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.

Your Ultimate Resource for Halloween Safety

By Ian Seth Levine, Volunteer

For Halloween, I’ve been Mr. Clean, a circus strongman, and Jaws (in a full bodysuit). Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, but it can be stressful, especially if you have children.You want them to be safe, of course. But you don’t have time to consult some of the most respected names in safety.  For example, the Food & Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Or, the American Association of Pediatrics and the National Safety Council. Or, the American Automobile Association, several insurance companies, and The American Red Cross. That’s why I’ve gathered the best tips into one place; and made them easier to read, so you have time for what matters most.

Costumes

Use non-toxic makeup instead of masks that may limit vision. Test the make up the day before, and look for signs of irritation.

Wear prescription contact lenses, and avoid ones that say you don't need to see a doctor.

Wear tailored, flame-resistant, and reflective costumes with shoes that fit well. Carry accessories (e.g., sword, cane, stick) that only look sharp.

Before Trick-or-Treating

Use party games, such as bobbing for apples, as an opportunity for kids to get in some physical activity. Scrub the apples under cool running water with a produce brush.

Light your pumpkin with a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to prevent house fires. Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers, then parents can do the cutting.

Remove anything a child could trip over, such as garden hoses, toys, bikes, and lawn decorations. Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Sweep wet leaves or snow from sidewalks and steps. Restrain pets so they don't jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

During Trick-or-Treating

Carry a new flashlight and place it face down in the treat bucket to free up one hand. Never shine it into the eyes of oncoming drivers.

Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street. Cross streets only at the corner, and never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.

Inspect treats for signs of tampering: unusual appearance, discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears. Throw away anything that looks suspicious, and call the police. In case of a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. Tell children not to accept anything that isn’t wrapped by a well-known company. Remove any choking hazards.

After Trick-or-Treating

Help prevent your child from getting Type 2 diabetes by playing with them for an hour a day.  Limit sugar-sweetened drinks and juice. Focus on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Limit screen time with televisions, tablets, and phones. See a dietician, often free through certain grocery chains.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

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 

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.

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 Volunteer Story: Ursula Allen

Written by: Melanie Benson, volunteer

Ursula Allen is no stranger to the value and impact of service to the community. Over her 15-year tenure as the Director of the Adventurer Club children’s group at the Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church (Metro) in Hyattsville, Maryland, she has led a variety of neighborhood outreach events.

After learning about opportunities with the Red Cross through fellow church leaders, Metro's first Red Cross event, a Community Safety Day, took place on February 18 of this year. Safety Day was full of events, not only for Ursula's youth group, but also for their families and church neighbors. Kids between the ages of 4-9 years old learned about fire safety and got to explore a fire truck up close. After learning and practicing how to exit a building, the Adventurers received their Fire Safety training award.

The Adventurers, along with older kids, also learned tips and tools to prepare for emergencies through the Red Cross Pillowcase Project. While encouraging kids' creativity by decorating their pillowcases, the Project taught the kids to stay safe in an emergency and to feel empowered through preparedness. Students were encouraged to share what they learned with family and friends, and to bring their new skills and pillowcase kits home.

While the children were learning safety skills, the adults also had opportunities to learn CPR training and first aid basics. Many in Metro's congregation set out, donning Red Cross vests, to install smoke detectors in neighborhood homes as part of the Red Cross' nationwide initiative to save lives, reduce injuries, and cut down on losses from home fires. Ursula emphasized the importance of this effort in advancing Metro's focus on ministry within the community. She shared an example of how Safety Day had a positive ripple effect. During the smoke detector installation sessions, she met an elderly gentleman who was on dialysis. Ursula has since returned to visit him, bringing warm meals, and introducing him to other church members.

Ursula sees the Community Safety Day as a resounding success with 65 participants, and many requests from parishioners to do it again. She notes that during Safety Day, her team was only able to reach about a quarter of the neighborhood, indicating how much more outreach is needed just in their immediate environs. She urges others to not shy away from the possibility of hosting or participating in such events, because by educating people and strengthening ties within their immediate neighborhood, communities become stronger, safer, and more self-reliant.

If you are interested in hosting a community outreach event, visit us here!

Reducing the Dangers of Fireplace Flames

by Emily Goff

There is nothing quite like the feeling of entering a toasty home after being out in the cold of winter, even if just for the single minute it takes to walk from the car to the front door. There is also nothing quite like the feeling of a nice, toasty fire in the fireplace and warming up among family and friends. However, there are many dangers that are involved when using a fireplace, and it is critical to remember the following tips if you wish to keep your house and loved ones safe.

1. Use wood that is both dry and seasoned and ensure an adequate amount of time, typically around a year, has passed since it was cut. Be mindful of the trees that burn in the safest manner – oak tends to be a reliable type for many people. Never experiment with different materials other than wood in the fireplace – a single piece of a wrong material could fill the room in burning-hot sparks or maybe even worse.
2. Chimney upkeep must be strictly regulated. Be sure to dust away the layers of ashes that accumulate at the bottom, Also, arrange to have a professional inspect your fireplace to ensure it is safe.
3. Crack open a window, even just the slightest bit, to ease the clouding of stifling smoke throughout the room while the fire is ablaze.
4. A fire screen made of glass or metal should be put up whenever a person is not tending the fire. Beware of the intense heat of fire screens.
5. Flammable items such as paper, rugs, and clothing need to remain a safe distance from the flames.
6. If necessary, mark a line at least three feet away from the hearth with masking tape that very young children cannot cross. Do not let infants, toddlers, and pets out of sight under these particular circumstances.
7. Your home must have a functioning fire extinguisher that everyone in the house knows the location of, as well as an established fire escape plan. A frenzy of panic and confusion could be fatal if the worst possible scenario, a home fire, arises. Knowing where to go, what to do, and whom to follow in the case of a fire could ultimately save your life.
8. Do not abandon the room until every last ember has died. Proceed to securely shut the glass door of the fireplace when finished.

Pretty manageable, right?

Ultimately, the peace of mind gained from following these eight guidelines is well worth the trouble and time. We have a long time until Spring, so make sure to master these tips to keep your house and loved ones safe and sound environment while staying warm in the midst of this long and chilly season!

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