My Internship with the Red Cross: Part 2

Written by: Morgan Levin, Intern

Over the past month, I have served as an intern with the Communications Department at the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region. I have nothing but good memories from this internship. I have managed to discover far more than I could have expected in various departments of the Red Cross.

I knew the Red Cross was famous worldwide as a non-profit for the blood they collect and then give (40% of the USA's supply), but I did not know that the Red Cross is far more than that. As one of the nation's leading organizations in blood research, they also provide CPR training, first aid classes, respond to disasters such as house fires or floods, assist military families, and are part of the world's humanitarian network. Moreover, the Red Cross remains efficient while relying massively on a volunteer workforce. As an intern, I felt part of this while supporting the organization.

My work mainly consisted of writing blog posts for the website, but I also got to visit with other departments to get insight into what they do for the organization. For example, I learned the impact of the International Services departments reconnecting families program by speaking to a long-time, devoted volunteer, who explained how rewarding it is to successfully reconnect relatives separated by conflicts. To understand the assistance the Red Cross provides to military families, I spent a day with the Service to the Armed Forces Director to see how much of a difference we really make for the members of the military and their families.

Overall, the Red Cross experience will always hold a special place in my heart, as I met some great people and am delighted to see that there are people committed to making a difference for others that are less lucky.

My Internship with the Red Cross: Part 1

Written by: Morgan Levin, Intern

The idea of helping other people has always been appealing to me. I consider that when you are lucky enough to be born in a safe place, with a good education and a stable situation, it is natural to go out and help those who have been less fortunate. I come from the South-East of France, in a small village near Montpellier, a very dynamic and young city off the Mediterranean coast. I grew up there, and started studying geopolitics this year, which made me realize even more so how much some parts of the world are in great need of help, and seem at first glance totally forsaken. When taking a closer look, I noticed that non-profits are the ones that provide help and assistance to communities around the world without discrimination, regardless of their gender, social status, race or religion. And that is what made me want to join a non-profit for an internship, to discover from the inside how these organizations work and get a better understanding of their impact on our societies.

Why pick the Red Cross to intern with?

The Red Cross combines not only a strong international presence, which is what attracted me to the organization in the first place, but also a presence in every day life to provide the best assistance possible to the local community. I remember that there has always been a Red Cross Team at our student events in France! And that, in my eyes, made a difference that made me want to join them.

Additionally, joining the Red Cross abroad guarantees me the opportunity to discover the American culture and therefore the differences in terms of focus and methods of the American Red Cross compared to the French Red Cross.

During my internship, I hope I will be able to understand and get as much information as I can on the different service areas and the way the Red Cross works here in the United States, and that I will be involved as much as possible in making a difference for the Red Cross.

My Red Cross Volunteer Story: Sara El Saied

By Emily Goff

Within Sara El Saied, a spirit of profound selflessness glows, receiving its life from the most enriching fuel of all: volunteerism. More specifically, this admirable woman contributes her time, energy and skills to the Red Cross as a faithful volunteer and cherishes the extensive variety of experiences she has collected throughout her time thus far. Sara has been volunteering with the Red Cross since April 2015 and embodies what one ought to do in order to transform our society and world into a better place.

What kindled Sara’s linkage to the Red Cross was a friend’s recommendation, as well as a substantial amount of personal appreciation for the organization’s fundamental pillars. In fact, she informed me, “I was inspired to become involved with the American Red Cross because of the mission. To me, I have felt that there is tremendous value in being a volunteer because of my core belief in serving others. I felt pulled by this organization of volunteers who are committed so strongly to saving lives and ending human suffering around the world.”

In terms of her experiences as a volunteer for the Red Cross, Sara has been involved, and continues to be involved, with numerous crucial efforts.  She stated, “I served as the Volunteer Recruitment lead for the Salute to Service Gala, where I supported Volunteer Engagement with recruitment and orientation for the Gala. Currently, I am one of the Community Volunteer Leaders for Fairfax County and Youth Lead. I manage the recruitment/on-boarding of new high school or college/university clubs and support the logistics of their activities throughout the year. I also work with the Denise Miller, Executive Director of Fairfax County, to plan and execute quarterly meetings for all clubs. I work with her to support local fundraising events such as our In the Bag purse auction event, as well as work with local fire departments on the Home Fire Campaign.” There is seemingly no end to her compassion, dependability, and her generosity to the Red Cross.

The humanitarian spirit of Sara has been shaped by countless experiences, with one in particular that still lingers in her mind with perfect clarity, even months after its occurrence. Sara recalls, “The one profound moment that still stays with me is when I heard the story that Erwin [The Executive Director for Price William and Loudoun Counties] shared with the youth at our kick-off event about a woman who saved her husband's life because she performed CPR. The procedure she applied was the one that was taught by a class she had taken with the Red Cross. The strength of that woman speaking to a 9-1-1 operator while performing CPR – and especially after hearing that the ambulance first arrived at the wrong house – is absolutely remarkable.” Such a story certainly motivates and empowers Sara to help others through the Red Cross.

Sara’s story shares a critical truth we all should tuck into our pockets and invite to guide our actions as citizens, as aspiring volunteers, as current volunteers, as leaders and as humans: lives are fragile and we must always strive to preserve them, however minute our individual efforts towards such a large-scale goal may seem to be. As Sara voiced herself, “A pint of blood can save a life, taking a CPR class can save a life, informing your community about fire safety can save life – the list goes on and on.”

Heat Wave Safety

This summer is turning out to be a hot one, as usual, so if you have not yet seen our tips for heat waves or need a refresher, keep reading this post to find out!

A few important things about heat waves:

• A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, generally when the thermometer goes up 10 degrees or more above the average, with often excessive humidity
• Do not underestimate heat waves. Though they can be less dangerous than other weather events, they are the most lethal weather phenomenon in the United States

It is important to stay aware of possible heat wave situations. The best way to stay informed is to listen to the weather forecast. Here are the terms weather forecasters use when referring to heat waves:

• Excessive heat watch – It is expected that the heat index (the temperature you feel, affected by temperature and humidity levels) will go up to 105°F during the day
• Heat advisory – For two consecutive days, the heat index has reached at least 105°F but less than 115°F during the day, for a duration of less than three hours per day
• Excessive heat warning – For two consecutive days, the heat index has reached at least 105°F for more than three hours per day or 115°F at any time

 What you can do to prepare yourself for a heat wave:

• Check that your emergency disaster kit is up to date, in case of a power outage
• If you do not have air conditioning, pick a few places where you can go during the warmest parts of the day, such as shopping malls or libraries
• Get trained in first aid at the Red Cross to be able to assist and respond to extreme situations

 What you can do during a heat wave:

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio to get live updates on the heat wave
• Favor indoor activities over outdoor activities, which you should postpone if necessary to cooler parts of the day
• If you can't delay outdoor activities, take small breaks
• Even if you don't feel thirsty, drink as much as possible, preferably water and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine
• Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially those who live alone or in places with no air conditioning
• Don't forget your little buddies! Animals also suffer from the heat and need to be checked on. The best thing is to ensure they are not too exposed to heat and that they always have fresh water within grasp
•  Hot cars are deadly during heat waves, because the temperature can climb very easily to 120°F. Never leave your children or pets in a car during a heat wave, even with the windows open or for a few minutes

 Here are some heat-related illnesses to watch out for:

•  Heat cramps – Heat cramps are muscular pain that often occur in the abdomen or the legs. They are a sign that the body is not coping well with the heat. The best thing to do in this case is to get the person to a cooler place, to slowly stretch and massage the muscle and to give them an electrolyte-containing drink, such as a sports drink and water
•  Heat exhaustion – Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion signs include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and exhaustion. In case of heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler place, remove as many clothes as possible and apply wet towels on the body. If the person is conscious, give them small amounts of water and fruits. If the person has a change in consciousness, or refuses water, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number
•  Heat stroke – Heat stroke is a life threatening condition. A heat stroke often occurs when the signs of heat exhaustion have been ignored. The signs of a heat stroke are often a very high body temperature, a red skin which may be dry or moist, changes in consciousness, a rapid pulse, a shallow breathing, confusion, vomiting, and seizures. If witnessing a heat stroke, remember that it is life threatening and immediately call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Also, try to cool the temperature of the body as much as you can, by immersing the body in cold water, or covering it with bags of ice

Do not forget that animals can also be subject to heat strokes, especially dogs with short noses or snouts such as bulldogs or boxers. If you notice that your pet has difficulties getting up, or an abnormally fast heartbeat, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105°F, cool the animal down until they reach a body temperature of 103°F. The easiest way to do that is by using a water hose. Also, take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

To read more about Heat waves, visit http://rdcrss.org/29fSCgZ

Hurricane Season is Here! Are You Ready?

Every year as June 1^st rolls around, all we hear on the radio and on television is “are you and your home ready for hurricane season?” And that’s just the question to ask! A hurricane is a strong storm that can cause life and property threatening hazards like flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. Atlantic Hurricane season runs through November 30^th, 2016.

Here are some tips and tricks to have a well-prepared hurricane season:

1. Know the Difference: Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning:

a)     Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours

b)    Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours

2. Listen to the radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS)

3. Check your disaster supplies. Replace or restock as needed. Recommended supplies:

a)     3-day supply of water

b)    3-day supply of non-perishable food

c)     Flashlight

d)    Radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

e)     Extra batteries

f)     First aid kit

g)     Medications, glasses, contact lenses, etc.

h)    Copies of personal documents

i)      Cellphones and chargers

j)      Cash

k)    Emergency blanket

l)      Extra set of car and home keys

4.  Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture)

5.  Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters.

6.  Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out

7.  Turn off propane tank

8.  Unplug small appliances

9.  Fill your car’s gas tank

10.  Have a hurricane evacuation plan with your family. This will cause less confusion when the time comes to evacuate, if instructed to do so by authorities

11.  Obey evacuation orders. Avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges

With these tips and tricks, you, your family, and your home can be prepared for Hurricane Season.

For more information, visit www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane to learn about hurricane preparedness and how to respond during and after. 

Want to know when any severe weather is headed your way? Download the Red Cross Emergency App, available on the App Store and Google Play!

My Red Cross Volunteer Story: Daphne Osei

My Red Cross Volunteer Story: Daphne Osei 

By Tonia Callender

After earning her college degree, Daphne Osei decided to take some time off from her studies to make a positive difference in her community. Over fifteen months ago, she visited her local Red Cross in Montgomery County, Maryland to see how she could help. The local Youth Team needed some assistance, and Daphne stepped in as an Adult Advisor for the group.

As an adult advisor, Daphne works with about a dozen high school students who plan and implement a variety of service projects in Montgomery County. This past February, the group even sent valentine messages to local veterans. Daphne finds that as a young college graduate she can better relate to the teens and more easily connect with them. Daphne acts as a mentor, giving team members advice and information that they can pass on to their friends. She believes that the key to her youth team’s success has been allowing the teens to have control. “We let them set their own goals and help them to achieve them,” she said.

In addition to advising the Youth Team, Daphne works as a trainer, teaching about fire prevention. She also helps to promote the Red Cross by volunteering at information tables. Daphne enjoys meeting with people in the community and providing them with advice and assistance because, she says, “The people we meet give us wonderful feedback and let us know how much they appreciate our help.”  

For Daphne, volunteering with the Red Cross has been both an educational and very enjoyable experience. Working with others has allowed Daphne to further develop her own teaching and training styles. She has also become very knowledgeable about fire safety and how to survive disasters. Daphne finds that Red Cross volunteers are easy to connect with. “We work together so well, even if we have never met before,” she said.

Daphne loves to promote the Red Cross. She always reaches out to others in her community and encourages them to volunteer with the organization. For her, one of the more rewarding aspects of working with the Red Cross is that you can learn something new and then share the knowledge you have acquired with others. Knowing that she is helping people learn how to survive a disaster or other emergency gives Daphne a great sense of satisfaction and pride.