So Far, 2011 A Costly Disaster Year

Damaged homes in Tuscaloosa, Alabama after a devastating tornado.
Photo: Dennis Drenner/American Red Cross

Experts estimate disasters caused more than $35 billion in losses

It’s been a costly year for disasters in the United States and the American Red Cross has been responding all over the country to help the thousands of people affected by flooding, tornadoes, drought and extreme heat, wildfires and other emergencies.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates the country’s economic loss attributable to disasters at more than $35 billion so far with several disasters each adding up to losses of $1 billion or more. The country is in the midst of hurricane season, which experts predict could be very active, so these numbers could grow.

The disasters in the NOAA report include:

• flooding in the upper Midwest (Montana, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri)
  
  
• flooding along the Mississippi River, especially in Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Louisiana
  
  
• extreme drought and heat combined with wildfires in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Kansas, Arkansas and Louisiana
  
  
• deadly tornadoes in the Midwest and southeast (Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Iowa, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee)

Nearly 14,000 Red Cross disaster workers from across the country supported 46 relief operations spread over more than half of the country this spring. They opened 287 shelters, served 3.5 million meals and snacks, distributed 1.7 million relief items, and provided 81,000 mental health and health consultations.

Their work is not over. More than 100 people in North Dakota remain in shelters after the disastrous flooding in the Minot area. Every day chapters respond to smaller disasters such as home fires. One fire involving multiple families in Montgomery County, MD, resulted in 85 residents coming to a Red Cross shelter.

Every year, the Red Cross spends an average of approximately $450 million preparing for and responding to nearly 70,000 disasters across the country and around the world. This includes both large disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes and smaller disasters such as house fires.

If you would like to help, please consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Resources on RedCross.org

• Heat Wave Safety
• Wild Fire Safety
• Preparing for Drought

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Tips to Keep Athletes Safe in Extreme Heat

Recommendations for Teams Practicing for Fall Sports

Record-setting temperatures and extreme drought are still plaguing most of the southern region of the United States, a hazardous situation for people living there. The hot weather is especially dangerous for athletes practicing for their various fall sports.

The American Red Cross has steps residents of the affected states can take to help ensure their well-being during the ongoing heat wave, with special advice for team officials to follow to help ensure the safety of their players.

“Keeping athletes safe during extreme temperatures is as important as getting them ready for the upcoming season,” said Dr. David Markenson, chair of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. “One of the most important thing athletes can do is stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids like water or sports drinks with electrolytes before, during and after practice – even if you are not thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol,” Markenson added.

During the hot weather, team practices should be scheduled for early in the day and later in the evening to avoid exposing players to the hottest times of the day. Other steps teams, schools and parents should take to protect their athletes include:

• Allow athletes to get acclimated to the heat by reducing the intensity of practice until they are more accustomed to it.
• Make frequent, longer breaks a regular part of practice. About every 20 minutes stop for fluids and try to keep the athletes in the shade if possible.
• Reduce the amount of heavy equipment—like football pads—athletes wear in extremely hot, humid weather.
• Dress athletes, when appropriate, in net-type jerseys or light-weight, light-colored, cotton T-shirts and shorts.
• Know the signs of heat-related emergencies and monitor athletes closely.

“Knowing the signs of heat-related emergencies and how to help someone who is suffering from the heat is vital,” Markenson stressed. “Coaches and parents need to be vigilant in watching for signs of heat-related emergencies. Athletes should inform their coaches, teachers or parents if they are not feeling well.”

The hot, dry weather is expected to continue for at least the next week in areas of the south. Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas have been particularly hard hit by the heat wave. Red Cross chapters have opened cooling centers in some areas and supported first responders as they answer numerous calls for grass blazes and home fires.

The Red Cross has steps people should follow to help ensure their safety as the heat continues:

• If someone does not have air conditioning, they should choose places to get relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day, such as schools, libraries, theaters or malls.
• Temperatures inside a vehicle quickly reach dangerous levels. Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• People should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if they aren’t thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• During the heat, it’s best to eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• If someone must work outdoors, they should take frequent breaks.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

Knowing the signs of heat-related emergencies and how to help someone who is suffering from the heat is important.

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. If someone is experiencing heat cramps:

• Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Stretching, massaging and icing the affected muscle may help.
• Give a half glass of cool water or a sports drink with electrolytes every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

Heat exhaustion is caused by a combination of exercise induced heat and fluid and electrolyte loss from sweating. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion. To help someone with these symptoms:

• Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing. Spray him or her with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water cool water or a sports drink with electrolytes to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in his or her condition.
• If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself.

Signs of heat stroke include those of heat exhaustion and hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; change or loss of consciousness; seizures; vomiting; and high body temperature.
Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. If unable to immerse them, continue rapid cooling by applying bags of ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits, spraying with water and/or fanning.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Learn how to prevent and respond to heat-related and other emergencies by taking a First Aid/CPR/AED course. Contact your local Red Cross or visit redcross.org/training to register.

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Unrelenting Heat Wave Bakes the States

With extremely hot weather continuing to scorch many parts of the country, taking precautions and knowing how to stay safe in the heat is a priority.

HEAT SAFETY

Extreme heat and accompanying humidity can create a potentially life-threatening situation. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of heat distress and know how to take action.

Heat cramps
Symptoms: Painful, prolonged muscle cramps, often brought on with strenuous activity.

Treatment: Move the person to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

Heat exhaustion
Symptoms: cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness.
Treatment: Move the person to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water. You can also apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke
Symptoms: Hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature.

Treatment: This is a life-threatening condition. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

BEACH SAFETY

If you’re planning a trip to the beach for some relief from the sweltering temps, check weather conditions before heading out—and stay away if stormy weather is expected.

When you get to the beach:

Check to see if any safety signs, warning flags or buoys are up. Ask a lifeguard about water conditions, beach conditions or any potential hazards, such as waves, rip currents and marine life.
Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets.
While at the beach, enter the water feet first if you can’t see the bottom or don’t know how deep the water is.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol that dehydrate the body.

What’s a rip current? A rip current is a band of water that rushes away from the beach out beyond the breaking waves. They typically form at low spots or gaps in sandbars, and also near structures such as jetties and piers.

Rip currents don’t pull people under the water—they pull them away from the shore, even the strongest swimmers.

What do I do if I’m caught in a rip current?

1. Stay calm. Don’t panic, and don’t fight the current.
2. Swim parallel to shore until you are out of the rip current.
3. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you feel that you won’t make it in to the shore, draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.

What do I do if I see someone in trouble?

1. Immediately alert a lifeguard. If there isn’t a lifeguard around, have someone call 9-1-1.
2. Throw the person something that floats, like a lifejacket, and tell them to grab it.
3. Tell the person what they should do. (“Don’t panic—relax and swim along the shore until you are out of the current. Then turn and swim to the shore.”)

For more information on water safety and Red Cross swimming programs, visit www.redcross.org/watersafetytips. Contact the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter to find out which aquatic facilities in your area offer Red Cross swimming programs.

Other heat-related posts on our blog:

• Hot Weather Dictates Exra Attention for Pets
• Dog (and cat) Days of Summer!
• Kids and cars feeling the heat
• The heat is on! Are you ready?

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Hot Weather Dictates Extra Attention for Pets

Summer arrived with high temps and humidity, and the mercury is likely to keep rising. As the weather gets warmer, certain dangers for your pets become more prevalent. The American Red Cross has steps pet owners can use to keep family pets safe and healthy this summer.

Summer arrived with high temps and humidity, and the mercury is likely to keep rising. As the weather gets warmer, certain dangers for your pets become more prevalent. The American Red Cross has steps pet owners can use to keep family pets safe and healthy this summer.

The first step is to know what is normal for your pet – their gum color, heart/pulse rate, body temperature and breathing rate - so you can recognize when something is wrong.

Heat stroke is a common problem for pets in the warmer weather, according to Dr. Deborah Mandell, VMD, DACVECC, pet care advisor for the Red Cross. She explained that heat stroke is more common in the early summer because pets are not yet acclimated to the warm weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are prone to heat stroke. This is also true for any obese pet, a pet with an extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.

“Animals love to play and may not stop playing, even if they are becoming overheated,” said Dr. Mandell, who is also affiliated with the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Some signs your pet may be developing heat stroke include heavy panting, and being unable to calm down, even when lying down. Their gum color may be brick red, their pulse rate may be fast, or they may not be able to get up. If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.

Sunny days seem like great opportunities to take your pet for a fun car ride. Dr. Mandell issued a reminder not to leave your pet in the car, even for a few minutes. “The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees,” she said. “It’s just not a good idea to leave the pet in the car, even with the windows cracked open.”

Pet owners also need to be aware that animals may try to get out of a window or door, which are more likely to be open as the weather warms. And some plants in your garden can be hazardous to animals. For instance, many lilies are very poisonous to cats. Visit the ASPCA Poison Control web site to find out which plants and flowers are poisonous to animals.

Your pet is part of the family and deserves to be cared for and protected. Follow these important steps to help keep your pet at their best:

• Give your pet plenty of exercise. Regular exercise will help your pet feel better and live longer.
• Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, cool water.
• Get to know a veterinarian and make sure your pet has yearly checkups.
• Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines, especially rabies.
• Get your pet spayed or neutered.
• Keep dogs on leashes outside – another animal may be too much temptation.
• Know how to perform CPR and provide basic first aid until veterinary care is available.

Animals can’t tell you when they aren’t feeling well. Many hide signs of illness until a problem is very advanced. Knowing what is normal for your pet and being able to recognize changes early, can make a huge difference in treatment success.

Don’t forget to include your pets in emergency action plans as well:

• Emergency action plans for your family should include all of your animals.
• Plan to take your pets with you in an evacuation. If it is not safe for you to stay, it is not safe for them either.
• Most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Know which friends, relatives, hotels, boarding facilities accept pets in an emergency.
• Assemble a portable kit with emergency supplies for your pets:
• Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers
• Food, drinking water, bowls, manual can opener
• Medications and copies of medical records
• Current photos of your pets and of you with your pets

Additional tips can be found on our Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist. Pet First Aid courses are offered at many Red Cross chapters across the country. The Red Cross has also developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid, comprehensive guides with DVDs to help your keep pets healthy and safe. From basic responsibilities, like spaying/neutering and giving medications, to performing CPR and preparing for disasters, these guides offer information pet owners can trust. Contact the American Red Cross-Dallas Chapter to see when classes are available or to purchase guide books. Products can also be purchased online at the Red Cross Store.

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Kids and cars feeling the heat

This time of year as the sun starts peeking out from behind the clouds and the temperatures start to rise, another trend also goes on the rise. While families should be creating memories of summer, all too often it is interrupted by news stories of children being left in vehicles, usually with very tragic endings. With summer officially right around the corner and the temperatures outside already beginning to soar, you need to plan now to make sure your children stay safe.

When a child is left in a hot car it is almost always an accident resulting from several different scenarios. Summer arrives, schools get out and routines change. Perhaps you took your child to daycare that day when your spouse usually does. Along the way, the child fell asleep and you headed to the office and started your day like you do every other day without a second thought. Perhaps it’s the weekend and your kids are engaged in a playful round of hide and seek. One of the kids climbs into an unlocked vehicle parked in the neighbor’s driveway thinking it’s a good hiding place and end up locked in a trunk without anyone knowing.

It is very easy for little mistakes to be made as everyone switches from school mode to summer mode and it takes just minutes for that “little” mistake to turn into tragedy. It only takes 10 minutes for the temperature inside an enclosed vehicle to rise 20 degrees. Even in temperatures as low as 60 degrees, the interior can raise the temperature inside the car up to 110 degrees.

Rolling down or cracking a window does not make it safe. When the outside temperature is in the mid 80’s, the interior can still reach deadly levels in minutes. Add the fact that children’s body temperatures can rise three to five times faster than an adult means they don’t have a fighting chance.

Remember to always keep all doors and trunks to your vehicle locked even if you are at home. If the car is accessible in an open garage, parked in a driveway or on the curb, it can be an attractive hiding place or fort for playing children without you ever knowing.

Then National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also recommends the following tips to help you and others ensure your child never gets left behind in a vehicle.

• Teach your children that a vehicle is not a play area.
• Make a habit of looking in the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away.
• If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it's your spouse who drops them off, have your spouse call you to make sure the drop went according to plan.
• Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
• Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle, such as writing yourself a note and putting it where you will see it before you leave the vehicle; placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat forcing your to check when you leave the vehicle; or keeping an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she is leaving the vehicle.

You can take the steps to prevent tragedy during these hot Texas summer months. Take the word and pass it along – never leave a child unattended in a vehicle and if you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Get prepared with the NHTSA’s “Keeping Kids Safe Inside & Out” with all of their heat safety tips!

Learn about the dangers of heat related injury and illness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety

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The heat is on! Are you ready?

Right now can be an exciting time of year as school gets out, family summer vacations begin, and everyone flocks to the neighborhood swimming pool for a little relief from the heat. While summer officially starts on June 21, the fun and sun are already here. Lots of sun.

In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. Heat related injuries such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion can happen quickly and are very dangerous. You and your family need to make sure you know the difference between these potentially life threatening conditions and what advisories to listen for in the weather forecasts so that you can plan ahead for extreme conditions.

A heat wave is typically a prolonged period of excessive heat often combined with excessive humidity. During a heat wave, temperatures are generally 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for a region, lasting for a long period of time. Here are a few weather advisory terms you want to familiarize yourself with as things heat up.

• Heat Index – The temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined. Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index by as much as 15° F.
• Heat Advisory – Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).
• Excessive Heat Watch – Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.
• Excessive Heat Warning—Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).

When these advisories are issued, it is often recommended to slow down, stay indoors and limit or avoid strenuous outdoor activities. This is especially good advice during the hottest part of the day which typically occurs during the late afternoon and early evening hours. Other ways to protect yourself include:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol which can actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

If your job or daily activities require you to be outdoors in extreme heat, it is imperative that you understand and know the warning signs of heat related injury and illness. If you notice any of the symptoms in yourself or someone else, immediate action must be taken.

• Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.
• Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.
• Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

At the first sign of any heat related injury or illness, the first priority is to move to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink and make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition and if the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

As in many dangerous situations, the “buddy system” is always a good idea. When working or involved in outdoor activities, have someone with you and watch out for each other. Get to know your neighbors and regularly check in on those that are that are at higher risk when the temperatures climb such as elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children and people with chronic medical conditions.

Lastly, schedules and routines often change as summer kicks off so be sure you add any extra reminders to prevent leaving your child or pet in a hot car. Remember, animals and children should never be left unattended in a vehicle for any period of time.

Get Red Cross Ready now with our Heat Wave Safety Checklist!

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety

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