Red Cross Helps Up to 40 People After Ogden Blaze

Red Cross Helps Up to 40 People After Ogden Blaze

Ogden, UTAH (Sunday, July 16, 2009) — The American Red Cross in Northern Utah is on the scene right now for dozens of people (up to 40) affected by an apartment fire in Ogden. The Disaster Action Teams are on the scene at this hour (9:00 pm) assessing the needs of the families and individuals affected. The volunteers are hosting a reception and information center at 23rd Street and Quincy. If needed, the Red Cross will open a shelter to provide a place to sleep, meals, and immediate essential needs for those affected. Many of the residents speak Spanish and the Red Cross has translators on the scene to assist them.

The Red Cross is also helping with a canteen for firefighters working at the fire.

Red Cross Chapters in Utah respond to up to 200 incidents each year, some of them render multiple families homeless. Nationwide, the American Red Cross’s local chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing and other life necessities. Volunteers give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and a toy for children.

How People Can Help:

Help people affected by disasters by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, or your local Chapter. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.

The American Red Cross Helping Mother & Child

Salt Lake City, UTAH (Thursday, July 23, 2009) — The American Red Cross is helping a mother and child this morning after a fire burned their apartment on Foss street and 200 South in Salt Lake City. Disaster Action Team leader Shin Ho Wang of the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter said, “It was rough finding a hotel room for the family of two in the middle of the night due to the ongoing Outdoor Retailer convention in the city in addition to the 24^th of July, Pioneer Day holiday weekend. ” Wang shared, “The Red Cross was able to get the two shelter… in the very last room available at one of the hotels after about an hour of making calls. The mom was very grateful for our help.” The disaster volunteer said the fire department declared their home inhabitable due to smoke damage but the family was able to get clothing and food from their apartment. Only one unit was affected by the fire.

The American Red Cross opens shelters when larger groups are displaced from their homes to do fires, floods, evacuations or other disasters. When individuals and smaller groups of people are affected, the Red Cross places them in hotel rooms that are secured at discounted rates.

Red Cross Chapters in Utah respond to up to 200 incidents each year, some of them render multiple families homeless. Nationwide, the American Red Cross’s local chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing and other life necessities. Volunteers give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and a toy for children.

How You Can Help: www.utahredcross.org

Help people affected by fires, like this one, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, or your local Chapter. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.

Cottonwood Heights Lifeguard Team Wins Red Cross Challenge

The American Red Cross Challenges Utah’s Lifeguards

in Lifesaving Skills at the 14^th Annual Lifeguard Games

Kearns, Utah (Saturday, July 18, 2009) – The American Red Cross announces the Cottonwood Heights lifeguard team took the first place trophy today in the 14^th Annual Lifeguard Games, a statewide competition judging 10 teams of 6 lifeguards each in lifesaving skills. The Kearns and Fairmont teams came in second and third place this year. The teams ran through a vigorous 14 emergency scenario drills under the watchful eyes of the judges. Each station tested the groups’ ability to assess the emergency scenario they faced and to act with their lifesaving skills using the proper water safety techniques set by the American Red Cross. The Games were held at the Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center from 7:30 am to 11:30 am. Teams came from around the state including Provo, Logan, Kamas and cities from along the Wasatch Front.

Spectator Steve Sharp of Logan came to watch the Utah State University team and said, “This is a spectacular event. It is so well organized and I just can’t think of a better way to get these lifeguards to use the skills they need. And it’s all part of a friendly competition.”

Lifeguard Andrew Arnold of Farmington was a member of the winning team from South Davis Recreation Center last year. Andrew is 20 years old and has been lifeguarding for 5 years, he said he highly recommends this event, “I would encourage every pool to send lifeguards to this event, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The drills made us practice all of the important skills that a lifeguard needs and it required us to think outside of our training and to figure out what to do with our patients.” Red Cross Health and Safety Director, Mary Matthiessen explains, “This event is a great way for lifeguards to practice their skills in a non-life threatening environment. They can take what they practice here back to their own individual pools and put them into practice.”

Matthiessen, said, “Lifeguarding is much more than working on a good tan. When individuals and families come to swim at their pools they can be assured that a trained lifeguard will be there to help them in their time of need.” Today, several lifeguards said they appreciated the Red Cross for honoring the important work of lifeguards in protecting the lives of Utahns.

Drowning remains the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries for youths ages 5 to 24, according to the National Safety Council. The majority of these deaths occur in water that is not being monitored by trained lifeguards. The American Red Cross has been the leader in water safety and lifeguard training since 1914.

Annual Red Cross Lifeguard Competition

The American Red Cross will hold the 2009, 14th Annual Lifeguard Games at the Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center on Saturday, July 18th from 7:30 am to 11:30. Lifeguard Andrew Arnold of Farmington was a member of the winning team from South Davis Recreation Center last year. Andrew is 20 years old and has been lifeguarding for 5 years, he said he highly recommends this event, “I would encourage every pool to send lifeguards to this event, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The drills made us practice all of the important skills that a lifeguard needs and it required us to think outside of our training and to figure out what to do with our patients.” Red Cross Health and Safety Director, Mary Matthiessen explains, “This event is a great way for lifeguards to practice their skills in a non-life threatening environment. They can take what they practice here back to their own individual pools and put them into practice.”

Matthiessen, said, “Lifeguarding is much more than working on a good tan. When individuals and families come to swim at their pools they can be assured that a trained lifeguard will be there to help them in their time of need.” About 200 lifeguards from around the state compete in the Lifeguard Games. Six-person, co-ed teams show off their skills, as the Red Cross honors the important work of lifeguards in protecting the lives of Utahns.

Drowning remains the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries for youths ages 5 to 24, according to the National Safety Council. The majority of these deaths occur in water that is not being monitored by trained lifeguards.

The American Red Cross has been the leader in water safety and lifeguard training since 1914.

About the American Red Cross in Utah: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; supplies blood to 30 area hospitals; and supports military members and their families. The organization also provides emergency utility assistance and international family tracing services. The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization, not a government funded agency, which depends entirely upon volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. Donate your time or resources to your local Chapter. Salt Lake Area 801-323-7000 or visit www.utahredcross.org, Provo Area (801) 373-8580 www.redcrossut.org, Ogden Area (801) 627-0000, www.redcrossutah.org.

Landslide Evacuees in Logan

The American Red Cross Opens Shelter After Landslide

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (Saturday, July 11, 2009) — The American Red Cross in Logan is helping more than 20 people this weekend after a landslide near 900 East Canyon road forced them from their homes in Logan, Utah. The Red Cross is hosting a shelter at a church near 600 E. Center Street where evacuated families can spend the night. Red Cross Spokesperson Susan Thomas said, "The Red Cross provided cots, blankets, toys and fed the families pizza for dinner and will have breakfast for them in the morning. We are also helping several families with babies who need clothing, diapers and formula as well."

Red Cross Chapters in Utah respond to up to 200 incidents each year, some of them render multiple families homeless. Nationwide, the American Red Cross’s local chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing and other life necessities. Volunteers give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and a toy for children.

Help people affected by disasters by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, or your local Chapter. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.

Contact office for the American Red Cross in Logan, Utah

Cache County Office
(435) 752-1125
http://cachecounty.redcross.org

About the American Red Cross in Utah:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; supplies blood to 30 area hospitals; and supports military members and their families. The organization also provides emergency utility assistance and international family tracing services. The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization, not a government funded agency, which depends entirely upon volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. Donate your time or resources to your local Chapter. Salt Lake Area 801-323-7000 or visit www.utahredcross.org, Provo Area (801) 373-8580, Ogden Area (801) 627-0000, Logan Area (435)752-1125.

American Red Cross helps Landslide Evacuees in Logan

Susan Thomas

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (Saturday, July 11, 2009) — The American Red Cross in Logan is working to be able to provide help up to 50 people at this hour (10:00 pm) after a landslide near 900 East Canyon road forced them from their homes. Up to seven blocks in the area are now affected. The Red Cross is hosting a shelter at a church near 600 E. Center Street where evacuated families can spend the night. Red Cross Spokesperson Susan Thomas said, "The Red Cross provided cots, blankets, toys and fed the families pizza for dinner and will have breakfast for them in the morning. We are also helping several families with babies who need clothing, diapers and formula as well. We have more than 20 people in the shelter right now and are prepared to handle more as may be needed."
Red Cross Chapters in Utah respond to up to 200 incidents each year, some of them render multiple families homeless. Nationwide, the American Red Cross’s local chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing and other life necessities. Volunteers give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and a toy for children.
Help people affected by disasters by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, or your local Chapter. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.

Contact information for the American Red Cross in Logan, Utah
Cache County Office(435) 752-1125http://cachecounty.redcross.org
Northern Utah Chapter/Ogden Area (801) 627-0000

About the American Red Cross in Utah:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; supplies blood to 30 area hospitals; and supports military members and their families. The organization also provides emergency utility assistance and international family tracing services. The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization, not a government funded agency, which depends entirely upon volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. Donate your time or resources to your local Chapter. Salt Lake Area 801-323-7000 or visit www.utahredcross.org, Mountain Valley Chapter/Provo Area (801) 373-8580, Northern Utah Chapter/Ogden Area (801) 627-0000, Logan Area (435)752-1125.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Games

Lifeguards from across the state of Utah meet in Kearns to compete in lifesaving skills in the American Red Cross Lifeguard Games July 18th

Kearns, Utah (July 7, 2009) -- The American Red Cross will hold the 2009, 14th Annual Lifeguard Games at the Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center on Saturday, July 18th from 7:30 am to 11:30. Lifeguard Andrew Arnold of Farmington was a member of the winning team from South Davis Recreation Center last year. The twenty year-old, who has been lifeguarding for 5 years, said he highly recommends this event, “I would encourage every pool to send lifeguards to this event, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The drills made us practice all of the important skills that a lifeguard needs and it required us to think outside of our training and to figure out what to do with our patients.” Red Cross Health and Safety Director, Mary Matthiessen explains, “This event is a great way for lifeguards to practice their skills in a non-life threatening environment. They can take what they practice here back to their own individual pools and put them into practice.”

Matthiessen, said, “Lifeguarding is much more than working on a good tan. When individuals and families come to swim at their pools, they can be assured that a trained lifeguard will be there to help them in their time of need.” About 200 lifeguards from around the state compete in the Lifeguard Games. Six-person, co-ed teams show off their skills, as the Red Cross honors the important work of lifeguards in protecting the lives of Utahns.

Drowning remains the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries for youths ages 5 to 24, according to the National Safety Council. The majority of these deaths occur in water that is not being monitored by trained lifeguards.

The American Red Cross has been the leader in water safety and lifeguard training since 1914.

About the American Red Cross in Utah: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; supplies blood to 30 area hospitals; and supports military members and their families. The organization also provides emergency utility assistance and international family tracing services. The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization, not a government funded agency, which depends entirely upon volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. Donate your time or resources to your local Chapter. Salt Lake Area 801-323-7000 or visit www.utahredcross.org, Provo Area (801) 373-8580 www.redcrossut.org, Ogden Area (801) 627-0000, www.redcrossutah.org.

Caption for photo: left to right on the back row is Andrew Arnold, Sagen Smith, Jeralyn Turnblom. The front row is Nalu Medeiros, Steve Platt. More photos available in high resolution. This photo courtesy Kearns Oquirrh Park.

American Red Cross Fireworks Safety Tips

July 4 American Red Cross Safety Tips

There are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission. You can enjoy these Fourth of July staples safely by doing the following:

• 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.

Nothing says summer quite like the smell of barbecue. Make sure safety is a key ingredient in your Fourth of July by reading the following tips for safer grilling:

• Use gas and charcoal barbecue grills outside only.
• Position grills far from siding, deck railings, overhanging branches and house eaves.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using grills.
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.