Red Cross Spring Safety Tips to Stay Safe During Storms
The American Red Cross wants Southeast Michigan residents to prepare in advance of coming spring storms.
“Every thunderstorm produces lightening, which kills more people every year than tornadoes or hurricanes,” said Glen Hendricks, director of emergency services for the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross.
Further, heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages and the danger of downed power lines.
Hendricks advises preparing ahead of time and discussing thunderstorm and tornado safety with your family. Pick a safe place to gather in the home - away from windows, skylights and glass doors. For tornadoes, the safest place is a basement, and if that’s not possible, an interior room on the lowest floor is the next best option.
Listen to the local news for emergency updates, and know your community’s warning system. Watch for signs of a storm – such as darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind. Avoid electrical equipment and telephones, using battery-powered TVs and radios if possible.
If a thunderstorm or tornado is likely to occur, postpone outdoor activity. “We like to say, when thunder roars, go indoors,” Hendricks said.
“Be prepared for a medical emergency, by having a first aid kit and taking a CPR/First Aid class,” Hendricks said. Classes are available throughout the tri-county area at Red Cross and other community sites.
As a storm approaches, and youth are outdoors playing baseball and softball, games should be canceled at the first sign of thunder, Hendricks advises. Referees often bench teams when they hear thunder, as they decide whether to call the game, but he said the kids are usually sitting on metal benches, which is unsafe.
“If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning,” he said.
Another unsafe practice is trying to move outdoor metal furniture when a storm begins, he said.
If you are outside and a severe thunderstorm warning is issued:
Avoid tall, isolated trees; water and high ground.
Take shelter in a substantial building.
If that’s not possible, go to (or stay in) a vehicle with the windows closed.
If driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay inside the car and turn on your emergency flashers.
Keep an eye out for these danger signs of an approaching tornado:
- Dark, often greenish clouds-a phenomenon caused by hail.
- Wall cloud-an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm.
- Cloud of debris.
- Large hail.
- Funnel cloud.
- Roaring noise.
If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If that is not possible, immediately get into your vehicle and try to drive to a sturdy building. If flying debris occurs while driving, pull over and park, looking for the lowest ground possible.
Then, stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering yourself with a blanket, if possible.
To learn more about Red Cross safety courses, log on to www.semredcross.org or call 586-756-7600. First aid kits are also available on the Chapter’s website.
For more safety tips, go to www.redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semredcrossblog.org.
Contact: Andrea Tomaszewski / 313-350-1434
American Red Cross and Quicken Loans Team Up to Offer New Resources for Military Personnel
In observance of National Red Cross Month, Quicken Loans, the nation’s largest online lender, and the Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter announced a new partnership to support the Chapter’s Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program. SAF offers several financial and social resources to Michigan military personnel, families and veterans.
Quicken Loans is contributing more than $20,000 to the Chapter to fund the creation of a new comprehensive Web-based tool for use exclusively by active duty military. Powered by Quicken Loans, this new resource will assist military personnel in getting important legal records and benefits in order prior to deployment and provide an educational guide on buying or refinancing a home.
“We, much like the Red Cross, understand the importance of supporting the brave men and women of our military,” said Bill Emerson, CEO of Quicken Loans. “We have leveraged the collective knowledge of our family of companies to help provide our hometown service members with the financial tools they need to rest assured things are being cared for at home, allowing them to focus on their difficult tasks abroad.”
In addition to providing a new information resource, Quicken Loans’ contribution will also go towards supporting the Chapter’s overall SAF program, including around-the-clock worldwide emergency communications between all service members and their families, access to financial assistance in times of crisis, case management support and more. As the state lead for Red Cross SAF program, the Chapter also coordinates workshops for military personnel and families throughout the state.
“We are extremely grateful to Quicken Loans for its generous support and commitment in assisting our military and their families,” said James Laverty, CEO of the Chapter. “This new online resource will help prepare military personnel and their families on issues that need to be addressed as part of their service to our nation and will be instrumental in our overall efforts to provide them with important assistance.”
Quicken Loans’ new web-based financial resource offers military personnel a comprehensive, step-by-step process to assist in managing their important financial affairs as they prepare for service.
Military personnel also will have access to helpful links to learn about such things as government initiatives, making it easy to refinance, and tax credits for first-time home buyers. These resources can be accessed by visiting www.semredcross.org/deployment-and-veteran-tips.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in southeast Michigan: relief to disaster victims, emergency aid to active and retired military personnel and their families, and the knowledge and skills to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergency situations. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semredcrossblog.org.
About Quicken Loans
Quicken Loans is the nation’s largest online retail mortgage lender and the fifth largest retail mortgage lender in the United States, closing more than $25 billion across all 50 states in retail home loan volume in 2009. The company, with 3,000-plus team members, closes loans from five Web Centers located in Michigan, Ohio and Arizona, and from its San Diego-based One Reverse Mortgage unit. The QuickenLoans.com Web site has been named “Best of the Web” by Forbes and Money magazine. Quicken Loans has been named to Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the past seven years, ranking as high as No. 2. The company also has been named one of Computerworld Magazine’s “100 Best Places to Work in Technology” for the past five years, ranking No. 1 in 2005, 2006 and 2007. In 2009, team members volunteered more than 1,500 hours with local charities and non-profit organizations. For more information, visit www.QuickenLoans.com.
Contact: Andrea Tomaszewski
248-224-5606
Red Cross Logs Nearly 70,000 CPR Chest Compressions Today
DETROIT – More than 320 people took part in the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter’s attempt to set a world record in CPR chest compressions. Almost 70,000 chest compressions were logged at seven stations around the GM Renaissance Center to the backdrop of the 1977 hit Staying Alive.
Participants received brief instructions on administering CPR, before administering chest compressions for two minutes to the lively music.
“A little bit of knowledge (on CPR compressions) is better than none at all,” said Red Cross instructor Debbie Stroup, who led participants through the mock disasters, such as a sudden cardiac arrest. During the instructions, the trainers showed participants how to check whether the person was breathing, encouraged them to tell someone present to call 911, and demonstrated how to deliver chest compressions on the CPR mannequins.
The world record attempt was made during Red Cross Month. An additional goal was to increase awareness of the importance of learning CPR. Participants received instructions at the CPR stations in the GM Wintergarden and surrounding areas between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
After administering the chest compressions, participants received coupons for discounted safety classes at five Red Cross training sites in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter is attempting to establish a world record for the highest number of CPR chest compressions performed in a day. Currently no such category for this specific effort exists with the Guinness Book of Records. However after contacting them, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter will be submitting its data in an attempt to establish a record in a new category.
Stayin’ Alive!
Read MoreThe Red Cross Inviting Public to Help Set World Record
WHAT: An attempt at setting a world record for the “most CPR chest compressions in a day,” in recognition of Red Cross Month (in March).
WHO: The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, GM Renaissance Center employees and the general public.
WHEN: Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: GM Renaissance Center, Wintergarden area, Detroit, Mich.
The general public, along with GM RenCen employees are encouraged to join the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross in establishing this world record, by taking a few minutes to administer “chest compressions” to one of several CPR mannequins and learning a little about the importance of knowing CPR. For more information, contact Andrea Tomaszewski at 313-350-1434 or TomaszewskiA@usa.redcross.org.
Read MoreSoutheastern Michigan Chapter responds to two multi-unit fires within 18 hours
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter was on the scene at an apartment fire last night, after a blaze ripped through eighteen units of Woodside Village Apartments in Rockwood. Ten of the units were destroyed, and many residents lost everything.
Our first priority was making sure they had shelter. Emergency Services Specialist Jima Braynon was there, along with Volunteer Disaster Action Team Oakland 12, led by Bob York. The Southeastern Michigan Chapter set up a service center in a church, just steps just away from the complex, while apartment management provided shelter for 60 percent of residents.
We provided help to four people in two units. Because of the devastation, not everyone was ready to speak with the Red Cross after the fire, yet Braynon expects to hear from more residents in the next couple of days.
Public Affairs Volunteer Gary Krupczak talked to several media outlets that were on the scene. For more on the story, see Fox 2’s report: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/fire-at-apartment-building-in-rockwood-100317.
This morning, in a hotel fire on Detroit’s east side, one man was killed and another was left in serious condition after a fire swept through the hotel/boarding house. The Southeastern Michigan Chapter responded, but most of the residents were at the hospital or had dispersed to other places.
Specialist Braynon spoke with the hotel owner - getting the names of residents and also providing Red Cross contact information for them. We expect to service several of the residents who were living there.
Read MoreWayne County Executive Declares March 2010 as Red Cross Month in County
In a heartfelt showing of appreciation, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross publicly thanked Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano for proclaiming March 2010 as American Red Cross month in the county.
“We appreciate this local recognition of our work,” said James Laverty, CEO of the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “We are striving to be there for people when they need us the most - whether it’s here in southeast Michigan, across the country or around the globe.”
Wayne County Executive Ficano recognized the Red Cross for its role in providing humanitarian aid to victims of disasters, services to the military, health and safety training, and a majority of the region’s blood supply.
While the U.S. president has declared every March as Red Cross Month since 1943, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter was pleased to receive the recognition in its own back yard, Laverty said.
The Wayne County executive’s proclamation recognized the local Red Cross for such things as providing local disaster relief to an average of four home fires a day in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
The county executive also acknowledged the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross for working around the clock to fulfill an important role: keeping service members and their families in communication during emergencies, and offering psychological support before, during and after deployment.
Similarly, the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross was recognized for supplying a majority of the region’s blood supply, providing blood to 43 hospitals in the region.
The Red Cross was also acknowledged for international relief efforts, such as helping the Haitian people after the recent earthquake, where the Red Cross will continue providing aid for years to come.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter received similar proclamations from the board of commissioners in Oakland and Macomb counties.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semtourofduty.org.
Contact Andrea Tomaszewski
313-494-2740 or
313-350-1434 (cell)
Board of Commissioners Declare March 2010 as American Red Cross Month in Macomb County
In a heartfelt showing of appreciation, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross publicly thanked the Macomb County Board of Commissioners today for its proclamation declaring March 2010 as American Red Cross month in Macomb County.
“We appreciate this recognition from the Macomb County Board of Commissioners,” said James Laverty, CEO of the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “We are working to be there for people when they need us the most - whether it’s here in southeast Michigan, across the country or around the globe.”
The Board recognized the Red Cross for its role in providing humanitarian aid to victims of disasters, as well as services to the military, health and safety training, and a majority of the region’s blood supply.
While the U.S. president has traditionally declared every March as Red Cross Month since 1943, the local Red Cross was glad to receive the recognition in its own back yard.
The Board of Commissioners recognized the Southeastern Michigan Chapter at its recent Feb. 25 meeting with an official proclamation, for such things as providing local disaster relief to an average of four home fires a day in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, providing families with temporary food, clothing and shelter to help them rebuild after their losses.
The Board of Commissioners also acknowledged the local Red Cross for supporting military personnel and their families, helping them to cope with the stresses of deployment as service members help fight terrorism a world away.
The Board further recognized the Chapter for preparing residents for medical emergencies, citing the fact that last year, the Red Cross certified 47,762 Oakland, Macomb and Wayne county residents in First Aid/CPR/AED, and 76,176 residents in water safety skills.
Similarly, the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross was recognized for supplying a majority of the blood supply, providing blood to 43 hospitals in the region.
The Red Cross was also lauded for supporting international relief efforts, to help other countries cope with enormous disasters, such as the recent earthquake in Haiti, where the Red Cross will continue providing aid for years to come.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semtourofduty.org.
# # #
Contact Andrea Tomaszewski
313-494-2740 or
313-350-1434
Oakland County Commissioners Declare March 2010 as Red Cross Month
(Pontiac, Mich.) - With March declared as Red Cross Month nationally, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday proclaimed March 2010 as American Red Cross month in the county, recognizing and thanking the Southeastern Michigan Chapter for its commitment to helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
“The qualities of life upon which we pride ourselves in Oakland County are, in part, demonstrated by the commitment and dedication of special organizations like the American Red Cross,” said Bill Bullard, Jr., Oakland County Commissioners chairperson, at the board of commissioners meeting, before presenting the proclamation to James Laverty, CEO of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross.
Every year since 1943, the President of the United States issues a proclamation that designates March as Red Cross Month. The tradition began when Franklin D. Roosevelt appealed to the American public to assist the Red Cross during World War II.
The Oakland County Commissioners followed President Barack Obama’s lead, recognizing the Red Cross for its role in Oakland County, throughout the nation and around the world in sheltering, feeding and providing emotional support to victims of disasters, supplying a majority of the nation’s blood supply, teaching lifesaving skills, and supporting military members and their families.
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners acknowledged the Southeastern Michigan Chapter for preparing local residents for medical emergencies, citing the fact that last year, the Red Cross certified 47,762 Oakland, Macomb and Wayne county residents in First Aid/CPR/AED, as well as 76,176 residents in water safety skills.
Similarly, he recognized the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross for supplying a majority of the blood supply in southeast Michigan, providing blood to 43 hospitals in the region.
Board of Commissioner Chairperson Bullard also recognized the Southeastern Michigan Chapter for providing humanitarian aid to an average of four home fires a day in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties, providing the families with temporary food, clothing and shelter to help them rebuild after their losses.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter was also acknowledged for supporting military personnel and their families, helping them cope with the stresses of deployment as service members help fight terrorism a world away.
Further, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross was recognized for supporting international relief efforts, to help rush immediate aid to countries rocked by disaster, such as the recent earthquake in Haiti, where the Red Cross will continue providing aid for years to come.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semtourofduty.org.
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Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Bullard, Jr. reads a Proclamation declaring March 2010 as American Red Cross Month in Oakland County, before presenting it to James Laverty, CEO of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross. Deborah Macon (left), Ambassador for the Southeastern Michigan Chapter, and Nancy Scarlet, Board Member of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter and Human Resources Director for Oakland County, also look on.
Contact
Andrea Tomaszewski
313-494-2740 or
313-350-1434
Read MoreDr. McGeorge Delivers Medical Care to Haitians
WDIV Good Health Reporter Dr. Frank McGeorge went to Haiti shortly after the earthquake to provide medical care and humanitarian aid to people, as well as news reports for Channel 4.
On his first morning, Dr. McGeorge began setting up his medical supplies at 6 a.m. in a standing structure, and word spread quickly throughout the neighborhood. Soon, the “walking wounded” as he calls them, were lined up to be treated for such things as fractures and sprains.
Because Dr. McGeorge arrived after the first week following the earthquake, the people with horrible crash injuries had either already received medical treatment or were currently aboard the USNS Comfort receiving medical care.
When he wasn’t providing medical care, Dr. McGeorge witnessed – and videotaped with the help of a cameraman – the vast devastation in Haiti.
“While we clearly have our problems here in America, the human tragedy that I witnessed in Haiti is so far beyond anything I’d ever witnessed,” Dr. McGeorge told WDIV viewers. “We are all on the same little planet. Be thankful for the life that you’re blessed with. Help anyone who’s less fortunate whenever you can.”
While witnessing and videotaping the destruction with his cameraman, Dr. McGeorge noticed a huge need for food, shelter and water, the basic humanitarian provisions that the Red Cross has been providing to the Haitian people.
He noted that shelter is an especially huge problem, because the makeshift homes made from sticks and blankets and tied with a string would never stand up to the coming winds and rain, and provide very little privacy, which is a basic human need.
He said the tents and cooking supplies that the American Red Cross began delivering will be a tremendous help. Until the Haitians can redevelop their agricultural base, they need food from the Red Cross and other organizations.
Though he saw a lot of devastation, he also saw things that lifted him up, such as a lot of help coming in from the U.S. and all over the world, which he said was “incredibly awe-inspiring.”
Read MoreAEDs in the Workplace Presentations--Free in March
(DETROIT) - In celebration of Red Cross Month, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is offering a free 45-minute Automated External Defibrillator (AED) presentation for organizations in the tri-county area throughout the month of March. The presentation is intended for those organizations that don't have an AED, or for those who already own one but have not been trained recently in its use.
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., claiming more than 200,000 lives each year. According to the American Red Cross, when sudden cardiac arrest strikes - for every minute that passes - the chance of survival goes down by 10 percent.
"Many people don’t realize how easy it is to use an Automated External Defibrillator, and how important it is to have one nearby in case of sudden cardiac arrest,” said Lynne Osborne, Manager of Workplace Programs for the Southeastern Michigan Chapter.
To better prepare workplaces for these medical emergencies, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is offering the free 45-minute AED session for any size group during the day or evening, seven days a week, at any location in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb county. The presentation, which normally costs $150 (or is waived for those purchasing AEDs from the Red Cross), will be free for the first 100 organizations.
During the session, an experienced Red Cross AED professional will:
Explain sudden cardiac arrest and the “Cardiac Chain of Survival.”
Teach when and how to use an AED.
Give a demonstration of a live AED.
Discuss the precautions and safety features within an AED.
Review the Michigan Good Samaritan Laws, and liability issues or concerns.
Explain specific maintenance including when and how to change pads/batteries.
Answer questions and dispel lingering fears about AEDs.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter can tailor the orientations to specific AEDs from the following manufacturers: Cardiac Science, Medtronic/Physio-Control, Philips Medical and Zoll Medical.
For more information or to register, contact Osborne at 313-576-4106 or osbornely@usa.redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide.
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