 overnight stays;
Providing more than 73,000 mental health and health consultations;
Handing out more than 1.4 million relief items like toothbrushes and shampoo, tarps, coolers, rakes and other cleanup supplies; and
Deploying more than 12,000 trained disaster relief workers from all 50 states.
The Red Cross estimates that it will spend as much as $51 million responding to the disasters that have affected the country since March 31.

Red Cross volunteers from across North Dakota and around the country are now on their way to the state to assist with this disaster relief effort.

Be Red Cross Ready - Flood Safety Checklist [PDF]
.Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. This gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS; you can also text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

One Month After Deadly Joplin Tornado, Red Cross Continues to Help

2011-06-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 23, 2011 — One month after a massive tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, leaving more than 150 people dead and thousands without homes, the American Red Cross continues to assist residents in their recovery.

Signs of hope and resilience are evident throughout the community, but devastation and pain remain in the wake of the tornado, underscoring the importance of the help provided by Red Cross workers and donors.

The Red Cross responded within hours of the storm’s passing, drawing from a cadre of chapter volunteers and workers. In the days and immediate weeks after the storm, more than 800 Red Cross workers poured into Joplin from across the United States to distribute food, water, snacks and cleanup kits and offer assistance with mental health and spiritual care.

From the university gymnasium that sheltered displaced residents, to the 21 emergency response vehicles that traveled through destroyed neighborhoods, to the volunteers who came from as far away from Hawaii, the Red Cross offered its unique brand of aid in Joplin as it has in dozens of communities affected this spring by tornadoes, floods and wildfires.

“For people who suddenly find themselves in the midst of a disaster, the Red Cross becomes the help of first resort,” said Keith Stammer, emergency management director for Joplin and surrounding Jasper County. “Knowing Red Cross assistance will be there for the long term is a great comfort to the people affected. They recognize the symbol, the vests, the care that shows on the workers’ faces.”

Some of the earliest care in Joplin started at Missouri Southern State University, whose campus sits on the northeast side of the city. Less than a month before the storm, on April 28, Missouri Southern signed an agreement with the Red Cross to serve as a mega shelter in the event of disaster. Training classes in shelter management were scheduled for faculty and staff, but nature did not follow the schedule.

“Never did we dream that this [shelter] would be needed so quickly,” said the university’s vice president for student affairs, Darren Fullerton, who provided Red Cross health and safety training for 24 years. “The ink was barely dry on the agreement.”

Within two hours of the tornado’s passing, faculty and staff arrived at the campus to convert the gymnasium from the site of the Joplin High School graduation to a shelter that would soon house as many as 300 people.

Fullerton was surprised to see the university’s dean of arts and sciences pitching in to set up cots; he later learned that the dean and his wife were volunteers as well as clients—their home had been destroyed.

The university served as a Red Cross shelter for almost three and half weeks, as well as home for search-and-rescue teams and headquarters for AmeriCorps volunteers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other Red Cross partners.

“Missouri Southern was the center point of the Red Cross response in Joplin,” said Brian Keath, regional director of emergency services for the Red Cross. “We could not have helped people as much we did without their facilities and volunteers.”

Red Cross volunteer Amanda Marshall talks to Michael Hester in the shelter at Southern Missouri State Univ. in Joplin, Mo., on May 24, 2011.
American Red Cross

Red Cross volunteer Kevin Connell hand out snacks and talks to Randy Graves in Joplin, Mo., on May 25, 2011.
American Red Cross
.As residents’ immediate needs for shelter, food and water were met, Red Cross workers began delivering cleanup kits containing masks, gloves, rakes, brooms and mops. Dave Orwig of LaGrange, Ga., arrived in Joplin June 1 to supervise bulk distribution of the cleanup kits. At the height of delivery, more than 17,000 clean-up items a day went out the door of a warehouse on the west side of Joplin.

Orwig, who had just finished a stint as a Red Cross worker in response to tornadoes in Georgia, said he was “shocked” by the extent of the destruction in Joplin. Orwig was not the only Red Cross volunteer who came to Joplin on back-to-back disaster response. Michael Puryear came from Chattanooga, Tenn., where he joined the Red Cross after a tornado hit his community.

In Joplin earlier this week, he supervised client services from a storefront that was still registering 20-plus people a day, down from 75 to more than 100.

The continuing need was obvious. At the disaster relief center, children's drawings were taped to the wall. In crayon, Carson and Cassandra had drawn yellow suns, blue houses, multi-colored flowers and, above them all, the black and brown inverted triangles of swirling tornadoes.

A few blocks away from the Red Cross storefront, debris has been cleared from most of the streets in the storm’s six-mile path, but the blocks where homes and businesses once stood are piles of shredded wood, shattered bricks and mangled wallboard.

Many structures were leveled, but others were sliced open and bear testimony to the violence of the tornado. A second-floor apartment is missing two walls and a roof, but clothes in dry cleaning bags hang neatly in a closet. A few blocks away, a single wall supports a doorless cabinet where carefully stacked bowls and plates are the only evidence that a kitchen and home once stood there.

Seeing the destruction and working with those in need of Red Cross assistance "truly puts things in perspective," Puryear said. "I'll be here as long as it takes."

The Red Cross response in Joplin and all the communities affected by disasters is possible because of the generosity of donors from all across the country.

“Give your supporters a big thank you—with all capital letters,” said Joplin resident Linda Shepherd, whose grandson learned to recognize a specific Red Cross emergency response vehicle as it delivered food and juice to her neighborhood. “We really appreciate the Red Cross.”

Wildfires Ravage Southwest

2011-06-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 20, 2011 — Dangerous wildfires continue to consume thousands of acres across the southwest, destroying homes and forcing people to leave their neighborhoods. The American Red Cross is providing people with a safe place to stay, food to eat and emotional support.

Firefighters in Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Texas and Oklahoma are busy trying to bring the fires under control despite weather conditions which have allowed the blazes to cross highways and jump from state to state. More than 110 people in Arizona spent Sunday night in Red Cross shelters. The Red Cross is distributing food and drinks to the firefighters and first responders.

The Red Cross has important steps people can follow to lessen the threat of fire while living in or near wooded areas. Being prepared can be your best offense when it comes to wildfires. Learn about the fire risk in your area. Call household members together and talk about how to prevent fires and what to do if a wildfire occurs. Post emergency phone numbers by every phone in your home and in everyone’s cell phone.

Plan two ways out of your neighborhood in case one is blocked. Set up a place for family members to meet outside your neighborhood in case you can’t get home or need to evacuate. Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the area.

For more information on fire safety and preparedness, click here: http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=1a83518ac2aa0310VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

Red Cross Supports Japanese Tsunami Survivors with Basic Appliances

2011-06-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 09, 2011-Red Cross is providing many families in Japan with household appliances whose property got completely destroyed due to a natural disaster which occurred on March 11. In addition, some families have received the keys to their new homes; government-built, prefabricated temporary houses erected on a sports field in Asahi, a city in Chiba prefecture on the east coast of Japan.

Red Cross will continue to support people evacuated from Japan’s radiation zone. Toshie Nakajo, 60, a survivor of tsunami waves, with tears in her eyes remembers, “I thought I was going to die. I always thought these type of disasters happened to somebody else, that they’d never happen to me. When I’m in a situation like this I really appreciate Red Cross and everything everyone has done. I escaped only with the clothes I was wearing. We have lost everything.”

The Japanese Red Cross is providing Nakajo with a set of basic appliances to help her and her family get back on their feet; a washing machine, refrigerator, rice cooker, hot water dispenser, microwave and TV.

“I’m just so grateful to Red Cross and everyone for their help and support,” Nakajo said.

American Red Cross Responds to Wildfires

2011-06-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 09, 2011-In the past couple of months, the American Red Cross has been assisting many families to get back on their feet, which were affected by floods and tornadoes across the US. In addition to these two natural disasters, the third one, equally dangerous and deadly is about to create a new set of challengers. Wildfires are breaking out in different parts of Arizona and Texas forcing more then 100 families to move out from their homes. American Red Cross is ready to add wildfires to growing list of disaster relief operations.

According to Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Red Cross Disaster Services, “These disasters have brought so much destruction and heartbreak to our country. But they’ve also shown us how extraordinary the American people are, generously giving of themselves to help a neighbor or a stranger hundreds of miles away.”

Since March 31, the Red Cross has initiated 42 disaster relief operations in 29 states. Statistically speaking, the Red Cross has:

-served more then 2.8 million meals
-opened more then 260 shelters and provided 29,000 overnight stays
-deployed more then 12,000 trained disaster relief workers

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS; people can also text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Haitians are Anticipating the Hurricane Season

2011-06-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 07, 2011- For the hundreds of thousands Haitians still living in camps, the rains which start this time every year will bring the additional struggle.

The American Red Cross is implementing programs such as early warning systems that will help people be prepared for disasters and, if possible, move out of harm's way. The color-coded system – a green flag is raised on the flagpole to alert residents that rain is forecast, yellow signals potential flooding, and red means a hurricane threatens – is supplemented with bullhorns and whistles to alert residents to potential risks.

Other aspects of the American Red Cross disaster risk reduction program include emergency first aid courses, clearing and marking safe evacuation routes, digging drainage ditches, sandbagging precarious hillsides, and distributing waterproof bags to protect important documents.

Since the earthquake in January 2010, the American Red Cross and others in the global Red Cross network have been helping hundreds of thousands of Haitians. As of early May, the American Red Cross has spent and signed agreements to spend nearly $315 million to meet the needs of earthquake survivors.

American Red Cross is Committed in Helping People along the Mississippi River

2011-05-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 10, 2011- Forecast reports are predicting that a catastrophic flooding may occur along the Mississippi River in the next few days as a consequence of the powerful tornadoes. American Red Cross volunteers are ready to “jump in” and assist thousands of people whose properties have been damaged.

Since the beginning of March, American Red Cross has been working around the clock to help many families stand on their feet. It is estimated that the costs of its responses to tornadoes, flooding and other disasters might exceed $31 million dollars. Right now, the Red Cross has collected $16 million for disaster response.

Flooding along the Mississippi River will cause an additional damage. Experts are warning that flood waters could remain in areas for as long as two weeks, forcing people to stay in shelters for more than a month.

Please consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org , calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The Spring Storms are Still Expected

2011-05-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

May 3, 2011- Red Cross is actively engaged in helping those affected by severe weather outbreak across America. The deadly spring storms are not over yet and heavy thunderstorms are expected throughout the Mississippi and Ohio river basins, bringing the possible concern of flooding. In Cairo, Illinois more than 2,800 people have been evacuated from their homes due to flooding.

Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern visited tornado-affected areas of Alabama and Mississippi over the weekend. She has express a gratitude to American public for the support and said that American Red Cross will do everything to help those who have lost everything to stand back on their feet.

The top priority of our non-profit organization is to provide food, shelter and the relief supplies to the thousands of people affected by these storms. There are more than 120 Red Cross emergency response vehicles distributing meals across seven states. Kitchens are being set up with the organizations like the Salvation Army and Southern Baptist Convention to prepare and distribute meals in the affected neighborhoods. In addition, American Red Cross has provided more than 6, 200 health and mental health consultations. So far the blood supplies are stable, but in the situations like these, where the weather can be quite unpredictable, the amounts of the sufficient blood supplies are very important.

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster. By visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 you can make a $10 donation. For example, $3 can provide a comfort kit for someone in a disaster. $6 can cover the cost of a blanket, $10 the cost of a hot meal. For $150, someone’s donation can cover the cost of providing food and shelter to a family of four for a day they spend in a shelter.

Even After the Storms Fade From the Headlines, People are Still Seeking the Help

2011-04-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 28, 2011-People in the Midwest are still seeking help from the American Red Cross, as a record tornado season continues to devastate communities causing serious flooding in the affected areas. Around 1, 100 people have spent a Tuesday night in Red Cross shelters.

Since the beginning of April more than 600 tornadoes have been reported across the country. As a result, thousands of homes and buildings have been damaged, and some of them completely destroyed. Just this week tornadoes have been reported in Arkansas, Alabama, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky.

While severe storms continue to drop heavy rain across the South and Midwest,
American Red Cross is working around the clock to make sure that people have food, water and a safe place to stay. The American Red Cross will still be there in the weeks to come, helping people as they try to get back on their feet.

The Aftermath of Deadly Tornadoes

2011-04-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 19, 2011- The American Red Cross is actively engaged in helping people affected by the powerful tornadoes and scorching wildfires which have affected six states across the south over the weekend.

The storm system has produced at least ten tornadoes, with extensive property damage reported. The strong tornadoes have ripped homes off their foundations, overturned cars and busses and knocked down many threes. It is estimated that only in North Carolina 500 homes have been destroyed and more than 1,000 severely damaged. In addition, many businesses, schools and buildings in Oklahoma, Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi are left in bad conditions. The officials say than more then 1,000 people will be homeless in the state.

American Red Cross has already hosted around 500 people over the weekend. The volunteers are working around the clock to help people cope with the aftermath. There were 40 deaths reported by the government officials. The panic among people is slowly settling down. For many victims it is hard to comprehend that this is the second time in the last two months that they have to deal with the remedies of the bad weather. One of the main focuses of the American Red Cross is to educate people how to respond and prepare for the natural disasters.

As a consequence of the extremely bad weather over the last couple of days, many wildfires have spread across the states. In Texas, wildfires have spread across more than 700,000 acres, destroying homes and forcing people to leave their neighborhoods. Red Cross will continue to provide help for those who have lost everything due to the natural disaster. Our non-profit organization is able to respond quickly with the help of corporations who are members of the organization’s Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP).

ADGP members include 3M, Altria, Aon, Cisco Foundation, ConAgra Foods, Darden Restaurants, Inc., Dr Pepper Snapple Group, FedEx Corporation, GE Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, John Deere Foundation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Kraft Foods, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Merck, Morgan Stanley, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Northrop Grumman, Ryder Charitable Foundation, Southwest Airlines, State Farm, State Street Foundation, Target, The TJX Companies, Inc., United Healthcare, UPS and Wal-Mart.

American Red Cross depends on financial donations from every individual with a big heart. You can also help those affected by tornadoes and wildfires by visiting www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS to make donations. Also a $10 donation can be made by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month

2011-04-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 05, 2011- Last month we celebrated March as the American Red Cross Month. This month, it would be nice to remember those who fully depend on our care; our fun and loving pets. April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month and the American Red Cross offers tips to the millions of pet owners as a way to keep their animals safe and healthy, especially as warm weather approaches.

There are many chapters across the United States which offer Pet First Aid courses. Moreover, the Red Cross has also developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid Guides with DVDs to help you care for your pet. From basic responsibilities like spaying/neutering and giving medications, to performing CPR and preparing for disasters, these guides provide the information pet owners need to keep their pets healthy and safe.

Nowadays, many households own some kind of a pet. People should be trained and able to recognize any negative indicators related to pet’s health right on time. One of the most common problems pets face in the warmer weather is heat stroke. This is because they are not yet acclimated to the warm temperatures. Some signs of heat stroke include heavy panting and being unable to calm down, even when lying down. Someone might ask, “What is the best way to help my pet in this kind of situation?”
The first step would be to check the temperature of a pet. If the temperature is above 105 degrees Fahrenheit, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring the pet to the veterinarian immediately as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.

What is very important to mention, and what many people simply forget to do is to include pets in emergency plans as well. Plan to take pets along if ordered to evacuate. However, keep in mind that most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Know which friends, relatives, hotels, boarding facilities accept pets in an emergency. In addition, assemble a portable kit with emergency supplies for pets:

o Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers
o Food, drinking water, bowls, manual can opener
o Medications and copies of medical records
o Current photos of the pets

Youth Run 4 Japan Raises Funds for Red Cross

2011-03-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

The Aftermath of the Pacific Tsunami in Japan

2011-03-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

March 29, 2011- It’s been almost three weeks since a record 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the Japanese city of Sendai, which generated a mighty 32-foot tsunami which struck northern Japan.

Almost three weeks later, the Government of Japan estimates the destruction of infrastructure areas is valued between $198 and $309 billion. Nearly 19,000 homes and buildings were destroyed, and another 118,000 were damaged. It also damaged 2,000 roads, 36 railways and 54 bridges. In addition, the number of those who died seem to be around 10,066 and the number of people who are missing 17, 443. These numbers are not fixed, and they are variable. The number of people in shelters is now at 244,000. This number continues to decrease as people return to their homes when electricity is restored or relocate to other parts of the country.

Japanese authorities continue to address the emergency at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Concerns still remain high about increasing radioactive contamination in food and water. Authorities have detected radioactive iodine in tap water in four prefectures which exceeds the level considered safe for infants. In Tokyo, these levels have now decreased from yesterday.

Access to fuel is still a major concern, hampering relief efforts and the mobility of volunteer responders and people in affected areas. The government is coordinating emergency deliveries of fuel to the affected areas, and is working on re-establishing the supply chain from refineries.

The Japanese Red Cross is increasing its relief operations for survivors in evacuation centers and is planning to provide supplies for 100,000 people, and it is reconnecting family members through the International Committee of the Red Cross website – www.familylinks.icrc.org.

The American Red Cross has provided $500,000 in funding to the World Food Programme for logistical support to the Government of Japan for the delivery and storage of relief items. The American Red Cross has also committed an initial $10 million to the Japanese Red Cross to assist its ongoing efforts to provide assistance to the people affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

Tumulty’s to Hold American Red Cross Fundraiser

2011-03-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross will be hosting a concert fundraiser at Tumulty’s Pub in New Brunswick on Saturday, March 26, 2011.

The concert will include two new artists that recently partnered with Share the Mic, a company that pairs artists with non profit organizations, along with a local band.

Tyler Mylroie, a 16-year old youth American Red Cross youth volunteer will perform in addition to 19-year old Jean Mallia. Mylroie is an active member of the chapter’s youth council and has a passion for the organization’s Services to Armed Forces program. Mallia recently donated proceeds from a concert at Connections Café in Flemington to the chapter. Both are singer/songwriters who are using their music to inspire people about the mission of the American Red Cross. Also joining Mylroie and Mallia will be Fadelight, a band from Branchburg who plays an alternative pop genre.

A $10 cover charge will go directly toward the American Red Cross of Greater Somerset County. The chapter has sheltered over 3,000 people in the last four years, trained over 12,000 citizens in lifesaving skills last year, provides emergency communication services for military members and their families and collects vital blood. All of this work is not possible without generous donations from the public.

Amy Sutton, CEO for the Greater Somerset County Chapter, explained “Music transcends everything. We are excited to be engaging the youth in our community who are passionate about their craft and the mission of the American Red Cross.”

Tumulty’s Pub is located at 361 George Street in New Brunswick.

Chills Run Down my Spine When I See the Consequences of Tsunami in Japan

2011-03-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

On March 11, 2011- ten meter (33-feet) waves swept in and hit the coastal area of Japan, destroying everything on their path. The most affected place on the coast was probably the town of Otsuchi in Iwate.

Some of the people were lucky enough to escape and survive on time; however, thousands of them did not. What is left after the powerful and unexpected natural disaster is hard to describe. Houses and buildings are torn apart, the cars are turned over and pilled at the top of each other, the pieces of furniture can be seen almost everywhere.

The affected areas are extremely dangerous and difficult to access and rescue teams are doing everything in their power to look for the survivals. Many fires are breaking out as a consequence of a disaster. Some of the fire has spread into the surrounding pine forests.
According to the Japanese Red Cross President, Tadateru Konoé, this is the worst disaster that he has ever seen in his volunteer career. “It brings back memories of the scenes at the end of the Second World War, when cities like Tokyo and Osaka were flattened by bombing.”

The Red Cross medical teams have fanned out across the length of the 400-kilometre-long (nearly 250 miles) disaster zone. Within 24 hours of the disaster striking, they had set up a network of emergency response units from where five-person teams, comprised of doctors and nurses, operate – moving out to different evacuation centers in nearby towns each day.

Chills run down my spine when I see the consequences of Tsunami in Japan. People are still in the state of shock. Survivals are looking at the photos of the families and anticipate. Many of them do not even have the photos. In that case, they just stare at the public boards in the rescue shelters and pray not to see the names of the beloved ones. For them, a nightmare is still far away from over.

Text REEDCROSS to 90999 to Give $10 Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami

2011-03-15T09:17:00.001-07:00

On March 11, 2011 a powerful earthquake struck Japan near the city of Sendai, which triggered enormous tsunami which struck northern Japan and spread across the Pacific.

Your $10 gift to the American Red Cross will support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the natural disaster in Japan. Your generosity is deeply appreciated!

American Red Cross Contributes an Initial $10 Million to Help Japan

2011-03-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

March 15, 2011-The American Red Cross has sent contribution of $10 million to the Japanese Red Cross Society to help with proving medical care and assistance to the people of Japan following the earthquake and tsunami that occurred four days ago.

Thousands of people are reported dead or missing. In addition, as concerns mount about damage to nuclear power plants in the north, the Japanese Red Cross is also focused on supporting the 200,000 people who have been evacuated from the exclusion zone.

Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. Gifts to the American Red Cross will support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.

The Vicious Circle of Disasters in Japan Continues

2011-03-15T08:41:00.001-07:00

On March 11, 2011 a record 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck Japan, near the city of Sendai. It triggered a powerful 32-foot tsunami which hit the northern Japan within minutes, destroying a quarter of a mile inland and everything on its way, including entire coastal area and communities. More than 1,600 people are reported dead and more than 10,000 missing.
Rescue missions by boat and air continue around the clock. However, there are many destroyed areas hard to access.

Japan is dealing with three major consequences: the earthquake, the tsunami and the nuclear radiation threat. The Government of Japan is trying to isolate the entire area because the threat of the nuclear poisoning is extremely high. This is the second biggest disaster with these kinds of proportions that has ever struck Japan since the World War II.

The Japanese Red Cross is highly involved. They are proving shelters for thousands who are left with no food, clean water or place to sleep. Around 95 medical response teams, including 700 doctors, nurses and support stuff is organized right away.
The Japanese Red Cross is accepting international tracing inquiries through the International Committee of the Red Cross website – www.icrc.org/familylinks.

The American Red Cross has provided an advisor to a high-level support and liaison team to the Japanese Red Cross.
The main humanitarian needs are food, drinking water, blankets, fuel and medical items, which the Government of Japan and other agencies are urgently mobilizing to the affected areas. The government reports that 2.6 million households are without electricity and nearly 3.2 million people are running out of gas supplies.

Two experts from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission have been deployed to Japan to assist with the nuclear emergency. The U.S. military has deployed nine ships to the area and have begun assisting the relief effort and providing emergencies supplies.

At this time, American Red Cross is accepting donations designed to the Japan Earthquake and the Pacific Tsunami. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit http://www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Local Artist Donates Money to Greater Somerset Red Cross Chapter

2011-03-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

The Greater Somerset Red Cross Chapter was presented with a $300 donation from local singer/songwriter Jean Mallia. The funds were the proceeds from a performance at Connections Cafe in Flemington during the holidays where Mallia performed with 22-year old guitarist Ryan Monsell.

19-year old Mallia hails from Flemington and is currently in her second semester at Raritan Valley Community College where she is studying criminal justice.

Mallia has a tradition of raising money for the Red Cross. In 1998, then 7-year old Mallia and her 5-year old brother, decided to hold a yard sale to raise money for the Red Cross for Hurricane Andrew victims after seeing the damage on the news. Mallia has again chosen the Red Cross because “they’re there pre and post disaster; there is always something going on with preparing and training”.

Amy Sutton, CEO for the Greater Somerset County Chapter, explained “The future of the American Red Cross is our youth. It is inspiring to see the impact that young people can have – they can change lives”.

Mallia also recently became involved with SharetheMic, a company that partners up and coming artists with non-profit organizations. Mallia will be playing with Red Cross volunteer, Tyler Mylroie, at Tumulty’s Pub in New Brunswick on Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight. All proceeds from the $10 cover charge will go to the American Red Cross of Greater Somerset.

Got the Internet? Browse any Red Cross Safety Shelter in Your Area

2011-03-10T09:53:00.000-08:00

American Red Cross has created an application for the web and mobile phone users that allows residents to identify shelters that have been activated by Red Cross within our national shelter system.

To find a shelter, visit http://app.redcross.org/nss-app/

You will be able to search for the Red Cross shelters based on the area where you live. We are available; in the case you ever need us.

Register Yourself as “Safe and Well"

2011-03-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

The American Red Cross is currently responding to flooding in Northern NJ due to recent rains. After a disaster, residents can let family and friends know how they are doing should they not be able to reach loved ones. Concerned family and friends can search the list of those who have registered themselves as “safe and well” by clicking on the “Search Registrants” button. The results of a successful search will display a loved one’s first name, last name and a brief message.

Red Cross Safe and Well (https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php)

Flood Safety Checklist

2011-03-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

As spring is slowly approaching, we can expect more and more rain in upcoming weeks. Heavy or steady rains are primary cause of floods, which are the most common and costly natural disasters. Flash floods mostly occur in low-lying area where the water is rapidly rising.

Most people start panicking when they see the water rising in their basements. This human behavior is not unusual. We, as human beings, always strive to believe that such bad things will not happen to us. But, what happens if we discover that we are wrong?

American Red Cross works on educating people how to prevent, prepare and respond to natural disasters, including floods.

Here are some tips which can always come handy:

1. Listen to area radio and television stations for possible flood warnings and reports
2. Be prepared to evacuate if required
3. Stay away from floodwaters. Did you know that six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet?
4. If you drive and come upon a flooded road, turn around and go other way. Most case can be swept away by less then two feet of moving water.
5. Keep children out of water. Curiosity is what killed the cat!
6. Since standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, in you live in a area that is affected by natural disasters, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at: www.FloodSmart.gov

Supplies:

Supplies are the essential part of preparation when it comes to flooding. Here is what you should have:

• Water- one gallon per person per day for at least couple of days
• Food-for at least three day easy to prepare
• Flashlight
• Battery powered radio + extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications
• Multipurpose tools
• Copies of personal documents
• Cell phone with charges
• Cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies
• Pet supplies
• Extra set of car and house keys
• Extra clothing
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of damage

After:

*After the officially have declared the area safe, you may return home. However, keep in mind to be extra careful when entering the house, and check for any loose power lines, damaged gas lines or foundation cracks.
*Also, wild animals, such as snakes sometimes can appear. They can enter the homes with the floodwater.
*If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
*During cleanup, wear protective clothing.
*Ger rid off every food items, beverages and medicines that came into a contact with floodwater.
Notify local or state public health department for recommendation for treating water since it may be contaminated.

The 2010 Annual Report

2011-03-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

Click here to view the American Red Cross 2010 Annual Report.

Red Cross Responds as Snow, Flooding Bury New York, New Jersey and New England

2011-03-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

Click here to view an article about disaster response in the Northeast.

2011 American Red Cross Design Contest

2011-03-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

March is American Red Cross Month. This year, we would like to invite you to participate in a design contest and tell us in your most creative way what is means to join American Red Cross.

Design Entries:

Each design entry for the contest must be organized around one or two major themes:
***Prinatable resources: flyer, poster, banner, postcard, etc.

There are four differetn aged-based categories, including: K-8, high-school, college, and young professionals. Please keep in mind, that each category should be related to inspire people who are in that category.

Prizes include:

Elementary and middle school design contest:
Disaster Kit
1 Autographed Miley Cyrus t-shirt
1 Autographed Raven-Simone American Red Cross vintage t-shirt

High-school desing contest:
$300
1 Autographed Miley Cyrus t-shirt
1 Autographed Raven-Simon American Red Cross vintage t-shirt

College design contest:
$500

Young professionals design contest:
$500

Timeline:
Submit your design and accompanying forms via e-mail to youthinvolvment@usa.redcross.org as a .jpeg or .gif file no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, Aprilr 30th.

Before you submit your design make sure you have:

1. Attached your design
2. Attached the sign legal form with your personal information (you need to print our the form, sign, scan, and attached your completed form). The form can be found on the following link (under the heading chacklist): http://redcrossyouth.org/d/2011-design-contest-rules/
3. Indicated in the subject line of the e-mail design category you are appying for
4. Consider becoming Red Cross volunteer

Winners will be announced on May 31th 2011

American Red Cross Sends $100,000 to Help Libyan Refugees in North Africa

2011-03-07T21:08:00.000-08:00

Thousands of scared migrants from Libya are fleeing in huge numbers to Tunisia in order to escape the country’s unrest. American Red Cross has already sent $100,000 and medical stuff to assist injured and petrified crowds along the Libyan border. Red Cross is trying to provide people with food and water and basic shelter. Many of them sleep in rain and have nothing to eat.

It is estimated that in the last two weeks more than 82,000 migrants have cross the border into Tunisia and this is just a beginning. Working around the clock, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in collaboration with other Red Crescent societies is trying to provide people with basic things, such as: blankets, carpets, tents and heating oil.

American Red Cross is concerned about the situation developing in North Africa. Libyan refugees will need support and donations in these hard times.

Supermodel Nikki Taylor plays for the American Red Cross on the Apprentice

2011-03-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

In May of 2001, famous supermodel Nikki Taylor was critically injured in a car accident and rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital. After 56 surgeries and 100 units of blood donated by the Red Cross, Nikki Taylor survived and lived to tell her story.

As the new season of “Celebrity Apprentice 4” returns to NBC channel, the famous model Nikki Taylor chooses to play for the American Red Cross non-profit organization. She is competing for the Apprentice title against fifteen other famous contestants. Each contestant has a goal to eliminate other rival by working long hours and competing in multiple business tasks around New York City. Only the most successful and persistent competitor will win $250,000 bonus check for their desirable charity.

Nikki Taylor wants to express her gratitude by fighting passionately for the American Red Cross. We definitely support her and hope that by winning this contest, American Red Cross will be able to save more lives today than yesterday.

Famous County Singer Sarah Evans invites you to Join the Red Cross.

2011-03-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

American county music superstar, Sarah Evans, became a member of the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet in 2005. Thanks to her commitment and help in promoting our services, in 2008 American Red Cross awarded Sarah Evans with national Crystal Cross award.

Ever since joining the organization, Sarah Evans has been recording many radio and television public announcements inviting people to join, and contribute time and money in supporting the Disaster Relief Fund.

March is American Red Cross Month and there is no better time then to join now!

President Obama Proclaims March 2011 as American Red Cross Month

2011-03-02T22:48:00.000-08:00

March is American Red Cross Month. President Franklin D. Roosevelt started this tradition almost seven decades ago. During World War I and World War II, American Red Cross supported US troops by proving so needed medical care, including blood donations.

On February 27, President Barack Obama officially proclaimed March 2011 as American Red Cross Month and encouraged all Americans to support the efforts of the American Red Cross, as well as to embrace the humanitarian spirit.

American Red Cross supports members of the American armed forces and their families and provides national and international disaster relief. We are guarded by our Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross movement. We help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to the emergencies.

We ask people to join during Red Cross Month. We are a volunteer-led organization, which embraces and welcomes any kind of support.

American Red Cross releases iPhone app to help truck down the emergency shelters

2011-03-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

A disaster has never been a fair player. It usually comes quietly, but when it strikes, it strikes hard. We cannot always predict when and where it is likely to occur, but what we can do is gather available information, and learn how to prepare ourselves.

American Red Cross has always embraced people in hard times. However, living in a media world, we decided to take the advantage of advanced technology and present you an iPhone app called Shelter View. All users that have iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, are now available to get this app.

Shelter View will instantly help you find out which emergency shelters are open in your community. The app shows a map of your area and pinpoints the shelters. If you click on a particular shelter, it will give you the information why it is open (be it fires or mudslides), how many beds it provides, and how many beds are taken by those who have already been evacuated. In addition, it lists the agency in charge of that shelter, and the most importantly, the actual physical address.

Keep in mind that it is always good to be prepared no matter how lucky we believe we are.

Red Cross Youth Holding Car Wash for Haiti

2010-09-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J., September 24, 2010 –The Youth Council of the American Red Cross of Greater Somerset County will be holding a car wash on Saturday, October 2nd at Patriots Stadium parking lot on East Main Street in Bridgewater.

It will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.; the proceeds will go towards Haitian relief. A car wash will cost $7, an SUV $10, and a truck $15.

The Youth Council meets once a month and works on projects such as the car wash. They also ran a very successful blood drive over the summer and promoted the Measles Initiative at the Branchburg Country Fair last weekend.

The meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of every month from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the next meeting is scheduled for October 14. For more information about the car wash or the Youth Council, please contact Suzanne Anderson at (908)-725-2217 ext. 222.

About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, medical transportation, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.

Local Red Cross Hosts Monthly Disaster Meetings

2010-09-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J., September 27, 2010 – The Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross will be hosting free Disaster Orientation meetings, held once a month for an hour at the chapter house located at 14 W. Cliff Street in Somerville.

The hour-long session covers Red Cross responses to emergencies and disasters, the various roles available to disaster volunteers and the training required to prepare individuals to serve in these roles.

Amy Sutton, Executive Director of the Greater Somerset Chapter, said the session will give current and potential volunteers a look into the real risks that our community faces. “The Red Cross response starts in our community. We must have enough trained volunteers to assist with sheltering community members in events like flooding and house fires. It is their skills and compassion to do this work to help others in crisis that makes all the difference.”

The meeting is free and open to the public. The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the chapter house. For more information or if you are interested in attending, please contact Suzanne Anderson, Director of Volunteers, at (908)-725-2217 ext. 222.

About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, medical transportation, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.

Somerset County Red Cross Provides Support for Fire Struck Family

2010-09-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

Somerset County Red Cross Provides Support for Fire Struck Family
SOMERVILLE, N.J., September 20, 2010 – On Monday, September 20, a family in Hillsborough awoke not to the beautiful fall day, but to a fire in their home that forced them to flee with their five dogs to the streets of their Hillsborough neighborhood.
The office of Emergency Management called Red Cross to the scene at 10:15 a.m.; three volunteers responded to begin assessing the needs of the four of the six household members who were in the home at the time the fire began. While the structure is still standing, the home is presently uninhabitable.
The Red Cross of Greater Somerset met with the family outside the home to help them with their immediate needs. When a family escapes a blaze with nothing but on the clothes on their backs, Red Cross volunteers attend to their immediate physical and health needs. The three volunteers who responded provided the family with comfort kits and money for clothing and shelter.
Amy Sutton, Chapter CEO, explained the Red Cross’ role. “When a fire takes everything, we are reduced to what we are, just people, and the most important thing is the safety of our families” said Sutton. “The Red Cross provides a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on to help the residents of our community re-build after tragedy.”
For more information about the assistance that the American Red Cross provides in an emergency, visit www.redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, medical transportation, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.

Somerset County Red Cross to Offer Babysitter's Training Course

2010-09-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J., September 21, 2010 – To help keep children of all ages safe, the Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross is proud to offer their Babysitter’s Training course. The class, scheduled for Columbus Day - Monday, October 11 - from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Somerset County Chapter at 14 West Cliff Street in Somerville, gives youth ages 11 to 15, the skills and confidence to be great babysitters.

“Our goal is to create a safe and supportive community for families,” said Kenneth Salvatore, Director of Health and Safety Services. “When parents hire trained babysitters who know how to provide proper child care and handle emergencies, their children are safer and so are our babysitters.”

The Red Cross Babysitter’s Training course is a great way for young people to build self-esteem and develop leadership, decision-making and communication skills; as well as give them a meaningful way to earn money. Used to train and certify over 120,000 babysitters nationwide each year, the course teaches young people how to supervise children and infants, perform basic child-care skills such as diapering, feeding and dressing, identify safety hazards and prevent injuries, care for common injuries such as burns, cuts and bee stings and find and interview for babysitting jobs.

As a part of the course fee of $65, participants will receive training materials, including the Babysitter’s Training Handbook, with information to use in class and on the job; an Emergency Reference Guide that provides step-by-step instructions to handle common emergencies; and a CD-ROM that includes tools such as a printable activity booklet with games, songs and recipes, a resume template and more.

For more information or to register for the next Babysitter’s Training course please contact Kenneth Salvatore at 908-725-2217 ext. 224. Space is limited so please register early to reserve a seat. Attendees should pack a lunch for the day.

About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, medical transportation, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.

Red Cross Youth Council Elects Leaders

2010-09-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J., September 16, 2010 – The Youth Council of the Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross held their monthly meeting on Thursday, September 9 and elected their leadership council. The election results are below:

Ankur Pranjul, President
Suma Gondi, Vice President
Aarti Patel, Treasurer
Megan Carroll, Secretary
Catherine Reilly, Board Liaison

The council offers youth the chance to help the mission of Red Cross with fellow volunteers, while working on essential leadership skills as well as learning live saving skills. While at Youth Council, participants work on Red Cross projects and receive guidance from senior staff and guest speakers.

The Council ran a very successful blood drive at the end of June and is currently working on organizing a car wash on October 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Somerset Patriots Stadium parking lot on East Main Street in Bridgewater, to raise funds for Haitian relief. The Council will also be promoting the Measles Initiative, another project, at the Branchburg Country Fair on Saturday, September 25.

Suzanne Anderson, Director of Volunteers, said the involvement in Youth Council can help strengthen the relationship between young volunteers and the organization. “The Youth are the future of the Red Cross and with leadership training we are preparing our future volunteers.”

The meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of every month from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the next meeting is scheduled for October 14. For more information, contact Suzanne Anderson at (908)-725-2217 ext. 222.

About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, medical transportation, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.

Somerset Red Cross to Hold Open Blood Drive

2010-06-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J., June 17, 2010– The Youth Council of the Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross will be holding an open blood drive on Wednesday, June 30.

To be eligible, donors must be at least 110 pounds, 16 years of age and in good general health. While the demand for blood transfusions is growing more rapidly than donations, only about 2.5 percent of the eligible population donates. Due to these low statistics, New Jersey hospitals had to use $18 million to $24 million in 2007 to buy supplies from other states.

In addition to the general shortages, there is currently a special need for Type O negative. The American Red Cross’ supply of this blood type has dipped to critically low levels. O negative is always in high demand as it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, which is especially important in an emergency situation. Donors with O negative type blood are encouraged to consider donating as soon as possible.

Amy Sutton, CEO for the Greater Somerset County Chapter, explained “We need people to donate and to do so frequently. I have never met a person who needed lifesaving blood who ever thought they would be in that situation. We need residents’ help to ensure that New Jersey has a robust blood supply.”

The Red Cross encourages those who are eligible to donate to consider giving the gift of life. One simple donation can save three lives. This blood drive is completely open; appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To make your appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and search for sponsor code “14725”.
Below is the date and location for the blood drive:

Wednesday, June 30, 2010
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
United Reformed Church
100 West Main Street
Somerville, NJ 08876

About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, medical transportation, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.

Greater Somerset Red Cross Holds Annual Meeting

2010-06-23T13:17:00.001-07:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J., June 23, 2010 – On Tuesday, July 6, 2010, the Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold its 93rd Annual Meeting. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Chapter House at 14 West Cliff Street in Somerville.

The agenda of the Annual Meeting includes inducting new board members.

The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to come and learn more about the Greater Somerset Chapter of the Red Cross.

For more information, call (908) 725-2217.

About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, medical transportation, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.

Pfizer of Peapack Runs for the Red Cross

2010-06-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J., June 23, 2010 – The Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross was proud to accept a donation of $375 from the Pfizer’s Third Annual Spring Sprint 3K charity run on May 21. Additional funds may be raised if employees who donated over $25 apply for a matching gift from the company.

Over 30 employees participated in the event. Two representatives from the Greater Somerset Chapter were present to register the participants. In lieu of a registration fee, the runners were given the option to donate to the chapter. The money raised will go towards helping the chapter fulfill its goals of providing preparedness and response services in the community.

Pfizer’s Peapack location chose the American Red Cross of Greater Somerset County as their charity this year after seeing the devastation caused by the flooding in surrounding areas in March. Suzanne Countryman, Fitness Center manager, explained

Amy Sutton, Executive Director for the Somerset Chapter, said the chapter is thankful for their partners. “The American Red Cross relies on community partners, such as Pfizer, to further our mission. We are thankful that we can rely on the generosity and support from these employees and we thank them for their time and effort.”

Suzanne Countryman, Fitness Center Manager at Pfizer, said the group was motivated to fundraise for the Red Cross by recent disasters. “Natural disasters seem to be occurring more and more frequently and the American Red Cross can always be counted upon to come to aid the victims; we wanted to support their efforts.”

For more information about how you can donate to the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org.

The top finishers in the sprint, pictured in the above left, from left to right are:
Back row: Robert Bullotta, Paul Mitchell, Benjamin Lyons
Front row: Niki Elphick, Audrey Everly, Andrea Brown, Naomi Morris

About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, medical transportation, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.

Local Jack and Jill Chapter Donates to Haitian Relief Efforts

2010-04-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J., April 15, 2010 –The Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross has been presented with a donation of $407 for Haitian Relief Efforts from the senior teen group of the Central New Jersey Chapter of Jack and Jill.

Jack and Jill, an organization of mothers nurturing future leaders, is the oldest African American Family organization in the country. The 17 high school teens initially raised the funds to purchase t-shirts that they would wear for competition during the four-day Eastern Region Teen Conference of Jill and Jill that took place last month. In addition to the initial donation, some parents have started a collection to match the group’s work; they have raised $180 to date that will also be donated to the relief efforts in Haiti.

Laila Smith, President of the Senior Teen group, explained the group was struck by the need. “When we saw the devastation and the need for food, shelter and medical equipment for the victims of the earthquake, we realized that contributing to help these efforts was more important than competing in a t-shirt competition,” Smith said.

“These teens serve as an inspiration to everyone,” said Amy Sutton, Executive Director for the Somerset Chapter. “We are a global community and the Red Cross can connect the communities in times of disaster. These young people have touched the lives of those in need in Haiti. All their efforts are greatly appreciated.”

Morgan Billington, Community Service chair, said that part of the mission of Jack and Jill is community service. “We have been taught ever since we were young to give back to the community, so it was only natural that we would want to help those Haitian families who are still in need,” said Billington. The teen group has also participated in a number of community service activities including Operation Shoebox, Stuff the Bus and serving and preparing good at Agape House and Elijah’s Promise.

For more information about how you can donate to the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org.

Featured in the photo, from left to right, are Jack and Jill Senior Group President Laila Smith, 18, CEO of the Greater Somerset County Chapter, Amy Sutton, and Jack and Jill Community Service Chair, Morgan Billington, 17.

About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, medical transportation, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.

A Birthday to Remember: 2010 New Jersey Floods

2010-03-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Bound Brook, March 14, 2010 - On the eve of his ninth birthday, Norbert cried as he listened to the wind and rain outside his Bound Brook apartment. The heavy storm and threats of flooding meant all birthday party plans would have to be cancelled. He was heartbroken.
Early the next morning, Norbert awoke to find that the Raritan River had overflowed and there was already three feet of water in the apartment downstairs. An emergency crew pulled up to the building in a small motor boat to bring him and his family to dry land where a Red Cross shelter awaited. Oblivious to the seriousness of the situation, Norbert recalled the experience as “Awesome! I got to ride in a boat on my birthday!”
Norbert was surprised to see so many of his friends amongst the 500 residents at the Red Cross shelter. He was able to spend the entire day with those friends, laughing at silly jokes and playing all kinds of board games made available to the children. ‘Happy Birthday Norbert’ was heard continuously throughout the day from volunteers and residents as more learned about the occasion and wished to make this day special for one young boy.
“It’s been the best birthday ever!” Norbert exclaimed, “I want to spend my birthday in a Red Cross shelter every year!” Norbert’s mother rolled her eyes and moaned.

Somerset County striken by flooding event

2010-03-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

Heavy rains from last weekend’s storm caused major flooding in Bound Brook, Manville, and Northern New Jersey. Rising flood waters late Saturday forced people to evacuate in the middle of the night. The Greater Somerset County Red Cross responded immediately by opening shelters in Bound Brook and Manville. Northern New Jersey was also affected as communities there experienced flooding from the rising Passaic River. One Red Cross shelter was opened. On Sunday, our National Headquarters elevated the flooding response to the status of a national disaster.

On Tuesday, we consolidated shelters in Bound Brook and Manville and relocated hundreds of people to Raritan Valley Community College. Disaster volunteers continue to care for affected families and individuals at RVCC and in Northern New Jersey providing food, water, snacks, comfort items like toothbrushes and soap, and offering mental health counseling.

We also began mobile feeding, bringing meals to neighborhoods where families have begun to clean up their homes and we began distributing clean-up kits and other necessities in Bound Brook.

Although the water has receded, our work continues. Your help makes it possible. You can help by making a financial donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

http://american.redcross.org/

Somerset Red Cross Partners with local Girl Scout to host Open Blood Drive

2010-02-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J., February 16, 2010– The Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross has partnered with local student and Girl Scout seeking her Gold Award, Veda Pejaver, to host an open blood drive.

To be eligible, donors must be at least 110 pounds, 16 years of age and in good general health. While the demand for blood transfusions is growing more rapidly than donations, only about 2.5 percent of the eligible population donates. Due to these low statistics, New Jersey had to use 59,011 more units of blood than it collected tin 2007, forcing importing from other states. One simple donation can save three lives.

Amy Sutton, CEO for the Greater Somerset County Chapter, explained “We need people to donate and to do so frequently. I have never met a person who needed lifesaving blood who ever thought they would be in that situation. We need residents’ help to ensure that New Jersey has a robust blood supply.”

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. To register, go to www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code 14175 or call Pejaver directly at (908) 458-1010.

Below is the date and location for the blood drive:

Sunday, February 28, 2010
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bradley Gardens Fire Department
24 Old York Road
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, medical transportation, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.

American Red Cross Partnering with Local Companies to Host Two Open Blood Drives

2010-01-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J., January 22, 2010 – The Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross is encouraging residents to donate blood at their two open blood drives at the end of the month.
Red Cross partnered with Hitachi America, Arla Foods and Reliance Vitamin Company to collect blood at their organizations. Donors must be in good general health and weight 110 pounds or more. Recently, the state of New Jersey reduced the minimum age for donating blood without parental consent from 17 years of age to 16 years of age. About 60% of the population is eligible to give blood, but only 2.5% of those eligible in the state are actually donors. New Jersey has the lowest percentage of donors in the country, importing over 70,000 units of blood from other states every year.
Amy Sutton, CEO for the Greater Somerset County Chapter, explained “We need people to donate and to do so frequently. I have never met a person who needed lifesaving blood who ever thought they would be in that situation. We need residents’ help to ensure that New Jersey has a robust blood supply.”
There has been a special request for O – donors, whose donation can be used for all blood types. Both drives are open and do not require pre-registration, but if pre-registration is preferred, donors can go to www.pleasegiveblood.org to set-up an appointment.

Below are the dates and locations of the two upcoming blood drives:

Thursday, January 28, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Hitachi America & Arla Foods
645 Martinsville Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Friday, January 29, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Reliance Vitamin Company
500 Memorial Drive
Somerset, NJ 08873

About the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter: The Red Cross is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Greater Somerset County chapter is working to help make the community resilient, able to survive and recover quickly from disasters and emergencies. . The chapter offers residents Be Red Cross Ready preparedness education, services to armed forces, lifesaving health and safety training, medical transportation, blood donation services, and a Lifeline personal emergency response service program. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world For more information, call (908) 725-2217 or visit www.american-redcross.org.
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American Red Cross Receives Contribution from the Healthcare & Basic Needs Fund Supported by Johnson & Johnson Operating Companies in Somerset County

2010-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J., November, 16, 2009 – The Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross has received a generous contribution from the Healthcare and Basic Needs Fund supported by Johnson & Johnson Operating Companies based in Somerset County, New Jersey. The grant will allow for the purchase of five additional Disaster Health Kits for Nurses to be used at emergency shelters.

The Disaster Health Kits for Nurses, which include materials such as a thermometer, blood pressure cuff, bandages and cleansers, is a necessity for any shelter opening in the event of a disaster. Each shelter must be equipped with a nurse who is responsible for the care of those citizens in the shelter. In April of 2007 when a Nor’easter struck the area and the chapter was responsible for housing approximately 2,000 people, these kits were essential in helping to provide services to residents in our care.

Amy Sutton, Executive for the Greater Somerset County Chapter, explained “It is essential that our nurses have the resources to respond to the health needs of residents in our care during a disaster. The contribution from the Healthcare and Basic Needs Fund makes it possible for our nurses and other Health Services volunteers to care for even more residents than we ever have before.”

If you would like to donate and help the American Red Cross in its mission to help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies, visit their website the Greater Somerset County Chapter at greatersomerset.redcross.org.

Johnson & Johnson Operating Companies Based in Somerset County, New Jersey: ETHICON, Inc., Global Pharmaceutical Supply Group, Information Technology Services (ITS), Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, LLC., Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc., Ortho-McNeil Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., & Tibotec Therapeutics

The Greater Somerset County Chapter Receives $101,000 Grant from the Walmart Foundation

2010-01-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

SOMERVILLE, NJ (November 4, 2009) – The Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross recently received a $101,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to strengthen disaster preparedness in Somerset County.

The Greater Somerset County Chapter is one of 128 Red Cross chapters awarded funds as part of the Walmart Foundation’s initiative to support disaster response and capacity-building projects nationwide. Based on the chapter’s plan to increase its ability to respond to disasters and to shelter individuals, the local chapter received one of the highest awards within Red Cross.

“During the April 2007 nor’easter, our local Red Cross sheltered almost 2,000 people,” said Greater Somerset County Chapter CEO Amy Sutton. “We did not have enough supplies on hand, which impacted our relief efforts. Since then, the chapter has been working to increase our capacity to respond to any level disaster.

“This grant has been instrumental in increasing our readiness,” she said. “Because the Red Cross really does belong to everyone, this funding is an investment in our community.”

The grant has enabled the Greater Somerset County Chapter to purchase an emergency trailer to assist in the movement of equipment, mobile feeding and mobile space for assisting clients and processing spontaneous volunteers; approximately 800 cots and 1,000 blankets; comfort kits with personal toiletry items for disaster victims; clean up kits; nursing kits with supplies to provide health care in a shelter; and feeding kits. The chapter is able to store this equipment due a generous donation of warehouse space from Somerset Self Storage.

“Walmart has been a generous community partner and the Board of Freeholders appreciates the company’s support of the local Red Cross and other programs in Somerset County,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Jack M. Ciattarelli.

The Walmart Foundation partnered with the American Red Cross to create a $5-million Disaster Readiness and Capacity Building Grant Program. This grant is helping to benefit communities across the country that reside near Red Cross chapters located in remote areas that often become isolated during times of disaster and whose chartered jurisdictions serve less than one million people – like the Greater Somerset County Chapter.

“At Walmart, helping communities is what we do every day. And when a crisis strikes, that charge becomes an even greater priority,” said Margaret Mckenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “Our long-standing support of the American Red Cross is evidence of our commitment to supporting local disaster relief efforts. We are hopeful that the $5 million we have given to local Red Cross chapters across the country will result in the swift, effective response to disasters, and the development of resources before disaster strikes.”

The Walmart Foundation stands ready to help and to work with local leaders, community organizations and elected officials in the instance of a disaster. With a long-standing commitment to supporting local disaster relief efforts, the Walmart Foundation works with the American Red Cross and other organizations in an effort to help its neighbors and communities during times of need.

“We are appreciative to the Walmart Foundation for this much needed grant to enhance our local chapters’ ability to serve their communities,” said Michael Brown, Vice President of Corporate and Foundation Partnerships at the American Red Cross. “Because of their generous support, we will be better positioned to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters in communities across the country.”

About the American Red Cross
Through a network of 700 local chapters, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.

About Philanthropy at Walmart Stores, Inc.
Walmart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation supports initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. In 2007, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org

Somerset Chapter Inducts New Board Members

2009-07-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

The American Red Cross of Greater Somerset County held its 92nd Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 25, to induct new board members and recognize community partners. With over 35 people in attendance, the meeting was held at the Chapter House in Somerville and included a barbeque dinner before the introduction of the staff and current board members.
“Volunteers are the heart of the Red Cross,” said Amy Sutton, CEO of the Greater Somerset Chapter. “Having talented leadership volunteers is enabling us to fulfill our mission and expand our reach into the community. Their contribution is priceless.”
New board members inducted at the meeting included: Anthony Franchini, an assistant Vice President at TD Bank; Thor Harris, President of the of the public relations firm Percepture; Kishor Jobanputra, a retired family physician; Indira Kuruganti, an Independent Management Consultant at the New York Times Company; and Anna Maria Marthy, an Economic and Valuation Services Associate at KPMG.
The Red Cross of Greater Somerset also recognized their community partners for their dedication to the organization, including: Ace Copy Systems, Allstate Insurance Company of New Jersey, Catholic Charities, Dolce Hotels & Resorts, Somerset Self Storage, XCentrex Computer Systems, and Peapack-Gladstone Bank.
The Annual Meeting is one of several sessions open to the public held by the Red Cross at the Chapter House in Somerville. “Red Cross Live” is held every four weeks to inform the community about the activities of the Greater Somerset Chapter and how the community can get involved. The next session is being held on Thursday, July 9 from 4:00 – 5:00. To RSVP to “Red Cross Live,” call (908) 725-2217.

Local Red Cross Chapter Teams with CERT to Run Disaster Drill

2009-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 28, the Greater Somerset Chapter of the American Red Cross partnered with the Tri County Chapter to run a disaster drill hosted by the Fanwood Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The drill was held at Forest Road Park in Fanwood, NJ and simulated an apartment building fire and a Red Cross shelter for residents.

The exercise was designed by the Red Cross and CERT to be a basic training workshop to simulate the roles and functions of CERT and a Red Cross shelter.

Malcolm Plager, Director of Emergency Services for the Somerset Chapter, supported the operation of the drill. “We run disaster drills to test our proficiency in meeting the requirements of residents impacted by a major fire by providing shelter, food, and client support,” he said.

Approximately 35 Red Cross disaster volunteers took part in the drill, performing duties based on their training. Prior to the exercise, The Somerset County Chapter formed teams for sheltering, feeding, logistics, emergency operations center liaison, and individual client services for health and casework. The drill was broken into two cycles, each lasting about two hours.

The Greater Somerset County Chapter had 27 disaster volunteers in the first two-hour cycle, ensuring all clients, who were also volunteers, got registered in the center, sheltered, fed, and health needs taken care of. The team set up cots and blankets, staffed the registration desk, welcomed clients, and communicated with the CERT command post. Overall, the simulation

received a positive response from participants.

This is the second drill the Greater Somerset Chapter has participated in this year and Plager said he felt the drill was a success in practicing what volunteers have learned and he also had the confidence that they would be able to respond in an emergency.

Check out the New Red Cross Video!

2009-06-25T10:00:00.001-07:00

Liberty Science Center Partners with the Red Cross

2009-06-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

The American Red Cross is partnering with the Liberty Science Center to bring an extraordinary exhibit to Jersey City, New Jersey. The exhibit, called “Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters,” will educate visitors on natural disasters and how to respond when a catastrophe strikes. The exhibit is part of a traveling exhibit of the Field Museum in Chicago and will be featured at the Liberty Science Center until January 3, 2010.

Allstate Auto Insurance is helping to sponsor “Nature Unleashed,” which will focus on four natural disasters – earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes and tornadoes. The exhibit will tell about the destruction that these phenomenal aspects of science can cause. Interactive displays, images, artifacts and inspiring survivor stories will emphasize the realities of recent disasters by revealing how people adapt to living at risk.

The American Red Cross will be present, providing the public with information on the human implications of disaster and how to cope with the aftermath. The Red Cross will be at the Liberty Science Center in September and October to help visitors experience the effects of a disaster. It will highlight what it feels like to be in a Red Cross shelter, feature a simulated blood drive, and also offer a 15 minutes session of Be Red Cross Ready Preparedness Education.

“We are excited to partner with the Liberty Science Center and Allstate to bring this experience to the public and show the implications of disasters,” said Amy Sutton, Executive Director of the Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter. “We want to motivate people to become educated and be prepared.”

Red Cross volunteers from several New Jersey chapters will share their experiences on disaster relief operations and will remind people of the risks that exist in every community and the need for residents to volunteer to prepare their community before a disaster strikes.

For more information about this exhibit and its features, visit the Liberty Science Center website (http://www.lsc.org/lsc/ourexperiences/exhibits/natureunleashed). For more information about preparedness education and the risks in the community, visit www.american-redcross.org.

Greater Somerset County Red Cross Hosts Picnic for Veterans

2009-06-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

On July 16, the American Red Cross of Greater Somerset County will have its annual picnic for veterans. It will take place at the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in Lyons, N.J.

About 50 veterans are expected at the picnic which will be run by volunteers. It is one of three events for veterans held by the Red Cross as part of their Service to Armed Forces Program. The Greater Somerset County Chapter held a Coffee/Tea Social on May 24 and will also participate in an additional annual picnic in August. The August picnic is run by several of the New Jersey Red Cross chapters.

Through its Service to Armed Forces program (SAF), the Greater Somerset County Chapter has volunteers who provide social support to veterans at the VA Hospital at Lyons and send care packages to our troops through Operation Jersey Cares and other organizations.

Locally, the Greater Somerset County Chapter has a long, proud history serving military members, veterans and their families. “The Red Cross is the only non-profit agency responsible for providing 24/7 emergency communications and verifications to get our troops home when they are needed most,” said Amy Sutton, Executive Director for the Greater Somerset Chapter.

In addition to handling emergency communication messages for families, the Red Cross also provides access to financial assistance through the military aid societies, medical transportation, confidential counseling services and valuable referrals.

For more information about the Red Cross services to the military or to become a SAF Volunteer for the Greater Somerset County Chapter, visit the website at http://www.american-redcross.org or call (908) 725-2217 to find out how you can help.

New Blood Donor Encourages Those Eligible to Donate

2009-06-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

At 25, Ken Wysocki, had never donated blood. An Assistant Program Director at Catholic Charities, Wysocki said blood had made him “squeamish” in the past and was apprehensive about donating.

However, Wysocki changed his mind when he was told about the American Red Cross blood drive by Ken Salvatore, a friend as well as the Director of Health and Safety at the Greater Somerset Red Cross. “I was pleasantly surprised,” said Wysocki. “It didn’t hurt and I didn’t really even feel it.”

Wysocki said after donating once, he is no longer hesitant to donate. “I would definitely recommend it to other people and I would definitely do it again myself.”
New Jersey currently has a blood shortage with the lowest percentage of donors in the country. Wysocki’s message is important to help encourage those who are afraid to donate to overcome any disconcert they may have.

The Red Cross of Greater Somerset County asks all members of the community who are healthy, at least 16 years of age and at least 110 pounds to come give blood at any of their summer blood drives. The first will be held on June 13 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Municipal Complex at 379 South Branch Road in Hillsborough. On June 28 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., the Garden State Sikh Association will help host a drive on 977 Washington Valley Road in Bridgewater.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. To register for any of the blood drives listed below, visit www.pleasegiveblood.org/donate. For the June 13 blood drive, use sponsor code 14312. For the June 28 blood drive, use sponsor code 13936. To register by phone, call Nicole Davis at (908) 725-2217.

To learn abotu reason why people don't donate, visit the Red Cross Blood Donations website.

Red for Life

2009-06-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

Our chapter hosted our second annual “Red for Life” breakfast fundraiser on June 4. The one-hour event took place at the Old Mill Inn in Basking Ridge, N.J. and had an estimated 135 guests.

Speakers at “Red for Life” included Eyvette Hanna, a woman with physical limitations who faced many challenges in finding employment. Because of Melba Johnson, a long time Red Cross volunteer instructor, she was able to get the certification she needed with approved alternatives to suit her needs. “Before my training,” Hanna said, “I thought of the Red Cross as a place to donate clothes and money to. After training, I saw a new light and learned more about what the Red Cross stands for and how they really help people.”

Apart from increasing donations, the goal of “Red for Life” was to engage the community and raise awareness of the services offered by the Red Cross. Amy Sutton, CEO of the Greater Somerset County Chapter, spoke at the event, hoping to reinforce the message that the Red Cross is an active organization in the community. She explained, “Every day your Red Cross is assessing and planning for risks, training community members to save lives, and responding to disasters, here, across the nation, and around the world.”

Sutton also emphasized the importance of “never turning away anyone who needs us.” She recognized that many people feel they will never need the Red Cross. “I have never met a disaster victim or a person who faced a life-threatening crisis that ever expected it to happen to them,” Sutton said.

Sponsors of the event included Allstate Auto Insurance, Ace Copy Systems and Peapack-Gladstone Bank.

Although “Red for Life” is an invitation-only event, the American Red Cross Greater Somerset County Chapter hosts a monthly one-hour event called “Red Cross Live” where the public is invited to learn about the American Red Cross and the services that the local chapter offers. Visit www.amerian-redcross.org for information.