tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723148175274760722024-03-29T01:03:59.897-06:00The American Red Cross-Utah RegionArticles and information from the American Red Cross in UtahTeresa Zundelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942239596237159609noreply@blogger.comBlogger325125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-72553102115052369312013-04-23T11:39:00.001-06:002013-04-23T11:39:18.778-06:00Top Ten Reasons To Become A Red Cross Volunteer!<div class="subhead">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thinking of becoming a volunteer? See a list of reasons that will help you make up your mind</span> <em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(*content courtesy of UC San Diego).</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#10: It's good for you.</span></h3>
Volunteering provides physical and mental rewards. It:<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Reduces stress:</strong> Experts report that when you focus on someone other than yourself, it interrupts usual tension-producing patterns.</li>
<li><strong>Makes you healthier:</strong> Moods and emotions, like optimism, joy, and control over one's fate, strengthen the immune system.</li>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#9: It saves resources.</span></h3>
Volunteering provides valuable community services so more money can be spent on local improvements.<br />
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<li>The estimated value of a volunteer's time is $15.39 per hour.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#8: Volunteers gain professional experience.</span></h3>
You can test out a career.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#7: It brings people together.</span></h3>
As a volunteer you assist in:<br />
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<li>Uniting people from diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal</li>
<li>Building camaraderie and teamwork</li>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#6: It promotes personal growth and self esteem.</span></h3>
Understanding community needs helps foster empathy and self-efficacy.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#5: Volunteering strengthens your community.</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#4: You learn a lot.</span></h3>
Volunteers learn things like these:<br />
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<li><strong>Self:</strong> Volunteers discover hidden talents that may change your view on your self worth.</li>
<li><strong>Community:</strong> Volunteers gain knowledge of local resources available to solve community needs.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#3: You get a chance to give back.</span></h3>
People like to support community resources that they use themselves or that benefit people they care about.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#2: Volunteering encourages civic responsibility.</span></h3>
Community service and volunteerism are an investment in our community and the people who live in it.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#1: You make a difference.</span></h3>
Every person counts!<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Begin making a difference in your community today! Visit </strong></span><a href="http://www.redcross.org/volunteer"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>www.redcross.org</strong></span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> to explore volunteer opportunities.</strong></span>Teresa Zundelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942239596237159609noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-72906356024382259032012-08-01T10:05:00.003-06:002012-08-01T10:07:21.716-06:00Hurricane App Brings Safety Information to Smart Phones<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The American Red Cross today launched its official Hurricane App, putting lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or who visit hurricane prone areas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span> <br />
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This free app is the second in a series to be created by the American Red Cross, the nation’s leader in emergency preparedness, for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. It gives instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during and after hurricanes. Building on the Red Cross’ leadership in the social media space, the app also includes a number of features that allow people to monitor personalized weather alerts in locations where family and friends reside and share information with others in their social networks who might also need it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“We want everyone to be to be ready for hurricanes,” said Maxine Margaritis, CEO, American Red Cross Utah Region. “The Red Cross Hurricane App allows people to receive and spread emergency information and to share their own status with friends and loved ones through social networks, anywhere, anytime.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The launch of the Red Cross hurricane app comes just before what is traditionally the busiest period of the Atlantic hurricane season. Features of the app include:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Location-based NOAA weather alerts for the United States and its territories users can share on social networks;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Remote monitoring of personalized weather alerts where family and friends reside<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Locations of open Red Cross shelters;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The app enables people across the country to receive alerts for locations in areas where they like to vacation or where loved ones live, giving peace of mind to travelers, people who winter in warmer climates, and those with elderly relatives or college students in coastal areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">National Red Cross experts in health, safety, and preparedness have thoroughly reviewed and field tested the information and advice provided in this app.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Hurricane App follows the recently released <a href="http://www.redcross.org/mobileapps"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: blue;">Red Cross First Aid App</span></span></a> which has had nearly 600,000 downloads in just six weeks. Testimonials and positive reviews have shown how dozens of people already have used the app to help in real-life situations. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Hurricane and First Aid Apps can be found in the <Apple App Store:</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hurricane-by-american-red/id545689128?mt=8"><span style="color: blue;">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hurricane-by-american-red/id545689128?mt=8</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">and the <Google Play Store for Android><<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.hfa"><span style="color: blue;">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.hfa</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">by searching for American Red Cross. To view a video about the new app, click</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6Ly2IsOhNU&feature=youtu.be"><span style="color: blue;">ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6Ly2IsOhNU&feature=youtu.be</span></a></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Downloading the First Aid app is not a substitute for training. First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. People can visit </span><a href="http://www.redcross.org/takeaclass"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">redcross.org/takeaclass</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> for course information and to register.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-56031140849112054672012-07-30T10:18:00.000-06:002012-07-30T10:18:02.765-06:00What's the Point of Giving Blood?<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><em>"Isabella was born at 32 weeks, profoundly anemic with a hemoglobin of 2.2. She had stopped moving and I knew something was wrong. I went to the hospital and they quickly agreed with me that something was seriously wrong. She was born that morning, August 23, 2009 by an emergency C section. <span class="read-more" style="display: none;">… <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/blood-donor-community/recipient-stories#">[read more]</a></span></em><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><em>She was pale...white as a ghost, actually. The doctors were gravely concerned since she had lost almost half of her blood volume due to a hemorrage in utero. However, as soon as they gave her blood....lots of it, and platelets, she stabilized and turned pink!! She is now a happy, healthy 2-year-old and we could never thank the blood donors who saved her life!!!!"</em></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><strong><span style="color: #666666;"> - Danielle</span></strong></span> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span style="color: #666666;"><em>"I was severely injured at work in 1978 when I broke my back and was bleeding to death...it took 17 pints of blood to save me. I'd donated a few times before this event, but it really inspired me to do more...to thank those who were there for me in my time of need...to try to be there <span class="read-more" style="display: none;">… <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/blood-donor-community/recipient-stories#">[read more]</a></span></em><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><em>for them in theirs...Then, in 1995, I was scheduled for an elective back surgery, and had donated several pints in the autologous program. Following surgery, I had an emergency need for more blood, and lacking the time to get my own from storage, the doctors used another 18 pints...So I owe my life not once, but twice to the generosity and gifts from other donors...that makes me proud to help out, too!"</em> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><strong><span style="color: #666666;">-David</span></strong></span></span><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><strong><br />
</strong></span></span></div><strong></strong><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><em><span style="color: #666666;">"Two weeks after my beautiful baby girl was born, I had complications. While I was being treated at the hospital, the doctor came and told my husband in the waiting room that it was a 'grave situation and she might not make it.' My husband was almost left without a wife and my little <span class="read-more" style="display: none;">… <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/blood-donor-community/recipient-stories#">[read more]</a></span><span class="details" style="display: inline;">girl without a mother. The blood that I received that day saved my life. I wish I could personally thank each person who selflessly donated the blood I received. It really does saves lives. It saved mine."</span></span></em></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><strong><span style="color: #666666;">-Michelle</span></strong></span></span></span></div><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span style="color: #999999;">What's the point of giving blood?</span> <span style="color: red;">To save lives.</span> </span></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"></span></span></span> </h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><span class="details" style="display: inline;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Read more recipient stories and schedule an appointment today at </span><a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/"><span style="color: black;">www.redcrossblood.org</span></a><span style="color: black;"> </span></strong></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></strong>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-53548867332598661532012-07-27T11:13:00.000-06:002012-07-27T11:13:52.686-06:002012 Leadership Development Camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzeWxjYUo2Mf3vzYi1VataFZIUJ8bhxyZ9SLCrihv_LEVCulv9eq4X7VxgH-C0Sdi0gaoeyPuAxRdMYIHfqzbylnL3uy1gwbqBp12OQcRBl6XhGefSHTJKfr1IvFTHXYXVy8V6vpp0Mc/s1600/bunched+better.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzeWxjYUo2Mf3vzYi1VataFZIUJ8bhxyZ9SLCrihv_LEVCulv9eq4X7VxgH-C0Sdi0gaoeyPuAxRdMYIHfqzbylnL3uy1gwbqBp12OQcRBl6XhGefSHTJKfr1IvFTHXYXVy8V6vpp0Mc/s320/bunched+better.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">T</span>his year was our third year doing a Leadership Development Camp here in the Utah Region and it was a total success! It was our first year using Camp Pinecliff , located 18 miles east of Coalville, and the location could not have been better! It provided a lovely outdoorsy and intimate setting for our 80 delegates to grow in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The week began with our keynote speaker, Shawn Moon from Franklin Covey, who inspired the delegates greatly. Throughout the week we held general sessions and several breakout groups where delegates learned about leadership, personal values, diversity awareness and making a difference in the lives of others. One of our biggest events was a panel of three executives who shared their experiences of success with the delegates. The panelists this year included: Jeremy Jones, a professional snowboarder; Reyes Aguilar of the College of Law at the University of Utah; and Phyllis Hockett, Cofounder of Pathway Associates. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAYPe5W9M0h1s3xPwvqvmkHvdvoGK6CpwK0agkBYkQnVn4Y1N5sRWXc2ev7BNg8fJMszkItTxnRzVkNB3EZHfgKMUMmj-6asaHO0iZXwTY7xpNKLucfcOlCvcL-cfEfQJ2aMYoEeE9WE/s1600/_MG_9664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAYPe5W9M0h1s3xPwvqvmkHvdvoGK6CpwK0agkBYkQnVn4Y1N5sRWXc2ev7BNg8fJMszkItTxnRzVkNB3EZHfgKMUMmj-6asaHO0iZXwTY7xpNKLucfcOlCvcL-cfEfQJ2aMYoEeE9WE/s320/_MG_9664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other activities included: dancing, sports, teambuilding games and service projects that benefited the not for profit Pinecliff Camp. This truly powerful camp, developed and directed by Skip Morgan, impacted all the youth who attended. Here is what some of them had to say:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“My attitude towards myself has changed positively and that was a good thing. My behavior towards others has changed because I realize how judgmental and immature some of my thinking and acting was. My perception of others is now more equal and I feel I love everyone as a person.”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“My whole perspective on life has changed, I can do anything…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> “Over the past week my life has changed…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“The way I see a leader being was something different than from what a leader truly is…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“I learned what true leadership is…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“I have learned to embrace diversity as a whole because it is not a bad thing…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“This week I learned more about myself than I thought possible…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“I’ve gained a brighter outlook on life in the past week…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“I see myself as a much more optimistic person…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“My attitude about life is much more positive. I know I can make a difference in this world.”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“I will never go back to who I used to be, I love the new me.”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“I really opened up to the profound effect I can have as a supporting leader as opposed to a directing leader.”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“EVERYTHING!!! Everything has changed since I’ve come to camp.”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“I have realized what a difference I can make in the lives of others if I am willing to put myself out there and be heard.”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“This has been the best week of my life! The best decision I have ever made…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“LDC CHANGED MY LIFE!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are interested in being a male volunteer staff person for next year or know of a youth in 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> or 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade interested in attending the 2013 camp next June, please see the youth page of our website and put your names on the waiting list ASAP. If you have questions, please contact </span><a href="mailto:heather.mckinnon@redcross.org"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">heather.mckinnon@redcross.org</span></a><o:p></o:p>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-6936723527878428822012-07-23T09:26:00.000-06:002012-07-23T09:26:18.683-06:00Spontaneous Volunteers Eager to Help During Wildfire Responses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5o42DEcb9JaCH9S7I0Uc1K4XeKEisYhHZIGNKCD0zOhHaEn-3_RjJyZgFQAMwN2VUTtx_OoeKT_felORhh8fXwxlhtkPnvjgdsdHP6hTXb2srx1CI6MFYknMZKSBvhbb40jM6iZsWg8/s1600/Volunteer+orientation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5o42DEcb9JaCH9S7I0Uc1K4XeKEisYhHZIGNKCD0zOhHaEn-3_RjJyZgFQAMwN2VUTtx_OoeKT_felORhh8fXwxlhtkPnvjgdsdHP6hTXb2srx1CI6MFYknMZKSBvhbb40jM6iZsWg8/s320/Volunteer+orientation.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">On June 22, the first of a storm of wildfires swept over the state, beginning a month of disasters that lead to the evacuation of thousands and the opening of several Red Cross shelters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red Cross volunteers responded with compassion for the victims and eagerness to help – but they weren’t the only ones showing willingness to give assistance. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">During each disaster, Red Cross volunteers were accompanied by groups of spontaneous community volunteers aspiring to help evacuees. Handfuls of Utah helpers were seen comforting evacuees, setting up shelter supplies, and assisting Red Cross staff. Since the fires began, 223 community members have applied to be trained Red Cross volunteers; 43 of which identified themselves as being “spontaneous volunteers” during this summer’s fire seasons. These volunteers have committed to directly help with wildfire responses and show support for victims. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Volunteer Coordinator for the American Red Cross Utah Region Kristy Denlein said many volunteers who have attended New Volunteer Orientation in recent weeks are very interested in disaster services and being trained to respond to local disasters. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Some of them are retired, some are nurses, and others were students, but all of them are just looking to give their time and give back to the community,” Denlein said. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For information on becoming a volunteer, visit </span><a href="http://www.utahredcross.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">www.utahredcross.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> and click on the “volunteer” link. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-78142582112935144332012-07-16T09:43:00.000-06:002012-07-16T09:43:28.108-06:00Emotional Health Hurts Too<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcsMYeY7tuRhjnz8lzOS5HtPw1DdM2wywUpAQwFbqfIZrZzQHUwr9vIbnouJ4w7zIcls8ZxMut-BqlyUMwRy2VP1HcAtvqxHzrh91EZilzyI2RDszhXLQSSPdp-FKA9E2Y2OlE_8T8gA/s1600/support.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcsMYeY7tuRhjnz8lzOS5HtPw1DdM2wywUpAQwFbqfIZrZzQHUwr9vIbnouJ4w7zIcls8ZxMut-BqlyUMwRy2VP1HcAtvqxHzrh91EZilzyI2RDszhXLQSSPdp-FKA9E2Y2OlE_8T8gA/s320/support.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thousands of Utah neighbors were forced to leave their homes during this summer’s wildfire season, with some properties being permanently damaged. Being forced to vacate in fear that they may never see their home again, Red Cross shelters across the state housed many frightened evacuees during their anxious waits. Although most structures have been saved and people have been able to return to their homes, undergoing a situation like this can be devastating and traumatic; causing emotional health issues that can last long after the tragedy is over. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Disasters like these can bring about unknown feelings leaving victims unaware of how to take care of their emotional health and how to get their lives back in a routine. When people experience a disaster or other stressful life event, they may react with:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Feeling physically and mentally drained<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having difficulty making decisions or staying focused on topics<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Becoming easily frustrated on a frequent basis<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Frustration occurring more quickly and more often<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Arguing more with family and friends<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Feeling sad, tired, numb, lonely, or worried<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Changes in appetite or sleep <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In most cases, people will typically feel better after a few days. Others find that their stress does not go away as quickly and it is compromising their relationships, careers, and happiness. For those who fall into the latter, it will take time to get your life back in order but it is important to remember the essentials:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take care of your safety<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eat healthy<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get some rest<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay connected with family and friends <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be patient with yourself and with those around you<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Set priorities<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gather information <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay positive <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If your situation worsens, you may need to reach out for additional assistance. For more resources, contact your local Red Cross Disaster Mental Health or contact the Disaster Distress Helpline by texting ‘Wildfire’ to 66746.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-76244464270756966282012-07-12T09:46:00.000-06:002012-07-12T09:46:58.546-06:00A Fiery Flashback for the American Red Cross<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0xidsQY03zhNfXnFOYHUPxuVNhgMmR4zIhyVooYCt9_CuHzfr4IZLqWJyGea-PKxXXDMDpfO87oHcVPyDdlizQ-X_X03ZIq74VYQ1ORu3-adHpso0CAZIReCKb8V4niw0t70dDSuwLI/s1600/forest-fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0xidsQY03zhNfXnFOYHUPxuVNhgMmR4zIhyVooYCt9_CuHzfr4IZLqWJyGea-PKxXXDMDpfO87oHcVPyDdlizQ-X_X03ZIq74VYQ1ORu3-adHpso0CAZIReCKb8V4niw0t70dDSuwLI/s320/forest-fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Officials, researchers and organizations have labeled house and wildfires the biggest disaster threat across the nation, affecting thousands of innocent people every year. The American Red Cross has become one of the key organizations in responding to these emergencies, with 93 percent of their responses being fire related. From its establishment in 1881, the American Red Cross not only helps victims of fire emergencies but has also evolved to educate society and prevent these disasters. The incident that started the campaign for fire relief began in Michigan in September of 1881. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Disaster struck the Lower Peninsula of Michigan when high winds combined with dry lands and small fires to form a wildfire that burned more than a million acres in only 24 hours. The fire devastated the area causing $2.5 million in damages, killing nearly 300 people and leaving thousands of survivors homeless. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Eager to help and prove that the Red Cross could contribute more than wartime relief, Clara Barton formed an auxiliary in Dansville, New York that began collecting food, clothing, household items and monetary donations to ship to Michigan. The Red Cross contribution totaled approximately $80,000 in cash and supplies. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The relief effort of the Michigan Forest Fire of 1881 helped to convince President Chester Arthur and the U.S. Senate to officially recognize the American Red Cross by signing the Treaty of Geneva on March 16, 1882. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The initial purpose of the American Red Cross was to aid wounded and sick soldiers on the battlefield. However, Barton had a hunger to do more -- she wanted to extend the Red Cross services beyond wartime and offer assistance to peacetime emergencies, as well. Based on what has become of the American Red Cross, it is apparent that she accomplished her goal. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Over 130 years later, wildfires remain a significant piece of the American Red Cross response, with volunteers responding to approximately 170 home fires every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2012 summer alone has required the major relief efforts of Red Cross chapters in western states who have suffered from extreme wildfires. The organization has progressed to offer shelter, food and clothing through opening Red Cross shelters while also delivering information and communication to fire victims through their Safe and Well program that connects victims to loved ones. National and local chapters routinely provide tips and preparedness facts on how to plan before, during, after, and through recovery for fire emergencies. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">“During a fire, every second counts and being prepared can greatly reduce the effects of these devastating disasters,”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span lang="EN">Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Red Cross Disaster Services, said on the importance of being prepared.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">The key things the Red Cross suggests are to: <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test them every month and replace the batteries at least once a year</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> (</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">65 percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms).<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Plan an escape route and practice at least 2x a year<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">If a fire occurs in your home, <b>GET OUT, STAY OUT</b> and <b>CALL</b> for help.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">For over a century, Red Cross workers and volunteers have succeeded in helping those affected by fire. With the occurrence of fires increasing each year, the American Red Cross continues to develop and improve its services as it has done since the beginning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-20665433468759454472012-07-10T10:07:00.000-06:002012-07-10T10:07:28.480-06:00Inside the Mind of a Volunteer<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Inside the mind of a Red Cross Volunteer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">By: Stephanie Petersen<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJlUNZ1R5XDnu0FtAvQD9dNMcWXvfGVzTsc6AGekQRxnS68tLwVsKsUiBMVwusHRFxbuPKja2gintA-PsTUj9-c28-sMuXY4VkAJwt9freeHQ_L2EVtkZGc1oHlHimBo6V6H9E07ud0w/s1600/Chris+Briggs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJlUNZ1R5XDnu0FtAvQD9dNMcWXvfGVzTsc6AGekQRxnS68tLwVsKsUiBMVwusHRFxbuPKja2gintA-PsTUj9-c28-sMuXY4VkAJwt9freeHQ_L2EVtkZGc1oHlHimBo6V6H9E07ud0w/s320/Chris+Briggs2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For four and a half years Chris Briggs has been volunteering with the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the Utah Red Cross and describes his experience as full of generosity and comfort. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Although he claims being a volunteer for just short of five years, his journey with the American Red Cross began long before that. He grew up the son of a Red Cross First Aider responding to traffic emergencies and his interest led him to become involved as a youth volunteer during his senior year of high school. He said the experiences he had as a youth volunteer gave him a sense of unity among peers and explained how that feeling has grown with his years of service. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“People assume we are the ones who are giving so much, but really, the volunteers are receiving the best service of all,” Briggs said. “Being a volunteer allows me to meet new people, see generosity in the community and share experiences that connect me to people.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Although specialized as an Emergency Response Vehicle driver, Briggs was present at five of the seven Red Cross shelters opened for evacuees of this summer’s fire season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“People really do find a sense of comfort, shelter and security when they see Red Cross insignia,” Briggs said. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">According to the Red Cross veteran, volunteering is not always action-packed like some people believe. He explained how sometimes it comes down to the simplest of tasks like cleaning and serving food.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“No matter what your job is, you need to embrace it and love it,” he said. Briggs said he believes as long as volunteers feel welcomed and appreciated, they will be committed to the Red Cross mission of helping others. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As a shelter manager at the Timberline Middle School shelter opened for evacuees from July’s Quail Fire, Briggs said he was impressed by the generosity found through community partnerships. He explained that from large organizations to individuals, the public was more than willing to do their part during the disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Large companies like Wal-Mart and Little Caesar’s Pizza were eager to provide food and water, while the staff at Timberline Middle School entertained evacuees with their production of “Annie.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Briggs said he feels lucky to live in a place where the community is so willing to reach out during tragedies. He welcomes anyone who might be interested in volunteering with the Red Cross. For volunteer opportunities, visit </span><a href="http://www.utahredcross.org/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">www.utahredcross.org</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-48245152164288089792012-07-02T10:36:00.000-06:002012-07-02T10:36:03.862-06:00Utah Wildfires: How to Help<h2 align="center"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Utah <span style="color: #ff6600;">wildfires</span>: how to help </span></h2><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-size: medium;">As <span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>wildfires rage</strong></span> across Utah, fueled by very dry weather conditions, we anticipate a busy fire season.<strong> In just seven days alone</strong> (June 22-29) we provided services to more than <span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>1,000 Utahns</strong> <strong>forced from their homes</strong> </span>at a moment's notice. Our services included operating <strong>four emergency shelters,</strong> and serving more than <strong>2,400 meals and snacks.</strong></span></div><br />
<div align="left"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></u></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">When disaster strikes, evacuees and survivors need help immediately.<span style="color: #ff6600;"> Help us be there in record time</span>, with all the resources we need to relieve their suffering!</span></strong></div><br />
<ul><li> <div align="left"><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Give money - </strong></span></em><a href="https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=cogp_main&s_affiliatecode=44084&s_formid=4484&JServSessionIdr004=p8oiphe2x1.app295a"><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>donate</strong></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>:</strong></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> When you donate, you help to provide all the resources we need to assist those in need quickly and effectively.</span></em></div></li>
<li><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Give time - </strong>Click here to<strong> </strong></span></em><a href="http://www.utahredcross.org/general_calltoaction.asp?CTA=4&SN=3011&OP=3018&IDCapitulo=I2OD6QV708"><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>volunteer</strong></span></em></a>:<em><span style="font-size: medium;"> When you volunteer, you help us reach out to those in need to provide the things that no amount of money can buy. Whatever your skill set, we need you!</span></em> </li>
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<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Working together, we can make Utah the <span style="color: #ff6600;">best-prepared state</span> in the nation.</span></strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">THANK YOU!</span></span></strong></div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-80073233970595576062012-06-29T11:25:00.000-06:002012-06-29T11:25:36.717-06:004th of July Blood Drive<div style="text-align: center;">Still interested in that ticket to summer fun? Good news! You can get one step closer by scheduling an appointment for our 4th of July Week Blood Drive. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the spirit of the patriots who offered their “…lives, fortunes, and sacred honor…,” the American Red Cross is providing an opportunity on July 2, 2012 for Salt Lake City area residents to give blood at a special Fourth of July week blood drive. Blood supply inventories are at critically low levels, almost half the amount of readily available blood compared to last year. Donations are down in the first five months of 2012. The declining inventory of available blood products is most significant for types O+, O-, A- and B-.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Radio station “The Cowboy” FM104.3 (KSOP) will broadcast live from 8:00 – 10:00 AM at the Salt Lake Donor Center on July 2 during the first two hours of the blood drive which runs until 5:00 PM. All presenting donors will be eligible to enter the Ticket to Summer Fun drawing for a chance to win a $100 Ticketmaster gift certificate. Donors will also be entered in a drawing for a chance to win tickets to Thanksgiving Point or a package of fireworks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2HXk542cnlTOrq2BpLbjmVyDONH09uWywHComd8Vt2ROMmT3lE2TSLZdAzfMFkMB0A_7Td810svJGwr0rXIUk2caWV5sMRazqR-lnXb2PWU8bF0kvRVro5p_7tysiX5xhM_tEUkmemY/s1600/fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2HXk542cnlTOrq2BpLbjmVyDONH09uWywHComd8Vt2ROMmT3lE2TSLZdAzfMFkMB0A_7Td810svJGwr0rXIUk2caWV5sMRazqR-lnXb2PWU8bF0kvRVro5p_7tysiX5xhM_tEUkmemY/s320/fireworks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Location</h3><div class="adr" style="text-align: center;"><em>Salt Lake Donor Center</em></div><div class="street-address" style="text-align: center;">6616 South 900 East</div><div class="adr" style="text-align: center;"><span class="locality">Salt Lake City</span>, <span class="region">UT</span>, <span class="postal-code">84121</span></div><div class="adr" style="text-align: center;"><span class="postal-code"></span> </div><div class="adr" style="text-align: center;"><span class="postal-code">Visit <strong><a href="http://tinyurl.com/7yfwcrw">http://tinyurl.com/7yfwcrw</a> </strong>to make your appointment today. </span></div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-75782211972974932222012-06-28T10:58:00.000-06:002012-06-28T10:58:03.907-06:00Summer Fires of 2012<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><em>With the high number of uncontrollable wildfires Utah has been facing in recent weeks, the American Red Cross Utah Region has opened several evacuation centers for families in danger. The most recent information is below: </em></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Active Red Cross Shelters and Reception Centers in Utah<o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><strong><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">as of: Thursday, June 28, 2012<span>—12:08 a.m.</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></em></strong></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Oak City Wildfire:</strong> Red Cross reception center for evacuees open in <u>Delta</u> in an LDS meetinghouse located at <u>130 White Sage Avenue.</u> It is no longer housed in the Palladium at Delta High School.</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>New Harmony Wildfire:</strong> Reception center in Cedar City currently closed, but may re-open, if needed.</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Seeley Wildfire:</strong> Red Cross shelter for evacuees open in<u> Wellington</u> in an LDS meetinghouse located at <u>930 east Main Street</u>.</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Wood Hollow Fire:</strong> Red Cross Shelter in <u>Mt. Pleasant</u> at<u> North Sanpete High School</u> remains open.</span> </em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"><em>*Reception centers, which typically provide snacks, water and information to evacuees, will transition into full-service Red Cross shelters if overnight stays are needed. All shelters and reception centers will remain open as long as they are needed.</em></span></strong></span></div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-1614429655796059952012-06-22T09:31:00.001-06:002012-07-10T10:52:31.089-06:00The Red Cross Emblem - A Symbol of Hope for Over a Century<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-NZOvZy4H7QSvzDR3mXUvssecNVmg5mFfuvg-UkqxTPlP4EEWvyKHcE3Ee_oCrTp5gYdxAmJHwgvlIZNHQ3tKLe6_lnZqRcGY48yFULTagbm7JwBbjrwA0X4BT6Q08jnW_DuAYOCKzE/s1600/tumblr_lfaz3jO0EO1qcirk4o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-NZOvZy4H7QSvzDR3mXUvssecNVmg5mFfuvg-UkqxTPlP4EEWvyKHcE3Ee_oCrTp5gYdxAmJHwgvlIZNHQ3tKLe6_lnZqRcGY48yFULTagbm7JwBbjrwA0X4BT6Q08jnW_DuAYOCKzE/s320/tumblr_lfaz3jO0EO1qcirk4o1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Seen in nearly 200 countries and at almost every tragedy in the world, the Red Cross emblem has become a symbol of neutrality and protection during war and conflict. Homelands, backgrounds and beliefs aside, when people see the red cross, a union is formed. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross was established. Today, Red Cross and Red Crescent societies operate in more than 185 countries and provide humanitarian aid to people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. However, before the ICRC was formed, it was a different story… </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Imagine a battlefield where medical personnel and soldiers are undistinguishable from one another - a combat zone where injured fighters lay unattended while field hospitals and medical vehicles are under attack. That is the world that existed until one man recognized a need for change. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While travelling through Solferino, Italy in 1859, Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, witnessed the aftermath of a bloody battle between the French and Austrian armies. Providing as much relief as he could, he watched the death and suffering of thousands of wounded men, which led him to take action.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In 1862, Dunant published a small book entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Memory of Solferino</i>, which depicts three themes: The first tells of the battle itself, the second portrays the aftershock of the fighting, and the third proposes a plan. He wrote, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Would it not be possible, in time of peace and quiet, to form relief societies for the purpose of having care given to the wounded in wartime by zealous, devoted, and thoroughly qualified volunteers?”</i> Not long after the release of his book, he met with a committee of five to determine the answer to that question was yes. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">On August 22, 1864, a conference was held with several nations, military medical services and humanitarian societies in attendance. It was on this date that an international treaty known as the Geneva Convention was signed. The treaty granted neutrality and protection to medical personnel and facilities bearing an identifiable emblem – the symbol of a red cross on a white background. The symbol needed to be simple, recognizable from a distance and universal. The committee chose a design that was the reverse of the Swiss flag because of the country’s constant neutral standing and because variations in color and shape would not change the status of the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Since then, many revisions have been made to the Geneva Convention, extending protection to other individuals and entities marked with the emblem, including civilians. More than a century later, Red Cross workers rely solely on the protection of their symbol, carrying no other weapons, and trusting the emblem as their shield conveying humanity, impartiality and neutrality. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-4893118987415924962012-06-20T10:10:00.000-06:002012-06-20T10:10:27.130-06:00Salt Lake City Welcomes Gail McGovern, President and CEO of American Red Cross<div style="text-align: center;">The American Red Cross Utah Region welcomes President and CEO of American Red Cross Gail J. McGovern to Salt Lake City! She is here to announce a strengthened Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the LDS Church. Follow the link to her lovely op-ed that was published in the Deseret News on June 17. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/bu8wcc5" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/bu8wcc5</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM_FMf8OePr99zYpcizQLTXulPUlupQw-SBVgiXgvosP6em4bwW28Tn67S5oNwSeVkKqFVZgSlkOfm63TJ91FyUUAu-oc2E7dHp7NlDsDbLvertAjWVFoJ8aIv9hl0GUNNvbWR1yQc4M/s1600/gail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM_FMf8OePr99zYpcizQLTXulPUlupQw-SBVgiXgvosP6em4bwW28Tn67S5oNwSeVkKqFVZgSlkOfm63TJ91FyUUAu-oc2E7dHp7NlDsDbLvertAjWVFoJ8aIv9hl0GUNNvbWR1yQc4M/s320/gail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-18554421131012415582012-06-14T11:09:00.000-06:002012-06-14T11:09:43.553-06:00World Blood Donor DayIn 2012 alone, nearly 6 million people across America may require a blood transfusion. With no substitute for human blood, those in need rely on the kindness of donors. Today, June 14, 2012 is World Blood Donor Day. To support the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering, we are urging everyone to take action and become a hero by donating blood. To raise awareness about blood shortages in the U.S. the American Red Cross Blood Services is partnering with Nexcare TM Bandages. Beginning today and running through the end of June, Nexcare Brand will be giving away limited edition bandages that say "give" to demonstrate that "Giving Blood is Timeless" at Red Cross blood drives and donation centers. <br />
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The American Red Cross Utah Region would like to thank the donors who have helped save lives and encourage those who haven't to do so! Please pledge your support for blood donation, request free "give" bandages and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to New York City, visit <a href="http://www.nexcaregive.com/" target="_blank">Nexcaregive.com</a> or text “give” to 34426. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhACFnQ6bdviD_9p69I2z-bMGlTghMgxCRUbvZHoCk3p24jG89HL1iNFe_iS4J2zb7b2-gmSdzgbj_nG3kvaNc_cj4hk4KzvGLfpbEoUXSbcUu4IwLtVQGgBDFzrpncWtkvbrEaZq4myI/s1600/BloodDonorDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhACFnQ6bdviD_9p69I2z-bMGlTghMgxCRUbvZHoCk3p24jG89HL1iNFe_iS4J2zb7b2-gmSdzgbj_nG3kvaNc_cj4hk4KzvGLfpbEoUXSbcUu4IwLtVQGgBDFzrpncWtkvbrEaZq4myI/s1600/BloodDonorDay.jpg" /></a></div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-86657067948016877402012-06-11T09:30:00.000-06:002012-06-11T09:30:08.367-06:00Ticket to Summer Fun<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 32px;">Planning a summer vacation or</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 32px;"> looking for a relaxing getaway?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The American Red Cross Ticket to Summer Fun<br />
could make life a little easier, and a lot more fun.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: small;">The American Red Cross Ticket to Summer Fun is a 15-week promotion to encourage blood donation during the summer months. The need is constant and summer is typically a difficult time to recruit blood donors.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you present to donate blood or platelets at an American Red Cross blood drive this summer, complete and submit your Ticket to Summer Fun entry form for a chance to win a variety of prizes including airline tickets, hotel stays, concert tickets, music downloads, or movie tickets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">May 24 through June 30, 2012</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"> Come in to donate at a participating American Red Cross blood drive<br />
in the Lewis and Clark Blood Services Region and<br />
enter for your chance to win</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">A $500 Airline/Hotel Gift Certificate</span></o:p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: black;">Make your blood donation appointment today by visiting</span></span></o:p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/promotions/lewisclark/ticket-summer-fun">http://www.redcrossblood.org/promotions/lewisclark/ticket-summer-fun</a></span></o:p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">or call 1-800-RED CROSS</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> (1-800-733-2767)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> to find a blood drive near you.</span></span></span></o:p></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFttuuLXgHr6AeeZNVfgioNwZXPIad54Ef0a968yMykYkKMuz560zrEte0zp1hyphenhyphenF3CSXf7nHq3x3FlOVUvkMG8EKF-e8wtlt7sHc_6rQrlRBZx5eehMalg1ixqUrXhenwZLWbbrcildyE/s1600/wd-t2sf_dennis-airplane.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFttuuLXgHr6AeeZNVfgioNwZXPIad54Ef0a968yMykYkKMuz560zrEte0zp1hyphenhyphenF3CSXf7nHq3x3FlOVUvkMG8EKF-e8wtlt7sHc_6rQrlRBZx5eehMalg1ixqUrXhenwZLWbbrcildyE/s320/wd-t2sf_dennis-airplane.gif" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PLUS,</span> every completed entry form will also be entered into the drawing<br />
for the <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">$2,500 Dream Vacation Grand Prize</span><br />
to be awarded after September 5, 2011.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Drawing and notification of winners will take place between 3 and 10 working days after June 30, 2012.<br />
See </span><a href="http://redcrossblood.org/summerfun/rules"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Official Rules</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for more information and odds of winning.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-34817121964307196662012-06-06T10:04:00.000-06:002012-06-06T10:04:38.549-06:00Moab House Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Utah Red Cross responded to a house fire yesterday, which reportedly displaced three people. A volunteer Disaster Action Team is providing food and clothing to victims of the fire. The family was able to find shelter with family and friends; the Red Cross remains prepared to provide further assistance, if needed, to make this family as comfortable as possible at this time. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1JY4LUzUTdEc3VlWgwkscH8tsnXy_vW9mw47Zbn7CB3GwitthR_cFDLM2DriojrDGoxJ1DfzMPy7eAKqOboLfFsGGChzTsCrCJBhrXVPFZ03joYI_ewYHmhHN_vGLBYr639fPOwsFuA/s1600/flames+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1JY4LUzUTdEc3VlWgwkscH8tsnXy_vW9mw47Zbn7CB3GwitthR_cFDLM2DriojrDGoxJ1DfzMPy7eAKqOboLfFsGGChzTsCrCJBhrXVPFZ03joYI_ewYHmhHN_vGLBYr639fPOwsFuA/s320/flames+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-74912530180130619662012-06-04T09:51:00.000-06:002012-06-04T09:51:21.812-06:00CPR- Know it when you need it!<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="147" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6BSaSTMnqiGiRxV-8L-PMQIivYMOLdx_ycOPGaLkA3YFIyJbDgV_LcxU8DoYZyCw6zUgyOrFA5bSd8or_lrtJmGD6oO3Gh5K3XkLJlVNJFmT8ZIxNh3-irrSrYGM2SbF9jpI4VAMHLk/s320/1243886416467_CPR+and+AED+Awareness+Week.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Teri used her training to save her grandson’s life. </div><br />
“<em>Andrew was seven years old when he tried to catch a grape in his mouth. He caught it and we all clapped, but he didn’t reply,” Teri said. “He dropped to the ground and I jumped up and rolled him over. His lips were turning blue and he had the most terrifying look on his face. I was scared, but because of my training I didn’t panic.</em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em></em></div><em>“I checked his air way and there was no way to reach in and grab it, so I rolled him over and gave him two sharp blows between his shoulder blades. The grape didn’t budge so I gave him some abdominal thrusts and that grape shot out like a bullet. He gasped for air, grabbed me and held on so tightly, tears ran down both our faces. Thank you for teaching me all I know because it allowed me to hear my grandson say afterward ‘Grandma I couldn't breathe. I love you grandma’. He is alive today because of the knowledge I learned in your CPR/First Aid training class. God Bless the American Red Cross.”</em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Teri stays prepared to protect her family; why do you? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-22089418800102983152012-05-31T10:23:00.000-06:002012-05-31T10:23:25.728-06:00An American Red Cross Flashback123 years ago today, the American Red Cross responded to the Johnstown, Pa. flood, where 2,000 people were killed. This date became a significant piece of American and Red Cross history. Up until this point, the American Red Cross was primarily founded as a battlefield relief organization. When our founder, Clara Barton, and volunteers offered assistance to the Johnstown flood, the organization entered into the world of peacetime disaster relief. <br />
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Volunteers arrived providing furniture and supplies for flood survivors. Under Barton's direction, the American Red Cross distributed new and used supplies valued at $211,000, and some 25,000 people were helped. They also established "Red Cross Hotels" to house victims. Merchants and businessmen left homeless by the flood were the primary tenants of the hotel, and it was so successful that other hotels were soon built. <br />
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The exhaustive news coverage of the Johnstown flood and the relief effort helped establish the American Red Cross as the major disaster relief agency in the United States.<br />
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The Johnstown Flood Museum features a display about Barton and the Red Cross, including examples of some of the relief items she distributed, documents, photographs and more.Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-9417964572002932692012-05-30T10:43:00.000-06:002012-05-30T10:43:59.546-06:00Hurricane Preparedness WeekLiving in Utah, we are fortunate that we do not face the risk of experiencing a hurricane. However, May 27- June 2 is Hurricane Preparedness Week and we want to offer a few helpful tips for you to share to family and friends who may be at higher risks of undergoing these disasters. <br />
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<strong>WHAT YOU SHOULD DO?</strong><br />
<ul class="hplist"><li><span style="color: red;"><strong>Build an emergency kit</strong></span>: with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information. Many of these items are available through the Red Cross Store.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul class="hplist"><li>Talk with members of your household and <strong><span style="color: red;">create an evacuation plan</span></strong>. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul class="hplist"><li><strong><span style="color: red;"> Be informed!</span></strong> Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul class="hplist"><li>Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to <strong><span style="color: red;">have protection</span></strong> from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at <a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/" target="_blank">www.FloodSmart.gov</a>.</li>
</ul>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-39437185991382827032012-05-25T09:49:00.000-06:002012-05-25T09:49:30.602-06:00Tips for a Fun and Safe Holiday Weekend!According to Insure.com, "the holidays are a dangerous time to be on the road, and Memorial Day weekend proves to be one of the deadliest," amounting to 397 deaths caused by accidents last year.<br />
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We are wishing you all a fun and safe holiday weekend and are offering these tips to help:<br />
<ul><li>Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.</li>
<li>Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.</li>
<li>Use caution in work zones.</li>
<li>Make frequent stops. </li>
<li>Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.</li>
<li>Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.</li>
<li>Don’t overdrive your headlights.</li>
</ul><br />
PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED!!<br />
<ul><li>Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low. If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.</li>
<li>Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.</li>
<li>Pack high protein snacks, water, first aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers, extra prescription medications and important documents or information you may need.</li>
<li>Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.</li>
<li>Find out what disasters may occur in the place where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).</li>
</ul>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-52937204873542225882012-05-22T11:19:00.000-06:002012-05-22T11:19:54.255-06:00Red Cross Continues to Help Joplin Recover from 2011 Tornado<strong>Monday, May 21, 2012 — Today marks the one-year anniversary of a tornado that stormed through Joplin, Missouri, changing thousands of lives and devastating their town.</strong><br />
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<div class="cols-1-1"><div class="a"><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><em>“I will never forget the color of the sky that evening as my family and I stood outside our Springfield home and looked to the west. It was multi-colored reds and oranges, as if the sky were burning,”</em> said Nigel Holderby, Red Cross chief communications officer for Southern Missouri.<br />
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The devastation left in the path of that storm would make it one of the deadliest EF-5 tornadoes in history.<br />
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In response to the tornado in Joplin, the Red Cross:<br />
<ul class="hplist"><li>Opened two shelters that provided 3,450 overnight stays.</li>
<li>Served approximately 86,000 meals and 373,000 snacks.</li>
<li>Distributed 1,456 comfort kits with hygiene supplies such as deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, wash cloth, shampoo, liquid soap, lotion, comb, razor and shaving cream.</li>
<li>Distributed 205,000 relief items such as tarps, ice chests, rakes and cleaning supplies through six centers and through deliveries.</li>
<li>Made 5,850 health service contacts and nearly 6,800 mental health contacts.</li>
</ul>A year later, the Red Cross continues to help people in and around Joplin recover. The Red Cross is currently focused on helping families plan their recovery and access community resources, supporting those who are rebuilding homes, and preparing the community for any future disasters.<br />
</div><div align="center" class="b"><div> </div><div class="mybox-image" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;"><div class="bl" style="text-align: left;"><img height="212" id="il_fi" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/5760036778_60ef5aa72a.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on"> </div><br />
<div class="bl" style="text-align: right;"><img height="227" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2552/5760036450_3671e84346_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on"> </div><br />
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</div>Click here to help the relief of the city of Joplin. <br />
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<a href="https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?s_subsrc=RCO_BigRedButton&pagename=ntld_main&s_src=RSG000000000">https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?s_subsrc=RCO_BigRedButton&pagename=ntld_main&s_src=RSG000000000</a></div></div></div>Teresa Zundelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942239596237159609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-78762089636185198802012-05-16T11:16:00.000-06:002012-05-16T11:16:57.642-06:00Be prepared for House Fires!American Red Cross responded to a fire near Glenmoor Golfcourse in South Jordan Tuesday night. A Disaster Action Team was prepared to provide food, clothing and shelter to anyone who might have been displaced by the fire. Ultimately, our services were not needed. This is reportedly the the third fire this month Red Cross volunteers have responded to. With fire season rapidly approaching, hear are a few simple precautions to protect your family during a fire emergency: <br />
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<span style="color: #003366;"><strong>Make Your Home "Fire Safe"</strong></span> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home. </li>
<li>If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too. </li>
<li>Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries once a year. </li>
<li>Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly. </li>
<li>Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years. </li>
<li>Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them. </li>
<li>Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home. </li>
</ul><span style="color: #003366;"><strong>Plan Your Escape Routes</strong></span> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home. </li>
<li>Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window. </li>
<li>Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping. </li>
<li>Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. </li>
</ul><span style="color: #003366;"><strong>Escape Safely</strong></span> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home. </li>
<li>If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit. </li>
<li>If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out. </li>
<li>If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are. </li>
</ul>Stephanie Petersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15769532110530677835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-74252173536860798072012-05-15T09:19:00.000-06:002012-05-15T09:19:16.690-06:00Red Cross Celebrates Armed Forces Week<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">For more than a century, the American Red Cross has maintained relationships with the U.S. military. What began during the Civil War continues today, with Red Cross Service to the Arms (SAF) workers present at more than 50 military installations around the world, and together working 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Along with that, Red Cross staff provides support at military and veterans hospitals. Red Cross volunteer teams meet wounded troops as they arrive and are there to provide information, comfort items and food for patients and their families. These volunteers visit wounded, ill or injured patients throughout their stay to deliver items such as toiletries, quilts, phone cards, books and computer games.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">In light of the increased pressure on military families due to repeat deployments, the Red Cross has also developed programs to better serve families’ needs. Free courses, including Coping with Deployments and Reconnection Workshops, were designed to address the challenges that troops and their loved ones face during and after deployment. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">If you’d like to support the work of the Red Cross with our nation’s military, learn how you can help by following this link. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><a href="http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=db881b655eb3b110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default">http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=db881b655eb3b110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default</a></o:p></span>Teresa Zundelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942239596237159609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-363617548950250362012-04-10T09:53:00.008-06:002012-04-10T10:19:01.510-06:00Are you prepared for an earthquake?<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><span><span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">A lot of people forget that here in the Salt Lake Valley we live on a fault line in earthquake territory, we could experience a 7.0 magnitude earthquake at anytime. To help our community as a whole be more prepared for such an event, we are </span>participating<span style="font-size: 100%; "> in the Great Salt Lake Shakeout Earthquake drill next Tuesday April 17th.</span></span></span><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span><div><div> </div><div><span>To participate in the earthquake drill the Red Cross is opening up shelters, visit a Red Cross shelter during the drill to teach your family all about emergencies and preparedness.</span></div><div><span>It's a great opportunity to show your kids what it would be like if</span></div><div><span>disaster struck and you had to evacuate your home with only the clothes on your back. Teach your kids the importance of being prepared and to be aware of possible disasters. </span></div><div><a href="http://utahredcross.org/general.asp?SN=2959&OP=17592&IDCapitulo=I2OD6QV708"><span> Click here to register </span></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar6t2fBKNY8OJg-ll1IGlIwU3EJEIRAT4cbhnJ2KVOdqt_qgDd3sFibaY-GTwxPki1ST9RXj1hu0LMmY39r4a-5YCBF2qokfgVJPzGuXIn8drTX1KOXsDsj5TY9DriyedkNjy99F_RZJF/s320/shakeout+image2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729806233316736306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 178px; " /><div></div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></div></div></div>Emily Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883265477257371152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372314817527476072.post-28968733356757734422012-04-02T17:44:00.008-06:002012-04-03T13:07:57.930-06:00Stay in a Red Cross Shelter During the Shakeout<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; ">The Great Salt Lake Shakeout is an </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; ">Earthquake</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "> Drill for the Wasatch Front that close to 1 million people state wide are </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; ">participating</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "> in.</span></div><div><div><span><span style="font-size: 16px; ">The Red Cross is </span>participating<span style="font-size: 16px; "> and testing their ability to shelter and feed large </span>numbers<span style="font-size: 16px; "> of people.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 16px; ">Help the Red Cross Practice, and teach your </span>family<span style="font-size: 16px; "> p</span>reparedness<span style="font-size: 16px; "> skills.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 16px; ">Stay in a Red Cross Shelter! Bring only your 72 hour kit, or if you don't have one just the clothes on your back. Experience what it would be like to stay in a shelter, and teach your kids about </span>emergencies<span style="font-size: 16px; "> and </span>preparedness<span style="font-size: 16px; ">.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 16px; ">The Red Cross needs people to stay in their s</span>helters<span style="font-size: 16px; "> anytime between April 17th-19th, stay as long or as little as you'd like.</span></span></div><div><span>Sign up at the link below!</span></div><div><span><a href="http://utahredcross.org/general.asp?SN=2959&OP=17592&IDCapitulo=I2OD6QV708">2012 Shakeout Exercise</a></span></div><div><br /></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E4ZBqLv2haq0lXUcuzjJF4UKS0128mozAmH-ilZGHQgpADvynWiZb6rRDJdzEOxAM6vQjeQ4L7LSCCRqcN0uqy_su2Tofx0J9NVAfawt1SeHXWTOnV5fFTK4O4ujVkCmMLDWWjv7TeNz/s1600/Shakeoutblogpost.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E4ZBqLv2haq0lXUcuzjJF4UKS0128mozAmH-ilZGHQgpADvynWiZb6rRDJdzEOxAM6vQjeQ4L7LSCCRqcN0uqy_su2Tofx0J9NVAfawt1SeHXWTOnV5fFTK4O4ujVkCmMLDWWjv7TeNz/s320/Shakeoutblogpost.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727252310088328066" /></a><span><br /></span><div><span><br /></span></div>Emily Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883265477257371152noreply@blogger.com0