A Great Example of Preparedness

A Red Cross Volunteer Profile of Josh Carin

Written by: Kelly Norton, Volunteer 

Josh Carin, a native Washingtonian, embodies the American Red Cross pillar of preparedness. Josh is the proprietor of Geppetto Catering, a full service catering company in the DC area, and lives in Maryland with his wife and two children. Something that he has committed to in both his personal and professional life is making sure that he and others, especially his family and staff, are prepared in the case of a disaster. By safety learning tips and making emergency plans Josh has become a great advocate for his community. 

Josh engages in informal discussions about preparedness in a way that socializes it and encourages others to make it an ongoing priority. “I've always felt that we have to be ready in case something serious was to happen,” he explained to me. 

Years ago, Josh bought preparedness kits for his family, including ones for their personal vehicles. These kits already have been put to use. Once he found himself stuck on the road during a snowstorm and used the blanket in his kit to stay warm. 

Recently, Josh purchased kits for all the vehicles in his catering business (about 50 kits in total). He also held a staff meeting to discuss disaster preparation. “Now I feel as though our team is educated to ensure their safety,” Josh said about the meeting. In addition, Josh makes sure to remind his staff, because they are delivering food all over the region, that if they “see something, say something”. He provided his staff with a list of emergency numbers in English and Spanish for their wallets. Josh also confirmed that his team is appreciative of all the steps he has taken, and he considers it a wonderful investment and a way to show them how much he cares. 

Josh’s long standing relationship with the Red Cross began by donating. He has been a donor of platelets and blood for years. Josh was inspired to get even more involved when he met Linda Mathes, CEO of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region, at a community event. Josh is also an active member of the DC Police Foundation. 

Follow Josh’s example and learn more about how to be prepared. If you want to make your own preparedness kit, the Red Cross website has a number of tips to get you started. You can also purchase a kit through the Red Cross store.

Over the River and Through the Woods

Holiday Travel Safety Tips for Wherever You Go 

By Kelly Norton, Volunteer Contributor 

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they're also the busiest - especially for the roads, rails, and skies.

As travelers embark on their Thanksgiving journeys this week, make sure your holiday travel is safe and stress-free:

By Road

• According to the US Department of Transportation, about 91% of long-distance holiday travel is by personal vehicle, such as a car. With so many people on the roads, make sure you're paying full attention. Avoid distractions by not using your cell phone while driving and keeping your radio volume low
• Give your car a thorough check before you hit the road. Fill up on gas and check the air pressure in the tires as well as the windshield fluid
• Obey the rules of the road especially the speed limit
• Also, buckle up at all times
• Take breaks and rotate drivers if needed
• Make sure to turn on the car's headlights when the sun starts to set
• Look up directions ahead of time and designate someone as navigator who will assist the driver
• Be respectful of your fellow drivers! It's the holiday season after all!

By Rail and Air

• 25.1 million people are projected to fly over the holidays according to Airlines for America. So help everything go smoothly by obeying the rules
• Listen to conductors, flights attendants, and pilots
• Wash your hands frequently. Many travelers mean many germs. Bring hand sanitzer with you if you can
• When waiting for a train, stay a safe distance away from the tracks
• Label all of your suitcases and make sure you don't forget any personal belongings under or over your seat

Fun Travel Tips

• For a long car ride, make a holiday playlist in advance, getting input from everyone who will be in the car. Having great songs to sing along to will make the trip faster and everyone will have contributed
• Have extra bubble wrap lying around? Make a fun travel game to play on your trip!
• Keep a travel journal and write down funny quotes or stories that happen along the way

Safe travels!!