The American Red Cross-Utah Region

Be Prepared! Don't let the flu bug get you this season!

2012-01-24T08:13:00.015-07:00

Keep yourself and your family healthy this flu season.

Flu Prevention Tips:

1. Wash your Hands- wash your hands often and thoroughly, you should wash your hands with soap under warm water for at least 20 seconds.

2. Avoid touching your face- think about how many times a day you touch your face, and how many other things you touch with your hands, avoid doing this and you'll expose yourself to a lot less germs.

3. Get plenty of Sleep- Sleep is key to keeping your immune syestem up and running. Eight hours of sleep a night is ideal, and naps during the day are very healthy too.

4. Get a flu shot- it's not to late!

If you do Get the Flu:

1. Stay Home- limit your exposure to other people by staying home as soon as you start feeling sick.

2. Don't share things- like utensils, blankets, and towels.

For more information click here for our flu checklist.

Youth Volunteers, learn about humanitarian law at this years first annual "War Games"

2012-01-17T09:30:00.016-07:00

In order to help youth understand what is and is not legal and appropriate during wartime situations, Camp Williams partnered with the American Red Cross Utah Region to help them learn by doing. The event took place on Monday, January 16th, from noon to 5:30 pm, the youth played an extended “war game” on the grounds of and in the buildings of Camp Williams.

Teams of youth from the American Red Cross Youth Services Program rotated through various stations simulating wartime situations, including trying to get humanitarian aid such as food across a field without being “sniped” and treating the wounded based solely on medical need, among other exercises. At each station, points were given for following International Humanitarian Law and subtracted for not following it. The exercise concluded with a “War Crimes Trial” where youth participants found out how well they fared in following International Humanitarian Law, which was based on the Geneva Conventions designed to protect combatants and non-combatants during war.

Click this link for an article about the event

Two years since Haiti, how the Red Cross is Helping

2012-01-12T08:41:00.005-07:00

Today marks two years since the Devastating earthquake hit Haiti.

Watch this video below to learn what the American Red Cross has accomplished there in the past year and what they hope to accomplish there this year.

Haiti Two Years Later

2012-01-11T09:22:00.006-07:00

Tomorrow Marks two years since the devastating 7.0 mangitude quake hit Haiti.

Click here to learn what the American Red Cross has done and is continuing to do to help the people of Haiti.

Blood Donor Appreciation Month

2012-01-06T08:49:00.013-07:00

January is Blood Donor Appreciation Month!

The American Red Cross wants to thank everyone who has donated blood and as a result helped thousands of people in need.

Never donated blood before? Why not start now! January is the time when blood donations are needed the most, since supplies of blood tend to dip due to fewer donations, but the number of people in need of blood is still great.

Click here to Find out the benefits of donating blood and the donation Process

Make a New Year's Resolution to be a College Student who's Red Cross Ready

2012-01-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Getting prepared for a disaster is an important thing for everyone to do.

As a college student venturing into the young adult world, being prepared for a disaster probably isn't on your mind. It's one of those things I'm sure you're used to your parents taking care of, but it's something you need to think about. Many students shy away from making a preparedness kit because they don't have the money or time to spend on it.

Here are some ways you can cheaply and easily start becoming prepared for a disaster.

Be informed about what emergencies are likely to happen in your area
Get a kit, or make your own that includes at the least these basic items

A Flashlight with back up batteries
A basic First Aid Kit
Copies of your Important Documents(birth certificate, social security card, etc)
Extra Cash

Make a Disaster Plan with your housemates

Know where your emergency kit is
Know where the shut off to the electricity and gas is
Choose a place to meet during in case you are separated

For more information and details about how to be prepared click here

2011-12-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

One more day to save a life: A message from Gail McGovern

Click here to view the message

100 Significant Dates in American Red Cross History

2011-12-19T10:57:00.001-07:00

After years of research, the American Red Cross released a list of 100 significant dates in American Red Cross history . The Historical Resources Division staff compiled in consultation with members of the American Red Cross Museum Advisory Committee, local chapters, and blood regions.

Here are our top 10 favorites:

December 25, 1821 Clara Barton is born in New Oxford, Massachusetts.

May 21, 1881 Clara Barton & associates establish the American Red Cross.

26 April 14, 1912 Red Cross comes to aid of those who survived the sinking of the Titanic.

June 17, 1917 Red Cross holds first War Fund drive surpassing a goal of $100 million in one week.

February 4, 1941 Red Cross begins National Blood Donor Service to collect blood for the U.S. military with Dr. Charles R. Drew, formerly of the Plasma for Britain program, as medical director.

August 5, 1953 Red Cross aids Operation Big Switch exchange of POWs at end of Korea War hostilities.

October 8, 1965 Red Cross Movement adopts its Seven Fundamental Principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, & Universality.

February 4, 1991 Elizabeth Dole becomes first woman president of the Red Cross since Clara Barton.

September 11, 2001 Red Cross responds to terrorist attacks by airplane in New York, at the Pentagon, & in rural Pennsylvania.

February 7, 2002 Red Cross joins other groups to launch Measles Initiative, 5-year plan to eradicate the disease in sub-Saharan Africa by immunizing children.

You can view more significant dates by clicking HERE

2011-12-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

Holiday Giving with Fred!

It is a wonderful reminder to give something that means something.

What will you be giving this holiday season?

Holiday Giving Catalog

2011-11-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

Shop the 2011 Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog!

1. Choose gifts to honor your friends and family.

2. Announce your gifts with free greeting cards.

3. Know your gift will help people when they need it most.

Here are some FAQs about the Holiday Giving Catalog.

Happy Shopping :)

Question: What is the Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog?
Answer:The American Red Cross 2011 Holiday Giving Catalog offers people a chance to give something that means something and helps people in need. We believe that in this season of hope people want their gifts to really matter. Research shows that many people would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help someone else instead of a traditional holiday gift. We feel this gift catalog fills that need.

Question: What are the greeting cards like and how do they work?
Answer: Greeting cards from the Holiday Giving Catalog enable you to let friends and family know you've given a Red Cross gift in their name. During the catalog order process you can opt to receive a free greeting card and corresponding product insert for each product you purchase. The free greeting card and insert will be mailed to the gift purchaser. Greeting card options include either a printed greeting card with corresponding purchased product-specific insert or eCards which will be sent to the email address you provide. You will receive one printed greeting card and a corresponding product insert for each product you purchase.

Question: How is my donation spent?
Answer: The purchase of each gift item is a tax-deductible contribution to the overall mission of the American Red Cross. On the rare occasion when donations exceed the need in a particular area, we will use your contribution to help others where the need is greatest.

To shop the 2011 Holiday Giving Catalog click HERE

2011-11-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving!

I absolutely LOVE Thanksgiving! Family, friends, and food... what's not to love?

As always Thanksgiving is a very busy time for travel. The American Red Cross wants to make sure that everyone arrives safely at their destination.

To arrive safely, the Red Cross recommends these steps for those driving to visit loved ones:

Make sure your vehicle is in good working order.
Start out with a full tank of gas, check the air pressure in your tires and make sure you have windshield fluid.
Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
Be well rested and alert.
Use caution in work zones.
Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision.
Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
Don’t overdrive your headlights.
If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

It’s also recommended that you keep an emergency preparedness kit in the vehicle. Useful items include water, snacks, a flashlight, first aid kit, extra cash and blankets. The Red Cross Deluxe Auto Safety Kit is a great solution to help people prepare for emergencies on the road and is available in the Red Cross Store at www.redcrossstore.org.
For people traveling by air, bus or train, the Red Cross reminds them that the seasonal flu can occur as early as October. If you have come in contact with someone who is sick, perhaps the trip should be postponed as you may be contagious for a week before symptoms appear.
Other safety tips to avoid the flu while you travel include the following:

Remember that everything you touch has to be touched by someone else – luggage handlers, etc. Handle your own belongings as much as possible. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.
Bring your own pillows and blankets – they can act as a shield against the seat itself.
If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.
Avoid touching your face or eyes.

Flu Season

2011-11-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

Flu season is just around the corner..

The American Red Cross is encouraging everyone to get a flu shot in order to be protected throughout the season.

Here are some simple steps people can take to help prevent the spread of the flu:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand-rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home if you’re sick.

If you think you have the flu, your health-care provider should be consulted. Seek medical care immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

Fast breathing, trouble breathing or bluish skin color.
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen (adults).
Confusion or sudden dizziness.
Not drinking enough fluids, not being able to eat, or severe or persistent vomiting.
Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
Not waking up, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held or not interacting (children).
Fever with a rash (children).
No tears when crying or significantly fewer wet diapers than normal (children).

Be Red Cross Ready- Flu Checklist

Volunteer Recognition Event

2011-10-20T10:56:00.000-06:00

2011 Volunteer Recognition Event

Volunteers are the power and passion behind
the American Red Cross.

Our volunteers have generously donated
their time in service to others through the Red
Cross. Now it’s our turn to give back to our
wonderful volunteers who have given so much.
Join us for a night of celebration honoring some
of this year’s incredible volunteers.

Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter

November 2, 2011 @ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Gathering Place @ Gardner Village

1100 West 7800 South

West Jordan, UT 84088

Please RSVP to Kristy Denlein at kdenlein@utahredcross.org or (801) 323-7023 by October 24, 2011, with your name and the name of your guest attending.

Mountain Valley Chapter

November 4, 2011 @ 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Tahitian Noni International

5151 North 300 West

Provo, UT 84604

Please RSVP to Priscila Konishi (801) 373-8580 by
October 26, 2011, with your name and the name of your guest attending.

Northern Utah Chapter

November 8, 2011 @ 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Jeremiah’s Restaurant

1307 West 1200 South

Ogden, UT 84404

Please RSVP to Judy Loper (801) 625-0859 by
November 1, 2011, with your name and the name of your guest attending.

Halloween Safety Tips

2011-10-17T14:30:00.002-06:00

Halloween is just around the corner!

The American Red Cross wants to make sure you have a fun, spooky, and safe Halloween.

Here are 13 Lucky Tips to insure a safe Halloween.

Shop our Red Cross Store to complete any Halloween costume. We have the safety essentials including glow sticks and lanterns.

For even more Halloween safety information watch American Red Cross Health and Safety expert Connie Harvey who provides tips on how to prepare your family for a safe Halloween night.

Happy Haunting!

6 Months After

2011-09-27T12:40:00.003-06:00

In the six months since the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan, donations to the American Red have helped the Japanese Red Cross meet the emergency and longer-term needs of families living in evacuation centers and temporary housing.

The American Red Cross has contributed nearly $260 million to Japan’s recovery since the March 11 disaster.

Thank you to the many people who donated to the American Red Cross to help the disaster efforts in Japan.

Here is a message from the President of the Japanese Red Cross.

Second Annual Autumn Gourmet Gala

2011-09-09T13:32:00.002-06:00

American Red Cross Guest Blogger: Trina Polta

Prepare to temp your taste buds during the Second Annual Autumn Gourmet Gala. The upcoming American Red Cross benefit event is scheduled to take place on October 6th from 6-9 PM. It will be a night of elegant food, drinks and an opportunity to bid your way into taking home some luxury custom packages.

Picture yourself taking a breather from your daily life. You are gazing at beautiful mountain views from Earl's Lodge located at the Snowbasin Ski Resort, and indulging yourself by going out with the girls (or your special someone) on a week night! It's out of your daily routine, and you will surely ENJOY the excitement of it all. Dare I say...let's just make it a kick off to a three day weekend. Why not schedule Friday off of work?

The premier restaurants looking forward to plating their signature edible art include Corbin's, Jasoh, Rooster's Brewing Company, Snowbasin Ski Resort, Tona, Zucca, MacCool's, Harley and Bucks, and Davis Hospital. Tables of eight ($800) or individual tickets ($100) can be purchased by calling 801-625-0865. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to the American Red Cross.

To purchase tickets as well as inquire about more event details, please contact Stephanie Christiansen by phone 801-625-0865.

This is National Preparedness Month – Are You Ready?

2011-09-01T09:57:00.001-06:00

September is National Preparedness Month!

As thousands of people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, National Preparedness Month, which starts today, is an opportunity to remind people of the importance of being ready for emergencies and steps that they can take

The three key steps to preparedness are Build a kit, make a plan, and be informed.

For the first day of preparedness month we'll focus on building a 72 hour kit!

An emergency preparedness kit should include enough supplies for at least three days. Supplies should include;

Water (one gallon, per person, per day),
Nonperishable food,
A flashlight,
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio,
Extra batteries
A first aid kit,
A 7-day supply of medications,
A multi-purpose tool,
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of important personal documents.

The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. A variety of emergency preparedness kits, first aid kits and other supplies are available at www.redcrossstore.org.

What's in your 72 hour kit?..

Reality for Red Cross

2011-08-09T11:36:00.000-06:00

Ever wanted to own a piece of reality TV show history? Ever wanted to go shopping while donating to a good cause?

Now you can do both!

Listen up Bachelor and Bachelorette fans.. eBay is auctioning off memorabilia from the popular reality show, all proceeds going to the American Red Cross. This charity auction includes clothes, shoes, and jewelry all worn by previous Bachelor and Bachelorettes.

eBay Giving Works lets you shop, sell and donate for a good cause.

You can click HERE to visit the charity auction!

The Red Cross Goes High Tech!

2011-07-28T11:13:00.000-06:00

These days we see a vending machine for just about everything; food, make up, I pods, and books. What could possibly be next? Well.. the Japanese Red Cross recently released a new type of vending machine which allows you to make donations. Now, while getting your favorite treat you have the option to add a donation to the American Red Cross.

What would you put in a vending machine?

Vivint Gives Back Project

2011-07-13T11:28:00.000-06:00

Only six weeks left in the Vivint Gives Back Project!

Wondering how the Utah Region of the Red Cross may use the $250,000?

Here are some examples of how the money will help victims of disasters...

$25 provides five blankets at an emergency shelter.

= $250,000 will provide 50,000 blankets at an emergency shelter

$75 can cover a doctor's visit for an individual injured in a disaster.

= $250,000 will provide 3,333 doctor’s visits for individuals injured in a disaster

$350 will provide emergency food and shelter for 25 disaster victims for one day.

= $250,000 will help 17,857 people receive emergency food & shelter for one day

$2,500 deploys one Emergency Response Vehicle and drivers (including housing and meals for drivers) to a disaster relief operation.

= $250,000 will deploy 100 Emergency Response Vehicles & drivers to a disaster relief operation

$3,200 is the average yearly maintenance and fuel for one Emergency Response Vehicle.

= $250,000 provides maintenance and fuel for an Emergency Response Vehicle for 78 years

= $250,000 provides maintenance and fuel for Utah’s 3 Emergency Response Vehicles for 26 years

Families and individuals are left without food, clothing, shelter, medicine or other basic necessities. Red Cross volunteers and employees mobilize immediately to assess the needs of the victims.

Remember to vote daily for the American Red Cross Utah Region!

http://www.vivint.com/givesbackproject/charity/411

4th of July

2011-06-30T14:47:00.000-06:00

The 4th of July is finally here!! The American Red Cross has some helpful tips to keep you and your family safe over the holiday weekend!

How to stay safe as you travel over the holiday weekend:

Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive impaired.
Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road.
Use caution in work zones.
Observe speed limits.
Make frequent stops.
Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
Don’t overdrive your headlights.
Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
Find out what disasters may occur 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).
Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.
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.

If you are travelling with your pet, our web site offers special things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable.

Use caution around fireworks:

Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

You can click here to view 4th of July celebrations across the state.

Have a safe and fun Independence Day!

Vivint Gives Back Project Phase #2

2011-06-22T10:22:00.000-06:00

We have entered the 2nd phase of the Vivint Gives Back Project. The American Red Cross Utah Region is in the running to win $250,000! Voting for the 2nd phase will continue until August 27th. We are currently in 18th place, 5,360 votes behind the leader..

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Voting is Quick and Easy...

Step 1: Login to facebook

Step 2: Like VIVNT on facebook

Step 3: Click on the givesback project link
               http://www.vivint.com/givesbackproject/charity/411

Step 4: Push the LOGIN button and login

Step 5: Select the Mountain charities region

Step 6: Select and click on the American Red Cross Utah Region!

Step 7: Scroll down and push ENDORSE

                       **Repeat Everyday**

World's Largest Swim Lesson

2011-06-16T15:49:00.004-06:00

On June 14, 2011 the American Red Cross Utah Region helped to set a new world record for The World's Largest Swim Lesson!

Clearfield Aquatic Center, along with aquatic centers all over Utah and the United States participated in the event. The same 45 minute swim lesson was taught to everyone. The Clearfield location had 85 people participate, including 71 children and 14 instructors. Representatives from the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter were on hand to serve as witnesses.

Donna Russsel, aquatic supervisor at the Clearfield indoor pool, said the event has a serious purpose. “Swimming lessons save lives. And the best way to teach water safety is in the water,” she said.

Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for kids 1 to 14 years.

Swimming is a great recreational sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. But it’s important to know how to be safe while you’re in the water. The American Red Cross offers important safety tips you should be aware of before you head out to the pool or beach:

Here are a few important safety tips, you can click HERE to view all of our swimming safety tips.

Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
Maintain constant supervision.

Here are pictures from the World's Largest Swim Lesson..

You can visit The World's Largest Swimming Lesson official website by clicking HERE

North Dakota Deployment

2011-06-09T09:58:00.005-06:00

Carole Kramer is an RN from the Greater Salt Lake Chapter of the American Red Cross. She was recently deployed to Bismarck, North Dakota to assist with spring storms and flooding. Here are 2 of her daily updates from the field.

View Larger Map

Saturday, June 4 broke brightly blue and warm. A little different than we expected as the weatherman had called for rain and cloudy skies. It was a nice mistake. We still have no Health Services Supervisor in place so three of us R.N.'s got our heads together and figured out what we need for Shelter supplies, mobile supplies and supplies needed at Headquarters for Staff needs. Lots of headaches and sore backs. One of us from Indiana was appointed the Staff Wellness Nurse and progressed to getting things set up in a great manner.

The rest of us fillled out the "greenies" for requisitioning supplies for the Shelter. We met with the nurse who has been working at the shelter, Glenna. Glenna is the Mother of us all...she has taken us unsupervised RN's and together with lots of collaboration from each of us, the four of us got the forms needed, copied, separated and filed in an orderly manner. We saw two shelter folks for various ailments and felt pretty good about being nurses, helping people.

The main thrust of the townfolks is to sandbag, sandbag, sandbag. We've been out on the line making sure they are well protected, taking care of their own health and providing water and sandwiches as well as moral support. We even loaded a truck with sandbags...believe me, they were heavy!

Four million is the goal and I think they will make it. These people are determined to beat this river and to win the protection of their homes and those of their neighbors. Everyone is helping everyone. What a great community and what a privilege to help them any way we can.

We are heading to bed tired but very satisfied.

Sunday, June 5 is another beautiful blue sky day. The town has organized a Throwdown to sandbag even more. It's a party for the town, except they are working extremely hard to protect their town and property. We were able to survey the river out of it's banks and the sight is awesomely sobering. We are rooting for the town! It's a swift, cold river at this point and very dangerous.

We were able to formulate a nursing checklist for the shelter nursing staff to use and are quite proud of the ease of it's use. We are ready, organized and hoping we truly will not be sheltering 7000 people should the sandbagging fail. Whatever happens, we are ready. To date, we have nurses from Oregon, Indiana, North Carolina, Utah, Arizona,

and more are arriving today from someplace. The amazing thing we found, which is always true with nurses, we work well together, see the problem and figure a way to help people....our goal. We each have bonded fast and feel we've worked together for years....it's only 3 days...amazing.

We did finally get a Supervisor and will meet with her tomorrow morning.

Tonight, we are hoping that the river will be kind to Bismarck, North Dakota and other cities downstream. Whatever happens, we will care for the people and represent the Red Cross in a professional, happy and friendly manner. Carole Kramer, RN, Greater Salt Lake chapter, Red Cross. Honored to be here.

Being Prepared for Flooding

2011-06-07T14:34:00.000-06:00

Flood! It's the 5 letter word that Utahans dread hearing! It seems that every spring Utah experiences some type of flooding. This year with the large amount of snow pack, rain, and rising temperatures Utah is experiencing an increased amount of flooding.

There are many different ways to prepare for flooding;

Having a 72 Hour Kit
Being prepared to evacuate if told to do so
Listen to the area radio and television stations
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger

You can visit www.utahredcross.org for a variety of different preparedness information

Another necessity in being prepared for a flood and my personal favorite...

RAIN BOOTS!

Rain boots are an absolute must and thankfully for us are a huge trend. Rain boots range from all prices and all styles. From the very basic to designer, there is a rain boot for everyone. Here are some of my favorites..

Oh and Men I didn't forget about you...

Rain boots are sold at a variety of stores. Stay safe and remember your BOOTS!

Vote Now!

2011-05-26T17:18:00.000-06:00

The Vivint Gives Back Project

Vivint, Inc. is one of the largest home automation companies in North America. Operating from offices throughout the United States and Canada, the company services close to 500,000 customers. Vivint is dedicated to enhancing security, convenience and energy efficiency.

The Vivint Gives Back Project is giving away $1,250,00 to charities and you get to choose where the money goes! The Greater Salt Lake Area Red Cross is currently in 26th place, we need to make the top 20 in order to reach the next round.

You have until June 11 to help us win $250,000! Click HERE to vote for the American Red Cross, you must be logged into facebook in order to vote.

Become a Volunteer

2011-05-25T11:35:00.001-06:00

Over the last couple weeks we have seen devastating disasters across the country. These disasters affect all aspects of life and require an extensive amount of assistance. The American Red Cross is here to provide all types of assistance but we could not do it without our volunteers. We need you! Becoming a volunteer is easy and can be extremely rewarding. Click HERE to learn more about volunteering and how to become a volunteer!

Since the end of March, the Red Cross has:

Served more than 1.7 million meals and snacks with the help of community partners.
Opened more than 200 shelters and provided more than 17,000 overnight stays.
Handed out more than 1 million relief items like hygiene kits, mops, brooms, tarps, shovels, work gloves and coolers.
Provided more than 39,000 health and mental health consultations.
Deployed more than 700 emergency response and other disaster vehicles to areas affected by floods, wildfires, and tornadoes.

AmeriCorps Week Continued..

2011-05-19T16:01:00.000-06:00

The American Red Cross Utah Chapter has 6 AmeriCorps Members..

I handed out a survey to our AmeriCorps members so our blog followers could get to know them. The questions included..

Name:

Job Title:

Home town:

Favorite Activity:

Favorite Food:

If you could be any animal what animal would you be? why?

Gabi Roozee

Emergency Services

Santa Cruz, San Jose, Chico California and Bend Oregon

Obsessively following the San Jose Sharks hockey

Ramyun

Kangaroo, because of Remi Gaillard (see youtube)

Sarah Worlton

Emergency Services

Lehi, Utah

Being with fun friends- laughing and sharing ideas

Crackers, cheese, cucumbers and hummus

A dolphin, I love to swim!

Miguel Silva

Health and Safety

Born in Quezaltepeque, El Salvador. Raised in Concord, Calafornia. Now lives in Salt Lake City

Playing games and spending time with friends and family

Pupusas (from El Salvador)

Central American Leopard, cause they're cool.

Linnea Fletcher

Health and Safety

West Jordan, Utah

Running, hiking and cycling

Mangos, chips and salsa

Cheetah, they run fast

Page Neal

Communications and Marketing

South Ogden, Utah

Skiing

Chocolate covered pretzels

A penguin, everyone loves penguins!

AmeriCorps Week

2011-05-16T11:21:00.000-06:00

May 14-21st is AmeriCorps Week!

The American Red Cross in Utah has 6 AmeriCorps members!

Don't know what the AmeriCorps program is? Here is a little history..

In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act, which established the Corporation for National and Community Service and brought the full range of domestic community service programs under the umbrella of one central organization.

This legislation built on the first National Service Act signed by President H.W. Bush in 1990. It also formally launched AmeriCorps, a network of national service programs that engage Americans in intensive service to meet the nation’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.

The newly created AmeriCorps incorporated two existing national service programs: the longstanding VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program, created by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).

In September 1994, the first class of AmeriCorps members—20,000 strong—began serving in more than 1,000 communities. On July 3, 2003, President Bush signed the Strengthen AmeriCorps Program Act, which nearly doubled the number of AmeriCorps members. By establishing new accounting guidelines for making Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards from the National Service Trust, the Corporation can now authorize approximately twice as many AmeriCorps positions in all categories. The legislation was the product of extensive, cooperative discussions with the Administration and a sign of the strong bipartisan support for AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps and its programs are among the most recent chapters in our country's long history of encouraging and supporting civic engagement.

"Service is a spark to rekindle the spirit of democracy in an age of uncertainty. When it is all said and done, it comes down to three simple questions: What is right? What is wrong? And what are we going to do about it?"
— President Bill Clinton, upon swearing in the first class of AmeriCorps members

For more info about AmeriCorps program and how YOU can get involved click HERE

Check back this week for more stories and to meet the American Red Cross AmeriCorps members!

Cupcakes

2011-05-11T16:36:00.000-06:00

CUPCAKES!!

Everyone is going crazy for this new trend including the American Red Cross. Last month Sprinkles Cupcakes in Los Angeles had a Red Cross cupcake week, all proceeds going to American Red Cross to benefit the

Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund.

Click HERE to view the Sprinkles website and the full story.

Want to make your own Red Velvet Red Cross cupcakes? I found a wonderful recipe from Paula Deen and the Food Network. Enjoy..

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting..

1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Cook's Note: Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.

Make them a Red Cross Cupcake to by adding the signature Red Cross!

2011-05-09T09:59:00.000-06:00

The Cache Valley Red Cross Heroes Awards Breakfast is this week! Check out the Cache Valley Heroes and their stories..

May 10, 2011

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Utah State University Taggart Student Center / Walnut Room Room 215 • 900 East 700 North Logan, Utah

Please RSVP to (435) 752-1125 or dougr@redcrossutah.org

Decades of Service: Blythe Ahlstrom has volunteered with the Cache County American Red Cross for over 20 yrs. He has served in a number of ways including disaster services (DAT team), health & safety (instructor), and in a number of positions on the Board of Directors. He has assisted with fundraisers, for example a fundraiser to acquire our Disaster service Trailer and the Run for Red 5k race events. He has represented the Red Cross at countless community booths, fairs, parades, and events such as the home & garden show. He has taught many training classes for our other volunteers and has responded to countless disasters, both large and small. He has also been a great financial contributor, and has provided extensive support to all the employees that have served in the Cache Valley office. He will receive the 2011 Lifetime Hero Award.

Food for the Needy: Matthew Whitaker directs the Cache Community Food Pantry. Matt and his team serve as symbols of hope to the community and never hesitate to help those in need. He treats everyone with hope, dignity and kindness. He is cheerful and respectful to all, and speaks Spanish fluently. He is generous with his time and talents, despite receiving no monetary compensation for his efforts. As one friend describes him, “Matt Whitaker is a man among men and stalwart example of all that is good within our community; he is a symbol of nobility and honor. Even though Matt and I are roughly the same age, ‘when I grow up,’ I want to be just like him.” – Jeff Stout. Matt will receive the 2011 Community Good Samaritan Award.

Neighbor in Danger: Kaylee Ellertson is an 11-year-old girl who heard the sound of breaking glass at an elderly neighbor’s home and ran to render aid. She found her neighbor, Ms. Runae Steele, face-down on the ground in a pool of blood. Ms. Steele had fallen and suffered serve facial trauma as well as possible head, neck and spinal trauma. Kaylee quickly summoned medical personnel using the 911 phone system. Kaylee’s actions played a significant role in restoring the well-being of Ms. Steele. She will receive the 2011 Youth Good Samaritan Award.

Explosive Rescue: On the morning of October 22, 2009, a large mushroom cloud of smoke appeared in the sky as a propane tank exploded in a nearby home. Cache County Deputy Shane Zilles, off-duty and living just doors away, made an instant decision to rush to the scene, where he jumped into action looking for survivors of this horrific event. After tending to one victim, he began searching for the second by digging and sifting through burning rubble, risking personal injury and even the loss of his own life when a second explosion occurred. Quickly locating the second victim, Deputy Zilles and another citizen carried the victim to a safe location out of harm's way. Deputy Zilles' commendable service did not end there. He began clearing debris from the roads to provide unimpeded access for emergency response vehicles. It is certain that without his assistance on that day, the outcome of this tragic event could have been far different. He will receive the 2011 Law Enforcement Award.

St. George Heroes

2011-05-03T15:32:00.001-06:00

The St. George Heroes Event was today! Here are some of the Heroes that were honored...

Adult Good Samaritan Hero Award: Snow Canyon High School students Alex Lambson and Dane Zdunich and their families will be forever grateful to the brave and heroic acts of school principal Warren Brooks, vice principals Paul Hurt and Conley Gali, social studies teacher Ron Hansen and resource officer Travis Brown. On a mostly clear afternoon in October the two students were struck by lightning while standing next to a tree outside the school. This tragic event was witnessed by many students and staff. The four men took the lead to get the boys back in the school where they administered CPR until the Emergency Team took over. Giving CPR immediately saved the lives of these two young men, who at the time showed no sign of life. Mr. Brooks, Mr. Hurt, Mr. Gali, Mr. Hansen and Officer Brown worked as a team to restore the lives of Alex and Dane and joyfully reunite their families.

Family Hero Award: Cory Arnett-Hauenstein exemplifies what it means to be family. What started off as a scenic drive on an off-road in New Harmony ended in tragedy as Cory’s babysitter, the driver, lost control of her vehicle which landed nose first in a 15-foot streambed. She was ejected from an open window and died instantly. Cory, a 12-year old boy, initially blacked out but regained consciousness and tended to the other kids in the van ages 2, 3 and 4. He pushed one child up the embankment while carrying a second in his arms and dragging the third with his leg. He sheltered the children from the heat under a tree and then walked a mile to get help, where he flagged down an individual who fortunately happened to be a nurse. Cory kept calm in a chaotic situation, reacting in a manner which demonstrated maturity way beyond his young age.

International Hero Award: James Stewart made two trips to Haiti to bring aid to those affected by the devastation caused by a massive earthquake. He travelled very dangerous grounds in the midst of the chaos to find supplies including water, diapers, formula, food, medicine and medical supplies, which were not available to most, but needed by many. He also helped organize the effort to ensure children from an orphanage were safely on a bus that took them to the airport, where they were flown to their new families waiting in Florida. For those that remained behind, he promised a fresh water supply when he returned. He fulfilled that promise during his second trip back by drilling and installing a well that supplied water to the orphanage and the community.

St. George Heroes

2011-05-02T09:17:00.000-06:00

The St. George Heroes Event is tomorrow!! Here are the featured Heroes for today, check out their inspirational stories..

Medical Rescue Award: Exhibiting heroic personal efforts to help others beyond the call of duty, Jan Call is the ideal candidate for the Medical Rescue Award. Jan is a member of the Washington County Sheriff's Search and Rescue who donates many hours as a responder and as an instructor for medical treatment. She is a Lifeflight nurse working on the new Lifeflight Helicopter recently stationed in southern Utah. During the disaster in Haiti, Jan with other Search and Rescue members were dispatched to Haiti to help during the disaster. In one dramatic situation, Jan actually helped a mother give birth on the sidewalk next to the road with no equipment or sterile conditions. In fact, she used a piece of construction twine to tie off the umbilical cord. She assisted in many surgical procedures including amputations with extremely limited resources. Jan also was part of a group of volunteers that helped bring the 80 orphans out of Haiti. All this was done on her time and expense.

First Responders Hero: Officer Darrin Coleman, with the Kanab City Police Department, has over sixteen years of experience in law enforcement. He serves as the D.A.R.E. instructor teaching fifth grade students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. He is also a volunteer firefighter for Kanab City and an intermediate EMT with the Kane County Ambulance service. In addition to all that, he serves as the ambulance service training coordinator and is on-call for ambulance duty. Because of his selfless dedication Officer Coleman has made to the people of Kanab City, as well as Kane County, countless lives have been saved.

Community Good Samaritan Hero: “I did what needed to be done,” was the response from Steve McArthur. What started as just another quiet day in Kayenta changed in a hurry when an elderly gentleman collapsed outside the local coffee shop. Steve stopped his truck, bolted to the scene and began CPR immediately on the fallen gentleman. The swift response was witnessed by many and its impact rippled through the small close knit community. He continued CPR as emergency personnel arrived. Even though he attributes his quick response to adrenalin, it demonstrates a much deeper commitment of sacrifice that stems from placing others above self.

Workplace/Community Safety Hero Award: For the past 24 years, Karen Orton has worked as an E-911 Emergency Medical Dispatcher for the local ambulance, police, highway patrol, and fire departments in Cedar City. She has taken emergency calls when a young person had collapsed due to heart issues. This and other examples caused her to step forward. She wrote a grant proposal and was awarded funds to purchase Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s), which when used quickly can “shock” the heart, restoring a normal heart rhythm. "It breaks my heart to have a child die from an undiagnosed heart condition,” Karen stated but now she is literally helping mend hearts and save lives.

2011-04-29T11:30:00.000-06:00

The St. George Heroes Event is next week! Check out our featured Southern Utah Heroes for today..

Tuesday, May 3, 2011 | 12:00 p.m.

Kenneth Gardner Center

Dixie State College

225 South 700 East

Saint George, UT 84770

Lifetime Hero: Richard Leavitt has been described as one of the most generous people you will meet in a lifetime. He continually gives both time and talent as a volunteer to the Washington County Search and Rescue team, serving as leader of the county's high-angle rescue team. The often daring rescues in the challenging Red Rock terrain of southern Utah draw national attention, but Richard views the rescue business as just another “day on the job”, and a simple thank you is sufficient attention and acknowledgment of his effort. We disagree with such modesty and propose that the world is a far better place because of Richard Leavitt.

Youth Good Samaritan: As President of the Dixie Rural Health Scholars Club, Austin Cope, a pre-med student at Dixie State College led the effort to raise more than $6,000 to provide emergency preparedness kits to Washington County School District supplying nearly 1,000 school rooms. The seven-month fundraising effort was highlighted by a benefit concert featuring renowned classical pianist and composer Jon Schmidt. The emergency packs, which are essentially easy-to-grab backpacks or buckets, compliment the First-Aid training teachers receive and as a result can help save lives. Austin saw a need in the community and fulfilled it.

Law Enforcement Hero: Sergeant Ted Barnard and Detective Rod Willis with Special Recognition to Kane County Sheriff’s Office. In the ensuing gun battle, shots were fired fatally wounding Deputy Brian Harris. Despite tremendous personal risk, both men remained with their fallen comrade with disregard for their personal safety. As bullets continued flying the officers stayed on scene until they could be air lifted out. At such close range it is only the bravery of these men that kept fatalities to a minimum, although even one life lost in the line of duty is a terrible tragedy. Sergeant Barnard and Detective Willis, with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, were on scene backing up fellow officers who were pursuing a burglary suspect.

Royal Wedding Fever

2011-04-28T14:26:00.003-06:00

The biggest wedding of the year is set to take place tomorrow! Prince William and his fiancée, Kate Middleton, will wed this Friday, April 29 at Westminster Abbey in London, England.

Royal weddings usually happen around every 13 years. They are extravagant events that capture the attention of the entire world. The wedding could attract a television audience over 2.5 billion people and 1 million people are to said to line the streets to try and get a glimpse of the royal couple.

With the volume of people the British Red Cross will be making sure that onlookers are safe by deploying over 100 volunteers. This will include over 70 first aid volunteers at 3 stations around London.

Mary Gardner, who has been a Red Cross volunteer for 27 years, will be one of those in the abbey.

“Royal weddings don’t come around very often, and there is such excitement and goodwill about this one,” she said. “I love the atmosphere in the abbey and volunteering for the Red Cross gives me the opportunity to be involved in all sorts of events there. I feel very honored and lucky to be on first aid duty for William and Kate’s wedding."

“On first aid duty at events, a lot of the incidents we deal with are thankfully minor – cuts, bruises, blisters, dehydration or emotional upset. There can always be more serious casualties, however, and some of us are trained to use oxygen, nebulisers and certain prescription drugs if necessary.”

The American Red Cross of greater Salt Lake unfortunately will not be setting up first aid stations for the royal wedding, so please everyone stay safe! Happy royal wedding!

2011-04-26T09:51:00.003-06:00

The Provo Heroes Event is today!! Here are the featured heroes for today, check out their incredible stories..

Risking His Own Life to Protect Others: Utah High Patrol Trooper Cameron Carter risked his life when he positioned his car in front of a wrong way DUI driver on I-15 and the driver collided head-on with his car. Trooper Cameron Carter risked his own safety to protect the motoring public. He is being recognized as the 2011 Law Enforcement Hero.

Helping the Sick and Needy one Hat at a Time: Hal Farnsworth has been making hats for cancer patients, homeless people, and people in Africa who worry about insects in their hair for 11 years. Hal, 89, has weaved over 4,300 hats since 1999 when he created a wooden loom for one of his grandchildren. As a World War II Navy radar specialist and electronics engineer, Hal has traveled to all 50 U.S. states and 48 foreign countries. He has modified inventions of tools for military radar installations and served in three wars. He has been married to his wife Lena for over 70 years and is being recognized as the 2011 Community Good Samaritan Hero.

Compassion in the Midst of War: Layne Pace, Fire Battalion Chief for the City of Orem, is founder of and president of The Afghan Orphan Project (TAO) to bring hope and opportunity to Afghan children. While serving in Afghanistan with the National Guard’s 211th Aviation Regiment, Layne and his fellow soldiers worked to alleviate the suffering of this war devastated country by funding, building and sustaining the largest orphanage in Afghanistan, the “Khalakhan Orphanage”. In Afghanistan, an overwhelming number of children are abandoned, orphaned, abused and living on the streets. The care of orphans and street children is among the primary concerns of the TAO Project. In December 2010, the TAO helped a female orphan obtain a new prosthetic leg donated by Hanger Prosthetics of Murray because the old prosthetic was too short making it painful for her to walk. For his off duty work to help others while actively deployed, Layne is being recognized as the 2011 Military Rescue Hero.

Hard Work Bears Fruit: Bret Van Leeuwen has travelled to Kenya 20 times since 2001. He founded Koins for Kenya an organization which has built 20 schools and educated 5,300 students. Koins for Kenya has no paid staff, no over-head, and no administrative costs. A hundred percent of all Koins for Kenya donations are used for projects which improve the rural communities in Kenya and involve the labor of local villagers to create long-term solutions for everyday problems. Koins works to create self-sustaining programs and educate the workforce. Bret is being recognized as the 2011 International Good Samaritan Hero.

2011-04-26T09:31:00.001-06:00

2011-04-25T09:25:00.004-06:00

The Provo Heroes Event is this week!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 | 11:30 a.m.

Provo Marriott Hotel

101 West 100 North

Provo, Ut 84601

Here are the featured Heroes for today..

Lifetime of Service: Dr. Moreno Robins is a retired pediatrician who lends a helping hand at the Volunteer Care Clinic in Provo as the medical director. He gives two days per week to the clinic as well as organizing the volunteer physician schedules, and ensuring there is adequate coverage to provide medical care for low-income families without insurance. He has dedicated his life to helping children maintain and improve their health. He will be recognized with the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pets Helping People: Mouse is a four-year-old golden retriever who volunteers with his master, Rocky Collins at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center for 3 ½ to 4 hours every week. Mouse’s owner is a member of Intermountain Therapy Animals, an organization providing pet-facilitated therapy to enhance the quality of people’s lives in extended care facilities. Mouse was identified as an excellent therapy animal because of his mellow disposition and gentle temperament. He loves to rest his head in the laps of patients in their hospital beds so they can pet him. “No matter how hard things are, life isn’t really so bad,” says Rocky who enjoys bringing a moment of happiness to hospital patients. Rocky even takes Mouse to visit hospitals during his vacations. Mouse and Rocky Collins are being recognized as the 2011 Animal Hero.

Turning Tragedy into Heroism: Kevin Bardsley created the Garrett Bardsley Foundation to conduct wilderness search rescues after he lost his son Garrett during a Boy Scout outing in Utah’s Unita Mountains in August 2004. Garrett was never found. Kevin wanted to prevent this tragedy from ever happening again by training volunteers to be ready at a moment’s notice to conduct wilderness search and rescue expeditions throughout Utah. Kevin assembled a list of resources including horses, pack mules, ATVs, GPS units and experienced search personnel to conduct organized searches, distribute food and water, direct traffic and assist with medical needs to prevent another family from experiencing the tragedy his family experienced when they lost Garrett. Kevin Bardsley is the 2011 Wilderness Rescue Hero.

Devoted Son Acts with Composure and Bravery: Kyle Jones was only 13 years old when he found his mother unconscious in the backyard of his home. He called 911 and told his sister to wait in front of the house to direct them to the back of the house when they arrived. Then he attempted to administer CPR to his mother. The paramedics arrived on the scene six minute later. The paramedics, the 911 dispatch team, and the detectives all said they were impressed with Kyle’s composure and bravery. Kyle, an Eagle Scout, used his lifesaving training to try and save his mother. Kyle will be receiving the 2011 Family Hero Award.

2011-04-20T08:52:00.002-06:00

The Ogden Heroes Event is TODAY!! 3 Heroes Events to go; Provo, St. George, and Logan!

Here are the featured Ogden Heroes for today...

Military Heroes: Capt. Ryan Lucero & Major Brian Bragg overcame poor communication & procedural limitations while on a mission in Afghanistan. Their efforts saved the lives of 24 U.S. Army troops and five civilians.

Community Safety: Through his career as an airman at Hill AFB, Shane Busshas been trained as a first responder. In October, while traveling on I-215, a vehicle lost control, struck the median and flipped onto its roof. Shane pulled over to assist the driver. Shane pulled the driver out of the vehicle and away from traffic. Shane assessed the driver for injuries and made sure the driver was safe and away from traffic. He then directed traffic until officers arrived at the scene.

Educator: Dale Covington has taken his own addiction recovery and turned it into his life’s work. Dale volunteers his time to educate and counsel addicts and families affected by drug & alcohol addiction through classes he teaches at Farmington Bay Detention Center, Davis County Jail, Hill AFB, Ogden Regional Medical Center, local churches, and schools.

2011-04-19T17:52:00.004-06:00

The Ogden Heroes Event is tomorrow! Here are the featured Heroes for Today..

First Responder: Michael Medina was walking past a home on 36th street when he noticed black smoke. He started banging on the door and dowsing the house with a garden hose. Ross Patterson, who lives across the street ran over and told Michael that an elderly, disabled man lives in the home. The two men made a spit second decision to break open the door. They heard the man moaning and ran into the smoke filled home. Through three foot tall flames, they were able to get to the man and pull him to safety.

Fire Rescue: Brothers, Steven & Michael Thornton came upon a duplex that had smoke coming from it. They rushed into the fire and pulled out a woman and her 6 grandchildren that were unaware of the danger they were in. The brothers grabbed a garden hose and broke into the other side of the duplex where an elderly man was lying on the floor. The brothers were unable to get the man out before an explosion forced them out of the duplex

Youth Good Samaritan: While eating lunch in the cafeteria at Weber High School Michael Cevering noticed a student with severe autism was choking. He noticed the boy was not breathing and administered abdominal thrusts. Michael’s quick reaction and training from his summer lifeguard job saved the life of his classmate.

Adult Good Samaritan: When a small plane crashed in a Roy neighborhood critically injuring the pilot, Gary Cox was one of the first people on the scene. Gary found the pilot, Clayton Roop lying in the road. Gary assessed Clayton’s signs and injuries. He noticed that Clayton was badly burned on his hands and face. Gary got him away from the danger of the airplane. Gary stayed with the pilot, asking him questions to kept him from going into shock until responders arrived.

With todays featured Heroes I want to ask everyone a question..

What drives someone to help an individual they don't know?

2011-04-18T10:47:00.002-06:00

The next Heroes Event is this week!

Northern Utah Heroes

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 | 8:00 a.m.

Ogden Eccles Conference Center

2415 Washington Boulevard

Ogden, Ut 84401

Each day we will be featuring different Northern Utah Heroes! Check out today's featured Hero..

Lifetime Heroes: The Sisters of St. Benedicts Foundation

Sisters Iris Beckwith, Jean Gibson, Luke Hoschette, Danile Knight, Stephanie Mongeon and Mary Zenzen came from St. Joseph, Minnesota to Ogden in the 1944 to build and operate a hospital and establish a school of nursing, at the urging of City and County officials. The Sisters worked to build Ogden Regional Medical Center. Their nursing program became part of Weber State University and they sold the hospital in the 1990s. However, Mount Benedict Monastery continues to be a vital part of this community with the sisters contributing their time and resources to many education, health care, and social justice efforts in the area. St. Benedict's Foundation, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Benedict, supports a variety of programs that directly impact the lives of women, children and families in Northern Utah. Of the original 13 who started with St. Benedict's Hospital, only six Sisters remain.

2011-04-12T11:33:00.012-06:00

The Salt Lake City Heroes Event is tomorrow! YAY! We are making last minute preparations and getting ready for tomorrows event. A BIG thank you to everyone who has made this wonderful event possible. Before you run off to get ready for tomorrows event check out the featured Hero Awardees for today . See you tomorrow!

Found this great quote today, thought I would share...

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
- Mohandas Gandhi

Hiker Rescue in Bells Canyon – Jill Anderson, Suzanne Jansen, Jim Muller, Rod Huck, and Brynn Mudliar witnessed a man fall over 40 feet while hiking in Bells Canyon in June 2010. Working together they hoisted the man on a boulder and held him there while others got help. They stayed with him until life flight was able to fly him safely out of the canyon. They are the 2011 Wilderness Rescue Heroes.

Seconds Count in Tour Van Crash - The horrific
Japanese tour van crash outside of Cedar City made international news back in August 2010. At the forefront of that news coverage was IMC nurse Kristi Christensen who, despite being 8 ½ months pregnant, stopped on the side of the road and stabilized six of the victims until ambulances arrived. She is being recognized as the 2011 Medical Rescue Hero.

Comfort for Troops in Iraq – Amy Galvez lost her son, Adam, in Iraq about 2 years ago. But instead of being overcome by grief, she has dedicated herself to helping her son’s fellow troops overseas. Every month she organizes members of her community to send 65-70 care packages to different troops stationed throughout Iraq. She is being recognized as the 2011 Military Hero sponsored by Rocky Mountain Power.

Angels Among Us – Diane Bates is the founder of Angels in Action (501 c3), which is a community service organization with the goal to inspire the community to be in service to each other and be Human Angels. In the past three years she has inspired thousands of volunteers to assist with refugees, homeless youth, Native Americans, Veterans, and an orphanage in Africa. She is being recognized as the 2011 Community Good Samaritan.

2011-04-11T13:49:00.002-06:00

The Salt Lake City Heroes Event is fast approaching, we only have a couple more Heroes to feature. The theme for today's featured Heroes is international service, check out their stories!

Funds for Haiti – Only a few days after the massive earthquakes rocked Haiti, the KUTV Channel 2 News Team led by Stephen Carlson and Stephanie Avis made an incredible impact for Haiti by raising over $424,720 during an all-day telethon. Dozens of volunteers started answering phones at 6:00 am and continued through 11:00 pm. This telethon raised awareness and spurred numerous 3rd party fundraisers to give aid to Haiti. They are being recognized with a specialty Haiti Hero Award for their efforts.

Modern Medical Miracle – Dr. Catherine deVries, a pediatric surgeon at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, is the founder of International Volunteers in Urology. Dr. deVries recruits volunteers and fellow doctors to travel the world taking modern medicine to countries who otherwise would not have help. She is being recognized as the 2011 International Hero sponsored by Mona Vie.

2011-04-06T09:52:00.007-06:00

The countdown continues.. 7 days, 168 hours and 10,134 minutes till our Annual Salt Lake City Heroes Event. Today we are featuring 4 of our Heroes Award recipients, check out their stories..

Explosive Rescue – Theodore Killinger risked his life when he witnessed the horrific crash between a driver going the wrong way on I-215 and a semi-truck. Theodore ran from his car across several lanes of traffic and pulled the semi-driver from the truck just moments before it exploded into flames. He is being recognized as the 2011 Adult Good Samaritan sponsored by Kern River.

Advocate for Public Safety Officers - Sandra Lucas has created a highly praised program to assist public safety officers who have been exposed to meth labs and suffering medically from those exposures. The detox program is offered free of charge to the officers and has become a model for programs Sandra is also helping to create for veterans exposed to chemical warfare. Sandra is the 2011 Community Safety Hero sponsored by Tesoro.

Santa's Helper – For the past 5 years, Sara Clayson coordinates her own Sub for Santa project each Christmas where she gathers monetary donations and items to help a needy family in her community. This year she was able to collect a significant amount of contributions for a family who is struggling with cancer and financial problems. Sara is only 17 years old. She is being recognized as the 2011 Youth Good Samaritan sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Foundation.

Community in Action– The wildfire in Herriman City in September 2010 spurred numerous community members to step up and help their fellow neighbors. Two individuals are being recognized for their heroic efforts during the Herriman fire: Coralee Moser is the Emergency Volunteer Coordinator for the CERT Program in Herriman City who was responsible for organizing and training the local CERT Team who was instrumental during the response efforts. Kevin Williams responded to a call while for help while at work at the landfill, asking if someone could bring a bulldozer to help fight the fire in Herriman. For four and a half hours he plowed a trench that turned into a fire line saving the homes of people he didn’t even know. They will both be receiving the 2011 Community in Action Award sponsored by Utah Disaster Kleenup.

2011-04-04T09:49:00.006-06:00

Our Annual Heroes Event is just around the corner! The Salt Lake City Heroes Event will be held on April 13th, at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown SLC. Visit our website for more information and to purchase tickets, www.utahredcross.org. Every couple of days we will be featuring different Salt Lake City Heroes on our blog. Today we have featured Thora Hutchinson and Wyatt Shosted, our oldest and youngest Hero awardees. Just goes to show no matter what generation you come from you can make a difference in our community. Check out their stories...

A Lifetime of Service - For over 20 years Thora Hutchinson has selflessly and tirelessly volunteered at the Red Cross and other organizations that she has served throughout the years. Each year Thora has averaged 750 volunteer hours, serving over 5,000 people at the Red Cross and Huntsman Cancer Institute. She will be recognized with the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Regence BlueCross BlueShield.

Bond Between Brothers – Wyatt Shosted’s quick actions at school helped to save his brother’s life during a diabetic seizure. He used the skills and knowledge he had learned from his brother’s hospital about what do to in an emergency situation. Wyatt is being recognized as the 2011 Family Hero sponsored by United Healthcare.

Babysitting Classes

2011-03-24T14:28:00.002-06:00

Babysitting classes at American Red Cross.

If you are planning on becoming a babysitter during your High School years consider taking babysitting class at your local Red Cross Chapter.

The goal of Babysitter's Training is to provide youth who are planning to babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. This training will help participants to develop leadership skills; learn how to develop a babysitting business, keep themselves and others safe and help children behave; and learn about basic child care and basic first aid.
The training also includes certification in Child/Infant CPR and Standard First Aid.

So set yourself apart from other babysitters and become a better caregiver by attending the training.

For more information on how to sign up please visit our website site: www.utahredcross.org

Red Cross in Utah Responds to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami

2011-03-11T17:33:00.003-07:00

Red Cross In Utah Responds to Japan Earthquake and Tsunami--The Utah Region of the American Red Cross has organized to assist following a magnitude 8.9 earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami that affected other countries in the pacific region.

"Our hearts go out to the people of Japan as they begin the process of recovery," said Maxine Margaritis, CEO of the American Red Cross Utah Region.

With potential danger headed to the west coast of the United States, Red Cross chapters are on alert and Utah's highly-trained Red Cross volunteers stand ready to provide assistance as needed in coordination with local and federal response partners. Red cross warehouses in Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), California, Washington and Hawaii are mobilizing resources; and approximately 100 mobile feeding vehicles are on standby. Evacuation shelters are open with additional locations on standby in Oregon, Washington and California.

The Red Cross can now accept donations to benefit disaster relief efforts for the Japan earthquake and the Pacific Tsunami. Your gift to the American Red Cross will support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and Tsunami throughout the Pacific. On those rare occasions when donations exceed American Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. To make a donation, go to www.utahredcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. People can also text REDCROSS.org to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.

The Japanese Red Cross Society has extraordinary disaster response capabilities, and has mobilized eleven teams to heavily damaged communities, to provide assessments and first aid and prepare to supply emotional support and relief. The American Red Cross is in communication through its global partners with the Pacific nations that sustained the most damage, and stands ready to provide assistance as needed.

About the American Red Cross In Utah
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. Last year the Red Cross in Utah responded to 139 emergencies, many of them rendering multiple families homeless. The Red Cross is a charitable organization--not a government agency--and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.utahredcross.org.

It's All About Compassion: Run For Red

2011-02-25T16:48:00.002-07:00

When it comes right down to it, the driving force behind the Red Cross is Compassion for our fellow men. We show compassion to every family we comfort at a disaster scene, at every lifesaving class we teach, when we help military families connect, and provide those in need with energy assistance. On March 5, 2011, we can show our compassion again. We can bring our friends and neighbors to the fundraising Run For REd 5k run, and help raise the means to keep showing the compassion we value so dearly. For more information, go to www.RunForRed.org.

Great Prizes! Great Cause! Run for Red!

2011-02-18T16:05:00.002-07:00

Take your shot at winning amazing prizes like a 1-year Gold's Gym membership and Sundance Tickets when you support the Mountain Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Run for Red 5k race and 1 mile walk. More runners are needed, so save March 5, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Independence High School, 636 Independence Avenue in Provo as the date and time to bring your friends to have a great time and support a great cause. For more information, or to register, go to www.runforred.org. See you there!

Blood Needed: Donate Now!

2011-02-14T11:15:00.002-07:00

Every two seconds someone in America needs blood. You can help by donating blood through your local American Red Cross. Giving blood is easy. It only takes about an hour, and a single donation can help to save up to three lives. Give to someone in immediate need--it could be a friend, a neighbor, or a stranger. Give blood to the American Red Cross. To make an appointment call 1-800-Red Cross or visit www.redcrossblood.org today. The need is constant, the gratification is instant. Give blood.

Run for Red to Raise Funds for Red Cross!

2011-02-11T14:29:00.002-07:00

Dear Friends of the Red Cross,

Now is your chance to be a humanitarian star! The Mountain Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross will host the 8th annual Run for Red 5K run and 1k walk event at Independence High School, 636 North Independence Avenue in Provo on March 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. This event will raise money to support the mission of the American Red Cross in Utah.

For more information go to www.utahredcross.org/runforred.

A Compilation of Posts and a Fond Farewell

2011-02-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Devoted Readers,

It has been my greatest pleasure to write for this blog and keep you informed about preparedness as well as the goings on of the American Red Cross in Utah.

I am turning the reigns of this blog over as I leave the Red Cross and my time as an AmeriCorps volunteer is complete.

Since this will be my last post, below is a list of firsts; including many of the amazing things I was able to do here at the Red Cross and then get to write about.

First Disaster Response

First hike in the summer heat

First time donating blood

First 10 Things...post

First pet post

First post with Bret Michaels

First Halloween

First Sandwich in a Can

I hope you enjoy reading these posts as much as I enjoyed experiencing and writing them.

Practice Fire Safety

2011-02-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Red Cross volunteers have been responding to numerous house fires around the state of Utah! While our volunteers are on scene within two hours providing those affected by fire with immediate essential items like food, clothes and shelter our goal is also prevention. So I wanted to include in this blog post ways to prevent a fire from starting in your home:

If you're like me and love to cook, I highly recommend practicing cooking safety. So when I'm in the kitchen this Sunday mixing up a delicious Super Bowl menu for the Big Game, I plan to stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you do have to leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. Check your food regularly and use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.

This freezing winter weather has surely caused many of you to pull out the portable heaters in your office, sleeping area, living room, etc. In order to prevent your heater from starting a fire make sure you turn it off when you leave the room!
While the Red Cross does not endorse smoking, if you choose to do so, make sure your butts are out and you never smoke in bed.

And last but not least (check out additional Red Cross safety tips here) talk to your children, family members and loved ones about the dangers of playing with fire.

10 Things You Can Do in 5 Minutes

2011-01-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

I was recently reading an article in a magazine about things you could do if you had 5 minutes to spare. Included in the list were: brush and floss your teeth, write a thank you note, and call a loved one. The list included simple things to do but important tasks that sometimes get overlooked. What would you do with a 5 minute break?

I decided to create my own list of preparedness items you can do if you have an extra 5 minutes in your day. See I told you it was easy! Check it out!

Change the batteries in your smoke alarm
Make sure items in your food storage are not expired
Make a list of emergency contact information for you and your family members
Assemble a small emergency pack with items around your house like a flashlight, water, etc.
Read up on Red Cross earthquake safety information
Fill up your gas tank
Make a fire escape plan and discuss it with your kids and family
Put fresh batteries in a flashlight and put it next to your bed
Sign up for a CPR class
Order a first aid kit online

What else can you do to be prepared with just 5 minutes to spare?

Preparedness: It's Not That Hard!

2011-01-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

Preparedness can be a scary word; it's true, it can be daunting. Many people I have talked to during preparedness presentations across the state are overwhelmed by what the word entails. Here in Utah, people have entire rooms in their homes dedicated to preparedness. Shelves full of canned foods and gallons of water! But if you think about the basics of being prepared, you shouldn't be daunted. It really can be easy if you start with the essentials.

My advice, start with a 72-hour kit! Either purchase one already made on our online store or gather the supplies and put them in an old backpack. Make sure your kit is readily available for use. This could mean near your bed, in your car, or by the front door.

Once you feel comfortable with your kit, start gathering other items that may be useful. These include, extra flashlights and batteries in case of a power outage, a few extra cans of food and some water containers after a trip to Costco and beefing up your first aid kit. Then check your fire alarms and make sure everyone in your house knows what to do and where to go in case of an emergency.

As soon as you have the basics down, you can rest assured that while you may not have everything but the kitchen sink in your earthquake, tornado, and atomic bomb proof chamber, you have essential items that will help in case of any type of emergency.

If this simple post doesn't do it for you, I suggest saving your money for this instead.

Shout out to Jana Sweeny for bringing up the "preparedness is simple" topic and to the Oregon Trail Chapter for this awesome video.

Reality Show Partners With American Red Cross

2011-01-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

Trina Polta is a guest blogger for the American Red Cross in Utah. Learn how one reality show speaks the truth about a serious subject.

The popular television dating show The Bachelor helps spread the word about National Blood Donor Month. January is National Blood Donor Month and the contestants put their acting skills to the test! Their task is to create public service announcements highlighting how important it is to give blood today.

Learn why it is important to donate blood

Review blood donation eligibility requirements

Read about the blood donation process

Not a fan of the show, but want to check out this special episode? Click here to watch part 1 and part 2

About "The Bachelor":
In the hit primetime reality series The Bachelor, one lucky man is offered the chance to find true love. The single and eligible Bachelor embarks on a romantic journey, getting to know a bevy of beautiful bachelorettes, gradually narrowing the field to the one woman to whom he may propose marriage in the dramatic season finale. Hosted by Chris Harrison, The Bachelor is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org

Haiti-One Year Later

2011-01-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will mark the one year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. One year since hundreds of thousands of Haitians lost their homes, their loved ones and their livelihoods. One year since Haiti, an already ravaged country, crumbled.

A lot has happened in one year. I have been volunteering and now working for the Red Cross for over a year now. And I was forced into the fire of the happenings of Haiti right here in Utah. I was overwhelmed with work to do but even more so overwhelmed by the amount of people who came to the office with money in all amounts and with time to answer phones, take messages, and offer support.

The people from Utah are an extremely generous bunch; raising over $2 million for the American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. Donors came from large corporations, from small businesses, from elementary and high schools across the state and from ordinary citizens just trying to offer whatever help they could.

A lot has happened in one year. With the money that people across the United States donated (almost $475 million) the Red Cross has been able to provide food to over 1 million people with the help of the UN World Food Programme ; clean drinkable water to hundreds of thousands of people every day since the earthquake; after the Cholera outbreak, vaccinations for nearly 1 million people, and much more!

A lot still needs to happen. The American Red Cross is committed to helping the people of Haiti until every last donated dollar is spent. Long term recovery plans have been made over the next several years with permanent housing for Haitians a top priority.

It is absolutely incredible to me how vast the American Red Cross is. The work that has been done and is being done can and will move mountains but it will take some time, and patience is key to the recovery process. I often wish I could go over to Haiti and help pick up the pieces, lend my able body to the relief efforts and give hope to the country. But for now I will marvel at the work that the Red Cross is doing and patiently wait and hope that the work will continue and things will change for Haiti.

To read the One Year Report from the American Red Cross click here.

An Electrifying Red Cross Program

2011-01-05T15:27:00.009-07:00

Trina Polta is a guest blogger for the American Red Cross in Utah. This time she is highlighting one of our seasonal programs.

Utility Assistance

Beyond the highly publicized American Red Cross disaster services there are many other aid programs, including our Utility Assistance program. In 2010 American Red Cross assisted just over four thousand homes in Utah regarding utilities services. The Utility Assistance program provides emergency monetary support to qualifying individuals. Utahans experiencing hardship with paying their bills during the winter season may seek help for one or more of the following utilities Questar, Riverton City Water, Rocky Mountain Power, or Salt Lake City Water.

Program Qualification

People seeking help, should know to qualify you must meet at least these specifications:

Considered living on a low income wage AND also meet one of the listed items below.
Item 1: Individuals must be 60 years or older
Item 2: Or you must be on permanent disability

Steps To Getting Help

Contact the Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program at 801-521- 6107 first
If you have a shut off notice, you may go to the HEAT office in your area
Review program information on the HEAT website
If you have already worked with HEAT AND still need Red Cross assistance call us at 801-323-7000
When leaving us a voice message at 801-323-7000 make sure to state your name and a daytime phone number

Program Funding

Funding consists of various charitable gifts from these main sources:

Utility employees and stockholders donations
Local resident contributions made with their utility payments
Direct donations given to the American Red Cross (Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter)

Other Program Details

Assistance is not intended to relieve individuals of their responsibilities, but is meant to assist them while they develop practical plans for meeting their own needs.

365 Days: One American Red Cross Chapter

2010-12-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Trina Polta is a guest blogger for the American Red Cross in Utah. She's back to show her gratitude for her fellow Red Cross volunteers.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and now it is time to reflect on what a caring community can accomplish together in just one year. Just over twelve hundred kind individuals made the choice to pledge their time toward helping their fellow man in need. Together our American Red Cross Utah chapter volunteers and 33 staffers have indeed touched the lives of people during unexpected life altering events. Thanks to your dedication these devastating and tender moments that individuals in our communities are confronted with are thankfully, not spent alone. In 2010, our Utah chapter responded to 139 disasters from fires to floods.

Beyond responding to emergency situations, volunteers like you have given the gift of knowledge by teaching others various American Red Cross courses. In one year an outstanding 34,092 men and women were trained in disaster preparedness. Even more Utahans (42,307) completed first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training. Thousands upon thousands also took advantage your expert instruction in swimming and babysitting courses.

We also thank you for all your donations throughout this year because your contributions have helped maintain and sustain critical American Red Cross programs and services.

When you reflect on your personal accomplishments as you ring in the New Year don't forget to celebrate the warmth of our considerate and compassionate volunteers who make an impact in their community.

10 More Things I Didn't Know About the Red Cross...

2010-12-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

...Until I Started Volunteering Here

A while ago, in my Red Cross naïveté I posted 10 things I didn’t know about the Red Cross until I started volunteering here. Well it’s been almost a year now and I certainly have learned a plethora of things about the Red Cross and all of the services we provide. So I came up with 10 MORE things I didn’t know about the Red Cross. It was hard to narrow down the list, as it certainly could have been 20! Please read, enjoy, learn, and share with your friends and family!

1. Everyday Heroes in the community are honored annually by the American Red Cross. Do you know someone who has saved a life, or done something make the community a better and safer place to live? The Red Cross awards Heroes at annual events across the state. Submit your nominations here by December 31st! And check out our previous award recipients online.

2. The American Red Cross can unite family members separated due to war, armed conflict, and disasters. As part of the International Family Tracing Services, and thanks to the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the Red Cross can help unite local individuals with their family members.

Tracing cases occur when:

• Families have been separated as a result of either armed conflict or disaster.

• As much as possible, families should have tried normal channels of communication before requesting Red Cross tracing services.

• The family member making the inquiry provides essential information on the sought person.

• The family member making the inquiry is a close family relative, who has been in direct contact with the sought person before the conflict or disaster occurred.

Recently the Salt Lake Chapter has helped in one of these tracing cases. We were able to unite a refugee from Africa with his family members here in Utah.

3. The American Red Cross provides the curriculum for swim instructors. Taken a swim class? Then chances are that you were taught by a Red Cross certified instructor.

4. Heidi Klum and The Rock support the Red Cross. There are over 40 celebrities on the National Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet. These celebrities including tween heartthrobs Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato donate their time, skills, and energy to help promote Red Cross initiatives and response efforts. Here’s a full list of this year’s Red Cross celebrity cabinet members.

5. You can take Pet First Aid and CPR! The Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter offers a pet first aid and CPR class. Make sure you know what to do if Fido stops breathing or Ted breaks a paw. Sign up for a class today.

6. The American Red Cross teaches life-saving skills to young Babysitters! Know someone between the ages of 11 and 14? If so, sign them up to become a Red Cross certified Babysitter. Young leaders are taught CPR and First Aid among other skills so they can be responsible babysitters. If you are interested in learning more about Red Cross courses check out www.utahredcross.org/takeaclass

7. The Red Cross in Utah has chapter offices in Provo, Ogden, St. George and Cache County! The Red Cross operates across Utah with offices in Provo, Ogden, St. George and Cache County. No matter where you live, the Red Cross is here to help when you need! For information about the Red Cross in your area check out www.utahredcross.org/acrossutah

8. The American Red Cross follows 7 Fundamental Principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality. No matter who you are, what your background may be the American Red Cross can and will help you.

9. The American Red Cross in Utah responded to 139 disasters this year; But we don’t self deploy. If the fire department, police department, or individuals call for Red Cross help our Disaster trained volunteers are on the scene and can provide food, clothing, shelter and a listening ear.

10. We are the only organization to have a congressional mandate to perform and carry out our services and not receive any federal line-item funding. I know this was my last number 10, but I think it is incredible, so incredible I wanted to put it on this list too. The Red Cross relies on the generous donations of our community and community partners in order to be able to do all of the things I just mentioned. If you would like to donate to the American Red Cross in Utah or would like to volunteer your time and talents, click here.

Last Minute Giving And Gifting Made Easy

2010-12-23T11:53:00.001-07:00

Trina Polta is a guest blogger for the American Red Cross in Utah. She's back to help you fill all your gift giving needs.

Are you scrambling to complete your holiday shopping in the next 48 hours? Want to avoid the crowded malls and inflated online shipping fees today and tomorrow? Not to worry, because the American Red Cross has you covered in a few ways.

Option A

Ease your stress level and give the gift of kindness by donating basic survival and educational items from our 2010 Holiday Giving Catalog. Here is how it works, you choose to buy a gift like the blanket set ($18 for 3 blankets). Proceed through the quick online check out process and your purchase is done in no time. Now you can print a copy of your order immediately from the site or from your email. Finally, write a little note in a holiday card (to your special someone) saying you just donated 3 blankets on their behalf. Congratulations! You've just accomplished a great deed by giving a gift to your loved one as well as giving a gift to a deserving family.

I personally love this option because most of my family lives out of state. The American Red Cross 2010 Holiday Giving Catalog is a great seasonal giving option, because I'm avoiding shipping costs, and extra baggage fees at the airport. Plus, I really feel great knowing that my donation is going to help another person when they really need it. Another added bonus, not that you need another reason, but in case you were wondering, your gifts are tax-deductible.

Option B

Are you still losing sleep on what gift you are going to get your relative that happens to have everything? Or, do you still need a hostess gift for an upcoming party? The second option the American Red Cross is offering can be found in their online Red Cross Store. Right now you can snag 10% off the top ten favorite survival gear items. You can never be too prepared and either can your relative who has everything. Just purchase and print out a copy of your order to put in any holiday card. There is also a holiday gift shop where you can buy presents for everyone including babies, adults and pets. You'll find emergency preparedness supplies, first aid kits, educational materials (books and videos), clothing and other accessories that are great for any household. You will also find easy to shop categories by price, recipient or purpose.

Bonus Buys

So, really if you are not a last minute holiday shopper this is for you. Really this BONUS BUY is for everyone who loves a great deal! Currently, there are four discounted deals that will save you 20% off beach towels, fall apparel, and the popular 100 Year Anniversary First Aid Kit. You can also get 50% off holiday cards. When you shop the Red Cross Store, you support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross.

I'm wishing you a Happy and Safe Holiday. And, please don't forget to pamper yourself now that you have taken care of everyone else.

Proud to Be a Part of the Red Cross

2010-12-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

In the past year that I have been working with the American Red Cross in Salt Lake I have seen amazing things happen. I have witnessed inspiring people drop everything they were doing to to respond when a fire destroyed a family's home. I have seen volunteers like Evelyn Halstead from Utah travel across the country to help in National Disasters. I have had the pleasure of working with some of the most extraordinary volunteers. And I have been witness to the comfort given after an individual's livlihood is destroyed by flames or flood.

As an AmeriCorps volunteer with the Red Cross I have preached preparedness on this blog and to the community with disaster presentations and fun facts to keep my friends and fellow Utahns prepared. I have learned so much about the Red Cross and all of the programs the organization can offer.

All of this is why giving to the Red Cross this holiday season with the Holiday Giving Campaign comes so easy. I urge all of you to make the choice to give gifts this season that save the day! A donation to the American Red Cross means blankets to families who may lose their home this winter due to a disaster, calling cards to soldiers overseas or water supplies to those affected by International Disasters.

Make your holiday dollars count with a donation to the incredible work of the Red Cross!

A Heartfelt Partnership

2010-12-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

Trina Polta is a guest blogger for the American Red Cross in Utah. This is just one of many things she's learned about the American Red Cross.

Last month, I decided I would make a change in my life and try to give more to my community. This thought led me to volunteering my time at the local American Red Cross chapter. I quickly found out the American Red Cross is more than a disaster relief service. In fact, they are much more!

I now know the American Red Cross supports military members, and their families. There is a program called Coping with Deployments, which helps put the focus on military families after their loved one is called to service. Here are a few quick facts about the program:

Military families who reach out to the Red Cross can receive free information and resources to help cope with deployments.
Coping with Deployments trains mental health professionals. After certification professionals help assist military families with coping mechanisms when life becomes too stressful.
Families can also get help with emergency communication.
The program also assists veterans with referrals.

To find out more about the partnership between the military and the Red Cross click here.

Check out Coping with Deployments frequently asked questions.

Watch America Ferrera's PSA

Is your company looking for a way to give back?!

2010-12-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

Trina Polta is a guest blogger for the American Red Cross in Utah. Here is her story of giving back.

I used to work for a Fortune 500 company. This was my first large corporate experience which in the end reminded of many things I had forgotten, including the importance of giving back to my community. The company was and is well versed in connecting their employees to volunteer opportunities. Working for a company that valued community service helped me realize, I can make a difference. Yes, little old me, who is not wealthy. We all bring something to the table, and during my two plus years working there, I started donating can foods. My helping hand quickly evolved to organizing site events like blood drives and giving trees.

Maybe, you have never thought of approaching your company to see if they have some corporate dollars set aside for each business quarter or business year?

Asking could make the difference in many ways:

Help Others: You help those in need by helping your company donate

Help Expand Your Work Goals: You could fulfill a work goal by getting your company involved in community service

Help Your Team Morale: You could organize a team builder exercise and volunteer your lunch hour once a month to help your local American Red Cross Chapter

Help Expand Your Knowledge: You could organize a team builder exercise to become CPR certified

Help Create A Sense Of Community: You could partner with surrounding businesses and start a blood drive in your business park

Learn how you and your company can partner with the American Red Cross by calling (801) 323-7015 or emailing jballard@utahredcross.org

These are a few of my favorite things...

2010-12-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

Oprah has her favorite things; cars, sweaters, watches, diamonds, and lots of food! I wanted to take a minute to list a few of my favorite things, or Red Cross favorites at least...

Blankets: Purchase 3 of them for $18 and help keep disaster victims warm this winter when a fire or flood forces them outside in the cold.

Calling cards: Purchase 3 of them for $60 and soldiers over seas can talk to their loved ones to make their service time more bearable.

Shelter: $50 buys one full day of emergency shelter for a disaster victim including a cot, three meals, two blankets, personal supplies and the emotional support from Red Cross volunteers

Food: $100 provides hot meals for ten disaster victims who need the energy to last another day without the comforts of their own home.

Water: For $50 you can buy water containers for 10 families affected by natural disasters abroad to collect and store clean water.

Safety Tube: For just $9.95 you can give your friends and family members the gift of safety with the persoanl safety tube. It comes with a poncho, emergency blanket, a mini first aid kit and many other items.

72-hour kit: Purchase a 72-hour Kit for yourself or your loved ones for just $49.95 in case of an emergency. They will thank you later!

You Don't Have to be a Superhero to Save a Life

2010-12-06T14:33:00.001-07:00

Every year the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross honors ordinary people in the community who do extraordinary things. Ordinary people like Brady Johnson, an army medic who was on his way up American Fork Canyon to picnic with his family when he witnessed a horrible bicycle crash. Without hesitating he jumped out of the car to help and along with other responders on the scene saved the life of the injured cyclist. Read his story here.

Last year the Salt Lake event honored eleven heroes, including a group of teens who witnessed their friend have a seizure in the pool and immediately sprang into action to help rescue her. You can read all of their powerful stories on our website.

This year the Red Cross is looking for nominations from the community for 2011 Hero events across the state in Salt Lake, Provo, Ogden, St. George and Logan.

If you know someone who saved a life or worked to make the community a better and safer place to live, fill out a nomination form online or send your nomination to heroes@utahredcross.org. The deadline is December 31st so get your nominations in soon!!

It's a Sandwich in a Can!

2010-11-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled upon a piece of preparedness gold! In this month's Utah Business Magazine there is an article about the Utah based company, Mark One Foods. The company sells the Candwich; a sandwich in a can! The company's website says, "the Candwich has a long shelf life that is perfect for emergency food storage needs in the event of natural disasters." In other words the Candwich will make a perfect addition to your 72-hour kit. Thank you Utah for again showing me the goodness of being prepared! Canned PBJ here I come!

A Safe Cook is a Happy Cook!

2010-11-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Bobby Flay's Pumpkin Pie

This Thanksgiving, I am going to be baking pie after pie after pie. As an aspiring chef or maybe just a Food Network junkie I have been gathering recipes and doing some pre-Holiday research. Research that includes baking, testing, and tasting; starting with a pumpkin cheesecake I made this weekend with every intention of giving away. I caved in and decided I needed to make sure it tasted good before giving as a gift. I'm not sure why I thought it would taste bad what with all the cream cheese, sour cream, butter and graham crackers. It was delicious and I highly recommend it as an addition to your Holiday feast. Click here for Paula Deen's recipe.

My research will continue this week as I decide which recipe/concotion to bring to my family's Thanksgiving dinner. Next on the agenda is Bobby Flay's Pumpkin Pie with cinnamon crunch and bourbon maple whipped cream. This recipe will put my baking skills to the test, but if you are familiar with Bobby Flay and his show on the Food Network called Throwdown, you know that this recipe is a winner. If you care to try it out, click here.

While I will not be cooking the turkey this year, I have been reading about and watching all the ways to cook your bird. Paula Deen reccomends frying it; Alton Brown says to roast it, and Anne Burrell brines her turkey.

Which ever way you decide to cook your turkey this year and whatever pie you decide to bake, the American Red Cross wants you to stay safe in the kitchen. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home fires; 90% of those fires are caused by unattended cooking. So stay in the kitchen, avoid loose fitted clothing, and keep kids away from the stove and oven. For more tips for safe cooking click here.

Happy cooking!

Youth Council Raises $4,000 for the Measles Initiative

2010-11-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the American Red Cross Youth Council concluded their fundraising efforts for the Measles Initiative. The Youth Council learned about the Measles Initiative and the combined efforts of the Red Cross, the CDC, UNICEF, UN, and WHO. They knew they had to help children all over the world dying from this preventable disease. The youth volunteers sold pins for $1 each to their friends, family, and classmates. For each pin purchased, a child in a developing country will be vaccinated for measles. Measles is a terrible illness that kills an estimated 450 people each day.

Over the past two weeks Youth Council members have been selling pins like crazy! About $4,000 pins were sold which means that many young children will have the chance to live another day and receive such an important vaccination.

The youth members had a great time counting money last night and celebrated their success with ice cream sundaes. Check out these photos from their celebration last night!

Holiday Time Already??

2010-11-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend at the Gateway, store fronts had been decorated with Christmas trees, and red and green were prominent colors in every window. Holiday music was playing over the loud speakers, and holiday sales were posted on big signs to draw consumers in. It's hard not to get sucked in to the gift buying/gift giving that is the Holiday season. Pretty sweaters draw you to their cashmere softness. Fifty percent off is just too hard to say no to. And the smell of fresh pine, mixed with "Jingle Bell Rock" makes using that plastic card on shirts, shoes, and holiday trinkets easy as pumpkin pie.

However, as I walked the streets looking in every window, seeing men, women and children walk out with their arms full of bags, I decided to make myself a little promise. (I'm always making promises on this blog, promises to update my 72-hour kit, to make sure I change the batteries in my smoke alarm, etc. And so far I have held my word!) I have been working with the Development team a lot lately with our upcoming Heroes event (more info to come!) last month's Gala in Ogden, and more recently the Holiday Giving Campaign.

With the Red Cross Holiday Giving Campaign, your gifts this Holiday can take the form of many things to support the mission of the Red Cross. For example for $50 you can purchase a full day of emergency shelter for a victim of a disaster in the name of a family member, friend, or loved one. Or for $18 you can purchase 3 blankets to keep disaster victims warm in the middle of the night. Or for $30 you can provide water containers for 6 families in International Disasters.

So next time you brave the winter weather to take a Holiday shopping excursion, keep in mind that while sweaters go out of style and wreathes wither, blankets and water for disaster victims, can go a long way.

Use your Extra Hour to Prepare!!

2010-11-05T11:40:00.000-06:00

This weekend we will mysteriously go back in time... That's right the weird phenomenon of Daylight Savings, practiced in every state but Arizona and Hawaii, occurs this Sunday morning. How will you use your extra hour? Will you sleep the hour away? Will you finally have time to clean house? Or will you take that hour and prepare?

The Red Cross recommends that you take this time to update your 72-hour kit. Check the food in your kit, is it about to expire? Does it look a little sketchy? Do the batteries in your flashlight still work? Do you have all important documents and some extra cash? Use your extra hour to check. Here's a list of items we recommend you have.

And while you're at it, check the batteries in your smoke alarms and make sure there is one on every floor of your house and in every bedroom. If you decide to replace your smoke alarms all together, make sure you don't put the old ones in your attic like Phil Dunphy did on Modern Family last night. Because when you hear that chirp, not only is it highly annoying, it also means you could be in danger if there is a fire in your house. For more preparedness tips check out www.utahredcross.org/prepare

Happy Halloween from the GSLAC Gremlins!

2010-10-29T13:51:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween from the Gremlins at the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter. We had a great time dressing up for the holiday. Check out our photos from today!

And don't forget to be safe and prepared this Holiday weekend with our Lucky 13 preparedness tips.

And check out our Halloween Reminder Video. Put together your own 72-hour kit, or update your current one. Happy Haunting my friends!!

Getting in the Halloween Spirit!

2010-10-25T13:03:00.001-06:00

Our friends at the Portland Red Cross asked, "What does your desk say about you?" Well to get into the Halloween Spirit we here at the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter have issued a desk decorating contest. While I just have this Dilbert-esque cubicle, I still decided to go all out. So I hit up my mom's "leftover" Halloween decorations and went to Smith's for some last minute essentials, like the sweet spiderweb I attached to my shelf.

Above is the final product...spooky, I know! So as you begin or continue, your Halloween preparations, don't forget to follow these Lucky 13 safety tips! Whether you're out there trick or treating, or simply decorating your office space, have fun and Be Safe.

Oh and don't forget to leave room, like I did, (see photo below) so you can still Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

So what's the deal with these new CPR guidelines anyway?

2010-10-19T11:12:00.000-06:00

As I'm sure some of you have heard, the American Heart Association released new CPR guidelines which includes information on compression only CPR. The experts at the American Red Cross are reviewing these guidelines before making an official stance regarding the updates.

This should remind all of us to get trained. You never know when an emergency might happen and if you know the skills, you have the opportunity to save lives; just like the lifeguard at Seven Peaks and my uncle!

So wait to hear what the Red Cross has to say about these guidelines and in the meantime, get trained, and be informed!

Holiday Mail for Heroes

2010-10-13T15:51:00.003-06:00

Utah Senator Bob Bennett spent part of a September day signing cards for soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait as part of the Holiday Mail for Heroes program.

The Holiday Mail for Heroes program is led by the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc., providing Americans with the opportunity to extend holiday greetings, expressions of gratitude and well wishes to service members, veterans and their families worldwide. Now in its fourth year, more than three million cards have been distributed during the first three years of the campaign.

Any member of the general public can be part of the Holiday Mail for Heroes program and send greeting cards from now until December 10 to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456. The cards will be distributed to members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans during the 2010 holiday season.

Holiday Mail for Heroes began in December 2007, when Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. approached the American Red Cross to assist in distributing thousands of holiday cards to hospitalized servicemen and women. In response to this request, the Red Cross partnered with Pitney Bowes to turn the project into a larger opportunity that could reach members of the military at other medical facilities in this country and abroad.

The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are encouraging families, schools, youth, civic groups, scouting troops, places of worship, and other groups that are interested in participating in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program to organize and host card-making events. For a list of tips and ideas, please visit: www.redcross.org/holidaymail

Check out Video of Senator Bennett signing cards with the Red Cross

Emergency Supplies

2010-10-11T11:25:00.000-06:00

Do you have everything you need in case of an emergency? This guy seems to have the correct supplies. But is he missing anything?

Share Your Impact

2010-10-08T13:08:00.000-06:00

What's your Impact? This Sunday is 10-10-10. While many people will probably be marking this day by getting married, the Red Cross has a different idea about how to celebrate the occasion. Check out the One Day on Earth website to find out how you can share your Red Cross story with the world. Below are the guidelines for defining and sharing your impact. Let the creativity commence!

Guidelines

1. Identify a word or two that is a description of how you define your impact within the Red Cross. For example: Blood, Support, Relief, etc. Be creative!

2. Write your impact word on a sign that you can hold while being filmed.

3. Find a unique location that you have impacted and tell us your name and Impact word on video while holding the sign towards camera.

4. Increase your impact by taking things further. Use the day to document, with video, how you support the Red Cross: giving blood, volunteering, working on the front lines. Show us your daily impact with the Red Cross, so that we can showcase it to the world.

5. When you upload your video please be sure to tag it to the "American Red Cross".

CPR Saves Lives!

2010-10-05T12:25:00.000-06:00

Why is CPR so important you may ask? Well for starters it could save your life, or the life of someone you love.

Take Kathy Ryan for example. Kathy is a runner who collapsed during Oregon state’s most famous relay race, Hood to Coast. Below is a clip from an upcoming documentary that shows how CPR saved Kathy's life.

Hood To Coast Movie - American Red Cross CPR from HoodToCoastMovie on Vimeo.
The documentary Hood To Coast is proud to partner with the American Red Cross.

To take a CPR class check out our website or call 801-323-7038

Become a Certified Red Cross Babysitter

2010-10-04T15:21:00.000-06:00

Are you in the immediate family of a Service Member? If so the American Red Cross of Utah has a great scholarship opportunity for you!

Every month the Red Cross offers a Babysitting Bootcamp in which youth ages 11-13 receive Red Cross certifications in Babysitter’s Training, Infant/Child CPR, First Aid and Dog and Cat First Aid. The course takes place over three days with lunch and snacks provided. Participants will receive a Babysitting Boot Camp T-shirt, a Babysitting Essentials Toolkit, and a Babysitter’s Training Handbook complete with an Emergency Reference Guide and CD-Rom.

Half price scholarships are available for those youth in the immediate family of a Service Member. The next Babysitting Bootcamp is December 27-29. Call Heather McKinnon at (801) 323-7010 for more information.

**Additional scholarships are available.

Autumn is Here!

2010-09-29T09:00:00.001-06:00

Celebrate by Attending the First Annual Autumn Gourmet Gala

Even though the recent weather has been perfect, sunny, and warm, last night I noticed that by 7pm the sun was already setting. Which means in a few weeks when we set our clocks back an hour (and update our smoke alarm batteries and 72-hour kits) the sun will be setting around 6pm!

Although I'm not too keen on the idea of less light in the day, I am looking forward to the Autumnal goodness that is cozy sweaters and jackets, blankets, mittens and the changing of the colors; as in this great video that the national Red Cross blog shared:

With the arrival of Autumn comes the first annual American Red Cross Gourmet Gala at Snowbasin Ski Resort.

Northern Utah’s chefs and restaurants are preparing their finest dishes to benefit the American Red Cross of Utah on October 7, 2010 for the first annual Autumn Gourmet Gala at Snowbasin Ski Resort. It's going to be a fun, chic event in which restaurants from across the state will be preparing food for every palate. The Gala will include a silent auction featuring dining experiences, travel, jewelry and other specialty items donated by participating restaurants and businesses.

For more information about the event and to purchase your ticket click here.

Masters of Disaster Program Launch!

2010-09-27T12:21:00.000-06:00

Utah Students Get Prepared for Disasters in New Pilot Program
In the wake of the Herriman fire evacuations, preparedness is on the minds of many Utahns and a new pilot program in twenty schools in the Salt Lake Valley offers one new way to help get students prepared for disasters. Thanks to the American Red Cross and Be Ready Utah, teachers will be using the American Red Cross Masters of Disaster® kit.

Check out pictures from the Masters of Disaster Pilot Kick-Off held at Channing Hall School in Draper this morning.
For more information about the American Red Cross Masters of Disaster® kit check out our website.

Preparedness Month Tips

2010-09-27T10:47:00.000-06:00

To me, being prepared for any type of emergency, whether it's a fire, flood, or evacuation, starts with getting a 72-hour kit. At the Red Cross store online you can buy all sorts of tools and supplies for your 72-hour kit; including radios, water storage, lights, and first aids kits.

For those of us on a budget, I want to introduce you to the Family Dollar. When I was in there the other day getting stuff for a bachelorette party I was throwing for my sister, I was amazed at how many items they had that are essential to have in your 72-hour kit.

If you want my recommendation for a cheap way to put together an all encompassing 72-hour kit here it is: Order the Deluxe Personal Safety Kit from the Red Cross online store. This kit comes with a bag that can be used as a back pack. Once your kit comes in the mail; head down to Family Dollar to add other essentials. I recommend putting in extra batteries, advil, deodorant and toothbrush, as well as a deck of cards or a book to keep you from being bored. Do you have kids? Throw in a coloring book and crayons. And as winter is approaching, pick up a hat and a pair of gloves. Family Dollar also has great deals on granola bars and other non-perishable foods to add in there as well.

Given the recent fire in Herriman, at the Salt Lake County Emergency Preparedness Fair this weekend, I had many people ask about what to take when you have to evacuate. While bringing your 72-hour kit is a great recommendation, other supplies could be more important for an evacuation.

The items in your 72-hour kit are meant to serve as all the supplies you would need to survive for three days in case a large disaster were to prevent the Red Cross, the National Guard, FEMA, etc from getting to everyone in a timely manner. For evacuations, my recommendation is to have copies of important documents like your driver's liscene, insurance cards, home ownership paperwork, etc. Grabbing any photos or family heirlooms is also a great idea however, getting yourself and your family members out of the house is most important.

The Herriman Fire Reminds Us to Be Prepared

2010-09-22T08:53:00.002-06:00

Jana Sweeny, Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross, spent time in the Red Cross shelter for residents of Herriman who had to evacuate. Here is her story of one family who took the necessary precautions to be prepared. What would you bring in the event of an evacuation? Are you prepared?

Monday morning haze hung over Herriman High School as people wandered around the American Red Cross shelter located there. Some were waking up from sleep, some stayed awake all night waiting for news. Most people were in the cafeteria getting breakfast for their children and a snack or cup of coffee for themselves. Like many people do when hearing about this type of disaster, I began thinking about what I would take from my home if I only had 10 or 20 minutes to get out. I have my disaster kit ready to go and keep important documents in a fire-proof lockbox. I also keep a list of things I want to remember to grab- work boots, change of clothes, prescriptions for my family and my pets. I started talking to people about this. What did they grab? What do they wish they had grabbed? Most answers were similar- computers, paperwork, and family photos. Many people talked about having to leave precious family mementos behind. Antique furniture made by relatives, artwork, and other treasures that could never be replaced.

During this string of conversations I started talking to Chris Streicher who recently moved into his Herriman home with his new bride Angela and his teenage son. As we began to talk I realized that his story of evacuation was much different. Chris and Angela care for three aging family members in their home. Chris’s mother who is in her 70’s and Angela’s aunt and uncle who are in their 80’s live with the couple. They bought their home in Herriman because it had the space to accommodate the needs of these very special

family members. They were able to add handicap accessible fittings to bathrooms and stairwells to make sure that all three, who use assistive devices including wheel chairs and walkers, could comfortably access their whole home.

When the notice came from police that they had 20 minutes to get out the first thought was, what do they need to bring for their elderly family members. Chris loaded the wheel chairs and walkers, while Angela packed the bags. They made sure to grab everyone’s medication and then they piled in the car and headed to Herriman High School. On arrival Chris immediately notified the Red Cross nurses of the condition of his family. He asked that they be looked at by a medical profession to ensure that the high level of smoke hadn’t caused any breathing problems. After they were checked out Chris made the difficult decision to split the family up. He realized quickly that his mother and Angela’s aunt and uncle would be more comfortable in a hotel. He made arrangements and dropped Angela off with the older members of the family. He and his son returned to the shelter for the night knowing that it would probably be the best place to quickly receive updates on the situation.

Taking into account the needs of vulnerable family members is key to smart disaster planning. Chris had great suggestions for elderly family members. Ensure that you have assistive devices that will help them continue to feel some level of independence, not only wheel chairs, but walkers or canes. Make sure to grab all medication. Remember that elderly family members often feel security in certain items such as their purse or wallet. Be sure to grab those things as well. As Chris said “you can always run to the WalMart for new socks, but some things are harder or will take longer to replace.” He also recommended making sure that all of your family members are informed about what is happening. As any of us with aging relatives know, change in routine is often hard. Even though he had little time, he quickly explained to them what was happening and then took more time in the safety of the shelter to talk through the decision with this family. Additionally, make sure to inform shelter staff at check in of any potential medical needs of your family. Finally, ask for help if you need it. Chris asked members of the police department who were patrolling the neighborhood to assist him in getting everyone and everything loaded into the car. Recognizing that it would take the Streicher family longer than families who were all able bodied, they were more than happy to help.

Chris and Angela did everything right. They made good and informed choices for their family and were able to react quickly because they had taken time to think through potential scenarios and plan for them ahead of time. To ensure your family is prepared like the Streichers are, visit the Red Cross website.

Herriman Fire Photos

2010-09-20T11:21:00.000-06:00

A few photos taken by volunteer James Fair from the Red Cross shelter at Herriman High School. Thank you to James and all the volunteers helping in Herriman.

Volunteer Holly Andrews with a client at the Red Cross shelter

Lunch room of the Red Cross shelter at Herriman High School

Red Cross shelter update in Herriman

2010-09-20T08:53:00.000-06:00

About 80 people spent last night at the Red Cross shelter at Herriman High School. Red Cross volunteers are on hand to provide medical attention, trauma counseling and emotional support. We will keep updating our Twitter @utahredcross with information.

For inquires about friends and loved ones in Herriman click here or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

To make a donation to the relief efforts click here.

2010-09-19T21:00:00.001-06:00

9:00 p.m. The American Red Cross has 50 people affected by the Herriman area fire evacuation at the Red Cross shelter (moving from the Ft. Herriman Middle School to the Herriman High School at this hour.)
The American Red Cross has cots for 100, water, snacks, and more than a dozen Red Cross volunteers helping on the scene with sheltering needs for the night if needed. The Red Cross is prepared to open additional shelters for up to 1900 people IF needed.

Red Cross Helps in Herriman

2010-09-19T19:44:00.001-06:00

7:00 p.m. Update
The American Red Cross is helping evacuees with an evacuation center in Herriman.
Local residents who are evacuated are urged to go to the Fort Herriman Middle School at 14058 S. 6200 West.
The center offers a place to gather, gain information, get updates on the evacuation. If an overnight shelter is needed, the Red Cross will open a shelter here tonight also.

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Herriman Fire Photos

Red Cross shelter update in Herriman

Red Cross Helps in Herriman