Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The American Red Cross in Utah is helping with disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami affecting American Samoa -
Salt Lake City, Utah (Wednesday, September 30, 2009) — Local chapters of the American Red Cross in Utah are working at this hour to deploy disaster trained Red Cross volunteers to American Samoa. There are several crucial volunteer positions needed to help with sheltering and feeding of the people affected by the tsunami there. Twelve Red Cross disaster volunteers from Utah are confirmed to go at this hour, with more pending. All local chapters are reporting many calls coming in from Utahns who are concerned about loved ones affected by the earthquake and tsunami and who want to help by making donations to the disaster relief efforts.
SAFE AND WELL: Getting information out of the island is very slow at this time. The Red Cross urges those who have been able to contact loved ones on American Samoa to register them with Safe and Well, the best way to share information about their status. You can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website at www.redcross.org. If you do not have internet access, call 1-800-REDCROSS to register your loved ones. The information you post will let other loved ones know about the well-being of those on the island. Please note - Safe and Well works only for American Samoa. For inquiries regarding Samoa call the Department of State at 1-888-407-4747.
DONATIONS: The American Red Cross is responding to the situation in American Samoa, thanks to our Disaster Relief Fund. Anyone wishing to support this operation should make a gift to the Disaster Relief Fund. 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. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disaster. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter, or to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C., 20013. Internet users can make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org or www.utahredcross.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. Greater Salt Lake Area 801-323-7000, Mountain Valley Chapter/Provo Area (801) 373-8580, Northern Utah Chapter/Ogden Area (801) 627-0000, Logan (435) 752-1125. Visit www.utahredcross.org and click “Across Utah.”

Friday, September 25, 2009

Northern Utah Red Cross trains 150 people in disaster relief sheltering in September


The American Red Cross in Northern Utah reports a surprising and amazing public response to a new preparedness program that offers disaster shelter training.
This fall, the American Red Cross of Northern Utah is offering a Partner Shelter Operations training course to the public.

They have already held 10 courses and have five more coming up – all of them completely booked. Fred Henderson, the Emergency Services Director of the Northern Utah Chapter of the Red Cross, is overjoyed, “The public interest has been amazing! We have already doubled our capacity for those trained in sheltering and we are only two-thirds of the way through this program.” The classes consist of two hours of instruction and a meal. The course covers basic American Red Cross shelter operations. Upon completion, each attendee receives a certification card. The classes were made possible thanks to a grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation for the Northern Utah Prepare Project.

The project funds and facilitates strategic placement of disaster response material resources, advanced training for American Red Cross Disaster Services Human Resource members, collaborative training with partner organizations active in disaster, and it concludes with a disaster drill exercise. If they choose to, those who participate will be listed on the American Red Cross of Northern Utah’s non-Red Cross shelter worker roster, they will have the opportunity to participate in a full scale exercise in sheltering and will be called when needed during real-life disasters. Henderson said, “We have already trained and signed up 150 people at this point! This is a better response than I ever anticipated!”

Henderson said, “All of the current classes are full at this time, but any other groups out there who would like to schedule one of these trainings may do so by contacting us at 801-627-0000.” So far the course has been offered in the following counties: Davis, Morgan, Weber, Box Elder, Cache and Rich.

On average, Red Cross chapters in Utah respond to more than 2 incidents every week; 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, shelter, clothing, emotional support and other life necessities. Volunteers also give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood, evacuations, earthquakes and other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, hygiene items and a toy for children.

Iron County Couple to Help in Georgia Floods


The American Red Cross in Utah is answering the call to send disaster trained volunteers to help the people affected by flooding in Georgia. Today, Mark and Evelyn Halstead from the Cedar City, Utah area agreed to go to the scene to help. Mark Halstead will be serving as a volunteer to help with Red Cross casework for flood victims and Evelyn Halstead, a social worker, will be serving as a mental health volunteer. The two have been serving as disaster volunteers for 17 years for the American Red Cross and have been to many disasters across the country. Mark Halstead said, “We enjoy it, we like to help people and it is a very rewarding experience.” Tomorrow, the couple will obtain their volunteer assignments at the Mountain Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross in Provo at noon and by 2:00 pm they will be checking in at the airport for their trip. Last year, Red Cross Chapters in Utah deployed a total of 29 trained disaster volunteers, like the Halsteads, to disasters nationwide. Many helped during the Midwest floods and during the hurricanes along the Gulf Coast.

On average, right here in Utah, American Red Cross local chapters respond to more than 2 disasters every week; some of them render multiple families homeless. Chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing, emotional support and other life necessities. Volunteers also give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood, evacuations or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, hygiene items and a toy for children.

Help people affected by disasters, nationwide and here in Utah, 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.

Your Local Red Cross Chapter Is Moving!

The Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is moving! After October 7, the new address will be 555 East 300 South in Salt Lake City. All emergency services will continue 24/7 throughout the move including Disaster Relief efforts, Disaster Communications and Services to the Armed Forces. The phone numbers and web address will remain the same: You can still reach your Red Cross at 801-323-7000 and www.utahredcross.org. As you may know, your local Red Cross helps provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

On average, Red Cross chapters in Utah respond to more than 2 incidents every week; 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, emotional support and other life necessities. Volunteers also give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood, evacuations or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, hygiene items and a toy for children.

Help people affected by disasters, like the 114 emergencies that occurred in Utah last year, 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. Learn more www.utahredcross.org.

The American Red Cross in Utah Sends
Iron County Couple to Help in Georgia Floods

Iron County, UTAH (September 25, 2009) --The American Red Cross in Utah is answering the call to send disaster trained volunteers to help the people affected by flooding in Georgia. Today, Mark and Evelyn Halstead from the Cedar City area agreed to go to the scene to help. Mark Halstead will be serving as a volunteer to help with Red Cross casework for flood victims and Evelyn Halstead, a social worker, will be serving as a mental health volunteer. The two have been serving as disaster volunteers for 17 years for the American Red Cross and have been to many disasters across the country. Mark Halstead said, “We enjoy it, we like to help people and it is a very rewarding experience.” Tomorrow, the couple will obtain their volunteer assignments at the Mountain Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross in Provo at noon and by 2:00 pm they will be checking in at the airport for their trip. Last year, Red Cross Chapters in Utah deployed a total of 29 trained disaster volunteers, like the Halsteads, to disasters nationwide. Many helped during the Midwest floods and during the hurricanes along the Gulf Coast.

On average, right here in Utah, American Red Cross local chapters respond to more than 2 disasters every week; some of them render multiple families homeless. Chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing, emotional support and other life necessities. Volunteers also give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood, evacuations or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, hygiene items and a toy for children.

Help people affected by disasters, nationwide and here in Utah, 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.

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 Red Cross: Northern Utah Chapter/Ogden (801) 627-0000, Cache County Office/Logan (435)752-1125, Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter 801-323-7000, Mountain Valley Chapter/Provo (801) 373-8580. Visit www.utahredcross.org and click “Across Utah.”

Sign up for Babysitting Boot Camp!


Babysitting Boot Camp will be a fun way for your child to spend their time during fall break! Participants will receive certification in four American Red Cross courses, and learn about neighborhood safety and disaster preparedness. Sign up now and receive a student discount BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

Thursday-Friday, October 1-2, 2009
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Cost: $200*

Location: American Red Cross Blood Services Building
6616 S. 900 E. Salt Lake City

This two-day certification course is for youth ages 11-15 to learn babysitting skills hand-on. Other activities include:

Child/Infant CPR and First Aid
Pet First Aid
Officer Tyler Tomlinson will be coming to talk on Neighborhood Watch and safety

Receive a Babysitting Essentials Kit, Babysitting Boot Camp T-Shirt, and other prizes

Youth may register online at www.utahredcross.org
or by calling Kara Taggart at (801) 323-7010.

Admittance is limited, so register early!
*Military and other scholarships are available. Student discount buy one get one free.
Call for more information.

Sign up for Babysitting Boot Camp!

Babysitting Boot Camp is the perfect way to give the youth something fun to do during their fall break. Participants will receive certification in four American Red Cross classes and learn about neighborhood safety and recieve disaster tips. Sign up now and receive a student discount BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

Thursday-Friday, October 1-2, 2009
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Cost: $200*

Location: American Red Cross Blood Services Building
6616 S. 900 E. Salt Lake City

This two-day certification course is for youth ages 11-15 to learn babysitting skills hand-on. Other activities include:

Child/Infant CPR and First Aid
Pet First Aid
Officer Tyler Tomlinson will be coming to speak on Neighborhood Watch and safety
Babysitting Essentials Kit, Babysitting Boot Camp T-Shirt, and other prizes
Lunch and snacks provided both days

Youth may register online at www.utahredcross.org
or by calling Kara Taggart at (801) 323-7010.

Admittance is limited, so register early!
*Military and other scholarships are available. Student discount buy one get one free.
Call for more information.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Utah Red Cross Helps Orem Family of 8


Orem, UTAH (Tuesday, July 21, 2009) The Mountain Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross is helping a family of eight after a house fire today. Chapter Executive Garr Judd said, “We are helping the family with shelter, food, clothing and eye glasses. The home was totally destroyed.” The fire occurred in the 100 block of 350 East in Orem. The family has children ranging in age from 9 to 21. No one was injured and even the dog and guinea pig made it out of the fire safely.

Help individuals affected by disasters like this fire by donating to the American Red Cross Mountain Valley Chapter. Donations can be made by calling 801-373-8580, visiting www.RedCrossUT.org, or by mailing to 865 North Freedom Blvd, Provo 84604. 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.

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.

Are you Red Cross Ready?

Are you Red Cross Ready? Local Volunteer gets Utahns Prepared

September: It’s national preparedness month!

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (September 1, 2009) —During September, The American Red Cross is celebrating Preparedness Month… and one local volunteer who works hard to get Utahns prepared for disasters.

Kathy Luke of Sandy has volunteered with the American Red Cross for more than ten years. While living in Washington D.C., Luke attended several classes at the Red Cross and brought her knowledge with her when she moved to Salt Lake. Between both cities, Luke has taken 37 classes and now teaches two. Luke helps people affected by disasters, gives community presentations and teaches local disaster volunteers how to be prepared. Luke is an excellent example of someone who is Red Cross Ready!

Utahns can take a wide array of health & safety and disaster preparedness classes at their local Red Cross Chapters. The Red Cross also offers workplace training, to help keep businesses and their employees Red Cross Ready and safe in an emergency.

During September there will be a wide array of ongoing efforts in preparedness statewide, including disaster & sheltering training for volunteers, community disaster education presentations and more. Call your local Red Cross for details.

President Obama has designated September 11, 2010 as a national day of volunteering. He is encouraging all Americans to get out and volunteer, and your local Red Cross chapter is a great place to help! To get started volunteering and become more prepared for disasters in Utah, just visit our website at www.utahredcross.org. Your local chapters are training business and individuals year round how to be Red Cross Ready. Click on the Be Prepared Link and find lots of great information on being prepared for a list of disasters, making a plan, even printing off checklists! Also, check “Across Utah” on the website to find phone numbers and links for Red Cross offices throughout the state.

When your local chapter isn’t preparing the community for disasters and emergencies, they are responding to disasters right here in Utah. The Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter responds to up to 200 incidents each year, some of them render multiple families homeless.

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.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

The American Red Cross Helps Family of 8 in Orem
After House Fire


Orem, UTAH (September 3, 2009) The Mountain Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross is helping a family of eight after a house fire today. Chapter Executive Garr Judd said, “We are helping the family with shelter, food, clothing and eye glasses. The home was totally destroyed.” The fire occurred in the 100 block of 350 East in Orem. The family has children ranging in age from 9 to 21. No one was injured and even the dog and guinea pig made it out of the fire safely.
Help individuals affected by disasters like this fire by donating to the American Red Cross Mountain Valley Chapter. Donations can be made by calling 801-373-8580, visiting www.RedCrossUT.org, or by mailing to 865 North Freedom Blvd, Provo 84604. 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.

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.

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 Red Cross: Mountain Valley Chapter/Provo (801) 373-8580, Northern Utah Chapter/Ogden (801) 627-0000, Cache Valley Area/Logan (435)752-1125, Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter 801-323-7000. Visit www.utahredcross.org click on “Across Utah