How The Red Cross Assists Service Members, Veterans And Military Families

Written by: Rosalind SE Carney, volunteer

Did you know... 

The American Red Cross has served more than one million military families since 9/11/01. From the first day of enlistment, service members, veterans and military families can access the following services:

Information Referral

This is a confidential service that provides connections to local, state and national resources. These resources include emergency requests for food, clothing and shelter, referrals to financial, legal and mental health counseling services, and respite care for caregivers. Information referral services operate via a network of Red Cross chapters in nationwide communities and military installations. The American Red Cross Emergency Communications Center is available to help 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 1-877-272-7337 (toll-free) or contact your local Red Cross.

Deployment Services

Coping with Deployment is a free course that was specifically designed for the spouses, parents, older children, siblings and significant others of service members, as well as military members who may take the course alongside their family. This course offers guidelines for increasing resiliency and information about how to give psychological first aid to others in stressful times. Reconnection Workshops help service members who have recently returned from active duty to reintegrate successfully into the new family dynamic, and help children build emotional and coping skills. 

Veteran Services

In addition to the resource described in “Information Referral,” the Red Cross provides veterans with additional help, including assistance with preparation of benefit claims and information on veterans cemeteries and burial benefits. Within the Veterans Administration (VA) and military hospitals, Red Cross volunteers provide assistance in the areas of rehabilitation, recreation, administration and personal services.

To access these or other services to the armed forces, call 1-877-272-7337 (toll-free) or contact your local Red Cross.

Download the free Hero Care App to access vital emergency and non-emergency resources for military members, veterans and military families by texting "GETHEROCARE" to 90999.

Learn More about Services for Veterans.

Learn More About Information Referral.

Learn More About Deployment Services.

You Can’t Predict When Disasters Will Happen, But You Can Be Red Cross Ready Using Red Cross Emergency Apps

Written by: Rosalind SE Carney, volunteer

As we reach the end of National Preparedness Month (www.ready.gov), now is the time to finalize your family’s emergency response plan. This year, the theme for National Preparedness Month was “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” Some disasters (fire, flooding) may require you to leave your home, whereas others (power outage, snow storm) may make staying at home necessary. The only commonality to these different scenarios is that advance preparation can help mitigate stress and keep your family safe. The Red Cross has developed free Mobile Apps that can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play.  Mobile Apps can also be obtained by texting the App name to 90999 (standard carrier charges apply). All Apps are also available in Spanish.

Here are some of the Apps, with brief descriptions, that will help you and your family become Red Cross Ready.

Teach Your Child Emergency Preparedness

• Monster Guard: help your child (ages 7-11) learn how to stay safe (text “MONSTER” to 90999)

Be Ready to Provide Emergency Medical Treatment

• First Aid: learn how to handle the most common first aid emergencies (text "GETFIRST" to 90999)
• Pet First Aid: learn how to provide emergency care for your dog or cat (text "GETPET" to 90999)

Be Aware of Local Conditions

• Emergency: monitor more than 35 different weather and emergency alerts (text "GETEMERGENCY" to 90999)
• Tornado: receive weather alerts whenever the NOAA issues a tornado watch or warning throughout the US (text “GETNADO” to 90999)
• Hurricane: monitor local conditions and let others know you are safe even if the power is out (text “GETCANE” to 90999)
• Earthquake: receive notification when an earthquake occurs and let others know you are safe even if the power is out (text “GETQUAKE” to 90999)
• Flood: prepare to evacuate your home in times of flooding (text “GETFLOOD” to 90999)

Learn More about Red Cross Emergency Mobile Apps

Severe Spring Weather Tips

By: Takara Clark, Volunteer

Spring is here, and with it comes warm weather, allergies, and bugs – but there is also severe weather that hunkers down on our area during this time. The only way to avoid disaster is to be ready for it. The Red Cross has a host of ways you can be prepared for the season.

For starters, you can download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of severe weather and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Next, see how prepared you are for emergencies. Use this checklist as a guide to help you make that determination.

In the event your area is threatened with floods, thunderstorms, or tornadoes, follow these helpful tips:

THUNDERSTORM

1. Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail.

2. If you are inside, unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.

3. Make trees and shrubbery more wind resistant by keeping them trimmed and removing damaged branches.

4. If you are caught outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

5. Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are protected in the same way as your home.

6. Assemble an emergency preparedness kit.

FLOODING

1. 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.

2. Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Underpasses, dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. can become filled with water.

3. Stay away from floodwaters, they may be contaminated.

4. 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.

5. Turn off the power and water mains if instructed to do so by local authorities.

6. Assemble an emergency preparedness kit.

7. Use this checklist to help you prepare for severe flooding.

TORNADOES

1. Know your community’s warning system.

2. Assemble an emergency preparedness kit.

3. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

4. If you are in a high-rise building and don’t have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

5. Find a local emergency shelter and know the best routes to get there if you need to.

6. If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter, immediately get into a vehicle and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. Remember to buckle your seat belt.

Honor National Heart Month

Let The American Red Cross Teach You How to Save a Life

By Clarice Nassif Ransom, Volunteer

Hundreds of thousands of people die each year in the U.S. due to a sudden heart attack. Heart disease, including coronary, hypertension, and stroke, remains the number one cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association.

February is National Heart Month, and a good time to learn a new skill that can help save a life. The American Red Cross is a perfect resource. Knowing how to perform CPR and being able to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) during a cardiac emergency are just a few of the many ways you can make a difference.

“Someone who knows how to respond to an emergency is an asset to every household, workplace, and community,” said Richard N. Bradley, MD, Chair of the Red Cross Scientific Council’s Resuscitation Sub-Council, in a 2016 news release.

What do we do?

• Teach CPR Red Cross provides expert and affordable CPR training and certification courses for mandated job requirements or personal use.
• Resource for AED’s Red Cross trains you on how to use an AED and partners with manufacturers to help you receive the devices you need for your workplace, schools, and facilities.
• Host online and classroom courses Red Cross instructs participants on how to identify and respond to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies, including helping someone who is choking, controlling bleeding, and treating heat-and-cold related emergencies.
• Offer the Red Cross First Aid Mobile Application Red Cross enables you to have instant access to information on handling first aid emergencies.

There are also tips for lowering heart disease risk, which include:

• Watch your weight
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
• Get active and eat healthy

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!

June in a Nutshell

Keeping an Eye on the Sky During Hurricane Season

By Squiggy the Squirrel

Are you ready for Hanna, Kyle, Omar, and Sally?

No, these aren't names of future dinner guests. They're the names of potential 2014 hurricanes - powerful and dangerous storms that may impact you and your community in the next few months.

June 1st marked the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, so I thought this was the perfect time to talk about hurricane preparedness. I added this topic to my summer reading list and here's what I want to share. 

During the summer and fall months, storms can form in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific oceans. Once winds reach 74 miles per hour, a storm is officially classified as a hurricane. Hurricanes are then further categorized by their intensity, ranging from Category 1 to the most intense, Category 5. The latter have winds of 156 miles per hour or greater! 

Make sure to monitor the news and internet this summer if you hear a hurricane's headed your way. These storms move fast, so you'll want to know in advance what steps you'll need to take. There are two key threats that you should be aware of.

If there's a hurricane watch:

• This means conditions are a threat within 48 hours
• It's a good time to review your hurricane safety checklist with your family
• Get ready to act if a warning is issued

If there's a hurricane warning:

• This means conditions are expected within 36 hours
• Complete your storm preparedness
• Leave the area if directed to do so by authorities

The Red Cross has many tips and important information on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. But, a great way to prepare now is to download the Red Cross Hurricane App. It has many helpful features, including:

• "I'm safe" messaging to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media that you're safe
• Location-based NOAA weather alerts
• Locations of open Red Cross shelters
• Checklists to create a family emergency plan
• Instant access to critical action steps without mobile connectivity
• A toolkit with flashlight, strobe light, and audible alarm
• Interactive quizzes

Learn more about the app and download it by texting "GETCANE" to 90999 or searching for "Red Cross Hurricane" in the Apple Store or Google Play. 

The Red Cross has offered life saving services to many people during and after hurricanes. See how Red Cross provided assistance after Hurricane Sandy.

Share this post with family and friends so they're prepared, too!

xo,
Squiggy 

Paraskevidekatriaphobia

My Fear-Day the 13th

By Squiggy the Squirrel

Just the other day, I looked at the calendar and saw that it was going to be Friday the 13th. Friday the 13th is one of the scariest days of the year for me, as I'm down right afraid of bad luck. Some would even say that I'm a bit nutty, but hey, a cautious squirrel is better than an unlucky one! Anyway, seeing that the 13th was coming up really fast, it got me thinking - what are some simple things I could do to make sure that even if a a black cat walked in front of me, or I spilled some salt, I'd be ready for anything!

First - I thought it would be a good idea to make sure my First Aid kit was updated with all of the essentials. I went to the Red Cross website and double checked everything in my kit and found that almost everything was in tip top shape! 

Next I made sure to download the First Aid app from the Red Cross. There are a lot of apps that put preparedness right in your palm!

Which brings us to today, the day I've been dreading! Turns out it's a good thing I was prepared before the 13th! 

Here's what happened... 

My morning started out like any other morning, but, unfortunately, as I was rolling out of my bed, I was unpleasantly surprised by the hard ground. "Ouch," I thought to myself, "what an unlucky start to my day! I think I may have sprained my tail bone!" I reached over to my phone and pulled up the First Aid app and was able to figure out how to support myself until the ambulance showed up with the squirrel rescue squad. 

After I was treated and left the ambulance with my new squirrel cast, I figured the day could only get better! On my way back to my tree house I mistakenly crossed under a ladder and instantly got stung by something! Oops! I wasn't entirely sure what it was but luckily enough, my handy-dandy First Aid app came to the rescue again! From the app I learned to:

• remove the stinger
• wash the wound
• and apply an ice pack

In no time I was back to feeling in tip-top shape... at least as best I can with a broken tail! 

Later, as I was on my way back from collecting acorns, a black cat crossed my way. And if that wasn't enough bad luck, the cat also happened to be hungry! I ran as fast as I could to escape the famished kitty and managed to make it back home safely.

By the time I got home I was sweating profusely. I haven't shed my winter coat quite yet so I was really overheated! I checked myself for signs of a heat stroke by following the simple steps on the First Aid app and hydrated myself while I searched my phone for the nearest squirrel salon for a fur trim!

What a day! Although I had a series of unfortunate events, the First Aid app really came to the rescue! While this morning wasn't a walk in the park, I can't imagine what my luck would've been like if it weren't for the Red Cross app and my First Aid kit. Don't let yourself take on Friday the 13th, or any other day, without them!

xo,
Squiggy

May in a Nutshell

Splish, Splash - Swim Safely this Summer!

By Squiggy the Squirrel

The other morning when I was sipping my morning coffee and eating Nutella pancakes, I heard the words "Red Cross" on the TV and my ears perked up. The TODAY show had on this great segment about swimming and water safety.

After watching, I knew this would be a great topic to share with readers this month as we prepare for the summer ahead. Did you know that 80% of American plan to include some sort of water activity in their summer plans, including going to the beach, lake, or pool? That means you probably have swimming plans coming up!

In a recent national survey the Red Cross conducted, 80% of Americans said they could swim, but when asked further questions about their skills, the Red Cross got some surprising results.

• Only 56% of those who said they can swim, said they could perform all 5 basic water safety skills
• 6 in 10 Americans have never taken a professional swimming course

Let's talk about these statistics in more detail. The 5 basic water safety skills, also called "water competency," include being able to:

1. Step or jump into water over your head
2. Return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute
3. Turn around in a full circle and find an exit
4. Swim 25 yards (75 feet)
5. Exit from the water (this is in a pool, you should be able to exit without using the ladder.)

Can you perform these 5 basic skills? Don't feel bad if you can't, because now is the time to learn by taking a professional swimming class. If you're in the DC area, reach out to your local aquatic or fitness center to see if there are upcoming classes, especially ones that use Red Cross curriculum. 

Another great water safety tool is the new Red Cross Swim App for your smart phone. The app is a great aid to help children learn to swim. It rewards and shares your kids' achievements as they earn badges for completing skills, reinforces tips with games and videos, and teaches about water safety in a vareity of places, such as pools, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Download it directly today from the iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon Marketplace app stores.

I'm excited to hear about all your summer swimming plans! But remember, safety comes first. The Red Cross has many more water safety tips you can read about on our website. Share these with your family and friends so that your summer is both fun and safe!

xo,

Squiggy

Be a Force of Nature

Take Steps Towards Preparedness During National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

March 2-8 marks National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Every state in the U.S. experiences tornadoes and severe weather. So, before storms strike, "be a force of nature" and take the first step to making sure that you and your family are prepared for severe weather. These include developing a family communications plan and putting an emergency survival kit together.

Know your risk! Keep an eye on the sky and stay alert with a weather radio and mobile apps for your phone. To become weather-ready, understand the type of severe weather that can affect our area and how that weather could impact you and your family. Review the Red Cross catalog of emergencies to brush up on how prepare for, respond during, and recover from a weather disaster that could affect you. 

If you're a business, school, or other organization, think about becoming a member of the Red Cross Ready Rating program, so that you, too, will be prepared for severe weather. Ready Rating is a free web-based program which allows business, organizations, and schools to complete a self-assessment of their current readiness level and provides them with immediate, customized feedback and resources on how they can improve their scores.    

And, if all else fails:

Going for the Gold

By Kelly Norton, Volunteer Contributor

Is anyone else as excited as I am that the Winter Olympics have begun? I can't wait to watch the world's best athletes compete in all the events, from bobsledding to snowboarding and everything in between. You can watch TV coverage on NBC, but I also wanted to share ideas on how to get your "Sochi" on right here in the National Capital Region.

Go ice skating. Last weekend I went ice skating at the Washington Harbor Ice Rink in Georgetown and had so much fun! The cost is only $13 for children and $15 for adults, which includes skate rentals. Even if you can't do a triple axel, it's still fun to pretend to be an Olympic figure skater. Check out Refinery29's list of the region's best outdoor rinks for more skating options in our area.

Try Russian cuisine. Have you ever eaten traditional Russian food? Perhaps this month is a good time to try something new. I recommend Russia House or Mari Vanna, which are both located in DC. 

Get in a good workout. Ask a friend to join you as your "training partner" for a challenging workout at the gym. Having a teammate will motivate you to push yourself a little harder. You could even wear red, white, and blue workout gear to represent Team USA. 

Make gold medals. This fun craft seems like the perfect activity for a cold winter afternoon. Make these awesome medals and then hand them out to the champions in your life. 

Take a Red Cross course for coaches. Is your dream to be an Olympic coach? Do you currently volunteer or work as a coach? The Red Cross First Aid, Health and Safety Course for Coaches provides an overview of first aid and "best practices" for many situations encountered by coaches.The course teaches skills directly related to sports injuries. Search online for course availability. 

You can also download the Red Cross First Aid App so that you've got expert advice for everyday emergencies right in your hand no matter how you choose to go for the gold! Our Red Cross family in Richmond knows about big Olympic spirit and the importance of this app. Check out their take on bobsledding below:

Have fun getting in the Olympic spirit this month! Go Team USA!

January in a Nutshell

New App to Help Your Furry Family Members

By Squiggy the Squirrel

Do you have a cat or a dog? If so, you should download this cool new app - the Red Cross Pet First Aid App. The app is full of helpful content for how to deal with over 25 common pet emergency situations through a combination of text, video, and images.

Features of the app include:

• Early warning signs checker for preventative care
• Ability to locate your nearest emergency vet hospital or pet-friendly hotels in addition to the ability to store your veterinarian's contact number to be available when needed
• "How to" videos for common and stressful emergency situations including specific CPR techniques based on your pet's size
• Interactive quizzes that allow you to earn badges that you can share with your friends along with a picture of your pet

The app also allows users to customize multiple pet profiles in case you have more than one pet, like our volunteer Kelly, who has two cats, Figaro and Cleo.

The Pet First Aid App can be purchased for 99 cents on your iPhone or Android device in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store by searching for "Red Cross" or by visiting our suite of apps online.

Don't have a pet? Maybe this month is a good time to consider adopting one from an organization like the Washington Animal Rescue League. There are plenty of furry friends in the DC are who are in need of a home. 

Make sure to spread the word about the app to others who have cats or dogs in their family, too. Hope you're all staying warm!

xo,

Squiggy

Let’s Hear it for Squiggy!

Squirrel Appreciation Day

By Kelly Norton, Volunteer Contributor

January 21st marks a more obscure holiday that you may not have heard of - Squirrel Appreciation Day! I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Squiggy for her dedication to the Red Cross and how she has taught us all to not be scared, but be prepared. She is going to celebrate by attending the Washington Wizards game tomorrow with other Red Cross volunteers. You should come too! 

On Squirrel Appreciation Day, I was curious what Squiggy herself appreciates the most. Here are the four things she told me:

• Volunteers - Squiggy really appreciates the hard work of the many Red Cross volunteers in the National Capital Region. "I feel really fortunate to work with such enthusiastic and devoted people for an organization that I'm passionate about," said Squiggy. Since the Red Cross is 97% volunteer led, Squiggy definitely has reason to appreciate volunteers!
• Cookies - Her new go-to recipe are these acorn cookies. "They're delicious!" 

• Smartphones - Squiggy is a big fan of her smartphone because she's downloaded all of the Red Cross apps. Her favorite is the First Aid App - helping her to always be prepared. "During the recent polar vortex, I used the app to look up winter weather safety tips," Squiggy told me. I bet you didn't know she was so tech savvy! 
• Other Squirrels - Squiggy gave a shout-out to her other squirrel friends, including Rocky the Flying Squirrel from the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, Sandy from Spongebob Squarepants, and Scrat from Ice Age. She's in great company!

Remember to wish any squirrels you see today a "Happy Squirrel Appreciate Day!" You can leave a comment here for Squiggy as well. 

New Year’s Resolutions, Red Cross Style!

Resolve To Be Prepared

By Lisa Newman, Volunteer Contributor 

Welcome to 2014!  For many of us, the new year is a time for self-reflection, renewal and goal setting.  Maybe we commit to exercising regularly, changing careers, volunteering in the community, or all of the above.  I don’t know about you but my resolutions seem much more doable in January, than say, June!   

Last year I took a very different approach and included my top resolutions as monthly reminders in my Gmail and iPhone calendars.  Well, this simple change made all the difference!  In addition to enrolling in a yoga class and partnering with public/private organizations on a homeless fundraising initiative, my list also included working with the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region - and here I am!  

The calendar approach might also help you improve emergency preparedness in your home.  Every year, the Red Cross responds to over 70,000 disasters in the U.S. so we know being prepared for the unexpected can save lives.  Try including simple preparedness resolutions as action items on your calendar right there next to learning a foreign language, traveling, or meditating through my - I mean your - child’s teenage mood swings!  Did I mention my 14 year-old daughter?

So let's get started! Below is a list of Red Cross emergency preparedness action items for inclusion on your digital organizers and mobile phone calendars. Be sure to take a look at the entire list and click on the links to start protecting your family and your homes today. Here's to a safe and happy 2014!

Click and prepare away! 

Prepare for a disaster by making a plan so you know what do in case of an emergency. 

Purchase of make an emergency kit for your home, office, and vehicles.

Change batteries in smoke alarms and review fire prevention tips since home fires account for the majority (over 93%) of disasters. Use this fire prevention checklist. 

Give blood at your local Red Cross donation site and help save a life. 

Download the Red Cross Mobile Apps for immediate access to help during an emergency.

Take a Red Cross class including First Aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator).  Help your family and community with lifesaving skills.

Register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website and stay in touch with loved ones during an emergency.

Volunteer with your local Red Cross and make a difference in your community.

Donate funds to help make an impact on lives.

Share this list!

For more information about emergency preparedness, volunteering with your local Red Cross, or giving blood, visit the Red Cross online. 

Remembering Superstorm Sandy | One Year Later

Superstorm Sandy dealt a devastating blow to the East Coast one year ago today. As this date approached, images like those on this recent BuzzFeed have served as intense reminders of what happened and how far we've come. While there's still much work to be done and there are many people still picking up the pieces from Sandy, the American Red Cross was there to help then and continues to assist one year later.

Last year, launching the biggest response in more than five years, the Red Cross mobilized to aid victims of the storm - opening hundreds of shelters, serving nourishing meals and snacks, and distributing millions of relief items. 17,000 Red Cross workers (90% were volunteers) offered comfort to those affected. Today, the American Red Cross continues to address long-term needs, working with government and nonprofit partners to assist those requiring help on the path to recovery. 

Red Cross NCR Response at a Glance

• Opened or supported 14 local shelters
• Provided 300 overnight shelter stays
• Served approximately 1,900 meals and snacks
• Mobilized 200 local volunteers and staff to engage in relief efforts immediately before & following the storm
• Deployed all 6 of the region's Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) to New York & New Jersey

Learn more about the American Red Cross' massive response to Superstorm Sandy by reading our one-year report.

Tips for emergency preparedness can be found on the American Red Cross website. Safety information is also available on our Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to download the Red Cross mobile apps, too! 

October in a Nutshell

Make Halloween Safe & Less Scary

by Squiggy the Squirrel

Whether you’re a goblin in Alexandria, a superhero in Prince George’s County, a zombie in DC, or a witch in Prince William County, Halloween characters will take over the night. But even scary creatures need to be safe and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween's greatest hazards aren't vampire and villains, but falls, costume mishaps, and automobile accidents. The Red Cross and I want your family to have a safe Halloween so we're providing these tips - the lucky 13:

1. Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will find your way home!
2. From the bravest of superheros to the noblest of knights, everyone should remember to bring their flashlights!
3. If you visit a house where a stranger resides, accept treats at the door and, please, don't go inside.
4. When you get ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of masks, which will cover your eyes.
5. Always remember, before you embark, to wear light-colored clothing to be seen in the dark! (And remember to use reflective tape, even on bikes, and brooms and the edges of your cape!)
6. Whether you walk, slighter or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not in the street.
7. As you roam through the neighborhood collecting your treats, please look both ways before crossing the street! (And speaking of streets, the corners are the place for trick or treaters to cross no matter their pace.)
8. Wigs, capes, and costumes are flammable attire, so avoid open flames to prevent a fire!
9. Use a glow stick instead of a candle so your jack-o-lantern isn't a safety gamble!
10. You may fly on a broom or a space ship from Mars, but please be on the lookout for drivers in cars! (Between parked cars is no place to hide, be sure that you're seen whether you're a clown or a bride.)
11. Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn, and only visit homes with their porch lights turned on!
12. You may be dressed as a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
13. Have a grown-up inspect your candy when you're done trick-or-treating to remove open packages and choking hazards before eating.

Consider downloading the Red Cross First Aid app in case of any trick-or-treating emergencies. This app gives you instant access to the information you need to know to handle the most common first aid emergencies. It includes videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice. It's never been easier to know first aid! 

Glow sticks, lanterns, and safety, oh my! Bring along these fun favorites from the Red Cross Store on your Halloween outing and be prepared for life's emergencies!

And my final note - whether you're an adult, kid or team, have a safe and happy Halloween!

xo,
Squiggy