American Red Cross Offering Giveaways for those Making Donations to their Comfort Days Campaign on Saturday
MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: Andrea Tomaszewski
January 8, 2010 313-350-1434
American Red Cross Offering Giveaways for those Making Donations to their Comfort Days Campaign on Saturday
What:
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross is heading into the final days of its Comfort Days campaign, and is urging residents to come out and support the campaign at its downtown Birmingham location on Saturday. There, Red Crossers and folks from 106.7 the Beat of Detroit will be on hand offering freebies such as tickets to marquee events to those who come out and make a donation in any amount.
The Comfort Days campaign supports local Disaster Services. While travel-sized toiletries are still being collected for the campaign, financial donations are especially appreciated during the final stretch.
When:
Saturday, January 9, from noon to 4 p.m. Radio station 106.7 the Beat of Detroit will be there from noon to 2 p.m.
Where:
The Comfort Days headquarters, 141 W. Maple, downtown Birmingham.
Why:
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross has seen an increase in the need for its Disaster Services, providing relief to families following an emergency such as a home or apartment fire. Now more than ever, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross needs the public’s support.
Who:
Besides 106.7 the Beat of Detroit, other partners in the Comfort Days campaign are Fox 2, Barton Malow and WWJ-950 AM.
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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Read More*Comfort Days Campaign to Support Local Red Cross Emergency Services
(Detroit) - The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter’s Comfort Days campaign kicked off today to support the chapter’s local Emergency Services efforts. The Southeastern Michigan Chapter is seeking financial donations and trial-sized toiletry items to provide comfort and support to victims of home and apartment fires, as well as members of the military.
The comfort kit items are needed because the Southeastern Michigan Chapter responds to an average of five local home fires a day, providing emergency food, clothing, shelter and toiletry items to the families whose lives have been so disrupted. The Chapter also provides immediate support and assistance to Michigan military personnel, veterans and their families.
Organizations such as businesses, places of worship and schools can organize comfort kit drives. People can register their organization by going online at www.semredcross.org/comfort-days and filling out the form. The organization will then receive a kit that will have all the materials needed to hold a Comfort Days campaign. People can also call 313-833-2664 for more information.
Comfort Kit items being collected are trial-sized shampoo, soap, lotion, washcloth, tissue, toothpaste, toothbrush, a pair of white socks, deodorant, razor and shaving cream.
Individuals are also invited to participate by going to the website link and donating money, or collecting trial-sized toiletries of their own and from family and friends. The Red Cross campaign runs through January 16.
The Comfort Days kick-off event was held at Barton Malow, where the staff kicked off their own in-house campaign by donating toiletry items and cash. The campaign is being sponsored by Barton Malow, Fox 2 News, 106.7 the Beat of Detroit, and WWJ-950 AM.
After the Comfort Days program ends, the Red Cross will contact participating organizations to set up their pick-up time, which will be the week of January 18-22. Those individuals donating their own items can call the Southeastern Michigan Chapter at 313-833-2649 to schedule a drop-off time.
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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.semtourofduty.org.
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Read MoreComfort Days Campaign to Support Local Red Cross Emergency Services
(Detroit) - The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter’s Comfort Days campaign kicked off today to support the chapter’s local Emergency Services efforts. The Southeastern Michigan Chapter is seeking financial donations and trial-sized toiletry items to provide comfort and support to victims of home and apartment fires, as well as members of the military.
The comfort kit items are needed because the Southeastern Michigan Chapter responds to an average of five local home fires a day, providing emergency food, clothing, shelter and toiletry items to the families whose lives have been so disrupted. The Chapter also provides immediate support and assistance to Michigan military personnel, veterans and their families.
Organizations such as businesses, places of worship and schools can organize comfort kit drives. People can register their organization by going online at www.semredcross.org/comfort-days and filling out the form. The organization will then receive a kit that will have all the materials needed to hold a Comfort Days campaign. People can also call 313-833-2664 for more information.
Comfort Kit items being collected are trial-sized shampoo, soap, lotion, washcloth, tissue, toothpaste, toothbrush, a pair of white socks, deodorant, razor and shaving cream.
Individuals are also invited to participate by going to the website link and donating money, or collecting trial-sized toiletries of their own and from family and friends. The Red Cross campaign runs through January 16.
The Comfort Days kick-off event was held at Barton Malow, where the staff kicked off their own in-house campaign by donating toiletry items and cash. The campaign is being sponsored by Barton Malow, Fox 2 News, 106.7 the Beat of Detroit, and WWJ-950 AM.
After the Comfort Days program ends, the Red Cross will contact participating organizations to set up their pick-up time, which will be the week of January 18-22. Those individuals donating their own items can call the Southeastern Michigan Chapter at 313-833-2649 to schedule a drop-off time.
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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.semtourofduty.org.
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Read MoreSoutheastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross Honors Vets and Military Families on Veterans Day
Contact Andrea Tomaszewski
248-224-5606
Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross Honors Vets and Military Families on Veterans Day
(DETROIT, November 11, 2009) – Today the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross salutes all veterans who have courageously served their country.
“Veterans have made great sacrifices for us, and that’s why one of our most important services at the Red Cross is to support and assist veterans,” said James Laverty, CEO of the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter.
Last Saturday, in a show of support to area veterans, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter participated in the Veterans Day parade in Detroit. In the coming weeks, 400 comfort kits containing personal hygiene items and warm socks will be provided to area veterans and active-duty military personnel, in a partnership with the Michigan Masons. Two hundred and fifty of the comfort kits will be given to veterans at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, and 150 kits will be given to military personnel at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter also assists veterans, their widows and dependents with processing claims for VA benefits. “Many times, they don’t have access to a printer, so we help them fill out the forms and send them in,” Laverty said.
The local Red Cross chapter also partners with local VA agencies, such as participating in the 2009 Stand Down for homeless veterans in October, where the Southeastern Michigan Chapter handed out comfort kits, socks and blankets. “The veterans were so grateful for them,” Laverty said.
As state lead for Red Cross military services in Michigan, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter coordinates workshops throughout the state, which are aimed at helping military personnel and their families cope with the stresses of deployment, as well returning home to civilian life.
For more information about Red Cross services to the military in Michigan, or how to get involved and help, call 313-833-8816, or log onto www.semredcross.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 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.semtourofduty.org.
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Seven High School Seniors Receive Nurse Assistant Training through Partnership of Local Organizations
(DETROIT) - Seven Detroit high school seniors will receive their certificate on Friday for completing the American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training (NAT) program, through a pilot program just completed at David Trombly High School.
Bringing the NAT program to the alternative Detroit high school was a partnership between The Holley Foundation, Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church, the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter and David Trombly High School.
“Because of the challenges these students face, we’ve all put a lot of effort and time into their training, to ensure their success,” said BJ White, Health Care Program Coordinator for the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross.
The tuition for the Red Cross program was covered by The Holley Foundation. Yet the foundation is quick to point out that it partnered closely with the other organizations. Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church provided uniforms for the students, all young women, to wear on their jobs. The church also supplied equipment to the schools, a necessary component for off-site Red Cross NAT training.
David Trombly invited the Red Cross to teach the course, and the Southeastern Michigan Chapter went above and beyond, also. Anika Bailey, RN, NAT Program Manager, who taught the students, brought the students breakfast each day so that they could be mentally alert for the training. “They told me I didn’t need to bring it, but I told them they needed their nourishment because the training lasted six hours each day,” Bailey said. The high school NAT course was an accelerated one taught over a few weeks.
Further, the Red Cross and the church are helping the students to successfully complete the state exam by covering the cost of the state exam prep training. Further, the organizations are helping the seven young women with getting a job after graduation in June, White said.
“They are all so proud to have completed this course. And they know it will help prepare them to be successful,” White added.
Upon successful completion of the state exam, the young women will be able to work in the high-growth medical field in a hospital or extended care facility. Nurse assistants help with basic patient care skills such as taking vital signs, and also assist patients with daily tasks such as eating and bathing.
But for now, students, school administrators, family members and members of the partnering organizations will all be attending the certificate ceremony at Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church in Detroit on Friday. Even members of the Holley family are flying in from around the country to attend. The school is hoping they will be joined by Robert Bobb, Detroit Public School’s emergency financial manager, and the district superintendant, who were also invited to attend.
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.semtourofduty.org.
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Red Cross Offers the Trick to Safety this Halloween
Red Cross Offers the Trick to Safety this Halloween
Including Tips to Help Prevent the Spread of Flu Germs
DETROIT, October 28, 2009 — With Halloween right around the corner, and H1N1 flu widespread across the country, the American Red Cross offers tips to help parents and children celebrate safely this year.
“We don’t want anyone to go out trick-or-treating and come home sick,” said Sharon Stanley, Chief Nurse of the American Red Cross. “You can follow these special tips to try to have a flu-free Halloween:”
- f your child is sick, keep them at home. This will be disappointing to your young one, but your neighbors and community are counting on you to hold the line on transmission of this virus.
- Remind kids to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs away. Carry that hand sanitizer with you or have it near your candy dispensing area!
- If you are giving out candy, hand it out or scoop it. Instead of a bowl of candy, consider handing out small, individually wrapped bags of treats.
- Throw away any unwrapped candy and inspect the rest for choking hazards and tampering.
To help prevent other dangers, take the following steps for a safer Halloween:
- Use flame-resistant costumes.
- Plan your route and make sure adults know where children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children as they make their way around the neighborhood.
- Make sure the trick-or-treaters have a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.
- Visit only the homes with a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.
- Instead of masks which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see, use face makeup.
- Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
- Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
- If you are welcoming ghosts and goblins, make sure your outdoor lights are on.
- Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps.
- Clear your porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
- Restrain your pets.
- Use a glow stick instead of a candle in your jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
Read MoreAmerican Red Cross Offers Fire Prevention and Safety Tips
(DETROIT) – The biggest disaster to threaten families nationally isn’t a hurricane or a flood – it’s a fire in their home. Last year, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter responded to more than 1,700 fires in the tri-county area, providing families with humanitarian aid. The local disaster relief is part of the home fire responses by the American Red Cross to more than 63,000 fires throughout the country.
October is Fire Safety Month, and the start of the heating season. For these reasons, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to take steps now to minimize the risk of home fires by remembering two key fire safety steps: install adequate smoke alarms and develop a fire escape plan.
“Fires can strike suddenly and spread quickly,” said Glen Hendricks, director of Emergency Services for the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “That’s why it’s important to take simple and inexpensive steps, such as installing smoke alarms inside the bedrooms, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home.”
“People should also create an escape plan, because during a fire every second counts,” Hendricks said. “Being prepared can greatly reduce the affects of these devastating fires.”
It is recommended that people check each smoke alarm in their home by pushing the test button at least once a month, and replacing batteries every year, or as needed. Also, replace the smoke alarms every ten years.
Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes from every room in the home, as well as a convenient place to meet outside, which should be a safe distance from the house. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year and revise as necessary. Families are encouraged to pay particular attention to developing and regularly practicing escape plans for children and older adults.
The Red Cross is committed to helping people learn how to minimize the risk of a home fire. Besides smoke alarms and escape plans, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter also recommends taking the following fire safety precautions:
Simple Steps to Help Prevent Fires
Keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from all heat sources, including stoves and alternative heating devices such as space heaters.
Stay in the kitchen if you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Don’t leave the home if you’re simmering, baking, boiling or roasting food.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
Safety Tips in the Event that a Fire Strikes Your Home
Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.
If you see smoke or fire in your fire escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit. If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If the door is warm, use your second way out.
If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a brightly colored cloth at the window.
For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information, visit www.semredcross.org.
About the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter (like those across the nation) depends on the generous support of financial donors to provide humanitarian aid to community members who are affected by home fires. You can help ensure that the Red Cross is ready to respond locally and meet the emergency needs of Southeast Michigan disaster victims by making a financial contribution to the Southeastern Michigan Chapter. Please visit www.semredcross.org or call 877-788-0014 to donate.
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McGregor Fund Awards $100,000 Grant to the American Red Cross for Local Disaster Relief Efforts
The McGregor Fund recently awarded a $100,000 grant to the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter in support of its local disaster relief efforts. The grant money will help the Red Cross provide emergency aid for residents in the tri-county area following a home or apartment fire, or other disaster.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross has one of the busiest disaster relief operations in the country, providing humanitarian aid to an average of five families a day in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties who have suffered a fire in their home. The local chapter provides families with emergency food, clothing and shelter, as well as much-needed emotional support to help them to recover from their losses.
“We are extremely grateful for this generous grant from The McGregor Fund,” said James Laverty, CEO of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross. “Contributions like this allow us to continue providing a vital safety net for families experiencing devastating fires in their home or apartment.”
Eighty percent of the grant money will go directly towards emergency aid for families. The other 20 percent will go towards equipment and materials used by the chapter’s Disaster Services to provide emergency aid. The grant will be administered from September 2009 to September 2010.
“The McGregor Fund has a long history of helping area residents through relieving their misfortunes and promoting their well-being - and this grant is a wonderful expression of that,” Laverty said.
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. These services are providing relief to disaster victims, giving support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and supplying the knowledge and skills to the community to 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 or make a donation, log on to www.semredcross.org or call 1-877-788-0014.
The McGregor Fund
The McGregor Fund is a private foundation established in 1925 by gifts from Katherine and Tracy McGregor “to relieve the misfortunes and promote the well-being of mankind.” The foundation awards grants to organizations in the following areas: human services, education, health care, arts and culture, and public benefit. The area of principal interest of the foundation is the City of Detroit and Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. The McGregor Fund has granted over $190 million since its founding and had assets of $141 million as of June 30, 2009. Visit www.mcgregorfund.org for more information.
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Read MoreRed Cross Research Finds Public Taking Precautions agains H1N1 but not Preparing for Emergencies
Red Cross Research Finds Public Taking Precautions against H1N1
But not Preparing for Emergencies
Local Red Cross Offers Resources During National Preparedness Month
With September designated as National Preparedness Month, recent surveys by the American Red Cross show that 93 percent of Americans were planning to take extra steps to avoid getting the H1N1 flu (swine flu)¹. However, only 12 percent of those surveyed had taken the steps the Red Cross recommends to prepare for a disaster.²
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter, American Red Cross, urges local residents to make a renewed effort in September to prepare for a possible resurgence of the H1N1 flu this fall – and for other emergencies, such as a home fire.
“You are your best defense against emergencies,” said James Laverty, CEO, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “The Red Cross can help you take simple steps to prepare yourself and your loved ones for emergencies ranging from a home fire or a flu outbreak, as well as prepare you for emergencies through safety training.”
The H1N1 flu survey, which was conducted in July by the Red Cross, found that the majority of Americans are taking (or planning on taking) extra measures to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues, and washing their hands more carefully to avoid getting the flu. In contrast, less than half plan on assembling a two-week supply of food, water and medicine that they might need in the event they or someone in their family becomes sick and needs to stay home for an extended period of time.
The Red Cross recommends that people take the following precautions to help guard against the flu:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are feeling sick.
As for all emergencies, the Red Cross recommends people start by taking three actions to prepare:
- Get a kit: The Red Cross recommends having one to two weeks worth of supplies at home, which should include nonperishable food, flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents.
- Make a plan: The Red Cross recommends meeting with family members to discuss how to prepare for and respond to emergencies most likely to happen in the local area. In Southeast Michigan, the most likely emergency is a home fire or medical emergency. Make a family plan for preventing a fire, and how to respond if one occurs.
- Be informed: Learn about what resources are available to help combat the most common types of emergencies where you live, learn, work and play. One of the most important ways to be prepared is to take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED course.
To help communities get prepared for emergencies, the Red Cross has created a free online education program called Be Red Cross Ready, which walks people through the three action steps. It is available on www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady.
Local Red Cross Preparedness Resources
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter recommends taking Red Cross safety training, such as First Aid and CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator). The chapter also sells a variety of AEDs, first aid kits and other preparedness supplies on their website. For more information, go to www.semredcross.org.
In honor of National Preparedness Month, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is also offering free preparedness seminars for the workplace, at their sites in Livonia, Warren and Detroit. The Pandemic Flu Leader Training is a 90-minute session that helps participants review and update their emergency preparedness plans with regards to communicable diseases. It will be held on September 24 and 25.
The Workplace Emergency Preparedness Seminar explains how to implement a comprehensive, organization-wide safety, preparedness and business continuity program. The three-hour seminar will be held on October 7, November 4 and December 2.
How to Save Money on Health and Safety Programs is a 90-minute class taught on September 24 and 25, and November 13. For more information, contact Lynn Osborne at 313-576-4106 or OsborneLy@usa.redcross.org.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter’s Emergency Services Director, Glen Hendricks, is also putting on various community-based presentations on how to prepare for disasters. The preparedness talks focus on how to prevent and respond to emergencies such as fires, the N1H1 (swine flu) and more.
¹ H1N1 findings are based on a telephone survey of 1,002 U.S. adults 18 years and older, conducted July 17-20, 2009 by CARAVAN® Opinion Research Corporation. The margin of error is +/-3.1 percent.
² The general preparedness findings are based on an online survey of 1,306 U.S. residents 18 years and older, conducted July 24-August 7, 2009 by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Red Cross.
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 or make a donation, log on to www.semredcross.org.
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Red Cross Research Finds Public Taking Precautions against H1N1 but not Preparing for Emergencies / Local Red Cross Offers Resources During National Preparedness Month
With September designated as National Preparedness Month, recent surveys by the American Red Cross show that 93 percent of Americans were planning to take extra steps to avoid getting the H1N1 flu (swine flu)¹. However, only 12 percent of those surveyed had taken the steps the Red Cross recommends to prepare for a disaster.²
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter, American Red Cross, urges local residents to make a renewed effort in September to prepare for a possible resurgence of the H1N1 flu this fall – and for other emergencies, such as a home fire.
“You are your best defense against emergencies,” said James Laverty, CEO, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “The Red Cross can help you take simple steps to prepare yourself and your loved ones for emergencies ranging from a home fire or a flu outbreak, as well as prepare you for emergencies through safety training.”
The H1N1 flu survey, which was conducted in July by the Red Cross, found that the majority of Americans are taking (or planning on taking) extra measures to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues, and washing their hands more carefully to avoid getting the flu. In contrast, less than half plan on assembling a two-week supply of food, water and medicine that they might need in the event they or someone in their family becomes sick and needs to stay home for an extended period of time.
The Red Cross recommends that people take the following precautions to help guard against the flu:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are feeling sick.
As for all emergencies, the Red Cross recommends people start by taking three actions to prepare:
- Get a kit: The Red Cross recommends having one to two weeks worth of supplies at home, which should include nonperishable food, flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents.
- Make a plan: The Red Cross recommends meeting with family members to discuss how to prepare for and respond to emergencies most likely to happen in the local area. In Southeast Michigan, the most likely emergency is a home fire or medical emergency. Make a family plan for preventing a fire, and how to respond if one occurs.
- Be informed: Learn about what resources are available to help combat the most common types of emergencies where you live, learn, work and play. One of the most important ways to be prepared is to take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED course.
To help communities get prepared for emergencies, the Red Cross has created a free online education program called Be Red Cross Ready, which walks people through the three action steps. It is available on www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady.
Local Red Cross Preparedness Resources
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter recommends taking Red Cross safety training, such as First Aid and CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator). The chapter also sells a variety of AEDs, first aid kits and other preparedness supplies on their website. For more information, go to www.semredcross.org.
In honor of National Preparedness Month, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is also offering free preparedness seminars for the workplace, at their sites in Livonia, Warren and Detroit. The Pandemic Flu Leader Training is a 90-minute session that helps participants review and update their emergency preparedness plans with regards to communicable diseases. It will be held on September 24 and 25.
The Workplace Emergency Preparedness Seminar explains how to implement a comprehensive, organization-wide safety, preparedness and business continuity program. The three-hour seminar will be held on October 7, November 4 and December 2.
How to Save Money on Health and Safety Programs is a 90-minute class taught on September 24 and 25, and November 13. For more information, contact Lynn Osborne at 313-576-4106 or OsborneLy@usa.redcross.org.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter’s Emergency Services Director, Glen Hendricks, is also putting on various community-based presentations on how to prepare for disasters. The preparedness talks focus on how to prevent and respond to emergencies such as fires, the N1H1 (swine flu) and more.
¹ H1N1 findings are based on a telephone survey of 1,002 U.S. adults 18 years and older, conducted July 17-20, 2009 by CARAVAN® Opinion Research Corporation. The margin of error is +/-3.1 percent.
² The general preparedness findings are based on an online survey of 1,306 U.S. residents 18 years and older, conducted July 24-August 7, 2009 by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Red Cross.
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 or make a donation, log on to www.semredcross.org.
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