"I'm Glad I Went Out for Ice Cream": A Personal Story of Survival from Van, Texas

From Anita Foster, American Red Cross North Texas Region

Chase Scruggs stands in the area where his Mom's house used to sit.

As the sun came up over Van, Texas this morning, there wasn't much doubt that the small town east of Dallas would never be the same. Tornado sirens wailed in the late night hours as residents did their best to get to safe rooms and cover up. Chase Scruggs said his late night craving for ice cream saved his life.

"I went out with my fiance and our daughter to get some ice cream when I heard the sirens," said Scruggs. "I knew right away that we needed to get to
shelter." While calling his Mom to tell her to get into the hallway, he sped with his young family to his mother's house on Bois d' Arc. Seconds after they dove into the hallway with the rest of the family, the tornado literally picked up their entire house and moved it from its foundation.

"We threw blankets over my daughter and my younger brothers while Dad and I tried to hold the doors closed," Scruggs reflected. "We barely made it to the hallway in time."

Scruggs was donned in heavy work gloves and boots to begin the daunting task of cleaning up what was left of his Mom's house. Meanwhile, Scruggs had yet to make the short trip across town to check on his own home, also in a hard-hit area of Van.

"I'll get to my house shortly. For now, it's most important to focus on those who have lost everything."  

The Red Cross will help Mr. Scruggs and all of the families affected by the Mother's Day storms. To help the Red Cross, click on www.redcross.org to make a financial gift. For updates on Red Cross responses across the area, follow us on Twitter @RedCrossDFW.

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Inside a Red Cross Response to a Dallas Apartment Fire

By Kay Pinkerton, volunteer contributor

A tenant’s burning candles led to a predawn blaze Saturday, April 12, at the Mayan Palms apartment complex located in Southeast Dallas.  The four-alarm fire consumed 36 apartments, destroying the homes and possessions of more than 50 tenants.

Thankfully, no deaths were reported. 

The American Red Cross was on the scene, offering blankets, safe shelter and emotional support to the fire victims.

A Mayan Palms tenant wrapped herself in a Red Cross blanket after escaping the flames that ripped through her apartment.  Her relative, Virginia Reyez, later searched for the woman’s belongings in the tangled debris of wood, glass and metal -- all that remained of the apartment.  Reyez used the same Red Cross blanket to wrap and protect a surprising find.    

The woman’s jewelry box.

“It’s one of the most valuable things she owns now,” said Reyez.

 Being Grateful

The Red Cross opened a shelter at Samuel Grand Recreation Center after the fire was contained.  There, Red Cross volunteers provided information, support and a listening ear to fire victims who had lost their homes. 

Inside the shelter, Minnie Sessions sat in a row of chairs next to her son and his wife.

"I was asleep, woke up and smelled smoke. And I said, 'I know I ain't cooked,'" recalled Minnie.
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She walked into the living room of her apartment. "I went in there and seen all that smoke," she said. "I grabbed a tub of clothes and drug them out with me."

Minnie's son, Freddie Sessions, admitted he felt overwhelmed by the day’s events. Still, he was grateful for his mother’s life, and appreciated the help and support she had received.

"She didn't have a jacket, and someone gave my mother a jacket,” he said. "There are good people out there.  To see them come out, you know, and help her. To be there for her.”

“I'm very grateful for the Red Cross organization,” said Sessions.

Helping Your Neighbor

Back at the scene of the fire, a young apartment resident surveyed the damage while recalling that morning’s frightening events. 

“I hear all this, this screaming.  ‘Fire!’  I woke my baby up, and we went outside,” said the woman.  “I saw a guy get one person out.  They had to break the fence down to get him out because he was on a cane.”

The woman was saddened by the devastating loss.  

“My apartment’s okay,” she said.  “But our friends?  Our close neighbors are going through this.  And there’s nothing we can do.”

At the Red Cross, there is something we can do. 

Red Cross disaster relief helps victims get back on their feet and resume their lives as quickly as possible. The organization also supports emergency workers, links family members outside the disaster area, and provides blood and blood products to disaster victims. 

For more information about the Red Cross and its services, or to learn how you can help, visit www.redcross.org/dfw.

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Red Cross Offers Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

As the temperatures drop and the decorations go up, it can only mean that the he holidays are here! For some families though, their celebrations will turn to tragedy as the holidays also represent the busiest home fire season of the year. For the American Red Cross, the average number of daily house fires will double during the holiday season.

Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 1,300 people for injuries related to holiday lights and 6,200 people for injuries related to holiday decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires annually, resulting in 40 deaths, 80 injuries and an average of more than $15 million in property loss and damage each year. Below are suggestions on how to safeguard your family from fire over the holidays.

 

Candles

Candles are a nice addition to any holiday celebration; however festivities can be cut short if candles are used improperly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is the leading month for home candle fires, with twice the average number of incidents.

The NFPA and the Red Cross offer these candle safety tips:

• Secure candles in a sturdy holder on a flat surface that won't tip over.    
• Make sure the holder is big enough to collect the dripping wax.
• Don't place candles in windows where blinds or curtains can close over them.
• Do not leave a burning candle unattended.
• If you experience a power outage, use flashlights and other battery-generated light sources.
• Do not carry a lit candle or use a lit candle to look for things in a closet or confined area.
• Place candles out of reach of children, and in a position where pets won't be able to knock them over.
• Do not use a candle for light when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern, as flame may ignite the vapors.
• KEEP ALL MATCHES AND LIGHTERS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

 

Home Heating

            On average, more than one-third of home fire deaths in the United States occur during the winter months. Heating equipment fires are the second leading cause of fire deaths in American homes and the biggest fire culprit December through January. Here are some specific fire prevention tips to keep in mind when heating your home.

• Keep portable heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets and people.
• Do not leave space heaters on when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep.
• Do not use gasoline or other substitute fuel in a kerosene heater because the wrong fuel could burn hotter than the design limits of the equipment and cause a serious fire.
• Store kerosene away from heat or open flame in a container approved by the local fire department.
• Have your chimney inspected by a professional before the start of the heating season and cleaned if necessary.
• Use a sturdy fireplace screen when burning fires.
• Burn only wood. Never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out the chimney and ignite your roof or a neighboring home.

 

Holiday Decorations and Christmas Trees

            Christmas trees are directly responsible for around 40 fatalities every year.

Follow these safety tips while decorating your home for the holidays:

• If using a live Christmas tree, keep it watered daily. 
• Never put a lit candle on a Christmas tree.
• Make sure your Christmas tree is far away from any source of ignition such as a space heater or candle.
• When putting holiday lights on the tree, follow the instructions recommended by UL Laboratories. Overloaded circuits are the cause of many home fires during the holiday season.

 

Kitchen Safety

            Home fires often start in the kitchen. With more people in the home due to holiday parties and family gatherings, it is important to follow these precautions to avoid a holiday fire:

• Never leave the kitchen area while cooking.
• Keep plenty of oven mitts on hand.
• Have a working fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
• Keep children and pets away from the cooking areas. Falling pots and pans can burn children.

The early warning signal of a smoke detector can save lives. Be sure to install a battery-powered smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home. Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. The Red Cross recommends you replace batteries at least once a year. Make a fire escape plan for your family and have a family meeting place outside your home. For free information in English or Spanish, visit the Red Cross web site at www.redcross.org/dfw.

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EXTREME CAUTION NEEDED: Don't Let High Winds Lead to Disaster

What should I do if there are reports of wild fires in my area?

With high winds whipping from one end of the state of Texas to the other, it's critical that we all use extreme caution until the danger passes. Do not use anything outdoors that could create a spark such as outdoor grills or welding machines. Avoid discarding cigarette butts from car windows and extinguish cigars/cigarettes only in safe containers. One spark could create a disastrous situation for our communities so use caution!

If a wildfire should occur, read the steps below to get out safely.

Be Red Cross Ready - Wild Fire Safety Checklist [PDF]

• Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
• Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
• Always back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
• Confine pets to one room so that you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area.

Limit exposure to smoke and dust.

• Listen and watch for air quality reports and health warnings about smoke.
• Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• Use the recycle or re­circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you do not have air conditioning and it is too hot to stay inside with closed windows, seek shelter elsewhere.
• When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves. Do not vacuum because it stirs up particles that are already inside your home.
• If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your health care provider's advice and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen. 

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Red Cross Relief Efforts Continue Across The South, An Update from Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones

American Red Cross Responds To
Deadly Tornado Outbreak Across The South

Dear Friends,

Watching the tragic images unfold in so many states including Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas over the past week has been heartbreaking to say the least. Thousands of people are coping with tremendous loss of loved ones, their homes and irreplaceable memories.

While it may seem like we’re powerless to help when such a vast portion of the country has been devastated by the worst tornado outbreak in our nation’s history, help is likely easier than you think. In this update, I’ll share with you all of the ways that we can send your help to these countless communities from right here in Texas.

Please know that all of us at the American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter are committed to helping our neighbors move forward from these terrible storms. And you can be right there with us every step of the way. We can’t thank you enough for caring so much for others. Please accept our deepest gratitude and let me know if you have any questions that I don’t answer in this update.

Warmest Regards,
Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, CEO
American Red Cross--Dallas Area Chapter

Current Operation Status

Red Cross disaster workers have been working tirelessly to help people in need, focusing on making sure people have a safe place to stay, food to eat, emotional support, basic health services and relief supplies. Early estimates show more than 13,000 homes across six states were destroyed or damaged by last week’s tornadoes. Now communities along the Mississippi River, that are only beginning to recover, are faced with the fear of widespread flooding.

Since March 31, the Red Cross has opened more than 130 shelters in 16 states providing more than 10,000 overnight stays to people in need. Tuesday night alone, more than 1,200 people spent the night in shelters in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

To date the American Red Cross has:

• Deployed more than 4,500 Red Cross workers from all 50 U.S. states to assist with recovery efforts. The Dallas Area Chapter has sent 7 volunteers to Alabama, 12 more to Mississippi so far with more local deployments anticipated.
  
  
• Worked with community partners like the Salvation Army and Southern Baptist Convention, to serve more than 560,000 meals and snacks.
  
  
• Sent 153 Red Cross emergency response vehicles to help distribute meals and supplies. The Dallas Area Chapter has sent one ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) to Mississippi.
  
  
• Distributed more than 253,000 relief items like hygiene kits, mops, brooms, tarps, shovels, work gloves and coolers to affected neighborhoods.
  
  

Telethons Hosted by Local Television Stations

Less than 24 hours after the storms hit, local TV stations reached out to the Dallas Area Chapter to host fundraising telethons for the Spring Storm Disaster Response. On Friday, April 29th, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter hosted telethons at WFAA Channel 8, CBS 11, and TXA 21 to collect financial donations. It could be considered an understatement to call the night successful raising over $50,000 in the span of about five hours. We owe a heartfelt thanks to all of our generous donors that called in to support the efforts of the Red Cross as numerous storms raged across nearly half the country.

How You Can Help

Any donation, large or small, will help. For example, $3 can provide a comfort kit for someone in a disaster. $6 can cover the cost of a blanket, $10 the cost of a hot meal. For $150, someone’s donation can cover the cost of providing food and shelter to a family of four for a day they spend in a shelter.

Donating is easy and only takes a moment. Those that want to help can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

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American Red Cross President & CEO visits Birmingham, Alabama

Gail McGovern, American Red Cross President and CEO, joined Federal, State and local officials on a tour of tornado damage in one neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama. She describes what she saw, and the work of the Red Cross in the area. Watch the video

American Red Cross Responds to the unspeakable tornado destruction across Alabama

Words are not adequate to describe what the people of Alabama endured when Mother Nature unleashed her fury on April 27, 2011. The American Red Cross has fanned out across Alabama, and many others, doing everything possible to help. Watch the video

American Red Cross responds in 11 states to Spring Storms’ aftermath

From the Deep South to the Northeast, the American Red Cross is at work in 11 states to help people devastated by the recent deadly tornadoes and floods. Read more

American Red Cross ships desperately needed blood supplies to Alabama

The Red Cross is moving hundreds of blood products to Alabama to make sure hospital patients have the blood they need following the deadly tornadoes. Read more

You can get the latest developments by connecting with us!
Twitter | Facebook | Red Alert Blog | Red Cross Dallas Online

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Red Cross Sends Help After Deadly Tornadoes Blast Through the South

(AP Photo/Butch Dill)

The American Red Cross is helping thousands of people after Wednesday’s deadly tornadoes destroyed neighborhoods throughout the southern region of the country.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with those who lost loved ones or have suffered through these deadly storms,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services. “Red Cross disaster teams are working around the clock to help the thousands of people whose lives are turned upside down. More Red Cross assistance is on the way.”

“Our top priority right now is to provide food and shelter to the thousands of people throughout the South and Midwest affected by these storms,” Shimanski said, adding that the Red Cross is also distributing relief supplies and providing emotional support and basic health services to disaster survivors.

Hardest hit was Alabama, where Governor Robert Bentley has activated National Guard troops to help in the devastated areas. The Red Cross is sending disaster workers, materials, blood products and equipment into the state. Nearly 40 emergency response vehicles are on the way, along with 25,000 ready-to-eat meals. Red Cross Blood Services is moving hundreds of blood products into the area, and Red Cross nurses and mental health workers are being deployed to help people cope with the aftermath of this disaster.

More than 1,600 people sought refuge in 65 Red Cross shelters Wednesday night as the storms forced them from their homes. Red Cross shelters are open in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas.

“Tornadoes and floods have devastated communities and uprooted families across many states, and the Red Cross is working hand-in-hand with our federal and community partners to get assistance to people in need and help them recover,” Shimanski said.

More than half of the country has been affected by this continuous band of damaging weather, disrupting people’s lives from North Dakota to the East Coast. In the last several weeks, Red Cross disaster workers have provided thousands of overnight stays in shelters, distributed thousands of clean-up and comfort kits and served hundreds of thousands of meals and snacks.

The Red Cross is able to respond quickly when emergencies happen with the help of corporations who are members of the organization’s Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). ADGP members pledge donations on an ongoing basis to allow the Red Cross to pre-position supplies and be ready to take immediate action when disasters occur.

ADGP members include Walmart, UPS, UnitedHealthcare, The TJX Companies, Inc., Target, State Street Foundation, State Farm, Southwest Airlines, Ryder Charitable Foundation, Northrup Grumman, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Merck, Lowe’s Companies, Inc.; Kraft Foods; Kimberly-Clark Corporation, John Deere Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, GE Foundation, FedEx Corporation, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Darden Restaurants, Inc, ConAgra Foods, Cisco Foundation, Aon, Altria and 3M.

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster, both here in the United States and around the world. Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. To make a donation, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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Month in Review: What a Wild September!

The weather must know this is National Preparedness Month. To say the least, it's been testing us. And we're only half way though.


We've seen Hurricane Earl, which side-swiped the east coast.


Tropical storm Hermine made us run for cover from the tornadoes downtown and impacted nearly 250 families in the DFW area.


We watched footage of the devastation, including the state-wide flooding. It was an all-to-close reminder of F5 - a mini-movie that deals with the scenario that an F5 tornado hits downtown Dallas.








Of course, this was coupled with the fires in Colorado and explosion in San Bruno, California.


Suffice to say, the American Red Cross has responded to each of these disasters, in addition to other specific disasters such as house fires.


But we can't exhale yet... There are three more storms - Hurricane Igor, Tropical storm Julia and a third unnamed storm - looming in the Atlantic and Caribbean.


We could not do it without the support of our volunteers and donors. The American Red Cross is asking people who have not been affected by the storms to help the Red Cross by making a financial gift to help others.


There are three easy ways to donate:

• Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.

• Call 1-800-REDCROSS

• Go to www.redcross.org

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Time to Re-Vest

Gas explosions in San Bruno, CA...
Wildfires in Denver, CO...
Tropical Storms along the East Coast and in Texas ...

Right about now, I think all Red Crossers are feeling a little worse for wear. We have been responding non-stop across the country with little chance to catch our breath.

In case you missed laundry day or you just need to update your disaster clothes, now is a great time to Re-Vest.

Don't forget you can buy the coolest disaster response vest from the Dallas Area Chapter. It's perfect! Available in three different colors--olive, black and khaki. It has so many pockets that you'll be thinking of all the new things you can carry in the field.

Place your order today and hopefully it will arrive before your next deployment.

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Texans Talk About Hermine

Hermine's victims talk about the rising waters, and they thank the Red Cross for responding. Watch this two minute video to see what people think about the Red Cross when the lose everything in a disaster.

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Disaster Training is the First Step

Above are some incredible photos from the recent flooding in Laredo, Texas.

When you see these types of images, do you ever wondered how you could help? I remember exactly when I decided to start volunteering for the American Red Cross. I was sitting helplessly in my living room watching the devastation that Hurricane Katrina inflicted. The first step is to take the Introductory Disaster Volunteer Workshop. In a few hours, you will learn the Mission of the Red Cross and about mass care activities, including sheltering responsibilities, fixed and mobile feeding, and bulk distribution of essential supplies so you can become a disaster reserve volunteer.

Upcoming classes are Saturday, July 17th 9am-12:30pm, Tuesday, July 20th 6-9:30pm, Saturday, August 21st 9am-12:30pm, Tuesday, August 24th 6-9:30pm, and Saturday August 27th 9am-12:30pm. To register please email Keith Bridges at kbridges@redcrossdallas.org .

All participants receive certification cards for the Fulfilling Our Mission and Mass Care Overview classes.

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"A" is for Alex and the Start of Hurricane Season

"A" is also for Anita Foster. Watch as she talks about how we are preparing for Hurricane Alex and how YOU can help by joining the Disaster Volunteer Reserves.

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Weekly Disaster Incident Update

Here are your weekly disaster incident statistics. With the recent weather we've been experiencing, house fires, and other disasters, aren't you glad the Red Cross is there to help out these people when they need it most?

• Last week, the Dallas Area Chapter responded to 13 disaster incidents, the same as the prior week.
• 56 individuals received assistance to recover from their losses.
• Approximately $9,076 in financial assistance has been committed to help those affected by the disasters.

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Preparedness Tip of the Week: Blind Dating Don'ts

You don't want to go blindly into a disaster. As you should know by now - make a plan, get supplies and find a contact.

But once you are prepared and ready for anything, don't forget about it. Set a date - every six months - to update your plan, review your numbers and check your supplies to make sure nothing has gone bad, expired or changed.

It is also a good idea to have a household fire, tornado or other disaster drill. If you have kids, turn it into an adventure. If you don't, you can still have fun with it. You can pretend you are a superhero. With a big superhero cape. It's OK, you can rock it. I won't tell.

In the meantime, while you wait anxiously to pull your superhero cape from a small corner of your closet, you can run down to your local American Red Cross and take a disaster training class. Becoming a disaster volunteer is the lifeblood of our organization. The classes include:

• Disaster action team workshop
• Client casework: Providing emergency assistance
• Disaster assessment
• Supervision on a disaster assignment
• Mass care: overview
• Shelter operations
• Shelter simulations
• Logistics overview
• Logistics simulation
• Public affairs overview
• Public affairs: The local response
• Psychological first aid
• Serving people with disabilities
• Foundations of disaster mental health
• Health services response workshop
• In kind disaster response workshop
• Supervision in disaster
• Collaborating to ensure effective service delivery
• Emergency operations
• Command center liaison
• Disaster instructor specialty training

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Four-alarm Fire in Addison Displaced 17 People

Yesterday, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter was called to provide assistance at a 4-alarm fire in Addison. Volunteers immediately began working with the displaced residents on scene by giving out sweats, socks, tennis shoes and hygiene supplies. See more of the response

After completing an official damage assessment, the Red Cross determined that 17 people in six (6) town homes were displaced. Red Cross workers made sure each family had a safe place to stay and financial assistance so they could purchase groceries, new clothing and shoes, winter coats and other needed items.

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Tragedy Strikes. The Red Cross Responds.

As the events unfolded yesterday at Fort Hood, the largest military installation in the world, we were all reminded that life can indeed change in an instant. And when it does, we must all do our part to help those who are suffering.

At 2:40p.m., we got the first notification that a gunman had opened fire on the base. Like many of you, we were trying to determine exactly what had happened, how many people were involved and how we could help the U.S. Military as they dealt with this unspeakable tragedy. While we were busy setting up an operation, our thoughts were also with our American Red Cross workers who are stationed at Fort Hood.

Few people know that the American Red Cross and the United States Military have a long and rich history. In fact, serving military families was the initial reason the worldwide Red Cross Movement was created. The American Red Cross has upheld that tradition for more than 125 years.

Every day, the Dallas Area Chapter supports the military through a variety of programs. We work at the Military Entrance Processing Station in downtown Dallas. We conduct briefings to deploying service members and their families about how to access the Red Cross in case of a family emergency, and we provide an around-the-clock emergency communications system so that loved ones here can get word to those deployed when a crisis happens at home. Last year alone, we touched more than 16,000 military members from our local Red Cross chapter.

Yesterday was a painstaking day for all of us. We have a heart for the men and women who protect our country because we work side-by-side with them everyday. We knew we could help.

Almost immediately, the Red Cross shipped 63 units of blood and blood products to the trauma centers in the Fort Hood area. Another 150 units arrived on a Southwest Airlines flight last night, some going to Killeen and others staying here to keep our local hospitals operational.

An extended blood drive was established at our American Red Cross Blood Donor Center at 1 Medical Parkway in Farmers Branch. Donors came out until 11:00p.m. to roll up their sleeves. Today, we will continue collecting blood at that location until 8:00p.m. We expect a wonderful turn-out from people who want and need to help. For information on area blood drives, you can visit www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment.

More than 200 concerned people have utilized our Safe and Well service. Family and friends around the country were able to go to Safe and Well and search for their loved ones at Fort Hood, or to register someone as safe. This is an invaluable service that brings tremendous peace of mind after any emergency. If you ever need this service, go to www.redcross.org and click on the Safe and Well link.

We fielded many calls from people like you who wanted to know the best way to help the people of Killeen. For that, we are always grateful. It reminds us that we have an important job to do at the American Red Cross and we can’t do it without you.

Late yesterday, we got word that all of our Red Cross workers stationed at Fort Hood were safe and accounted for. It was an enormous sigh of relief for the Red Cross family, but we know that at least 13 other families won’t have the same happy ending. So, as a Red Cross chapter, as a community, as a nation, we will press on in doing all that we can to alleviate the suffering of our Texas neighbors and our friends in the United States Armed Services.

Thank you for your care, your concern and your desire to turn your compassion into action. As we deal with these unspeakable tragedies, we are comforted to have you at our side.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones
Chief Executive Officer
American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter

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National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4-10)

Next week is National Fire Prevention Week. The American Red Cross has reported fire response is up 10 percent in six years. While I have included a link on how to prevent fires, I would like to take a moment to tell you a story.

When I was about six, my father responded to disasters for the American Red Cross. On one specific occasion, he took me with him to work a fire that had devastated a home. The walls were now a few posts, the roof a skylight. I remember the ash on the floor and the harsh stench of ash. When we entered the home, we met a couple, overwhelmed by the loss they had just endured.

When my father offered them lodging and care packages of toothbrushes, razors and other basic necessities that we take for granted, their dark demeanor changed to one of overjoyed gratitude.

A young girl joined us in what used to be the living room. She must have been about 16, maybe 17 years old. She asked for her parents’ car keys. She needed to get her volleyball uniform out of their car. She wanted to go support her team… the night after she lost everything.

I looked over my shoulder towards the bedrooms. I tried to figure out which one was hers. I imagined all of her clothes were burned – now ashes on the floor.

Pictures of memories with family and friends were gone. Her clothes were gone. They were left with nothing but what they carried out the night of the fire.

They were starting over – Holding on to the life they had, holding on to what they hoped. They left with their family and memories of a life undisturbed.

I still remember that girl. For that, I am thankful she reminds me of what really matters.

I have included a beautiful song by Imogen Heap. “Fire” sounds like Heap knows about that kind of loss – perhaps like the young girl from my childhood.

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Monthly Disaster Response Update

During the month of August, Dallas Area Chapter disaster volunteers responded to 55 fires and helped 159 people by providing comfort kits, children's toys and assistance with groceries, bedding, and clothing.

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My First Fire

My name is Aliza and I am a communications and marketing intern at the American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter this summer. This is the story of my first fire.

I was eating lunch on the first floor of the Red Cross building and watching the news. There was a breaking story about a 5-alarm fire at the Indigo apartment complex. I watched the flames rise 40 feet above the roof and I worried about the 300 people inside. I wondered what was going on in the building, behind the scenes, beyond the reach of the cameras. I wanted to help. Then I remembered that I work at the Red Cross.

After lunch, I found out that I was going to the fire. I had no idea what to expect, but I must have had some expectation in the back of my mind because it was nothing like I expected. I would not do the scene justice if I said it was chaotic, although I can’t think of a better word. There were people everywhere, who could probably be classified into three categories: the media, people in uniforms, and evacuees and bystanders. The fire was actually put out by the time we got there, so thankfully I didn’t have to see the flames in person because I probably would have run away. I also did not expect, or maybe had just never considered before, that there would be water everywhere. Not fire, water. Huge streams of it were pouring down the sidewalks, hills, and grass. The parking lot was an obstacle course of fire hoses which I struggled not to trip over.

At first I was scared to go inside the building because I had seen the flames on TV and it just seemed…dangerous. In the lobby, firefighters were helping the elderly descend the eleven flights of stairs safely and guiding them to the waiting DART buses. There were babies, teenagers, younger people, and older people. Some were holding kittens or leading dogs on leashes.

After we told everyone that the Red Cross was opening a shelter at Keist Recreation Center and that people should go on the air-conditioned buses, we left for the shelter. Inside was this large and wonderfully cold room with nothing in it except tables and chairs. After the disaster response vehicles arrived, everything happened quickly. Nurses, EMT’s, firefighters, and Red Cross case workers set up the room to prepare to help the fire victims. By the time we left about an hour and half later, the room was transformed into a shelter. It was amazing to talk to the evacuees, normal people just like you and I, some of whom were at work or shopping when they heard their home was on fire. And the most incredible thing was watching families being reunited at the shelter; everyone was so happy that their loved ones were okay.

Back at the apartment complex, I filmed a Red Cross team assessing the extent of the fire’s damage. Fortunately, there was no damage to the interior of any of the apartments. However, there was water damage in the hallways and the faint smell of smoke. As I walked down the eleven flights of wet, slippery stairs, I thought about how thankful I was that not one resident lost their possessions. Thanks to the work of many dedicated people, every resident was safe.

By the time I got home, I was exhausted—but that didn’t stop me from staying up for the 10:00 news to show my family where I was and point out the people that I had spoken to at the scene of the fire and the shelter. What an amazing experience!

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Recent Apartment Fires in Dallas Deplete Red Cross Resources

Agency Turns to the Community for Help

The past week has taken an emotional toll on hundreds of Dallas residents as flames tore through their apartment homes leaving behind charred remains of their former lives, and not much else.

Three times in four days last week, the Red Cross dispatched large teams of volunteers and many resources to help those standing on the curb at the Indigo, Dilido and Abrams Rd. fires. More than 90 people have received some $32,000 in direct financial assistance and the numbers are still rising.

The Red Cross is appealing to the community for financial donations to cover the cost of these disasters, and for the ones that are sure to happen in the coming days.

See Full Press Release

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Red Cross’s “Best of Preparedness” Guide to iPhone Apps

Wondering if your phone can save you if you are unconscious? There’s an app for that.

Curious if a tornado is in your area? There’s an app for that.

Can your iPhone double as an AED machine? There’s not an app for that… but it would be really cool. You should check out the apps that show you how to conduct proper CPR though.

While iTunes has a category for healthcare, it is buried deep inside the infinite iTunes list and mixed with other fitness apps.

Fear not, Good Samaritans and preparedness freaks, we have gone through millions of apps to bring you iPhones best preparedness apps.

** Note: It is always best to take a class and get certified for emergency situations. Then, use these tools to compliment your training. For more information, click to see the class schedule.

How does the Red Cross “Best of Preparedness” guide work?

· The categories: Save A Life and Disaster Preparedness.
· The description: based on the iTunes description of the app.
· The ratings: based on the average ratings for the app voted on by iTunes users. There can be a total of five "x."
· The price: you probably want to know if the app is free or a million dollars. (no, we did not find any million dollar apps in our search)
· The oops: If we missed one, feel free to add it in the comments section.

Save a Life

American Medical Aid American Medical Aid is the authoritative reference of “WHAT TO DO” when faced with a medical need, emergency or other wise. ×××½ $2.99

Asthma Journal Many doctors recommend Asthma patients to keep a daily journal to keep track of asthma symptoms, potential triggers, and medications. It helps doctors diagnose the cause of asthma and prescribe the most effective treatment. No rating $4.99

Blood Sugar Diabetes Control Finally an easy way to record and keep track of all your diabetic information needs! ×××½ $0.99

CPR & Choking Developed as a public service by leading physicians and educators in emergency care at the University of Washington and King County EMS, the CPR & Choking application provides instant information on how to perform CPR and how to aid a choking victim. ×××½ FREE

Close Call The application that allows you to put in your phone number, a short message, and an image to create custom health alert. ×××½ FREE

Find a Hospital (iHospital) Finds the nearest Hospital based on your location. No rating. $0.99

Health-EE: Medication & Allergy Health Record Health-EE is an encrypted electronic personal health record for the iPhone. By having your health record securely stored on your phone, you can access your medical information any time or place. ×××× $5.99

First Aid Pocket Guide Maybe one of the most important things you can have in your pocket is a trustworthy first aid guide from Parasol EMT. It provides simple to follow treatment guides, including an introduction to first aid, essentials of first aid, most common trauma and medical emergencies. ××½ $1.99

ICE (In Case of Emergency) Pro Version ICE (info needed “In Case of EMERGENCY”) for iPhone and iPod Touch helps you keep track of your Medical Emergency contacts, you Medical history, your Allergies/reactions, your Medications and other important medical data. The app gives immediate access to your medical information which is useful to doctors, paramedics and other emergency personnel responding to accidents, crimes and disasters. ×× $0.99

iFirstAid If you don’t, “iFirstAid” is the right application for your needs. It is an easy to use application that will allow you to correctly handle an emergency situation. All the basic information you need for the correct handling of an emergency case is illustrated and shortly described. ××½ FREE

iTeamAgenda Blood Pressure iTeamAgenda Blood Pressure helps you manage your Blood Pressure. You can use it to save your results locally and on the TeamAgenda server. No rating $0.99

iTeamAgenda Diabetes iTeamAgenda Diabetes helps you mange your Diabetes. You can use it to save the results locally and on the TeamAgenda server. No rating $0.99

Pet First Aid Your four-legged family members rely on you for their care, so be prepared 24/7 for a medical emergency. From cuts and impalement, to choking and CPR, Pet First Aid is at your fingertips with detailed articles, video, and illustrations to help you care for your dog and cat. Record your pet’s vital medical information to ensure their veterinarian is never more than a touch away, and your pet will never miss another vaccination. ×××× $2.99 for a limited time

Pocket First Aid & CPR Guide Whether you’re at home, on the road, or in the woods, the American Heart Association’s Pocket First Air & CPR application is at your fingertips with concise, clear instructions to care for you and your loved ones. ×××× $3.99

Disaster Preparedness

All Weather All Weather provides you with all your weather needs direct from Weather Underground, All data is formatted in a friendly iPhone/iPod Touch format for fast loading, even on edge. ××½ $0.99

Emergency Distress Beacon You’re lost in the middle of nowhere. You’re trapped in an earthquake, hurricane or other emergency situation. This simple application, when activated, sends out a distress beacon with your current location to rescuers. ××½ FREE

Emergency Radio Emergency Radio lets you listen to over 1,000 live police, fire, EMS, and other emergency frequencies. ×××½ $0.99

EZ Radar – TX EZ Radar TX gives you ANIMATED radar coverage for ALL of Texas direct from the National Weather Service. Why buy a radar application with a bunch of radars you don’t need and that’s complicated to use, get EZ Radar now for your area! ××½ $0.99

Hurricane Hurricane, the most popular and best selling Hurricane Tracking Application, gives you the ability to track these storms on the go using your iPhone or iPod Touch. Satellite images and tracking maps helps you see where these monster storms are heading. ×××½ $3.99

Weather Alert WeatherAlert is a simple weather notification application that will display alerts for your area such as Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Floods, etc. ××× $0.99

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