One Year Anniversery of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Yesterday March 11th, 2012 marked the one year anniversary of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

The American Red Cross has been working with the Japanese Red Cross, to help the hundreds of thousands of people injured and displaced by this terrible disaster.

Watch this video to learn what your American Red Cross has done and is continuing to do to help the Japanese people, made possible from all the generous donations made by you.

LIfetime Achievement Award 2012 Award winner

Yesterday was our 2012 Greater Salt Lake Area Heroes Event, it was a great success.

Thank you to everyone that came out and Supported us!

One of the Heroes Honored at the Event was Ken Kraudy, he received our Lifetime Achievement Award.

Here is a little about him and what he has done for our community over the years.

For more than twenty years, Ken Kraudy has served our community both professionally and as a volunteer. He works with local government, businesses and community groups to assess and enhance Sandy city's preparedness for emergencies and disasters. Ken is a leader in many volunteer organizations.

As the emergency Management Coordinator of Sandy City, Ken Kraudy established a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program that is benchmark for other cities to follow. He is the chairperson of the Sandy City Citizen Corps Council and the Sandy City Business continuity and Disaster Management Programs.

Over the past decade Ken has been a notable example of leadership in disaster preparedness. He served on the HOmeland Security Grants Council (HSGC), Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Citizen Corp, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) program. He is a past-president of the Utah Emergency management Association (UEMA) and has served on the board of directors of the Utah Association of COntingency PLanners (UACP).

During the hurricane season of 2004, Ken was deployed to two presidentially declared disasters in Florida where he was assisted with initial damage assessment and mass care efforts. Ken's commitment and hard work have made our communities safer, better prepared and ready to respond.

Utah Region Heroes Event 2012

It's that time again! Time for our American Red Cross Annual Heroes Event!

Our first Heroes event for the Greater Salt Lake Area is less than 2 weeks away!

What are the Heroes events?

The annual American Red Cross Heroes Luncheon is an occasion where influential community and business leaders throughout the Salt Lake area come together to celebrate and formally honor individuals within the community who reflect the mission of Red Cross. These “everyday heroes” responded in time of need with selfless acts of courage and compassion, or risked personal injury or significant personal sacrifices to help others in need. The American Red Cross sees these individuals as Heroes, whether they are police, firefighters, children, animals or everyday people.

For information head over to our website

Have a heart, give blood this Valentines Day!

Blood supplies are always lowest in the winter even though the need for blood is still high.

Give the gift of blood this Valentines day and help save a life!

Click this link to find a place to donate near you

Happy Valentines Day from your American Red Cross! ♥

Fire Safety and Prevention

In Utah the disasters your American Red Cross responds to the most are family house fires.

Fires kill more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined, and affect people from all backgrounds and geographic locations.

Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from fire hazards and be prepared if a fire were to ever start in your home.

Prevention Tips

• Smoke Alarms- make sure you have a working smoke alarm in every room. Once a month you should use the test button to check each smoke alarm. And at least once a year, all smoke alarm batteries should be replaced.
• Be Careful of Candles- If you do light candles or incense's in your home make sure they are on s stable surface away from things that are flammable. Never leave them burning if you leave the house, the room or go to bed.

Cooking Safety

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Stay in the home while simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food. Check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire—like pot holders, towels, plastic and clothing— away from the stove.
• Keep pets off cooking surfaces and counter tops to prevent them from knocking things onto the burner.

Be Prepared! In addition to knowing and practicing fire prevention tips, you and your family should also have a fire escape plan that you practice twice a year.

For more information on fire safety and making an escape plan click here!

Keep your heart healthy and be prepared with the Red Cross!

February is National Heart-Healthy Month, keep your heart healthy and prepare yourself for a emergency that could harm your heart by taking an American Red Cross CPR class.

Click this link to sign up for a CPR class today!

Here are the five easy ways to help keep your Heart Healthy

1. Don't smoke or use tobacco

2. Exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week

3. Eat a good healthy diet

4. Maintain a healthy weight

5. Get Regular health screenings

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

 

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 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

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!