Thursday, June 27, 2013

Young Professionals Enjoy a Summer Fiesta

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributer


On a warm, sunny June evening, live music and laughter filled the air at DFW Red Cross Young Professionals Auxiliary’s (YPA) ‘Red Hot Summer Fiesta’ event at Hacienda on Henderson in Dallas. The event, held on June 6, served as both a fundraising opportunity and a fun social gathering for young professionals to attend after work.

With the purchase of a $10 entrance fee, members were treated to a margarita, appetizers, live music and drink specials. One hundred percent of the entrance fees went directly to DFW Red Cross disaster relief efforts. Raffle tickets were also available for purchase, with 50 percent of the money going to the Red Cross, and the other half to the winner. Over 100 YPA members attended the event.

YPA serves as a way for young professionals, ages 21 to 30, to contribute to the efforts of the mission of the Red Cross North Texas Region.

Austin Edrington, a board member of YPA, said being a part of this organization has been a great way to meet people and give back to the community. Actively involved since the creation of DFW’s YPA chapter last September, Edrington said there are fun, beneficial events held throughout the year.

With over 100 young professionals in attendance, Margaret Arnot, annual giving circles and events specialist who planned the event, said it was a very successful evening and over $1,000 was raised.

“YPA events are always a good time,” Arnot said, “and we are looking forward to our next YPA One-Year Anniversary event on September 6th!”

DFW YPA board members pose for a photo during the "Summer Fiesta."

To learn more about YPA, please visit our website or Facebook for information on how to become involved.

Monday, June 24, 2013

A Red Cross-Trained Babysitter is a Skilled Babysitter

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor & mom of two

Every parent wants, and often needs, a break. And every parent worries about finding the right babysitter. Whether it’s for work or for date night, having someone in your home care for your kids can be a stressful decision.

Don’t believe me, watch this:

With Red Cross babysitter training, you don’t have to worry about the babysitter you don’t want to have. Instead, you have a trained babysitter you want to have caring for your children. 

Hiring a Red Cross babysitter means someone who knows what to do when the baby is crying, how to handle an emergency, what do to when a child complains of a tummy ache. 
  • Have an infant? A classroom-trained babysitter will know how to feed, bath and diaper your baby.
  • Have a young child? A classroom-trained babysitter will have tips on how to play with kids of any age.
  • In the hopefully unlikely event of an emergency, a trained babysitter will have skills on how to react under pressure, who to call and what to say. 
When thinking about the caregivers I’ve hired for my kids, it’s the combination of the safety and softer skills that are most important. I don’t worry about feedings or sleep, I worry how will they handle an emergency and how they will comfort my boys. 

With a Red Cross Babysitting Training Diploma, I’d know they had both those covered.

Any trained babysitters out there interested in helping me have a date night this summer? :)

In the Dallas area & want to get trained? We have a babysitting class this Friday starting at 9am at our Dallas chapter (4800 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75235)! Click here to view the latest health & safety class schedules for DFW and register online.

Catherine is mom of two boys: Scotty, 4, and Jeffrey, 2. 

It Happens in a Flash: Lightning Safety Tips

by Cathryn Homier, volunteer contributor


Take a minute, and think of someone you know who buys lottery tickets. Maybe it’s no one close to you. Maybe it’s just someone you’ve seen buying tickets the same time you’ve been inside a convenience store. Now consider this: that person is more likely to get struck by lightning once in their lifetime (1 in 10,000 over 80 years) than win the mega millions jackpot.

Despite the odds, people still play the lottery. But, what about lightning safety? With potentially far greater stakes at risk, all of us, including you – yes, you, even if you don’t play the mega millions – should brush up on the best ways to stay safe when lightning is near. 

While we can all be thankful that summertime thunderstorms keep scorching heat at bay, they also mean lightning is present. Summer is when most of lightning injuries occur: the amount of time people spend outdoors is at its highest, as is lightning activity. Don’t gamble with your safety. If you hear thunder, you are within 10 miles of a storm, and potentially in danger from lightning. Wait 30 minutes from the last thunder clap before venturing back outside.

Plan ahead. If you’re going to be outside, check the weather. Do whatever you can to not be caught outside during a thunderstorm. If you are, remember the only truly safe action is to get inside a safe building or a vehicle. Baseball dugouts, tents, and open sided picnic shelters are not completely safe during lightning activity.

Don’t shelter under an isolated tree. Lightning tends to strike the tallest object in its path, making trees or lightning rods especially susceptible to being hit. If you have no safe building nearby, it’s best to stay near a lower stand of trees. Never lie flat on the ground if you’re caught outdoors. 

Don’t touch electrical equipment or cords. This also goes for corded landline phones. Cell phones or cordless phones are safe to use, though. Lightning can enter a building through wires, and then travel through electrical and phone systems.

Avoid plumbing. Pipes that extend outside of a safe building can be struck by lightning and conduct it through plumbing. 

While you may never be a lottery jackpot winner, the odds that you experience a close encounter with lightning are entirely up to you. So make your own luck. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for severe weather updates. You can also get real-time notifications on your smartphone by downloading the Red Cross Tornado App

Friday, June 21, 2013

The Heat is On! Heat Safety Tips for a Hot Texas Summer

by Lauren McMinn Clarke, volunteer contributor

The heat is on! Summer is upon us, and in North Texas that means sweltering temperatures for months to come. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe this summer.
  • Know how to avoid heat illness.
  • The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined. Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index by as much as 15°F. 
  • If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls). 
  • Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help. 
  • Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas. 
  • Ensure that your animals’ needs for water and shade are met. 
  • Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles. 
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. 
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. 
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. 
  • Take frequent air-conditioned breaks if you must work outdoors. 
Know how to recognize and treat the three basic levels of heat illness.
  1. Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.

    To treat signs of heat cramps, drink fluids containing sodium and potassium, and rest in an air-conditioned space.

  2. Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.

    To treat heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

  3. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin that may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Heat stroke is life threatening!

    To treat heat stroke, Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by giving care as you would for heat exhaustion. If needed, continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits. 
Download our heat safety checklist and stay cool this summer.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Safety Tips for Dad

by Natalie Horn, volunteer contributor

Every Father’s Day, families come together to celebrate their dear old dads who have sacrificed so much to raise the next generation great of Americans. Whatever you did to honor Dad this Father’s Day--be it a backyard barbeque, home improvement project or fun-filled day on the water--here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

For Grill Master Dad:

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay if father to Sophie, 17.
Your dad may not possess the same culinary expertise as Bobby Flay, but chances are he grills a mean burger. If your dad fancies himself a grill master, be sure he follows basic grill safety. Only use charcoal and propane grills when outdoors and place them far away from the home, deck railings or any overhanging branches. Always keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave your grill unattended. 

For Do-It-Yourself Dad:

Matt Muenster of DIY Network's 'Bath Crashers' has 2 children
Has your dad been watching too much DIY Network or HGTV? Does he have a grand vision to transform the garage into a fully functioning man cave, complete with a custom built entertainment center? Whatever Dad’s latest project is, it’s important that the whole family be prepared to administer basic first aid, because accidents happen - especially when power tools are involved!

Download the Red Cross First Aid app for simple step-by-step instructions to guide you through everyday first aid scenarios. The app is available free for iPhone and Android devices, and gives you instant access to the information you need to know to handle the most common first aid emergencies without even needing a data connection!

For Captain Dad:

Mark Wahlberg, Hollywood actor & father of four,
starred in the 200 disaster film 'A Perfect Storm.'
He probably should have worn a life vest.
A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for! If it's ships ahoy for your dad this summer, it’s imperative that all aboard observe boat safety.

Boaters should always wear life jackets on the water, most importantly children under 13 and non-swimmers. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the majority of drowning fatalities occur because the victim was not wearing a life jacket. Also, never consume alcohol while operating a boat or any motor-vehicle as it can impair your judgment and coordination. Visit the RedCross.org to enroll in a CPR training course today.

We all love Dad, so let’s keep him around for a few more years. Urge him and the rest of the family to be prepared for anything. For the latest first aid and CPR training class schedule, visit RedCross.org.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Happy Flag Day, From the American Red Cross

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributor 

I love America. Our freedoms, our rights, our food…it is all amazing. But most of all, I love our flag. It would be safe to say if I could be the crazy lady in American flag outfits every day, I would be. The red, white and blue, the stars and stripes: it is great. 

As you may or may not know, there is a holiday just for the United States flag. Flag Day is celebrated June 14 and commemorates the day the flag was authorized by congress.

According to The National Flag Day Foundation website, Bernard John Cigrand, a 19-year-old teacher in Waubeka, Wisconson, encouraged students to find personal meaning in the flag and celebrate the “flag’s birthday.” Due to Cigrand’s work, President Wilson issued a proclamation on May 30, 1916, calling for a nation-wide observance of Flag Day. 


The Red Cross’ own founder, Clara Barton, held great respect for the flag. During her service in the Civil War, Barton helped raise the U.S. flag over the Andersonville grounds where she helped establish a national cemetery.

The origins of the Red Cross and Barton’s work are still visible today. The Red Cross serves those who fight to protect our flag and what it represents. Through a variety of facets, including linking military families during emergencies, providing resiliency training, and supporting wounded warriors and military hospitals, the Red Cross works to help those that serve the United States.

Today, the flag is as strong of a symbol for America as ever before. Many aspects of etiquette to protect the flag come with such a well-respected symbol. The following tips will help you display your flag with pride during upcoming holidays:

  • The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
  • The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
  • The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
  • The flag should never be used for receiving, holding carrying or delivering anything.
  • When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms.

(Source: USA Flag Site)

As American summer holidays near and you fire up the grill and jump in the pool, safely, of course, take a moment to reflect on what our flag means to you. Display the flag proudly and have a great Flag Day!

For more information on Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces, visit RedCross.org.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Doing Good in School: DFW Students Fundraising for Disaster Relief

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributor 


Big thanks to Curtis Middle School students who
raised money for Red Cross disaster relief!
In the midst of a scary and destructive storm season, youth around the Dallas-Fort Worth area wanted to help those around them in crisis. Students of all ages got creative and found ways to raise money to help the Red Cross bring relief to those in need.

A group of eighth grade students at Curtis Middle School in Allen teamed together to raise money for Red Cross disaster relief. Allison Corona Del Cid, a student at the middle school, headed the fundraising efforts. 

“We started just taking money out of our wallets. In one day we already had around a hundred bucks,” Corona Del Cid said. “We were like, ‘Hey, if we keep doing this, you know, we can really make a difference.’”

She said they began making lists of different events they could host to get as many people as possible involved. The students had a variety of different sales to raise money, such as bake sales and candy sales. Corona Del Cid said they even created incentives to motivate classmates.

“We started giving more and more money, and we made it a little competition between our classes to make people want it more,” Corona Del Cid said.

The efforts of Curtis students were successful as $2,200 was given to the Red Cross.


Fossil Ridge High School students raised more than
$3000 for disaster relief!
At Fossil Ridge High School in Keller, students and faculty collaborated to put a different kind of donation drive into action. The drive was the brain-child of the school’s principal, David Hadley, and Hillary White, a FRHS AVID teacher. The drive was named “Thanks Not Pranks” in an attempt to deter students from committing end-of-year pranks, and help those in need instead.

“We wanted to put the words [Thanks Not Pranks] into action,” White said. “I asked about helping the tornado victims and Mr. Hadley said as long as it is good for kids, we can do it.”

White said she chose the Red Cross to receive the donation because she knows the work of the organization and she has seen them in action.

With the whole school involved, everyone from students, faculty, staff and even school organizations raised money. Spencer Strong, a junior at FRHS, put her musical talents to use and raised funds by playing people songs.

“I’ve seen people on television play and sing,” Strong said. “So, I decided to try it, too.”

Strong’s efforts allowed her to raise $160 to put towards the “Thanks Not Pranks” campaign. As a whole, participants at Fossil Ridge raised over $3,000 for the Red Cross, which goes toward providing food, water, relief supplies, health services and emotional support for disaster victims.

In Arlington, students at Goodman Elementary School collected enough change to purchase a $67 Lowe’s gift card for the Red Cross to purchase relief supplies to assist tornado victims. Students also took time to create cards and drawings in addition to the financial donation.

“I had gone out to speak at the school about the Red Cross,” said Lilly Watson, communications manager at the Dallas Red Cross. “One of their questions was what children could do for the Red Cross.” 

Watson suggested a coin collection or lemonade sale. After receiving a call that $67 had been raised, Watson said the students were excited and had worked very hard to pull their change together.

During these times of disasters in the area, it has become evident that children and adults of all ages can help those in need and make a difference. You can join in Red Cross relief efforts by making a donation at redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Our sincerest thanks for everyone who has already made a difference by donating.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Putting the Fun in Fundraisers: Special Ways to Support the Red Cross in June

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributor

As school ends and temperatures begin to rise, it is obvious summer is upon us. Organizations around the area have taken note and have planned various events to benefit the American Red Cross in ways that are just as exciting as summer break. From restaurants to concerts, there is an event for everyone to enjoy in the coming weeks.

Sunday, June 9, a benefit concert, ‘Rockin’ for Moore,’ will be held at Main Stage Live in North Dallas from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dallas-Fort Worth based variety dance band, Don’t Tell Mama, will be hosting the event. According to their website, the band plays popular hits from the ‘60s through the 2000s. A total of eight bands will be performing at the event. Admission is $10, and raffle prizes will be distributed throughout the day. All proceeds will benefit Moore, Oklahoma relief efforts.

Give me Liberty Burger to help disaster relief!
Throughout the month of June, family-owned restaurant, Liberty Burger, will be donating $1 from every ‘limited time only,’ or LTO, burger to the Red Cross. The current LTO burger is the Carolina BBQ Turkey Burger. According to manger Nancy, the burger features an all-white, natural, ground turkey patty with a Carolina style barbecue sauce, dill pickles and a traditional slaw on a brioche bun. Manager Morgan LeNoir said this will be the fifth month Liberty Burger has done such an event to raise money for a variety of charities. How lucky are we to have such a tasty pick for Red Cross relief?

“We try to pick a charity each month to donate a dollar of our LTO sales,” LeNoir said. “We decided to do this on after the tornado. We thought, you know, close to home, local.”

Liberty Burger currently has two Dallas locations, on Forest Lane and Keller Springs Road. Additional information may be found on www.givemelibertyburger.com.

On Saturday, June 29, Dishcrawl will be hosting a ‘Neighborfood’ event, featuring eight restaurants in the Bishops Arts District. Each $10 entry ticket purchase will include one food ticket for a dish at one restaurant. Additional food tickets will be available for $5 online and at the event. While purchasing a ticket at www.dishcrawl.com/dallas, simply enter code ‘redcross,’ and $5 of the purchase will be given to the Red Cross. Additional information can be found on the website.

For the comedy lovers, look no further than ‘That Show,’ hosted by Oliver Tull. Presented by the weekday morning show, Eye Opener, on CW33, the event can be described as one part late night show, one part comedy short film festival, and one part hip hop concert. A variety of acts including comedians, movie critics and even a magician are scheduled to attend. The event will be held Thursday, June 20 at 7 p.m. at the Four Day Weekend Theatre in Fort Worth. Tickets are available for purchase at eyeopenertv.com/thatshow. All proceeds will be given to the Red Cross.


Whether its date night, a family outing, or spending time with friends, start the summer off right and make a difference in the process! 

To make a donation to the Red Cross, visit us at redcross.org/dfw or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.  

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Red Cross International Services: Finding Answers and Delivering Them

by George McCain, volunteer contributor 

People often seek answers, sometimes to the most profound questions in life. Sometimes people simply need an answer to a question, not profound but nonetheless deeply meaningful.  Colin Wood is a volunteer with the American Red Cross who helps bring answers to those asking some of the most important questions in life, like “Where is my family and are they alive?” Wood is a Volunteer Partner with ARC International Services. The University of North Texas student, majoring in International Studies, works on a daily basis reconnecting families who have been separated due to armed conflict, natural disaster or migration.  

"The Red Cross and Red Crescent are the only organizations that do this specifically," Wood said.  

Annually, the Red Cross assists more than 5,000 people reconnect with loved ones in the United States and around the world. "People may find themselves in a refugee situation such as a camp after fleeing armed conflict or a disaster," Wood added. The UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, facilitates refugees settling around the world including the United States.  Refugees need help in finding and connecting with loved ones.

Restoring Family Links (RFL) is the program whereby the Red Cross helps people get back in touch with families. Local Red Cross volunteers accomplish this by working with the Red Cross in other countries to effectively reconnect clients with their families. The Red Cross provides RFL services in three ways: 
  • Tracing which helps find families and get word to them
  • Red Cross Messages whereby the Red Cross or Red Crescent, independent of the government, delivers a message written by a family member
  • Holocaust Tracing helping holocaust victims find family
Wood says volunteering with Red Cross International Services is fulfilling. “I am a part of so many cogs that have to move to make it work.” Helping people who have gone through horrifying experiences and seek closure through answered questions provides him with that sense of fulfillment.

“The movement is going to do so much good and provide that answer they haven’t been able to get.”

To learn more about our Red Cross International Services Restoring Family Links program, or to become a volunteer, visit us online at redcross.org. Watch a video of a reconnection made possible by RFL:

CPR and a Cocktail

by Raul Jauregui, volunteer contributor
DFW YPA members learn
life-saving CPR techniques

Do you ever feel like you could be doing more to give back? 

This is one question I constantly toss around in my mind. I wanted to join an organization that had the same ideas of giving back as I did. Being a young professional, the Red Cross DFW Young Professional’s Auxiliary (YPA) seemed like the perfect answer to my question. 

The YPA is a social networking group that comes together every couple of months to promote the Red Cross or introduce different types of Red Cross services, like life-saving training at the event held at SISU Bar and Restaurant last month. Keith Bridges of the Red Cross demonstrated techniques and steps on how to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

The session was impromptu with several people huddled around a demonstration table…until it buckled under the weight of the volunteers who were learning the chest pump technique! It was a humorous moment, but it did not stop Keith from showing how to properly apply the chest pump. The volunteers moved to a more secured table and Keith took the opportunity to give tricks and insights on CPR, like how the timing of applied chest pumps is the same beat as the Bee Gees song "Staying Alive." It is the simple trivia that can make all the difference.
Red Cross instructor Keith Bridges teaches CPR
techniques at a YPA event last month.
The training got many of the event attendees interested in taking formal CPR training at the local Red Cross Dallas Area Chapter so they could save lives through a few more hours of their time. (P.S. Since it’s National CPR/AED Awareness Week, it’s the perfect time to look into getting trained! June class schedules for DFW are now up at RedCross.org/DFW.)

Red Cross YPA events like these always add value because it brings together many types of young professionals who don't normally cross paths. It’s an extra opportunity to meet others who have similar interests to you and learn the degrees of separation that are closer to Kevin Bacon than you realize. Each event always leaves me feeling like I gave more back to my community than when I first walked in. For me, these are the beginning steps to giving back with an organization I feel fits me. It’s the opening chapter in what I hope is a long story with the Red Cross.

If you want to support the YPA, check out our Red Hot Summer Fiesta this Thursday, June 6 starting at 6pm at Hacienda on Henderson. 100% of proceeds will benefit Red Cross Disaster Relief. To learn more, visit us online at RedCross.org/DFW or on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmericanRedCrossDFWYPA.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

The (Safe) Life Aquatic: Water Safety Tips for a Happy Summer

by Lauren McMinn Clarke, volunteer contributor


Do you prefer SPF 15 or SPF 75? Is your typical water entry a sleek dive or a crashing cannonball? Do you like to mingle with the fish, or would you rather float on a sherbet raft above the fray?

Whatever your heat-escaping water preferences are, it is so important to remember some general safety tips for your upcoming aqueous adventures.

Here are some basic safety reminders:
  • Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
  • Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system!
  • Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.
  • 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.
  • Establish rules for your family and enforce them without fail. For example, set limits based on each person’s ability, do not let anyone play around drains and suction fittings, and do not allow swimmers to hyperventilate before swimming under water or have breath-holding contests.
  • Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water including ocean shoreline, rivers and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.
  • If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning. 
  • Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.
Please visit RedCross.org for a comprehensive list of water safety tips.