American Red Cross Responds Internationally and at Home to Chile Quake

Commits Initial $50,000 to Chile Relief and Prepares for Tsunami in Hawaii



WASHINGTON, Saturday, February 27, 2010 — The American Red Cross is responding to the strong 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile, making $50,000 available for relief operations in Chile while also helping people in Hawaii prepare for a possible tsunami.

The Red Cross regional disaster management center in Panama is in contact with Red Cross staff and volunteers on the ground to monitor the situation and further assess needs. Regional Red Cross disaster experts from Latin America are also en route to Chile to support the response.

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross is coordinating with the state of Hawaii and the federal government to ensure an appropriate response to the impending tsunami that is expected to strike Hawaii later in the day Saturday. The local Red Cross chapter is readying volunteers and supplies in Hawaii to support any response that may be needed.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Chile as they struggle to deal with the immediate aftermath of this earthquake and the many aftershocks that are continuing,” says David Meltzer, Senior Vice President of International Services at the American Red Cross. “Thanks to the generosity of the American people who previously donated to our International Relief Fund, we’ve been able to release an initial pledge of $50,000 to help the Chilean people in their hour of need and we stand ready to provide additional assistance.”

Chilean Red Cross disaster teams have been activated and are working in close coordination with the Chilean government and their National Emergency Office. The Chilean Red Cross is a member of the Chilean government’s emergency response group, which is leading the emergency operations and has a great deal of experience and systems in place to manage response to major disasters. Although there is a blackout in Santiago, the Chilean Red Cross headquarters is able to operate through use of a generator.

At the same time, the American Red Cross is continuing to support the relief operations in Haiti, where 1.3 million people have been helped since the January 12th earthquake in that country.

“As the largest humanitarian network in the world, the Red Cross has both the experience and the capacity to respond to multiple disasters at the same time,” Meltzer said. “Today, we are supporting the Chilean Red Cross in their response to the earthquake while chapters in Hawaii are preparing for the possible tsunami, and relief operations continue in Haiti.”

Disasters frequently separate loved ones, and there are ways that people can help reconnect with their families and friends.

For inquiries about relatives living and who have citizenship in Chile, we urge you to contact them by telephone, monitor their social networking profiles or contact other family members who live nearby. Telephone, Internet and other communication lines are often disrupted in times of disaster. People trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Chile should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225.

The Red Cross encourages people in Hawaii, Guam or American Samoa to make contact with their families as they evacuate. An easy way to notify loved ones is to register on the Safe and Well feature of redcross.org or by calling 866-438-4636.

You can help the victims of countless crises, like the earthquakes in Chile and Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation by either contacting 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

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 or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Meadow Elementary School Holds Olympic Event for Service and Helps Haiti!

Meadow Elementary School Holds Olympic Event for Service and Helps Haiti!

Photo Op !!! Medal Awards Ceremony Tomorrow at 12:45



Lehi, Utah (February 23, 2010) — There are two big events on television these days, the Olympics and the disaster relief efforts in Haiti. Students in grades kindergarten though 6th at Meadow Elementary School in Lehi have been watching these events unfold and they wanted to make a difference on an international scale… in their own way. The student council decided to hold a “Service Olympics.” They are competing for gold, silver and bronze medals in a tri-fold campaign. The three service events include 1) Collecting coins to help in Haiti. They raised $1,526.18 for the cause, 2) Recycling for a better planet, and 3) Reading.

The student “Service Olympics” were underway for one week and the awards ceremony, complete with medals and a giant check presentation to the American Red Cross will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, at the school located at 176 S. 500 W. in Lehi from 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Bill Hamelau of the American Red Cross said, “The students’ efforts are heartwarming and we are very proud to accept their donation for the Red Cross International Response Fund which is helping the disaster relief efforts in Haiti. I’m proud of these kids. Every donation, big or small, goes a long way to provide services and supplies for the people who need it so desperately right now.”

Run for Red 5K!

All Utahns Invited to Participate in Provo Event For the American Red Cross


Provo, Utah (Wednesday, February 10, 2010) — The Mountain Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross is hosting its annual Run for Red 5K & 1 Mile Walk fundraiser on Saturday, March 6, 2010. This event begins at Independence High School in Provo at 10:00 a.m. All Utahns are invited to participate. Registration for this event is available at www.runforred.org. Admission prices are $20 for adults, $15 for students with a valid student ID, and $12 a person for a group of 12 or more. Admission includes a free t-shirt and breakfast.

Participants can choose between running the 5K and walking the 1 Mile as this event is for everyone -- focused athletes, social exercisers and families. Race Volunteer, Natasha Alarid said, “The objective of Run for Red is to raise funds and create public awareness for your local American Red Cross programs. We also want to bring members of the community together to have a fun time while they’re helping out a great cause.”

All proceeds from the Run for Red event will go directly to Red Cross Disaster Services. This program responds to local disasters and emergency situations. It provides services such as shelter, food, medical assistance, utility support, counseling, as well as emergency messaging to military personnel and their families.



For details: www.RunforRed.org or 801-373-8580

Local Chapter of the American Red Cross Announces 2010 Red Cross Heroes

Ordinary local citizens who have done something extraordinary to save a life or make the community a better and safer place to live.



Salt Lake City, UTAH (Wednesday, February 03, 2010) — The American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter announces the 2010 Heroes have been selected and will be awarded at the American Red Cross Heroes Event sponsored by UnitedHealthcare, one month from today, on March 3rd at the Salt Palace Convention Center in the Grand Ballroom at 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.



And the 2010 American Red Cross Heroes are…





Tanya Shroeder – Imagine throwing yourself in front of a train to save the life of a child. But the train is a 90-pound pit bull. Tanya disregarded her own personal safety to save a four-year old and her own two children from an angry dog that broke through their fence and waged war on them in their backyard. At one point, the pit bull had the four-year old pinned to the ground by the neck. Tanya pried the dog off of the child. The brave mom suffered many bites and braved a series of attacks from the pit bull, but in the end, they all reached safety. She earns the Family Hero Award.



Fire Station 8’s 100 First Aid Kits – Salt Lake City Fire Station 8 joined the International Aid Servicing Kids to assemble 100 First Aid Kits to give to locals in Haiti. Captain Rick Black travelled to Haiti where he delivered the kits, treated 1300 villagers (57% of them children) and instructed first aid to locals. This group receives the International Good Samaritan award. At the time, they had no idea Haiti would soon suffer a devastating earthquake.



Shooting Victim - Rueben Martinez suffered from a life-altering incident. He was mistaken for a gang member and brutally shot. After months in the hospital and multiple surgeries, he could have retaliated with anger, but instead joined efforts to help troubled youth in his community. He diligently served as a leader for other teens at Youth Works. He is the Youth Good Samaritan.



Radio to the Rescue - Hal Whiting was in the middle of nowhere near the Arizona border when someone flagged him down for help. An ATV accident victim was seriously injured, help was far away and cell phones were out of range. Hal used his ham radio equipment and his training to get help and save a life. Hal receives the Wilderness Award.



Teen Rescue - JJ Larson and six friends performed an emergency medical rescue at a private swimming pool, saving the life of Bailee Robinson. The girl suffered a seizure and sank to the bottom of the pool. The group of friends pulled her out of the water, called 911 and JJ put her in a rescue position. Others guided the EMTs to the pool. The youth win the Medical Rescue Award.



The Park City 5 –Coincidentally, five moms in Park City lose their teens to a variety of unexpected deaths in a short period of time. They band together to mourn and to honor their lost children. The moms raise funds and build a needed school in Ecuador. Now, the group has raised enough to build a total of five schools. They receive the International Good Samaritan Award.



Kathy Jo Hall – 911 dispatcher Kathy Jo Hall helped two men whose boat capsized on the Great Salt Lake in January 2009. Hall’s calming influence in a dramatic 911 call made it possible to get GPS coordinates to the rescuers. Kathy Jo is the Law Enforcement Hero.



On the Road – Driving home from work, Jason Day saw a car on fire with a woman inside. He braved the fire and a possible explosion to pull her from the car to safety. He and another unidentified man on the scene tried to put out the fire, but four minutes after the woman was free from the car, it erupted in flames. Jason receives the Adult Good Samarian Award.



School Bus Nightmare – A school bus loaded with children on a field trip is rolling down the interstate in the St. George area. The bus driver has a medical emergency. An adult chaperone and a teacher pull the driver from the front seat and another chaperone steers the bus to safety. Children’s lives were saved. Jan and Laura Graf and Ben Smith are awarded the Adult Good Samaritan Award.



Preparedness Team – Taylorsville Volunteers Donna Pitman & Lisa Schwartz prepared their community for a large catastrophic disaster. Donna led the efforts and serves as the volunteer chair for public safety and Lisa divided the city into sections and prepared a team of individuals to be able to respond when needed. They win the Community Safety Hero Award.



Military Might – Sgt. Brady Johnson was headed for a family picnic in American Fork Canyon, when he came upon an emergency in the midst of a bike racing event on the road. He helped save the life of cyclist Dave Collins after a bicycle/SUV accident. Others on the scene thought Dave was deceased. But Brady and others used medic skills to assess his injuries and to get the man breathing again. Dave had a gash from his jugular all the way to his sternum. Brady packed Dave’s wounds with gauze and held them in place to prevent him from bleeding to death until medics arrived. Brady receives the Military Hero Award.



Lifetime Achievement – Each year several heroes are honored by the American Red Cross. Only one of them receives a special award for a lifetime of heroic achievement. This year, that award goes to Paula Green Johnson who has served her community for 25 years as a volunteer. Paula has helped several worthy causes. She has personally led major projects, taken on leadership roles, and helped save many children in Africa by supporting the International Red Cross Measles Initiative. She even travelled to Ghana to help with the project. She serves by leading and mentoring. She was selected as this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner for sharing her time, treasure and many talents with the American Red Cross and other local nonprofit organizations.



Selection Information - The finalists were chosen by a special Selection Committee made up of the following members: Governor Gary R. Herbert, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Carroon, Pastor France Davis -Calvary Baptist Church, Natalie Gochnour - COO Salt Lake Chamber, and Lynn Samsel - Director of Emergency Services, LDS Humanitarian Services.

Local Musicians Rock for Haiti Relief

Salt Lake City, Utah (Friday, January 29, 2010) – A group of local musicians is ready to rock to help in Haiti.



Salt Lake Rocks for Haiti Relief hits the stage Saturday, February 6th from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Sandy’s Club Allure, 8925 Harrison Street. The concert includes nine local acts including acoustic rocker Tony Oros, singer/songwriter April Meservy, and event organizers, Ravings of a Madman. The concert will feature mostly acoustic rock acts, said Jeremiah Hammon, organizer and Ravings of a Madman lead singer, with some jazz, blues and metal thrown in. Attendance is a $5 minimum donation to the Red Cross’ International, National, & Local Disaster Funds – not that folks aren’t encouraged to give more.



“The earthquake in Haiti is a tragedy,” Hammon said. “They just don’t have the support we have in America. We need to do whatever we can to help. What can groups of local musicians do? We can rock. I don’t have a lot of money, but I’m using the resources I do have to help people. Collectively, we can make a difference.”



Officials from the local Red Cross couldn’t agree more. “Right now, the most effective way to help is by donating dollars. Every little bit counts,” said Neva Baker, development director Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.



Baker pointed out exactly what a few dollars donation can do for the people left homeless by the devastating 7.3-magnitue quakes that hit Haiti on January 12. A blanket costs $6; a shelter is $60. For $100, a family can receive a kit with everyone from toilet paper and soap to tarp for shelter. The International Red Cross is also the lead agency for temporary medical help and transportation of those with serious injuries as well as water sanitation right now in Haiti. The costs for those services add up, Baker said.



Salt Lake Rocks for Haiti Relief line-up Saturday, February 6th is Tony Oros from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Acoustic Madman from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.; The Velvetones from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Dirt Bags Don’t Die from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; April Meservy from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Melisa Kelly from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Tired Life from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Jack Jones from 11 p.m. to midnight; and Ravings of a Madman from midnight to 1 a.m.



For information about the concert, contact Jeremiah Hammon at 406-209-7719 or jeremiahhammon@yahoo.com.



For more information about the American Red Cross, please call Susan Thomas 801-707-7535.



For donations call 1-800-HELP NOW, 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.utahredcross.org.



###



Help people affected by disasters like the earthquake in Haiti by donating to the International Response Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O.

Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting utahredcross.org.

Café Zupas Donates Proceeds on Thursday to American Red Cross

Café Zupas Donates Proceeds on Thursday to American Red Cross to help disaster relief efforts underway in Haiti


Salt Lake City, UTAH (Thursday, January 28, 2010) -- Café Zupas wants to make a difference and help with the devastation in Haiti after the January 12th 7.3 earthquake. The popular café will donate proceeds from all of the 7 locations to the American Red Cross on this Thursday, January 28th. Holly Coleman of Café Zupas said, “The owners want to help in a meaningful way with a significant gift to help the people of Haiti.” The locally owned restaurant chain will also match cash donations made in the stores on that day, up $20,000.

Café Zupas serves fresh salads sandwiches and soups make from scratch daily with unique flavors and recipes. They are located in Provo, American Fork, Draper, South Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, downtown Salt Lake and Layton.

Help people affected by disasters like the earthquake in Haiti with a donation to the International Response Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter at 555 East 300 South Suite 200 Salt Lake City, Utah 84102 or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.utahredcross.org.

Haiti-What will you do to help?

It has almost been two weeks since the devastating earthquake in Haiti shattered the lives of all the Haitians, as well as the volunteers and aid workers from the United States and abroad who were already living and working in Haiti. One of these people is a friend and former classmate of mine at the University of Portland, Molly Hightower.

Molly was working in an orphanage at the Father Wasson Center in Petion-Ville, Haiti when the earthquake hit. The building she was in completely collapsed. A Search and Rescue team was sent to where the remains of the building lay in a crumpled mess. Unfortunately, Molly's body was found in the rubble.

Molly worked with the special needs children at the orphanage, playing and doing physical therapy with the kids, even helping some to walk! Molly wrote about her life in Haiti in a blog she started when she first arrived last June. She lived her life so that each and everyone of the moments she experienced were treasured and worth something. http://mollyinhaiti.blogspot.com/

Her story and legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew Molly or heard about her life and work. She is a true inspiration and her passion for volunteering and helping people who need it the most is something we should all strive to obtain.
So what will you do to help those in Haiti, and those locally who are effected my disaster?
To donate to the Red Cross relief effort in Haiti or to the local disaster fund, visit http://www.utahredcross.org/.

If a quake hit in Utah - we'd need preparedness kits, like the people in Haiti

How to Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit For Home and Car

• First aid kit and essential medications. • Canned food and can opener. • At least three gallons of water per person. • Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags. • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries. • Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members. • Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.) • Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.

In Haiti right now, people need a first aid kit.. some food... water.. sturdy shoes... If a quake hit Utah, we'd all need those very same items. Put a kit together today. You'll be Red Cross Ready ... for anything.

Buy a kit - go to www.utahredcross.org and click on "store" or take this list and make your own kit. The Red Cross wants everyone to have a kit!

Red Cross Helps 2 Families After Fatal Fire

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (Wednesday, January 20, 2010)— The Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is helping two families due to the apartment fire today at 236 East and 3560 South in Salt Lake City. One family is made up of two adults and two children. They are moving to another unit in the same building. The Red Cross will help them with food, clothing and cots. The Red Cross will also help the other family, the mother of the son who perished in the fire and her other son, with lodging and any other immediate essential needs they have, including counseling if desired. A Red Cross mental health team is on the way to offer help to the mother and her son at this time.

Red Cross Chapters in Utah responded to 114 disasters last year. Some of them rendering multiple families homeless. Nationwide, the American Red Cross’s local chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing, emotional support and other life necessities. Volunteers give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and a toy for children.

How you can help:

Help people affected by disasters like this fire by donating to your local Chapter. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Learn more www.utahredcross.org.

Help Haiti and the Red Cross International Response Fund

New-- Donate the the International Response Fund at Smith's or Golden West Bank. Smith's offering donations at registers through January 30th. Golden West taking donations at all Utah branch locations.

The American Red Cross and KUTV 2 Raise $424,720 for the Red

Cross International Response Fund for Haiti

Salt Lake City, UTAH (Friday, January 15, 2010) The American Red Cross in Utah partnered with KUTV 2 to raise more than $424,720 during an all-day telethon Friday. Dozens of volunteers started answering phones at 6:00 am and continued through 11:00 pm. Major donations included $25,000 from the Bastian Foundation, $15,000 from NuSkin, $10,000 from Questar Gas and $5,000 from Ancestry.com. Wells Fargo announced during the telethon a nationwide gift of $100,000.

CEO Maxine Margaritis of the Red Cross Utah Region said, “It was heartwarming to watch those phones light up with local callers making donations all day long. The devastation in Haiti has deeply affected Utahns. The donations, big and small, are desperately needed for the International Response Fund. We were impressed with KUTV’s ability to put the telethon together very quickly and it was extremely well organized.” KUTV Channel 2 Vice President and General Manager Steve Carlston said, “What a thrilling experience this has been to see our Utah

community come together so quickly to support the people of Haiti. Every person we call, every corporation that we contact is eager to do whatever they can to help the victims of this tragic event. Every member of our KUTV family is honored to be part of this great humanitarian effort."

Smith’s and Golden West Bank have joined the cause as well and will be taking donations from the public. Golden West will be accepting donations at all 17 Utah branches. You can also go into any Smith’s Food and Drug now through January 30th to make a donation at the cash register. Utahns who missed the telethon can continue to donate online at www.utahredcross.org, by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or by mailing donations to: 555 East 300 South Suite #200 Salt Lake City, Utah 84102.

Red Cross Chapters in Utah responded to 114 local incidents this past year, some of them rendering multiple families homeless. Nationwide, the American Red Cross’s local chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing and other life necessities. Volunteers give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and a toy for children.

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

Utahns Reaching Out to Haiti

Salt Lake City, Utah (January 13, 2010) — The American Red Cross issues a call for donations to help with disaster relief efforts in Haiti after several earthquakes, one registering 7.3 on the Richter scale, have rocked the area.

All Chapters of the Red Cross in Utah are flooded with calls this morning… People wanting to help or make donations. Donations may be made to the International Relief Fund by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or online at www.redcross.org. Donors may text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts; the donation is an automatic $10 donation. Groups wanting to raise funds can contact Neva Baker at 801-323-7003.

For Utahns with loved ones in Haiti, the Red Cross encourages you to continue to try to reach them via telephone, social networking sites or through a third party outside the disaster zone. Telephone lines are down, so the Red Cross advises you to try to be patient. Also, if you are concerned about a U.S. citizen living or travelling in another country, you may call the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 for assistance.

Help people affected by disasters like these earthquakes, by donating to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters.


Donations: Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.”

Utahns Reaching Out to Haiti
The American Red Cross Calls For Donations to Help in Haiti
Salt Lake City, Utah (January 13, 2010) — The American Red Cross issues a call for donations to help with disaster relief efforts in Haiti after several earthquakes, one registering 7.3, have rocked the area.
The Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the Red Cross is flooded with calls this morning… People wanting to help or make donations. Donations may be made to the International Relief Fund by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or online at www.redcross.org. Donors may text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts; the donation is an automatic $10 donation.
For Utahns with loved ones in Haiti, the Red Cross encourages you to continue to try to reach them via telephone, social networking sites or through a third party outside the disaster zone. Telephone lines are down, so the Red Cross advises you to try to be patient. Also, if you are concerned about a U.S. citizen living or travelling in another country, you may call the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 for assistance.

Help people affected by disasters like these earthquakes, by donating to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters.
About the American Red Cross in Utah: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; supplies blood to 30 area hospitals; and supports military members and their families. The organization also provides emergency utility assistance and international family tracing services. The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization, not a government funded agency, which depends entirely upon volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. Donate your time or resources to your local Red Cross: Mountain Valley Chapter/Provo (801) 373-8580, Northern Utah Chapter/Ogden (801) 627-0000, Cache Valley Area/Logan (435)752-1125, Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter 801-323-7000. Visit www.utahredcross.org click on “Across Utah.”
Donations: Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575
(Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your
local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O.
Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure
online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.”

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

In the wake of several members of a family in a West Valley City home today suffering from probable carbon monoxide poisoning, please feel free to use or share any of these American Red Cross safety tips.

Carbon Monoxide (known by the chemical symbol CO) is a colorless and practically odorless gas. It is poisonous to people and animals, because it displaces oxygen in the blood. It is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquefied petroleum (LP gas), oil, kerosene, coal, or wood may produce CO. Burning charcoal produces CO. Running cars produce CO.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, every year over 200 people in the United States die from CO produced by fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters). Others die from CO produced while burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent. Still others die from CO produced by cars left running in attached garages. Several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms each year for treatment for CO poisoning.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

Carbon Monoxide can have different affects on people based on its concentration in the air that people breathe. Because you can't smell, taste, or see it, you can not tell that CO gas is present. The health effects of CO depend on the level of CO and length of exposure, as well as each individual's health condition.

The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without fever). They include:

§ Headache

§ Fatigue

§ Shortness of breath

§ Nausea

§ Dizziness

Many people with CO poisoning mistake their symptoms for the flu or are misdiagnosed, which sometimes results in tragic deaths.

Because CO replaces oxygen in the blood, it can make people feel sleepy. Or, if they are asleep, it can prevent people from waking up.

At higher concentrations, people can experience impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. In very high concentrations, CO poisoning can cause death.

Buy and Install CO detectors/alarms
The American Red Cross recommends that everyone install CO detectors/alarms in homes and recreational vehicles.

§ Before buying a CO Alarm, check to make sure it is listed with Underwriter's Laboratories (UL), standard 2034, or there is information on the package or owner's manual that says that the detector/alarm meets the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard.

§ Install a CO detector/alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the detector/alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies. Follow manufacturer's instructions regarding the specific location where to install it. Avoid corners (where air does not circulate).

§ CO detectors/alarms are available for boats and recreational vehicles and should be used. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association requires CO detectors/alarms to be installed in motor homes and in towable recreational vehicles that have a generator or are prepped for a generator.

What can you do to prevent CO poisoning?

Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals. A carbon monoxide detector/alarm can provide added protection, but is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can produce CO.

§ Have the heating system (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.

§ Only burn charcoal outdoors, never inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.

§ Do not use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.

§ Always make sure to turn off any gas-powered engine (car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, lawn mower, chain saw, or generator) inside an attached garage or basement. Even if the garage door is open, you can still be affected or killed by CO. If you must test the engine, take it outdoors before starting it.

§ Always refer to the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning appliances, and get help from a professional if you are unsure how to service such equipment.

§ Do not use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers for heating your home.

§ If you use a fuel-burning appliance for approved indoor uses (such as a heater), make sure it is vented to the outdoors following manufacturer's instructions. Do not use an unvented fuel-burning appliance in any room with closed doors or windows or in any room where people are sleeping.

§ Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.

§ Open flues when fireplaces are in use.

§ Choose properly sized wood-burning stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood-burning stoves fit tightly.

§ Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.

What should you do if you experience symptoms of CO poisoning?

If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, and leave your home. Then call your fire department and report your symptoms. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning when you are operating fuel-burning appliances. Before turning your fuel-burning appliances back on, make sure a qualified serviceperson checks them for malfunction.

What should you do when the CO detector/alarm sounds?
Treat the alarm signal as a real emergency each time. If the detector/alarm sounds and you are not experiencing any symptoms described above, press the reset button. If the detector/alarm continues to sound, call the fire department. Immediately leave your home until a professional checks to find the reason why the detector/alarm sounded, and any problems are fixed.

How to test a CO detector/alarm to make sure it is working
Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Using a test button, some detectors/alarms test whether the circuitry as well as the sensor which senses CO is working, while the test button on other detectors only tests whether the circuitry is working. For those units which test the circuitry only, some manufacturers sell separate test kits to help the consumer test the CO sensor inside the alarm.

References
This information was based on:

§ "Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers" developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Bethesda, Maryland. CPSC Document #466.

§ "Sources of Indoor Air Pollution - Carbon Monoxide (CO)" developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.

If you have further questions, please contact your local Department of Public Health or local fire department.

Make a Tax-Deductible Gift to the American Red Cross

Make a Tax-Deductible Gift to the American Red Cross

Before the End of the Calendar Year

Across UTAH (December 29, 2009) -- The American Red Cross in Utah issues a call for donations. As 2009 draws to a close, the Red Cross looks to its generous donors – people who can make a tax-deductable donation -- who can save the day for families devastated by home fires and other disasters. Visit www.redcross.org/gifts to make a donation or learn more. Fast facts for donors:



* These have been turbulent economic times for families, businesses and for the Red Cross and other non-profits, with more and more people seeking help. History has proven that when Americans are in need, America responds. We are encouraging people to make a tax-deductable donation to the American Red Cross.
* The Red Cross also has a Gifts that Save the Day holiday giving campaign that makes it possible for people to “save the day” for those in need. Through gifts at www.redcross.org/gifts, people can make a donation this holiday season that could provide food and shelter for a disaster victim for a day; a military comfort kit with a robe, phone card and other supplies for a wounded warrior; or a month of basic necessities for a family in another country who lost everything in a disaster.
* It’s important to remember that the biggest disaster threat to families across our nation every day isn’t floods, hurricanes or tornadoes; it’s fire. As temperatures throughout the country plunge to single digits, many families are struggling to find the means and/or alternative methods to heat their homes.
* Last year, the American Red Cross responded to more than 63,000 fires. On average, nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays. The Red Cross in Utah responded to 114 disasters, about 90% of them were home fires.
* When families flee their burning homes, the Red Cross is on the scene, providing them with basic necessities – a warm place to stay, hot meals, comfort and support.
* The Red Cross is doing everything it can to increase capabilities, while at the same time seeking to hold down costs. The Red Cross is committed to making the best use of donor dollars, and is proud of the fact that 92 cents of every Red Cross dollar was spent on humanitarian services or programs for those in need. The Red Cross also meets the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance’s Standards for Charity Accountability.
* Utahns can make donations to their local chapters if desired. Visit www.utahredcross.org and click on “Across Utah” to find information about local Utah Chapters or call the numbers listed below.

The American Red Cross in Utah issues a call for donations. As 2009 draws to a close, the Red Cross looks to its generous donors – people who can make a tax-deductable donation -- who can save the day for families devastated by home fires and other disasters. Visit www.redcross.org/gifts to make a donation or learn more. Fast facts for donors:

These have been turbulent economic times for families, businesses and for the Red Cross and other non-profits, with more and more people seeking help. History has proven that when Americans are in need, America responds. We are encouraging people to make a tax-deductable donation to the American Red Cross.
The Red Cross also has a Gifts that Save the Day holiday giving campaign that makes it possible for people to “save the day” for those in need. Through gifts at www.redcross.org/gifts, people can make a donation this holiday season that could provide food and shelter for a disaster victim for a day; a military comfort kit with a robe, phone card and other supplies for a wounded warrior; or a month of basic necessities for a family in another country who lost everything in a disaster.
It’s important to remember that the biggest disaster threat to families across our nation every day isn’t floods, hurricanes or tornadoes; it’s fire. As temperatures throughout the country plunge to single digits, many families are struggling to find the means and/or alternative methods to heat their homes.
Last year, the American Red Cross responded to more than 63,000 fires. On average, nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays. The Red Cross in Utah responded to 114 disasters, about 90% of them were home fires.
When families flee their burning homes, the Red Cross is on the scene, providing them with basic necessities – a warm place to stay, hot meals, comfort and support.
The Red Cross is doing everything it can to increase capabilities, while at the same time seeking to hold down costs. The Red Cross is committed to making the best use of donor dollars, and is proud of the fact that 92 cents of every Red Cross dollar was spent on humanitarian services or programs for those in need. The Red Cross also meets the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance’s Standards for Charity Accountability.
Utahns can make donations to their local chapters if desired. Visit http://www.utahredcross.org/ and click on “Across Utah” to find information about local Utah Chapters or call the numbers listed below.

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

Babysitting Bootcamp

December 28 – 30th Babysitting Bootcamp training is underway at the American Red Cross. The Bootcamp runs December 28 – 30 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Red Cross Chapter office located at 555 East 300 South, Suite 200 in Salt Lake City.


This bootcamp session was a big hit and is sold out. The next bootcamp will be held during spring break or custom classes can be arranged anytime by groups of 6 or more individuals.

18 youth from ages 11 – 15 will be learning first aid, CPR, age appropriate babysitting activities, emergency preparedness and much more.

Is your babysitter Red Cross certified?

Children who qualify for the hot lunch program or members of military families qualify for scholarships for the courses.

16 military family members signed up to participate in this particular bootcamp.. many of them are members of family with one parent deployed and away from home.

If you need to contact the instructor her name is Kara Taggart and her cell phone is 801-698-3019. She and students in the class will also available for interviews.

12 Days of Holiday Safety

Twelve Days of Holiday Safety from the American Red Cross in Utah



In the spirit of the season, the American Red Cross offers 12 holiday safety tips.





Across Utah, (December 14, 2009) —With last-minute gifts to buy, social events to attend and family and friends to visit while the weather outside is frightful, the American Red Cross has 12 days of health and safety tips to make the holiday season safe, happy and bright.



1. Prepare your vehicle for traveling to grandmother’s house. Make an emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type), compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, tow rope.



2. Drive your sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm, but if you must, keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, route and when you expect to arrive.



3. Help prevent the spread of the flu. Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Use sanitizing wipes to disinfect hard surfaces such as airplane tray tables, luggage handles, cell phones, door handles and seat armrests.



4. Prevent hypothermia by following Santa’s lead. Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.



5. Use a Red Cross-trained babysitter when attending holiday festivities. Red Cross-certified babysitters learn to administer basic first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when needed; monitor safe play and actively engage your child; and some may be certified in Infant and Child CPR.



6. Avoid danger while roasting chestnuts over an open fire. Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking and be alert. Keep anything flammable—such as potholders, towels or curtains—away from your stove top. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.



7. Be a lifesaver during the holidays and always. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED. Your local Red Cross chapter has conveniently scheduled courses and can have you trained and certified in a few hours.



8. Designate a driver or skip the holiday cheer. When you designate a driver who won’t be drinking, you help make sure a good party doesn’t turn into a tragedy. A good host ensures there are non-alcoholic beverages available for drivers. The designated driver should not drink any alcoholic beverages, not even one.



9. When the weather outside is frightful, heat your home safely. Never use your stove or oven to heat your home. Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month.

10. Cut down on your heating bills without being a Grinch. Get your furnace cleaned by a professional; change the filters regularly. Make sure heat vents aren’t blocked by furniture. Close off any rooms you aren’t using and close heat vents or turn off radiators in those rooms. Use either insulating tape or caulking strips to surround your windows and door moldings. Put up storm windows or storm doors to keep the cold out.



11. Don’t move a muscle, until they buckle. Each person in your vehicle should have their seatbelts securely fastened before driving off. Ensure children are buckled up and their car seats are installed appropriately based on their age and size. Children 12 and under should always sit in the backseat.



12. Resolve to Be Red Cross Ready in the New Year. You can take one or more actions to prepare now, should you or your family face an emergency in 2010. Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed. For more info visit www.utahredcross.org or call 801-323-7000 during business hours.


Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday from the American Red Cross in Utah.



Visit www.utahredcross.org to learn more about your local Red Cross and the services it provides to our community. Click on “Across Utah” for chapters outside of the Salt Lake area.

Red Cross Helps Family of Four after Home Fire

The American Red Cross Helps Family of Four after Home Fire

Ogden, UTAH (Sunday, December 13, 2009) — The American Red Cross in Northern Utah helped a family of four today after a fire ripped through their home. A mother, father, son and aunt were all affected. The Red Cross disaster action team helped the family with shelter for one night and food. The fire damage was in the attic, so the family’s possessions and clothing were saved, along with the family dog and hamster. The house fire occurred in the 2800 block of Monroe Boulevard.

Red Cross Chapters in Utah responded to 114 incidents this past year, some of them rendering multiple families homeless. Nationwide, the American Red Cross’s local chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing and other life necessities. Volunteers give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and a toy for children.

How People Can Help:
Help people affected by disasters by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, or your local Chapter. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.
Northern Utah Chapter - Ogden Area (801) 627-0000 www.redcrossutah.org

Twelve Days of Holiday Safety from the American Red Cross in Utah

In the spirit of the season, the American Red Cross offers 12 holiday safety tips.


With last-minute gifts to buy, social events to attend and family and friends to visit while the weather outside is frightful, the American Red Cross has 12 days of health and safety tips to make the holiday season safe, happy and bright.

1. Prepare your vehicle for traveling to grandmother’s house. Make an emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type), compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, tow rope.

2. Drive your sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm, but if you must, keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, route and when you expect to arrive.

3. Help prevent the spread of the flu. Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Use sanitizing wipes to disinfect hard surfaces such as airplane tray tables, luggage handles, cell phones, door handles and seat armrests.

4. Prevent hypothermia by following Santa’s lead. Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.

5. Use a Red Cross-trained babysitter when attending holiday festivities. Red Cross-certified babysitters learn to administer basic first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when needed; monitor safe play and actively engage your child; and some may be certified in Infant and Child CPR.

6. Avoid danger while roasting chestnuts over an open fire. Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking and be alert. Keep anything flammable—such as potholders, towels or curtains—away from your stove top. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.

7. Be a lifesaver during the holidays and always. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED. Your local Red Cross chapter has conveniently scheduled courses and can have you trained and certified in a few hours.

8. Designate a driver or skip the holiday cheer. When you designate a driver who won’t be drinking, you help make sure a good party doesn’t turn into a tragedy. A good host ensures there are non-alcoholic beverages available for drivers. The designated driver should not drink any alcoholic beverages, not even one.

9. When the weather outside is frightful, heat your home safely. Never use your stove or oven to heat your home. Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month.
10. Cut down on your heating bills without being a Grinch. Get your furnace cleaned by a professional; change the filters regularly. Make sure heat vents aren’t blocked by furniture. Close off any rooms you aren’t using and close heat vents or turn off radiators in those rooms. Use either insulating tape or caulking strips to surround your windows and door moldings. Put up storm windows or storm doors to keep the cold out.

11. Don’t move a muscle, until they buckle. Each person in your vehicle should have their seatbelts securely fastened before driving off. Ensure children are buckled up and their car seats are installed appropriately based on their age and size. Children 12 and under should always sit in the backseat.

12. Resolve to Be Red Cross Ready in the New Year. You can take one or more actions to prepare now, should you or your family face an emergency in 2010. Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed. For more info visit www.utahredcross.org or call 801-323-7000 during business hours.
Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday from the American Red Cross in Utah.

Visit www.utahredcross.org to learn more about your local Red Cross and the services it provides to our community. Click on “Across Utah” for chapters outside of the Salt Lake area.

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

Gift idea

Hanukkah starts tonight. Gift Idea. Emergency help for 1 disaster victim. $75. Donate in the name of a friend at www.redcross.org/gifts and you'll have the option to send them a Red Cross e-card to let them know about your donation in their name for the holidays.