My Lifesaving Red Cross Story: Josh Berg

By Clarice Nassif Ransom, American Red Cross Volunteer

Name: Josh Berg
Recognition: American Red Cross Lifesaving Certificate of Merit, 2019

Meet Josh Berg. Josh helped save the life of an athlete who collapsed and lost consciousness at the finish line of a track meet at the Christy Mathewson Memorial Stadium in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, on April 13, 2019. 

Josh Berg receiving his award from American Red Cross
in the National Capital Region CEO Linda Mathes in  November 2019.

Just three days before the track meet, Josh was re-certified in American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers & First Aid, which Josh attributes as helping him to know how to save the athlete’s life. Josh explains that on the day of the track meet, he was the host athletic trainer – it was a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, and the event was typical from a medical aspect. 

“As an athletic trainer at a track meet, however, you can never let your guard down, and you must be prepared to deal with the absolute worst of scenarios,” said Josh. 

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“The absolute worst of scenarios happened as quickly as I can remember. I got a radio call from my intern who said that there was an athlete at the finish line who apparently stopped breathing and lost his pulse. I immediately ran to the scene to evaluate the medical situation.”

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Josh said the athlete was a mid-distance sprinter who finished the race and collapsed as he was trying to catch his breath. 

“At the time of my initial assessment, the athlete was not breathing, and he did not have a pulse,” said Josh. 

“I instructed a bystander to notify emergency medical services (EMS) staff who were thankfully stationed at the meet. I immediately began giving chest compressions, and it did not take long for the athlete to regain consciousness. I remember around the 22, 23, or 24th chest compression, the athlete took a gigantic gasp of air. At that time, I never felt more relief in my entire life. EMS staff responded quickly and were on the scene very close to when that athlete began breathing and regaining a pulse.”

Josh said as the EMS staff removed the athlete from the scene for further medical treatment, the athlete was waving to the crowd.

 "A true miracle was that the athlete had the fight in him to remain alive,” said Josh, who was grateful to the intern and to the bystander for helping him save the athlete’s life.

“I retreated back to my tent and prayed I would never have to do something like that again. I was hopeful that the athlete would make a good recovery, which I later found out he did.”

Saving a life impacted Josh in many ways, including realizing how his training in American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers & First Aid made him prepared and able to respond to this unexpected event. 

“This lifesaving event taught me that there is no such thing as being overly prepared, especially if lives are on the line,” said Josh. 

“Whether you are a healthcare professional, summer lifeguard, coach, or a bystander with a CPR certification, you must always be ready to snap into action and to protect others. As an athletic trainer, not only are we surrounded by our student-athletes every day, we are surrounded by our school’s community. We are often the first line of help during an emergency.”

Josh hopes his story will inspire others who hear and read about it to become trained in CPR/AED or take part in other lifesaving trainings.

He says the key to a lifesaving event is being ready.

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“Trust yourself and the preparation that brought you to this point. True instinct will take over. I think this story will inspire some to not take their role for granted.”

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The American Red Cross Lifesaving Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the American Red Cross to an individual or team of individuals who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course. The certificate bears the signature of the President of the United States, who is the honorary chairman of the American Red Cross, and the signature of the chairman of the American Red Cross. According to the American Red Cross, a lifesaving action exemplifies the highest degree of concern of one human being for another who is in distress.

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Our Red Cross training programs include First Aid, AED, BLS, CPR, EMR, swimming, water safety, babysitting, child care, and more! Learn more and sign up today: http://redcross.org/takeaclass

My Red Cross Story: Doug VanDyke

Meet Doug VanDyke, American Red Cross
Board Member, Chief Executive Officer of
Enquizit, Lifelong Volunteer, and Blood Donor

Written by: Clarice Nassif Ransom, Communications Volunteer

Doug VanDyke,
American Red Cross Board Member (since 2014)

Profession: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Enquizit, an application development and cloud migration company headquartered in McLean, Virginia; other highlights include Amazon and Microsoft

Home: Ashburn, Virginia

Family: Wife, three children

Role models who inspired VanDyke’s volunteer leadership: LaRhea VanDyke, mother; Linda Mathes, American Red Cross Chief Executive Officer for the National Capital Region; and Teresa Carlson, former boss and former American Red Cross Board chair for the National Capital Region.

Volunteering is a lifelong pursuit for Doug VanDyke. “Growing up, my mother was involved in every local volunteer activity and Board in the community, and she would bring me with her, so I was exposed to volunteering at an early age,” said VanDyke. “I watched my mother volunteer and assumed volunteering is something you do as an adult—you give back to the community.”

Now, VanDyke is continuing his journey of volunteering by sharing his leadership skills as an American Red Cross Board member. VanDyke is proud of how the American Red Cross responds to disasters to help those most in need, including collecting and delivering blood donations; provides food, shelter, and safety after natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires; and proactively installs smoke alarms in homes to help prevent home fires.
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“When others are running away from a disaster, 

the American Red Cross is running straight at it - 

and they stay until it is resolved,” 

says VanDyke.

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Since 2014, VanDyke has served as the chair for several American Red Cross events, from Salute to Service Gala fundraisers (which honor active duty service members and veterans) to the 2nd Annual Disaster Preparedness Summit in Washington, D.C., which was held on January 28, 2020.

“The Disaster Preparedness Summit addresses the disaster risks we face in the Washington, D.C. area and explores the impacts a significant disaster would have on our region,” said VanDyke.

“Our goals were for attendees to hear from experts who have real-life experience dealing with complex disaster coordination challenges and for attendees to leave with a better understanding of the hazards we face and how to prepare for and respond to disasters in their communities, organizations and households.”

In preparation for the 2nd Annual Disaster Summit, VanDyke had to rally fellow American Red Cross Board members to support it at a meeting last fall.

“It was a meeting with a lively discussion about speakers, topics, format, and location,” said VanDyke, who then agreed to chair the Summit.

“We were in the office of the American Red Cross in Fairfax; a blood donation center had just been added to the 3rd floor of the building. I was in a good mood, so I walked upstairs and the blood donation center staff were able to take me right away. I have O- blood type and am a universal donor. I have been told O- blood can even be used by premature babies. That is inspiring. Also, both my wife and my father have had open-heart surgeries that required donated blood. Someone before me was there to donate for them. I'm glad I can be part of the virtuous cycle and give to someone else who will need it.”

In the Fall of 2019, Doug VanDyke attended a meeting to plan the 2nd Annual Disaster Preparedness Summit in the American Red Cross office in Fairfax, VA; immediately after the meeting, VanDyke donates blood on the 3rd floor in the building's new blood donation center. 

Another American Red Cross leadership effort VanDyke was involved with was in 2018 when he was employed with Amazon Web Services.

“The American Red Cross, Voice Foundry, and our team at Amazon Web Services set up an emergency call center to help those impacted by Hurricane Florence,” said VanDyke.

“We had more than 100 Amazon Web Services’ employees who volunteered to staff the call center. We serviced more than 1,000 calls. Employees volunteered from around the world, even as far away as Singapore, to staff the call center and help those in need. Many of these calls were very emotional, helping reconnect loved ones.”

VanDyke’s leadership experience with the American Red Cross has helped him both personally and professionally.

“Personally, it provides me a channel to give back,” said VanDyke.

“I see direct results, and I can contribute through multiple channels. Professionally, it has helped me build a support network outside my company—people I like and trust.”
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"Volunteering is one of the best ways people can feel connected to each
other and to their communities," according to VanDyke.

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“There is more to life than making money,” said VanDyke.

“Volunteering is a great way to improve the overall quality of life in our communities. It is personally rewarding, by helping us learn skills and develop friendships. It is also valuable to the community by providing for needs that aren't being covered by government or businesses.”

As Chair of the 2nd Annual Disaster Preparedness Summit, Doug takes preparedness seriously and encourages everyone to have an emergency plan. If you don't have one yet, here's what you can do to prepare yourself and your family for a disaster:

Create Your Emergency Plan in Just 3 Steps

1. With your family or household members, discuss how to prepare and respond to the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play.

2. Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and how you will work together as a team.

3. Practice as many elements of your plan as possible.

For more information about creating a family emergency plan, including templates to help you be organized, go to: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html

Make a difference in your community. Click here to become a Red Cross volunteer.

Click here to learn more about donating blood with the American Red Cross near you.

First Aid for your Fur-ever Friends

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and the American Red Cross wants to ensure your skills are up to their full pet-tential.

In times when you cannot get to a veterinarian, you may need to give your pet emergency medical care. Here are some steps you can take to guarantee no cat-tastrophes!

Gatsby aka Gatz/Mouse - 4 years old - Loves a good costume… and stealing food.

 Pet First Aid Online Course

The Red Cross offers a free, 35-minute online course for you to learn the basics on caring for your pet in times of crisis. Some benefits are:

• Learn how to check your pet’s vital signs accurately.
• Acquire preventative care skills for your pet.
• Gain the knowledge to recognize and provide first aid for the most severe emergencies your pet may experience.
• Have access to desktop and tablet compatibility providing flexibility to access how, when, and where you want to take the course.
• Obtain Red Cross digital certification provided upon completion.

Cody Hercules - 6 years old – Likes living the good life and playing fetch with his sister, Liza

Pet First Aid App

The Red Cross has an award-winning Pet First Aid app you can download to stay abundantly prepared to keep your pet pals safe and happy. The app is the perfect on-the-go reference guide for pet owners, with systematic instructions, videos, and images for more than 25 common first aid and emergencies. Now you can feel at ease knowing you have fast and effective safety tips whenever you need them!

Bruno - 10 years old – Happiest when napping in the sun 

Pet Safety Preventative Measures

• Make sure all household plants are varieties that are pet-safe.
• Consider latching cupboards shut that contain harmful chemicals.
• Ensure trashcans are properly concealed – pets can ingest bones and other harmful trash items that can cause choking. 
• Keep toilet seats down, especially if using an automatic cleaning system. 
• Make sure all window screens/guards are properly secure to prevent falls from high living spaces. 

Fiona – 3 years old – Will eat anything and everything.

Space and Routine

Dogs and cats alike are creatures of habit and crave routine. If you set up a proper routine for your pet, this will result in overall good behavior and general happiness. Here are some things to make your furry friend the best they can be:

• Food – Give your pet quality food at the same time every day. Not only will they know when food is coming so they will not bother you in the meantime, but this will also keep their metabolism balanced and strong. 
• Quality Time – Whether this is a daily walk, snuggle, or play time in the yard, your pet will find comfort in knowing they have a set period to spend with you. This is also exceptionally important during a move or new living situation. 
• Jobs – Pets like having a job to do to feel connected to their owner. Small tasks like getting the newspaper, chasing a toy, or trying to get a feather at the end of a string all put your pet at ease and feel like they are contributing. 

My Red Cross Story: Joan Gough

By Rose Ellen O'Connor, Volunteer

On a cold afternoon this winter, Joan Gough stood with several other Red Cross volunteers outside a burning apartment in Prince George’s County, trying to comfort a little boy who was crying because he thought he’d lost all his toys. They consoled him by acknowledging it was sad, suggesting he could get some new toys and telling him he was blessed because all his family had safely escaped the fire.

Joan Gough, showing off a pillow case
 from the Pillowcase Project

When you’re on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to respond to home fires, as Joan, 69, has been since last spring, some moments can be heartbreaking but it’s also so rewarding.

Joan, a retired Montgomery College counselor to students with disabilities, puts it simply: “I was able to help someone in distress so that makes me feel good.”

She finds it inspiring, she says.

“It’s seeing how the families come together to support one another and how all the neighbors try to support them as well,” Joan says. “The fire department is there and other people are on the scene. Everyone is there to help. So that’s a really great experience.”

Joan responds to fires when she can. Sometimes other people are closer and they take the call and she’ll respond to another one. When Red Cross volunteers arrive on the scene, they console the fire victims and get some basic information about the inhabitants of the home. If needed, they hand out “comfort kits,” filled with toiletries, such as soap and toothbrushes. If the house or apartment is no longer habitable, they provide the family with a voucher for short-term lodging, food and clothing. They also offer a practical guide on what to do next, such as calling to turn off utilities, and a referral guide for other services they may need.

“Most of them are very distressed because they have lost something. Sometimes, they’ve lost everything,” Joan says. “Usually, they’re so very grateful for whatever we can do to help them.”

Joan first volunteered for the Red Cross in the 1970s in Brooklyn, where she responded to house fires. She got caught up in work and slowly dropped out. She now lives in Germantown and rejoined the Red Cross almost two years ago, after she retired.

Her first volunteer effort for the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region was with the Pillowcase Project. She still helps with it about twice a month, especially during the school year. The Pillowcase Project is a free preparedness program for children in the third, fourth and fifth grades. Its goal is to increase awareness of natural hazards and home fires and teaches safety, emotional coping skills and personal preparedness. The presentations are held in schools, churches, summer camps and before Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.

During the presentation, volunteers talk about home fires and whatever natural hazard is in season. In the winter they discuss winter storms, for example, and in the summer they discuss thunder and lightning and eventually hurricanes. The program was put together by the Red Cross and Disney after Hurricane Katrina. The children get booklets and pillowcases with Disney characters on them. The pillow cases also are imprinted with a list of items they might want to bring in the event they need to evacuate their homes. It includes a change of clothes, water, blanket, soap and a first-aid kit, among many other items. They color the pillow cases and discuss what they might want to put in them. They also talk about what the family evacuation kit might need and discuss smoke alarms and practicing home fire drills so they can get out of the home safely. Children are also taught deep breathing as a way to calm themselves if they get anxious in an emergency.

“They’re usually very enthusiastic. They ask good questions,” Joan says. “And they get to take it home and share it with their families. In this way, they become part of the Red Cross team.”

As often as possible, Joan volunteers for Sound the Alarm. Red Cross, in conjunction with the fire department and other community organizations and businesses, goes into neighborhoods with a high incidence or risk for fires and installs free smoke alarms. Many of the homes have either outdated alarms, broken alarms or no alarms at all. Volunteers talk about where a smoke alarm should be placed and where it shouldn’t. They also talk about other safety issues, advising against using space heaters when it’s cold or lighting candles when the electricity goes out. They discuss testing their smoke alarms and practicing escape routes.

“I think we’re saving lives,” Joan says. “To know that their house is safer so that they are safer and have a much better chance of escaping if there ever is a fire in their home – that’s what’s really rewarding.”

Finally, Joan has just started volunteering for a new emergency preparedness program aimed at children in kindergarten through second grade. She reads them the Prepare with Pedro Disaster Activity Book. Pedro is a penguin who goes to a friend’s house, hears three beeps and sees that the mother is testing the smoke alarm to make sure it’s working. He learns that when a smoke alarm beeps, it’s time to move quickly and follow a planned escape route out of the house and go to a pre-arranged meeting place.

The children practice evacuating from a fire, learning to get low under the smoke, which is represented by a gray plastic bag. After they get out of the fire, they go to a meeting place, which is set up in the classroom or auditorium. Joan says the children enjoy the exercise and are proud when they complete it. Volunteers also teach the children deep breathing as a way of keeping calm.

Joan is glad to be back at work for the Red Cross. She says she appreciates all the assistance she receives from other volunteers and staff who have helped her and continue to train her.

“They’re always on the front line,” she says. “They’re working with the people and their thoughts are always what can I do to help the people in whatever emergency or disaster it is.”

Join Joan and support our Sound the Alarm Home Fire Campaign in our community today: redcross.org/ncrinstalls 

Show Your Love this Valentine's Day 💗 Learn CPR with the Red Cross 💕

By Rose Ellen O'Connor, Volunteer

February is National Heart Month❤, and the perfect time to learn how to save lives with your American Red Cross. 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. 

Why not show your love this Valentine’s Day by learning how to save a heart-attack victim’s life? 💓

In response to the thousands who die every year in the U.S. from Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the American Red Cross offers CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) classes throughout the Washington area. Nationally, the American Red Cross trains 9 million people a year in life-saving skills.
The difference between a bystander and someone trained in CPR or AED can be the difference between life and death.

More than 356,000 people in the U.S. suffer out-of-hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest or SCA and nine out of ten die, according to the American Heart Association. That means that one person every two minutes dies somewhere in the country from sudden cardiac arrest, notes AED.com, making SCA the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and killing more people than lung cancer, breast cancer and HIV/AIDs combined.

There are rarely symptoms and almost no warning when SCA strikes, says AED.com. The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation explains that SCA occurs when the heart stops beating. It can happen to all sorts of people, including children and teens. The person suffering an SCA collapses and may gasp or shake as if having a seizure, according to the foundation. The victim’s heart is no longer pumping blood throughout the body or to the brain.

That’s when CPR and AED come into play. There are only a few minutes to spare. To administer CPR, a rescuer places one hand on top of the other in the middle of the chest and pushes hard and fast, using body weight to administer compressions that are at least two inches deep and at least 100 per minute. The victim’s head is tilted slightly back, chin lifted and nose pinched closed. The rescuer places his mouth over the person’s mouth to make a complete seal and blows two times into the mouth to make the chest rise. Compressions are then continued. CPR can buy time until an ambulance arrives. It’s even better if an AED, a padded device that analyzes the heart and may deliver a shock to restart the heart’s normal rhythm, is available.

CPR given within three to six minutes of the onset of cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.

The American Red Cross, in conjunction with affiliates, offers a four-hour course in First Aid, CPR and AED. You can receive certification in each of the areas that is valid for two years. The classes are given throughout the region during the day and evening and on weekends. They start at $70 and free refreshers are offered online.

Red Cross also offers web-based training. It allows you to work at your own pace and requires only a short, in-person session to check your skills.

Below is a list of the courses we offer – with classroom, online + classroom, and online only options available:
• First AID
• CPR
• AED
• BLS/CPS for Healthcare
• Babysitting & Child Care
• Swimming + Water Safety
• Lifeguarding
• CNA Training
• CNA Testing
• Instructor Training

Register in seconds at www.redcross.org/take-a-class and start your journey to save a life.


You can also download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies, including sudden cardiac arrest, at your fingertips.

Winter Safety Tips

By Carly Flumer, Volunteer

"Oh the weather outside is frightful…”

Now that we’re in the dead of winter, it’s time to get you and your home ready for a wintry wonderland.

Here a few tips to you and your family safe and cozy during the frost-bitten temperatures:

• Make sure you have plenty of coats, scarves, and hats to bundle up in.
• Speaking of going outside, if you plan on shoveling the snow in your driveway or on the sidewalk, make sure to keep hydrated to avoid hypothermia and frostbite. All that hauling is hard work!
• If you have elderly neighbors, make sure to check on them and maybe offer to help shovel them out as well

Keeping your home safe and warm is important as well:

• Keep yourself, your family members (including your furry ones!) and things that can burn easily (such as clothing, bedding, and papers) at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
• If you have a fireplace, always keep an eye on it or use a fire screen to keep embers from flying.
• Turn off portable heaters when not in use and especially when you go to sleep.

If you plan on going out (driving) in the snow:

• Make sure your car’s heating system, brakes, and hazard lights are working properly. Also, make sure your car has enough fuel, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid.
• Keep a scraper and broom in your car at all times to help remove snow.
• Keep bottles of water and a warm blanket in your trunk in case you get stuck.

For more tips on staying safe during a deep-freeze, be sure to visit the Red Cross’s Winter Storm Safety page.

Red Cross Halloween Safety - Tips and Tricks

By Hailie Duenkel, Volunteer

Halloween was first celebrated by the Celts on the eve of their harvest festival on November 1, approximately 2,000 years ago. A lot has changed since then, and I am sure Snickers and Batman masks were not a part of their celebration. The American Red Cross has some tips and tricks (not to be confused with tricks and treats) to ensure you and your family have a safe and happy evening.

Instagram: Mia.love.disnard 

Trick-or-Treater Safety
- Plan trick-or-treating routes to keep track of loved ones while out and about.
- An adult should accompany small children, and older children should travel in groups of four or five.

Twitter: ActuallyNPH 

- Only approach homes with front porch lights on.
- Never go inside to collect candy; only accept treats at the door.
- Walk only on the sidewalks and avoid streets and walking between cars.
- Take a flashlight with you to see and be seen better.
- Be careful around animals who may be out joining in the festivities.

 Welcoming Trick-or-Treaters
- Clear any debris leading from the sidewalk up to the front of your home. 
- Make sure pets are well restrained or not visible to the front door. 
- Turn porch lights on if you intend to welcome trick-or-treaters and make the path well lit.
- If driving, keep an extra close eye on trick-or-treaters crossing the street or walking behind vehicles.
- Inspect candy before passing out to ensure that all wrappers are intact.
- Avoid passing out any handmade treats.

Instagram: Mia.love.disnard 

Costumes and Candy Safety
- Make sure trick-or-treaters are clearly visible: bright colors, flashlights, reflective tape, and glow sticks are all good tactics.
- Avoid masks, as they are hard to see in while trick-or-treating near busy streets.
- Hem costumes to an appropriate length to avoiding tripping. This is also extremely important as costumes are often quite flammable and can catch on candles and open fires.
- An adult should check all the gathered candy before eating. (Discard any candy that has open or damaged wrappers, or candy brands you do not recognize.)

Halloween should be a day filled with magic and excitement. Children around the country look forward to planning their costumes throughout the year, and 2019 is no exception. Follow these tips from the Red Cross to ensure this year is the safest and most joyful Halloween night yet!

Instagram: Mia.love.disnard 

National Fire Prevention Week: Red Cross Safety Tips

By Carly Flumer, Volunteer

Alert! Alert! It’s Fire Prevention Week, and the Red Cross is here to bring you the seven best safety tips to prepare for a fire.

1. Install the right number of smoke alarms and make sure to replace the batteries at least once a year.

2. Teach young children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do if they hear one.

3. Make sure that everyone in your family knows how to escape from every room in your house and designate a meeting spot outside.

4. Develop a plan to communicate with your family members to know how and who to contact in case one gets lost.

5. Practice escaping from your home. A plan is best when practiced, especially when it’s been proven that families only have a mere 2 minutes to get out quickly!

• Here are helpful examples of escape plans based your home:
• Single Family Home: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDFs/Infographics/Single_Family_Home.pdf
• Multi-Family Home: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDFs/Infographics/Multi_Family_Dwelling.pdf
• Apartment Complex: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDFs/Infographics/High_Rise_Apartment.pdf

• To print an escape plan that you and your family can fill out (available in English and Spanish), go to: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/National/145733-Tier-59-Home-Fire-Escape-Plan-11x8-5-FINAL%20(1).pdf

6. Make sure everyone, especially young children, know how to dial 9-1-1 and speak with the police and/or fire department.

7. Teach each family member the STOP, DROP, and ROLL TECHNIQUE if their clothes should catch on fire.

For more information:

• Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhKD1CS8pcM
• Download our free Emergency App or text “GETEMERGENCY” TO 90999 and our children's Monster Guard App or text “MONSTER” to 90999
• Visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html

Get RedCross Ready for National Preparedness Month!

By Carly Flumer, Volunteer

National Preparedness Month, recognized each September, provides an opportunity to remind us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year. This is an iniative recognized nationwide through a number of organizations.

With September being National Preparedness Month, there’s no better time to make sure you are prepared for an emergency like the present. While becoming prepared can seem like quite the effort and take a lot of time, it can actually be a fun bonding experience for the entire family.

The first step is compiling an emergency kit. The Red Cross provides survival kits with the proper supplies you may need in case of an emergency or natural disaster. However, you can also build your own! You should have the following in your kit:

• Water (at least one gallon per person per day)
• Food, such as non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Copies of personal documents
• Family and emergency contact information

To see the whole list, visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html.

The next step is to make a plan. Discuss with your family how to prepare and respond to different types of emergencies that are most likely to happen, including fires, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Designate responsibilities to each family member making sure each one knows their part in keeping everyone safe. Finally, practice your plan! You can find free templates of disaster plans here: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html.

Finally, be informed. Learn about the different types of emergencies and disasters that may occur in your area and how local authorities plan to notify you. Know what actions to take to protect yourself and your family, and create emergency contact cards for all household members. Get your Emergency contact card template here: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/National/m4240194_ECCard.pdf

Happy preparing!

Pet Summer Safety Preparedness

By Carly Flumer, Volunteer

Summer has arrived and the hot tempatures it has brought along with it are something to take very seriously. Not only do we need to take care of ourselves, but our furry friends, too! Here are some quick tips to keep your pet safe in the sunshine:

1. Never leave your pet in the car! Even if you’re parked in the shade, the inside of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees. If you happen to see a pet inside of a parked car, locate the manager of the store closest to the vehicle. If the owner doesn’t return, call animal control or the police.
2. Don’t put your pet in the back of a car, specifically pick-up trucks. If a driver is to suddenly hit the brakes, undue harm can occur.
3. Watch out for plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides which can be fatal to pets, if ingested. Also, more than 700 plants can produce active or toxic substances which can cause harmful effects to animals.
4. Avoid heat exhaustion by providing your pet with plenty of water by bringing a water bottle and/or a disposable dish during walks or long trips.
5. Spaying or neutering your pet reduces the likelihood of dog bites, which are more likely to occur during the summer months.
6. Finally, make sure your pet is identifiable by a tag with their name, and your address and phone number, on a collar.

For safety tips on the go, download our Pet First Aid App in the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, or the Amazon Marketplace.

Hurricane Season Safety - Be Red Cross Ready

Written by Carly Flumer, Volunteer

June marks the beginning of Hurricane Season, and it’s important to be Red Cross Ready no matter what coast you live on. 

This means:

• Assembling an emergency preparedness kit, consisting of water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, as battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit and any medications, sanitation and hygiene items, cell phones with chargers, and personal documents that include important contact information
• Creating a household evacuation plan that determines how to prepare and respond in case of an emergency, including the various responsibilities of each family member. Don’t forget your pets!
• Staying up-to-date on your community’s response plan
• Educating yourself and family members on how to use the Safe and Well website, which includes information about getting immediate assistance and contacting loved ones
• Downloading the Emergency App for iPhone or Android

 Additionally, right before a hurricane occurs, protect your family, pets, and home by:

• Finding an NOAA radio station in your area
• Keeping all personal documents and valuables in a lock-safe box
• Assemble an emergency kit for your pet that includes sturdy leashes or carriers, food, drinking water, medications, and current photos of them in case they get lost
• Protecting windows with storm shutters
• Identifying a place to store any lawn furniture, tools, and trash cans to prevent them from being tossed by extreme winds
• Clear clogged rain gutters to prevent flooding and pressure on the awnings
• REMEMBER: Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, but flood insurance does.

Hurricane Season starts on June 1 and runs until November 30. For more information on hurricane safety, visit: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane 

Engaged & Inspired at the World Bank

This morning the World Bank held a comfort kit build for 250 of their employees from around the world, the first event of a week long retreat surrounding poverty and giving – and your Red Cross team took center stage!

World Bank employees created 2,000 comfort kits using 15 teams of 15 people each at their Headquarters in DC. To kick off the event Matt Coyne and Geoff DeLizzio gave speeches about what the Red Cross does locally and how that translates to work around the country and around the world, using the opportunity to connect our mission with some of the world’s top economic minds. Matt and Geoff were also tasked with being the go-to experts in the room for a scavenger hunt that included Red Cross statistics and questions, as well as a task to “take a selfie with a Red Cross person.” So both of them talked to most people in the room during the two hour event.

There was constant high energy in the iconic Atrium of the World Bank as the teams competed with their scavenger hunt questions and kit builds, so much so that employees from other areas of the World Bank were approaching to inquire how they could take part.

The event was notably attended by the Chief Executive Officer of the World Bank, Kristalina Georgieva, as well as the Vice President of Finance, Jan Walliser. Both Geoff and Matt had the opportunity to speak with them about the work of the Red Cross and poverty.

Go Matt and Geoff!

The End of Daylight Savings Time is The Time to TURN Your Clocks Back and TEST Your Smoke Alarms

Written by: Rosalind SE Carney, volunteer

Could your family escape a home fire in less than 2 minutes?

Even if you have multiple smoke alarms and a well-rehearsed fire preparedness plan, you and your family may still only have less than 2 minutes to escape a home fire. Smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by almost 50%. Therefore, the Red Cross recommends that when you TURN your clock back this weekend, you also TEST your smoke alarms.

Seven people die in home fires every day, mostly in homes that do not have working smoke alarms. Sadly, the elderly and children disproportionately lose their lives in these tragic disasters. The Home Fire Campaign, started in 2014, aims to reduce home fires by 25% by 2020. The Sound The Alarm campaign has installed one million free smoke alarms and provided fire prevention education to over 400,000 households.

Help the Red Cross achieve their goal and keep your family safe by implementing these smoke alarm guidelines.

Smoke alarms should be:

• located outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home;
• interconnected so that if one alarm sounds, all the alarms in your home sound;
• tested once a month using the test feature on the alarm;
• equipped with new batteries when daylight savings time starts and ends;
• installed in areas where your pets will also hear them;
• activated all the time and never temporarily disabled during cooking etc.;
• used as a reminder to check that your carbon monoxide alarms are also working; and
• replaced every ten years.

Learn about Sound The Alarm.

Donate to Sound The Alarm.

Learn about fire prevention.

Spook-tacular Safety Tips for Halloween

Written by: Ramsha Asad, Volunteer

When the winds get cooler and the trees shed leaves then we know that autumn has arrived! People of all ages enjoy preparing for the last day of October, a.k.a. HALLOWEEN! Whether it’s trick-or-treating, hosting spooky parties, attending scary events or making creative costumes, many people are amused by this annual celebration.

However, with all the fun and entertainment of Halloween, it’s still possible to encounter a disaster. A friend of mine who dressed up as Batman unfortunately drank too much and disappeared during a party. None of us could trace him and he ended up waking up in a hotel lobby the next morning! This may sound funny but he was actually very lucky to be safe. Things could have been a lot worse if somebody tried to take advantage of his condition.

Therefore, it is very important to be safe at any celebration, including Halloween. Here are a few Red Cross safety tips so that you can have fun while feeling secure:

• Parents should make sure children can walk around safely in their costumes and costumes should also be flame resistant to avoid fire hazards.
• Younger children should not be left alone on their own. An adult should accompany them and be familiar with the exact route.
• People should only visit well-lit homes and never go inside.
• Parents should teach children not to eat their candy right away; parents should first check for brand names and the ingredients, especially if the child is allergic to something.
• Adults should be careful driving through neighborhoods since children could be crossing roads without carefully looking around.
• Download Red Cross First Aid App for expert advice on everyday emergencies. The content is available in both English and Spanish.

Be safe and be spooky!

Hallie & Owen’s Halloween Poem

Safety Tips for a Sweet Halloween  

Written by: Robyn Taylor, volunteer

Hallie and Owen were excited to collect a bag of candy.
They were prepped with safety tips that were sure to come in handy.

Their costumes were flame-resistant.
Their painted on masks were more efficient.

Hallie and Owen brought along flashlights and reflective gear,
As safety is always a priority no matter the time of the year.

Hallie and Owen are quite young.
Grown-ups accompanied them on their trick-or-treat run.

All parties made sure to stay off the street.
The sidewalk was the best way to collect the treats.

They looked both ways and didn’t cut yards.
They never crossed between parked cars.

They watched out for bats, animals and all unsafe frights.
They only stopped at houses that were lit with lights.

They knocked on many doors, though never going inside.
They stopped at every house, completing their preplanned guide.

After a night of fun, they both craved something sweet.
Though they both knew an adult had to inspect before they could eat.

The adults removed loose candy, opened packages and choking hazards.
Unfamiliar brand names were gone as well, sorting candy is a serious matter.

When the goodies were sorted, Hallie and Owen let out a cheer.
They ate a few pieces and were already excited for next year!

College Safety Tips from a Recent Graduate

Written by: Robyn Taylor, volunteer

For the past few weeks, I have watched college students prepare to head back to school for the fall semester. Since I graduated from college last fall, I will no longer be scurrying across wonderful red bricks on my alma mater’s campus anymore. On the bright side, I will no longer have to tend to a scraped knee as a result of tripping on any outstanding bricks either. This brings me to the subject of this blog post: college safety.

College can be a time of self-discovery, adventure, and of course, learning. Being away from home and being on your own for what may be your first time can be thrilling, scary, or a combination of both. When embarking on a new journey, it is always best to practice good judgment. This means being cautious of things that would compromise your judgment.

Now, as I mentioned earlier, I have scraped myself up a few times and have seen it happen to others as well. Keeping a mini first aid kit in your backpack or purse is always a good idea. Even if you are the most graceful person, you never know when antibiotic ointment and a bandage will come in handy.

Another way to avoid tripping over something on your way to class or an event is to always be aware of your surroundings. Now, this does not mean you have to constantly look over your shoulder, but again, practice good judgment. If you are unfamiliar with an area or if it looks unsafe, take the best route to ensure your safety. The buddy system does not go away after grade school. When possible, travel with a group or on paths with good lighting and other pedestrians. Most schools have security that can escort you if you feel unsafe. 

Another way to avoid danger is to secure all valuables out of sight. If you got it, don’t flaunt it. Although strolling through campus while listening to music may seem like a good way to relieve some stress, it is not ideal. In order to be more alert, make sure to keep the earphones out of your ears and your eyes off of your phone.

If you find that the stressors of college are too much, reach out to a school counselor. Counselors can often be found in the health center, which also provides other health and safety supplies, usually for free. There are many college resources that cater to your well-being and success, so make sure to be aware of them and utilize them when necessary.

Stay safe and enjoy your college experience!  

Need more help? 

Visit the Red Cross for preparedness information on a variety of emergencies!

My Red Cross Story: Mary Nelms

Written by: Rebecca Churchill, volunteer

Mary Nelms was a freshman at the College of William and Mary in 1982, experiencing life away from home to attend college. One night after she and some friends were out late, they woke up to the sound of a fire alarm, and the Resident Advisor (RA) banging on doors, demanding they get up and get out. There was a little smoke and confusion but every student made it outside and stood nearby waiting for the “all clear” that did not come. The dormitory went up in flames as a result of an electrical fire. As the firefighters began to soak the buildings, Mary began to realize that she had nothing, except for what she had on.

“It's amazing that 135 students walked out of that building and were saved, starting with the RA’s to the Fire Department evacuating us. And the Red Cross was there setting up tables in the campus center to provide support and basic necessities,” Mary said. As confused students waited to hear what to do next, Red Cross volunteers assembled at 1 a.m. to bring help and hope. “The Red Cross was there to bridge the gap,” Mary said, “I was a fire refugee. It was a disaster that I never would have anticipated, and we had the support that the Red Cross provided. Thank God.” 

Many years later, Mary still gets choked up when she talks about it. She has since integrated Red Cross preparedness into her and her family’s life. “What if there was no Red Cross? I remember they were there like it was yesterday, giving out clothes, information and food. It’s something that happened 34 years ago, but you never forget it.”

 

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