Crowd Surfing -- I Mean Safety

By Shannon Randol, intern contributor, American Red Cross

Finding yourself in large groups of people in one specific area means a lot of individuals bumping elbows, sharing sweat and blindly navigating through tons of event goers.  The DFW region hosts an array of outdoor events during the summer months, and it’s crucial to be prepared for the crowds. 

You must be aware of your surroundings. Don’t carry important items (I.D. or credit cards) in your pockets, and always keep your purse zipped shut. Don’t forget to hide any valuables you aren't carrying in a locked car before leaving the parking lot.

 After arriving with your family or friends to the event grounds, make sure to pick out a visible landmark to designate as a meet-up spot if anyone in your group gets lost. Recognize the exits of the facility in case of an emergency. While, technology is at the tip of our fingers, a dead cell phone battery is likely. Most young children don’t carry cellphones, so tt never hurts to have a back-up plan for your family if and when technology fails.

It’s hot outside, and you should expect it to be hot; it’s Texas. Stay hydrated by drinking liters of good ol’ H2O. There is nothing better for your body than cool water on a hot, summer day.  And, don't forget to dress appropriately and apply plenty of sunblock.

If you want to be extra prepared, bring a can of bug spray. All of the rain this year has super-sized the mosquitoes, and you don’t want to be their next meal!

If traveling with small children, take a photo of them individually on your smart phone. This way if they get lost, you have the most recent photo. In a moment of panic, you might forget what he/she was wearing. This eliminates that possibility.

Without scaring your child, explain “stranger danger”.  It also doesn’t hurt to practice what to do in case of separation with your child at home before you leave. 

The old saying is true, it's better to be safe than sorry, and having an un-used plan is better than scrambling to think of one in the moment. Think ahead, and don't forget to have fun!

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Bring The Heat

By Shannon Randol, intern contributor, American Red Cross

This is my favorite time of the year! I sun-kiss the skin of each person who spends time outside and burn those into a crisp who don’t wear any sunscreen.  I tend to be more dangerous than any other weather event throughout the year and regrettably affect the elderly and young children the most, often resulting in death.

I can make you feel sticky within minutes in Austin, Texas, or make you feel like a chocolate chip cookie being baked in an oven in Dallas. I especially like to cause embarrassing pit stains in pools underneath your arms... Sorry, not sorry.

If it weren’t for me, many of you probably wouldn’t consider cold showers or installing a pool, but without me you wouldn’t be able to enjoy those summer barbecues near the beaches and lakes.  I am harsher in the southern hemisphere because the tea is sweeter, and c’mon, the south is better!

Have you guessed what I might be yet?

Trees try to discourage me, but vehicles can’t hide from me. The Red Cross spends a lot of effort trying to protect residents from my reach, however not everyone listens. I’m a nasty pain in the summer, but I can’t help it, I am the summer heat.

During my peak periods, I can make the temperature stay in the 90’s for consecutive days on end. It’s imperative to your health to stay weather aware as I like to change my mood daily. I'm feeling extra cheery this morning and will you give some tips on how we can stay friends and not enemies over the next few months.  

If you plan on spending the day outside, make sure you have plenty of water on hand. Water is cheap y’all and essential to your fight against me. You should also wear plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin because I like to punish the ones who don’t. It’s not cute to look like a walking lobster, am I right?

Dress in light colored clothing that is loose fitting and lightweight. I am attracted to dark clothing, I like it when it's tall, dark and handsome. I turn up the heat to make sure you know my presence, so stick to light and airy materials.  

Slow down on strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. I’m not as angry after 7 p.m. and still too tired between 4-7 a.m. to burn you. If you have to be outside because your job requires you to see me, wear a hat and stay hydrated. You need to replenish what you lose in sweat!

Common Heat Sickness Symptoms:

·         Feeling nauseous

·         Flushed and/or pale skin

·         Dizziness

·         Heavy sweating

·         Severe headaches

If I’ve caused you to have any of these symptoms (sorry in advance!) go to a cooler area in the shade or in an air-conditioned building. Administer cool cloths directly on to your skin and drink cool water slowly, approximately one glass every 15 minutes. Loosen any restricting clothing and try to relax. If symptoms continue to worsen call 9-1-1 immediately!

Nothing makes me sadder than when individuals leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even if it’s for a few minutes. Don’t do it, please! The inside of a vehicle heats up quickly and rapidly becomes a death trap for anyone left inside.

Heat Related Terms You Should Know:

·         Heat Cramps are muscle tremors and pains that can affect the calves, abdomen, back and arms. It’s an early sign your body is having trouble with the hot temperatures. They are painful spasms that need to be treated if cramps continue well after an hour.

·         Heat Exhaustion is when the blood travels to your skin cells and not through your vital organs. This can cause your brain to go into mild shock if left untreated. This occurs in victims who frequently work outside for their job or exercise outdoors. Profuse sweating results in fluid loss, so always carry extra water to replenish!

·         Heat Stroke occurs when the body’s natural temperature control system fails and sweating won’t help cool the body down. This is life threatening and must be treated immediately! Please call 9-1-1 for immediate attention!

Common Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

·         Hot, red and dry skin

·         Loss of conciseness

·         A rapid or weakened pulse

·         Shallow breathing

I have given you all that you need to know, so don’t ignore it! I might not be this nice again. Summer is for enjoying fun and friends, don’t let me ruin it! I just get too excited sometimes when I see you all enjoying my rays!

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Learn To Swim And Where

By Shannon Randol, intern contributor, American Red Cross

Did you know Texas is ranked number one in the country for pool drownings? Tarrant County is ranked number two in the state. And the statistics haven’t changed for the past few years according to the Fort Worth Drowning Coalition.

The leading cause of death for children under the age of 4 is drowning, and it’s the second leading accidental death for children 14-years-old and younger according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  

For every child that drowns, another five receive medical attention for water-related injuries. 

Swim lessons can be expensive especially if you have more than one child, but we have a solution for you. The Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition offers swim lessons at a number of locations for only $5!

  

Safe Swim Schedule: 

• June 16-19, June 23-26 2015 at Westside YMCA 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.  
• July 28-31, Aug 4-7 2015 at Southwest YMCA 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.  
• Aug 25-28, Sept 1-4 2015 at Marine Park Pool 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. 

Cost: 

• $5 for 8 swim lessons 

You can register for classes here. Take advantage quick as slots will fill up!  

The YMCA’s in both Dallas and Fort Worth also offer special scholarships to those who qualify for swim and fun summer programs.  Here are the links for both applications: 

THE YMCA CAMP GRADY SPRUCE, DALLAS TEXAS APPLICATION 

THE YMCA METROPOLITIAN FORT WORTH SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 

The Red Cross team has also put together a number of resources and tips to help keep your family safe over the summer. Here are the some quick tips to stay safe: 

Water Safety 

• Never leave children unattended near water 
• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards 
• Never assume someone else is watching your children 
• Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.  
• Stay off of cell phones, give your attention 100 percent to supervising your children 
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and first aid kit 
• Enroll in Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies  

Boating Safety from SafeKids.org: 

In 2011, 70 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those who drowned, 84 percent were not wearing a life jacket.  

• Have children wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats. Make sure life jackets sit snugly. Have the child make a “touchdown” signal by raising both arms straight up; if the life jacket hits the child’s chin or ears, it may be too big or the straps may be too loose. 
• Don’t drink alcohol while operating a boat. A huge number of boating accidents each year involve alcohol consumption. 
• Infants and young kids are at a higher risk for hypothermia, so if you bring a baby on a boat take extra steps to keep them warm.  

Swimming is great exercise and the perfect way to tire out the kiddies during the summer. Take the necessary precautions to insure the safety of your children this summer and each summer to come.  

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After Months of Non-Stop Disaster Response, American Red Cross Seeks New Volunteers to Help Storm Victims

Rash of Weather Events Deplete Local Resources

Mother Nature was harsh this past spring. She left more than 2,000 Texas families without homes, caused the Red Cross to open 60 shelters, hand out more than 340,000 meals and snacks along with 171,000 clean-up items like shovels, tarps, rakes, mops, buckets and work gloves. Her relentless nature was responded to by a force of nature made up of 2,200 trained Red Cross relief workers from around the country, with nearly half being Texans. 

Now, the Red Cross is offering virtual training courses in an attempt to recruit new volunteers to deliver their mission critical services. 

“Because the sun is shining doesn’t mean this disaster has passed,” said T.D. Smyers, chief executive officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “It’s quite the opposite actually. Our teams will be managing the statewide Red Cross call center, conducting disaster assessments and providing casework services most likely up through August, which is why we’re appealing for new volunteers to come join us.”

Virtual training courses are being offered this weekend in the following areas:

June 27	Orientation to Texas Disaster	9:00am-10:00am
	Caseworker: Just in Time	10:00am-12:30pm
	Disaster Assessment: Just in Time	2:30pm-3:30pm
	Sheltering: Just in Time	3:30pm-4:30pm
June 29	Orientation to Texas Disaster	9:00am-10:00am 6:30pm-7:30pm
	Sheltering: Just in Time	10:00am-11:00am 7:30pm-8:30pm
	Disaster Assessment: Just in Time	11:00am-Noon 8:30pm-9:30pm
	Casework: Just in Time	1:00pm-3:30pm 6:30pm-9:00pm

To register as a new Red Cross volunteer, go to http://www.redcross.org/tx/dallas-fort-worth/volunteer and click on ARC Flood Relief. From there, you'll receive instructions on how to register for the virtual training. All Red Cross disaster training courses are FREE, compliments of Red Cross donors who make the mission possible. 

“My team here in North Texas has literally been working around the clock since mid-April and they’ve done an honorable job for Texans,” said Smyers. “We need some more just like them to carry us through the second half of this disaster.”

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When the Thunder Rolls & the Lightning Strikes

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By Shannon Randol, intern contributor, American Red Cross

Don’t you hate it when a storm rolls in and causes the television signal to fizzle out? Or a crack of lightning delays an outdoor sporting event or celebration? As Texans, we know not to let the weather dampen our moods, but lightening strikes can be hazardous.  


Tornado season is over (hallelujah), but lightning is unpredictable and bound to happen. June 22^rd to June 28^th is National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, and it’s imperative to know what to expect when lightning strikes.

According to the National Weather Service, lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm clouds, and it can strike in one place more than twice, despite what the old wives tale says.

Lightning carries an electrical charge, and water conducts electricity which makes the two a deadly combination. The NWS has a saying, “When thunder roars, go indoors,” and is a good rule of thumb to teach the little ones.

For your safety, the Red Cross has put together a list of Do's and Don't's:

1. Don't play in or be near standing water, pools, ponds and lakes.
2. Avoid large, open areas like fields and wide open spaces.
3. Migrate to lower ground and avoid high grounds as much as possible.
4. Avoid metal objects.
5. Stay away from appliances plugged into outlets.
6. Suspend outdoor activities for 30 minutes upon seeing the last bolt of lightening or clap of thunder.
7. Find a safe structure with walls, a roof, flooring and electrical/plumbing – this helps absorb a lightening strike.
8. Keep a safe distance between individuals as lightening can travel from person to person.
9. Plan ahead, know the weather forecast and your safety plan.

Lets debunk a few of the myths you’ve heard about lightning:

Myth: “Lightning never strikes in the same place twice.”
Fact: False; lightening has been proven to strike the same spot multiple times.

Myth: “A tree will protect you from a possible lightning strike.”

Fact: False; a majority of lightening casualties was from individuals seeking shelter under a tree.

Myth: “Your skin will begin to tingle and your hair will stand up straight before being struck by lightning.”

Fact: While this can be true and may be viewed as a last minute warning, it isn’t reliable; many lightning strikes don’t give the victim any warning.

Here are some #ProTips for safety and preparedness in a lightning storm:

• If you are outdoors when lightning strikes crouch down, and put your feet together while covering your ears. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND.

• Putting the body in the fetal position helps absorb a possible lightning strike. The electrical charge doesn’t have as long of a track while in a squatted position as it would if you were standing.

• Don’t allow your children to stomp around in puddles while it’s thundering and lightning. We know it’s fun to dance in the rain, but make sure it’s safe before you start embodying your inner Gene Kelly.

Cuando se Oyen los Truenos Después  Llegan los Relámpagos

Por Shannon Randol

¿No te molesta cuando las tormentas llegan y después causa el signo de la televisión que se vaya? ¿O cuando los relámpagos cancelan juegos de deportes o celebraciones importantes? Como Tejanos, sabemos de no dejar la temporada nos deprimen, pero cuando los relámpagos pegan puede ser peligroso.

La temporada de tornados ya se acabó, pero relámpagos en general no son previsibles. En junio 22 hasta junio 28 es la Semana de Conciencia de la Seguridad de Relámpagos, y es imperativo que uno sepa que expectar cuando relámpagos peguen.

El National Weather Service reporta que relámpagos pueden pegar hasta de 10 millas desde los nubes y puede pegar en un lugar más de dos veces.

Por qué los relámpagos tiene un cargo de electricidad  y el agua es un bien conductor de electricidad, esto hace una combinación peligrosa. EL NWS tiene un dicho que va, “Cuando truenos se oyen, metete adentro,” y es importante de enseñar este dicho a los pequeños.

Para to propia seguridad, la Cruz Roja tiene una lista de lo que uno debe y no debe que  hacer:

1. No jueguen o se acercan acercas de agua estancada, albercas o lagos.
2. Eviten estar en tierras altas.
3. Eviten objetos hechos de metal.
4. No se acerquen a enchufes o accesorios enchufados.
5. Cancelen actividades que están afuera inmediatamente de viendo relámpagos pegar.
6. Encuentra un lugar seguro con paredes, un techo, y piso con electricidad y plomería.
7. Tengan una distancia segura entre individuales porque los relámpagos pueden moverse de persona a persona.
8. Planean antes de tiempo, edúquense en el pronóstico del tiempo y sepan su plan de seguridad.

Vamos a desmitificar unos cuantos mitos:

Mito: “Relámpagos nunca pegan en el mismo lugar dos veces.”
Hecho: Falso; Es probado que relámpagos pegan el mismo lugar muchas veces.

Mito: “Un árbol te va proteger de los relámpagos.”

Hecho: Falso; La mayoría de las bajas por relámpagos fueron por individuales buscando abrigo debajo de árboles.

Mito: “Tu piel va empezar a tener comezón y tu pelo se va a parar arriba antes de ser pegado por relámpagos.”

Hecho: Aunque esto sea real y puede verse como una advertencia, no es de confianza.  Muchos relámpagos que pegan no dan advertencia a la víctima.

Aquí hay unos tipos (#ProTips) para tu seguridad y preparación para una tormenta de relámpagos:

• Si estas afuera cuando los relámpagos peguen agáchese, y pon tus pies juntos mientras te cubres tus oídos. NO SE  ACUESTEN EN EL PISO.

• Poniendo tu cuerpo en una posición de fetal ayuda en asorbando un posible rayo. La electricidad no tiene una pista larga mientras uno esta agachado comparado a estando parado.

• No dejes tus niños que pisen muy fuete en charcos mientras los relámpagos peguen. Aunque sabemos que es divertido bailando en la lluvia, uno tiene que asegurar su propia seguridad antes de encarnado a Frank Sinatra. 

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