Red Cross Services Available: Johnson & Erath Counties

This message from Anita Foster, American Red Cross North Texas Region:

Following damaging storms that tore across the state of Texas on April 26, the American Red Cross has been working around the clock to help families with their recovery. In total, some 600 homes were hit by the storms. Of those, 60 sustained major damage or were destroyed. Since the storms ended, the Red Cross has provided bottled water, meals and snacks, along with clean-up supplies, mainly tarps to cover damaged rooftops, to affected neighborhoods. Today, the Red Cross is opening two additional locations for families to visit if they need assistance:

Dublin – Resource Center

213 E. Blackjack St.

Dublin, TX 76446

Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Rio Vista – Resource Center

102 E. Depot St.

Rio Vista, TX 76093

Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

These centers will remain open until May 2. Families who can’t easily make it to the Rio Vista or Dublin locations are urged to call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or (800) 733 2766.

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National Volunteer Week Profile: Eric Klein

by David Warren, volunteer contributor

Volunteer Eric Klein is presented with a commendation award
for his excellent service.

Every office has that go-to person who makes the day hum. When a problem crops up – be it a computer that swallows valuable disaster assessments or a complex data set that requires analysis – this colleague usually has the solution.

And so it is with Eric Klein, a volunteer partner for the American Red Cross North Texas Region.  He can be found huddling over maps, coordinating disaster services and, as he explains it, utilizing “geospatial tools.”

But for his supervisor, Rosemary Mote, disaster program officer, American Red Cross North Texas region, Klein’s importance is much more broadly defined. “Everyone knows to ask Eric,” she said. “He’ll know, or he can find out.”

Klein, 64, began volunteering for the Red Cross in 2008, answering a call to help with preparations ahead of Hurricane Ike’s arrival on the Gulf Coast. He had spent 30 years with IBM but was restless in retirement and the Red Cross proved to be an ideal outlet for his energy and analytical mind.

“There’s a lot of different roles you can take on,” he said of the agency. “It’s a big organization so there’s a lot of different work you can do, a lot of opportunity to learn new things.”

Klein uses Geographic Information Systems and other applications to plan for impending disasters while coordinating needs both regionally and beyond. He determines tornado paths, road conditions and other hazards to smooth the aid the Red Cross provides. He also serves on the regional Disaster Management Team and works as a disaster services instructor, passing on his experience to others.

“He passionately supports the mission by supporting those who are on the front lines,” Mote said of Klein, recipient of the 2014 North Texas Region Clara Barton Honor Award.

She said he also uses census information to determine population, housing and other demographic information to help determine how damaging a disaster may prove to be, and better assess the relief that will be needed.

“We just count on Eric being around and know that he will do it for us,” she said.

Most recently, Eric joined the Digital Volunteer Team, using his skills to help set up complex keyword searches on Radian6 so digital volunteers can monitor social media conversations during disasters and relay relevant information to a disaster response team. It's just one more use of the wealth of his knowledge and generosity of his time.

Klein, who’s a Dallas resident, says he brings an analytical approach to his work and the Red Cross benefits from many others who offer a variety of strengths.

“What makes the organization work is not having people with identical skills but different complementary skills,” he said.

This National Volunteer Week, we salute volunteers like Eric that make our organization go. Volunteers make up more than 90% of the Red Cross work force. Join Eric & start your Red Cross story today. Visit RedCross.org/Volunteer to get started! 

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How Should Senior Citizens Prepare for a Disaster?

By Carol Grinage, volunteer contributor

August 21st is Senior Citizen Day! It is a day to celebrate our older generations; the contributions they've made and the roles they have in our lives. It is also a day to remember to take care and think of them. With disasters occurring daily throughout the world, it is important to remember that our older generations should be just as prepared.

How do senior citizens prepare for a disaster? When I first mentioned this topic to my mother, she became angry, and she said, “Senior citizens don’t prepare any differently than other people.”

I respectfully disagreed and mentioned the number of senior citizens who died in the Chicago heatwave years ago.

My mom, then, regretfully agreed, “Yes, we do have to consider our lives today. We still think we are 20 and can do everything that we used to do until an emergency occurs, and we realize that we don’t have the same bodies that we had at 20 and can’t do the things we used to be able to easily do.”

After some discussion and research, here are some ways seniors can prepare for a disaster.

1. Prepare an Emergency Kit
2. Make a Plan
3. Be Informed

Prepare Your Kit

Make an emergency kit. Put medications, identification, contact phone numbers, prescriptions, and vital information in this kit. Also, put enough food, water, and medical supplies for three days in it.

Because this kit may be heavy, it is better to put it in smaller bags that may have wheels. Make sure that you put your name on it and on any wheelchairs, canes, or walkers or any items that will not be placed in the kit.

Make a Plan

You may not think a disaster will occur in your area, but you never know. As the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry”. When an emergency does occur, you will be glad that you have a plan in place.

Discuss your action plan with family members and have at least one emergency contact who does not live in the area. This contact is necessary because quite often it is the local phone service that may not work, but you will be able to contact someone outside of the area. This person will need to know your whereabouts and contact information.

In addition, plan a meeting place whether it is a shelter or someone’s home. If you no longer drive, plan transportation; whether it is emergency senior transportation or a friend or relative who will pick you up. If possible, car pool so that people are not searching for one another.

Where will your pets go in an emergency? Quite often people don’t consider their pets in the emergency plan, and sadly, some people don’t seek shelter for them during an emergency. Before an emergency happens, see where you can shelter your pet until you return home if an evacuation becomes necessary.

Be Informed
What emergency is most likely to happen in your community?
Earthquake? Hurricane? Winter storm? Flood? Tornado?

Think about what type of emergency is most likely to occur, and base your plans on that type of emergency.

Also, how will you be notified of an emergency? Will it be on the television? Radio? Community alarm system? Phone call? Determine how your community warns people of a possible disaster, and make sure you have a system in place so that you will be alerted.

If you are in a retirement community, check to see what plans are in place. Sometimes, the community has already established emergency procedures and a safe place for residents. See if this information is available.

When to Prepare

The best time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens. Discuss plans with friends and family. If you no longer drive, make sure you have transportation arranged and a safe place in mind. Lastly, update your emergency kit every six months and throw out any expired food or medication. Also, review your emergency plans a few times a year to make sure contact information and shelters have not changed.

Go to RedCross.org/Prepare for more information!

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RV There Yet? The Road Traveled for Disaster Relief

By Lisa Morgan, American Red Cross Communications Associate

If you’re a nature-loving, cross-country driving, general enthusiast who packs up and goes on a moment’s notice, then the American Red Cross has a place for you with Escapees RV Club. Instead of being deployed by plane, train or automobile, they are deployed via RV’s as a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Operations Volunteer Escapees (DOVES).

John & Anita Laffey, Red Cross volunteers

DOVES have been advancing and supporting the Red Cross mission since its inception –when Escapee RV Club members rushed to the impacted areas on the Eastern seaboard to help those impacted by the events of September 11, 2001.

DOVES have only one mission:  to support American Red Cross disaster services by:

1) Recruiting Escapees RV Club members for Red Cross Disaster Services
2) Assisting DOVE members in obtaining training as Red Cross disaster operations volunteers
3) Providing DOVE members with timely information about Red Cross disaster relief operations
4) Providing volunteer assistance to the Red Cross whenever and wherever practical

Earlier this summer the Club hosted its 54th Annual Escapade, an RV rally where DOVES leadership team recruited for new members to add to the over 200 members on the roster. Additionally, DOVES coordinated a blood drive and provided a Red Cross Training Institute to train other DOVES at the Elkhart, IN chapter. The courses provided were shelter operations, forklift class, bulk food distribution, client case work and psychological first aid. The class with the highest attendance was the forklift class, with Dallas chapter volunteer instructor, John Laffey. CROWN Forklift generously donated a brand new forklift to for use in the five hour course.

“I teach them how to stack the pallets so that the contents don’t spill and the load has even distribution,” said John. “One of the things they learn is that if they can’t see over their load they need to operate the lift in reverse or moving backwards so they can safely see where they are going.”

“The DOVES can be viewed as gems hidden around the country”, said Mahlon Stacy, vice president of DOVES. “While some DOVES are new to Red Cross, many DOVES bring both life experience and Red Cross experience to the game. They will be valuable assets to the Red Cross in times of disaster.”

DOVES are not only valuable resources during national disasters, they are also valuable resources during blue sky times.  They can provide support for:

• Local disasters
• Community events (blood drives, community fairs, etc.)
• Replace local members out on vacation or unavailable for other reasons
• Administrative tasks or any other short-term projects while they are in the local chapter area
• Instructors who can teach basic or advanced level classes.

“DOVES love to assist Red Cross chapters in any way that is needed,” said Anita Laffey, president of DOVES.  “If one of us is traveling through your area, we’ll cheerfully empty trash cans, clean cambros, make phone calls—we’ll even bake chocolate chip cookies for you!” Anita goes on to say that DOVES are here to serve. “If Red Cross chapters will let us know what they need, we’ll do our best to help them.Whether we are helping to run a shelter in a huge disaster like Hurricane Sandy or teaching Client Casework at a local chapter, we love to support Red Cross disaster services.”

Anita is excited as she enters her term as president of this unique group of disaster responders. DOVES have the distinction of being deployed while maintaining all of their creature comforts. “We’re kind of like turtles carrying our homes with us,” she said.

For more information on how to join the American Red Cross as a DOVE, please email: RequestADOVE@dovebof.org.

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Why I Believe in the American Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog

Written by George McCain, volunteer contributor

The holidays are filled with symbols from decorated trees, to religious emblems and characters on lawns, to stockings hung waiting to be filled.  This is a great time of year to honor your loved ones and friends with symbolic gifts given through the American Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog.

Let those who are special to you receive a gift that connects them to helping people.  Through your gift you, and the special people in your life, will know you contributed to assisting a family in crisis, saving a child’s life in a developing country, or supporting a military service member and their family.

Red Cross responders bring comfort to fire victims in the Dallas area around the clock, averaging between 3-5 fire repsonses a day.



Red Cross volunteers reach out and help families after a disaster.  Imagine a family after a house fire.  Volunteers are there to comfort, assist, and assess the life changing damage.  A Red Cross Disaster Action Team can provide resources and emotional support to victims of disasters.  A child in these circumstances needs comfort and a sense of security.  You and the special people in your life, through your gift, can provide a Red Cross blanket and a sense of comfort for that child.  You’ll both know that it is delivered with a smile from a trained Red Cross volunteer.

Laura from Dallas knew the Red Cross would bring her son home when she discovered she had terminal cancer. Her former coworkers still hold a Red Cross blood drive in her honor every year.

Imagine an injured military service member recovering in a hospital.  You and the special people in your life, through your gift, help provide a comfort kit filled with hygiene items, reminding that service member they are not forgotten.  Your gift also provides phone cards for those lonesome and homesick heroes wanting to call home and talk to family members. Sometimes the best gift you can give someone is knowing that on the other side of the world, someone is getting to share in those same loving conversations this holiday that we so enjoy.

Children are given life saving vaccinations through the Red Cross Measles Initiative.



Giving in honor of those special people in your life impacts beyond the holidays and the borders of the USA.  Your gift can help an impoverished family in a developing country reconnect with a missing loved one through the Red Cross International Services Program.  Imagine the relief and joy of such a reunion, and you helped provided it.  Think of the sad stories that will never occur because your gift, in honor of friend, provides vaccinations that saved children’s lives in a developing country.

Give this season through the American Red Cross 2012 Holiday Giving Catalog.  You will know you are helping people.  You can share that joy and good cheer by giving in honor of the special people in your life.

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Tornadoes Not Behind Us: Hurricanes Ahead

by Anita Foster, Communications Officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region

On the heels of a widespread tornado outbreak that left thousands of people without a place to live, and just a little under a month from the official start of Hurricane Season 2012, the American Red Cross is appealing for new volunteers to join the organization in advance of the next storm.

Red Cross volunteer, Dan Halyburton, assures a Forney
storm victim that help is available.  

            On Saturday, May 5, between 1:00p.m. and 5:00p.m., the American Red Cross will swing open the doors at their Dallas and Fort Worth offices and invite new potential volunteers to come learn how the organization responds to events like the April tornado outbreak.

            During the tornadoes, the American Red Cross operated four shelters, served more than 40,000 meals and snacks, handed out some 6,000 clean-up items like tarps, shovels and rakes and helped nearly 500 people with their health and mental health needs. All of this work was done by 328 Red Cross workers; 85% of which were volunteers.

            “When disasters such as the tornadoes strike, people want to get involved with the Red Cross right then,” said T.D. Smyers, regional chief executive officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “What we really want folks to do is to train when the sky is blue so that when the time comes, you’ve got the training, we know your skill-set and we can put you to work right away.”

            Smyers goes on to say that the Open Houses this weekend are the ideal opportunity to come meet the Red Cross and find out where you fit in.

            

“There’s a place for everyone at the Red Cross. Just to name a few jobs: you can run a forklift, drive a feeding truck, attend telethons or work directly with families. It takes a lot of volunteers to respond to large disasters. We saw that with the April tornadoes. And hurricane season is just a month away.”

            The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex serves as the primary evacuation site for storms that hit the Houston/Galveston area. In 2008, the American Red Cross sheltered more than 5,000 people when Hurricane Ike barreled across the area. In 2005, just over 28,000 evacuees from New Orleans and South Texas sheltered in DFW. The Reunion Arena shelter, staffed 24/7 by volunteers, was open for a record-breaking 41 consecutive days.

           

Join Us on Saturday, May 5, 2012 between 1:00p.m. and 5:00p.m. at either location: 

American Red Cross
4800 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, Texas
--or--
American Red Cross
1515 S. Sylvania Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas

No RSVP needed...just stop by when you can! If you’re unable to stop by on Saturday, but still want to volunteer, click on www.redcross.org to find your local American Red Cross chapter. 

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Being Red Cross Ready For Your Pet: Making a First Aid Kit for your Dog or Cat

written by American Red Cross volunteer Tonya Solis-Mosby

Video c/o American Red Cross Greater New York

On a sunny, blue skyed day there are few greater places to be than outside with your pet. However, for many of us who took shelter in last week's tornado outbreak, our furry friends were also bunkered by our sides, proving their loyalty in good times and more uncertain ones. We've urged you before to remember to keep your family safe by preparing a disaster safety kit. Why not spread the love to all members of your family by including a Pet First Aid Kit in your safety pack?

In case of pet injuries or life-threatening accidents, are you prepared?


One of the first things to remember is, just as with people, the first few minutes after a catastrophe could mean the difference between life and death for a dog or cat. Pet owners should remember pet first aid is only the temporary leading to an immediate veterinary visit.

To get through those emergencies, pet owners should be equipped with a pet first aid kit. If you don’t have one packed, here are just a few items that might help in case of injuries:

1) A pair of gloves to help prevent the spread of germs (person-to-pet and pet-to-person).

2) Gauze for wrapping wounds or to muzzle an injured pet.

3) Nonstick bandages, towels or strips of clean cloth to control bleeding or to protect wounds.

4) Adhesive tape to secure the gauze wrap or bandage. Human adhesive bandages such as Band-Aids should not be used on pets.

In case of poisoning, pet owners might also add the following to the pet first aid kit:

1) Milk of magnesia/activated charcoal to absorb the poison.

2) Hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomit (A very important reminder: contact a veterinarian or poison control before inducing vomiting).

Other items to include in your pet’s first aid kit:

1) A digital thermometer to check your pet’s temperature (rectally only).

2) An eyedropper or a large syringe (without a needle) to give oral treatments or to flush wounds.

3) A muzzle to prevent biting. (Remember to never muzzle a vomiting pet!)

4) A leash for easy transport.

5) A stretcher (can be made of a board, blanket or floor mat) to stabilize an injured pet.

While a pet first aid kit is great to have on hand, knowing exactly what to do for your pet in case of injury or poisoning can also be helpful. Tips on caring for your pet in times of crises can also be found in two publications of the American Red Cross – Dog First Aid by Red Cross Ready and Cat First Aid by Red Cross Ready can be purchased online here.
Be Red Cross Ready to save your pets in times of injury, poisoning or disaster! Have a plan and a kit. More information can be obtained from redcross.org.

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Texas Rangers Hit a Home Run with Announcement

TEXAS RANGERS ANNOUNCE INITIATIVES TO ASSIST VICTIMS

OF TUESDAY’S TORNADOES

Arlington, TX--The Texas Rangers and Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation are encouraging all fans to seek out ways to support the communities affected by the devastating tornadoes this week.

Fans can donate to the American Red Cross local chapters for disaster relief by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, texting Redcross to 90999, or visiting Redcross.org/donate.

The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation will also offer fans these ways to get involved:

-The proceeds from the silent auction at the club's annual Welcome Home Luncheon on Thursday will be donated to the Relief efforts along with any funds collected onsite.

-The proceeds from the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation Prize Wheel at Friday’s season opener will go to help local communities affected by the storms.

-The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation will also make a financial contribution.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the individuals who have been affected by the tornadoes on Tuesday,” commented Rangers CEO and President Nolan Ryan. “The entire Texas Rangers organization applauds the efforts of all local officials, law enforcement agencies, relief agencies and weather services for keeping people safe and informed during the events of Tuesday’s storms. We ask our fans to join us in assisting in the relief efforts.”

-       RANGERS -

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Written by Rusty Surette

The American Red Cross is working around the clock to bring relief, support and comfort to those affected by the tornado outbreak in North Texas this week. 

Not only are volunteers meeting with families who have lost their homes, but they are also taking care of first responders and other organizations and groups helping out.

One of those groups is Home Depot. On Wednesday, an estimated 180 store employees descended into communities impacted by the tornadoes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“It’s important for us to be in communities when times are good. It’s also important for us to be in communities when times are bad,” said Home Depot Store Manager Trina Booker.

The employees will be boarding up broken windows, replacing smashed fences and clearing tree limbs and other debris from yards over the next several days. As the crew worked non-stop under the warm Wednesday sun, the American Red Cross was there in Arlington to hand out bottles of water, snacks and lunches to exhausted employees.

“It was really needed and we were thrilled to see the Red Cross trucks coming around the corner,” said Booker. “It’s just great to know your Red Cross volunteers are here to help us as we are helping others.”

The Home Depot teams will be in affected neighborhoods for the rest of the week providing immediate clean-up assistance.  Next to them will be Red Cross workers offering hot meals, beverages, comfort kits and cleaning supplies.

When disaster strikes, no one agency can do it alone. That’s why we rely on our corporate citizens like Home Depot to step up, pitch it and make a difference for those who need help the most.

If you would like to help, please go online to www.redcrossdallas.org to give your time as a volunteer, your blood as a donor or your money as a financial gift to help continue our mission.

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Prepare for Flash Flooding in a Flash!

Looking at our forecast for North Texas, no doubt spring is here. Monday and Tuesday have the potential to be severe weather days with the greatest risk calling for Flash Flooding, but tornadoes can't be ruled out. Go ahead and brush up on these flood tips so you'll be ready to take action in a flash. And remember, floods are the costliest and deadliest of all natural disasters. Take no chances with your safety. Turn around. Don't drown.

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Red Cross Funds Stretched Thin After 100+ People Burned out of Their Homes in Past 72 Hours

Community Can Help by Texting, Clicking or Sponsoring

DFW, TEXAS, February 28, 2012 — It’s rare to get a rash of fires that displaces nearly 100 people in a three-day period, but here in the Metroplex, that’s exactly what’s happened over the past 72 hours.
Four major apartment fires, along with 12 single-family homes fires, one causing a critical injury, had the organization responding around the clock; and depleting resources at a rapid pace.

Now, the Red Cross is asking the community to help replenish their funds as they gear up for spring storm season. 

“We’re concerned about this barrage of home fires, coupled with the start of spring storm season,” said T.D. Smyers, regional chief executive officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “We’ve had so many fires and any day now, spring storms will be here and we have to be ready to respond to those too.” 

Smyers said the organization has distributed about three weeks worth of aid in a three day period, but with support from the community, those funds can be replaced quickly. 

Ways people can give include texting the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate $10; jumping on www.redcross.org to give a gift in any amount; or by sponsoring a “Piper the Puppy” at the $100 level. This Dallas-created stuffed animal brings comfort when he’s handed to a child at the curb of a house fire, while the financial donation ensures that the Red Cross is ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Home fires are the most common disaster responded to by the local Red Cross chapters. An average of five families in the Metroplex experience a house fire every day. The American Red Cross responds every time they’re called and assists with safe shelter, new shoes and clothing, groceries, seasonal items, bedding and more. Without the support of the American people, the American Red Cross would be unable to respond. 

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.

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High Waters: High Alert

Rain, a much welcomed sight in Texas but when it pounds the dry ground for hours, much like it has over the last few hours, concerns for public safety quickly take the spotlight. 

 Flood Safety Checklist [PDF]

What should I do?

• Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
• Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at www.FloodSmart.gov.

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Let them know you are Safe and Well

With the deadly tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri on Sunday afternoon, friends and family are desperately trying to make sure their loved ones are accounted for. With many disasters happening across the country, the Red Cross Safe and Well website is one way for people to check on loved ones in areas where disaster has hit.

Safe and Well allows people in the affected areas to list themselves as “safe and well” online whether they are in a shelter, staying with friends, or if they are moving to another location. Friends and family outside the disaster area can then search for messages from their loved ones by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address. Disaster victims can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well website.

You can either register yourself or search for a registered family member on Safe and Well by visiting www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Safe and Well can also be accessed from a smart phone by going to www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click on either “List Yourself as Safe and Well” or “Search Registrants”.

Communication is key before, during and after a disaster. Make certain you have a plan with your family members that may be dispersed throughout the country before a disaster hits. Remember that communications may be overloaded or down completely after a disaster. Utilizing resources like Safe and Well, social media, and email can help you get a message to your loved ones quickly, but it is only effective if they know where to check for your updates in case of a disaster.

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