Red Cross Volunteer Richard Wood: A Lifetime of Achievements – One Moment at a Time

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributor 

Richard Wood pulled a piece of paper from his desk drawer to recall the exact year he began his work with the Red Cross, explaining he does not focus on himself very often. That will momentarily have to change as Wood celebrates his selection as the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at the Dallas Red Cross Annual Awards on Thursday, June 27.

Working in the mental health field for 30 years, Wood found his ideal position as a volunteer for Disaster Mental Health at the Red Cross in 1994. While working with the community mental health department in Dallas at the time, Wood said Gov. Richards declared that MHMRs (Mental Health Mental Retardation workers) would work in disaster services to help the state.

“I took the training and we had a horrible tornado in Lancaster then, and I worked with the MHMRs and responded to the disaster,” Wood said. “I worked alongside the Red Cross members who were there working and said, ‘Oh, they’re doing it so much better than we were trained, so let me jump ship and start working with the Red Cross.’”

Wood said he liked the work the Red Cross was doing and it was much more organized than he was used to, leading him to decide to work with the Red Cross as a volunteer while keeping his job with the county.

Throughout his many years with the Red Cross, Wood said working with people in need of mental health services has been the most rewarding.

“The Red Cross has the program to help folks feel empowered about taking care of themselves and getting back to active participation in their life,” Wood said, “and providing support as needed and making referrals to places that might need to have longer term follow-up.”

He said he previously worked with chronic patients who had long-term, ongoing treatments with very slow recovery processes. Wood said, with the Red Cross, he was excited to do work, see changes and go on to a new task.

“We could see folks move on,” Wood said, “and we could move on ourselves.”

Today, Wood serves in an administrative role in the mental health department, which includes actively responding to disasters. He said he is grateful to the Red Cross for allowing him to continue his work after becoming disabled from a serious brain infection.

“I was actually supposed to not be able to work anymore,” Wood said. “At the Red Cross, I was actually able to continue the work I’m doing and be quite grateful I can continue to do that work on some level.”

After nearly 20 years of service to the Red Cross, being recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award was not an idea that had crossed Wood’s mind. He said he is both overwhelmed and surprised by the honor.

“I’m honored and humbled because I just think I’m kind of doing what I can do, and glad I can continue helping the community and help my team be better prepared to serve,” Wood said with a grin. “I wasn’t really looking for any kind of acknowledgement.”

The Red Cross uses volunteers of all kinds to make the mission of service to other possible. To become a Red Cross volunteer, visit us online at redcross.org.

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Celebrating Women's History Month: Jane Delano

Written by Catherine Carlton l Volunteer Contributor

The image of the Red Cross nurse has been part of our Red Cross brand, imagery and history for more than 100 years. That image, along with the inclusion of nurses considered as medical professionals, is with us today thanks to Jane Delano.

As part of Women's History Month, we are celebrating Jane (1862 - 1919) who founded the American Red Cross Nursing Service.

After a brief period of teaching, Delano enrolled in the Bellevue Training School for Nurses and graduated in 1886. Delano's first opportunity to perform public service nursing came in 1888, when she served as superintendent of a Jacksonville, Florida hospital treating victims of a yellow fever epidemic. Her superior executive and administrative skills quickly became evident, as she developed innovative nursing procedures for the patients under her care. Jacksonville is also where she realized the great need for providing health education and social services to rural communities.
From there Jane's career with the Red Cross continued to expand: During the Spanish-American War in 1898, she began her association with the American Red Cross by becoming a member of the New York Chapter where she served as the secretary for the enrollment of nurses. She worked hard to dignify the position of nurses in the medical community. Up to that time, nurses were not recognized as full members of the medical profession.

A woman of incredible energy, Delano served as superintendent of the Army Nurse Corps from 1909-1912 and chairman of the new National Committee on Red Cross Nursing Service and created the plan for the first volunteer nursing unit of the American Red Cross. She also served as president of the American Nurses' Association and chairman of the board of directors of the American Journal of Nursing. In 1912, Delano resigned from the Army Nurse Corps to volunteer full time with the Red Cross, focusing on recruiting more nurses.
Henry P. Davison, a leader of the American Red Cross during World War I, praised the contributions Jane Delano made to the nursing profession at the time of her death: "The value of what she did for our cause can never be measured. Appreciation of her individual services will grow as the knowledge of the work done by nurses during the world war becomes better known to the world. She was beloved by all who knew her. I am sure it can be said of Miss Delano that her thought from beginning to end was never for herself, but for the service of humanity."

To learn more about Red Cross nursing, visit redcross.org.

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From My Perspective: 2012 Red Cross Public Affairs Institute

By American Red Cross intern, Rex Anne Waggoner

Photos by American Red Cross volunteer, Ralph Navarro

From My Perspective is a blog series that tells stories about Red Cross events and happenings from the vision of a Red Cross worker. Our Public Affairs intern, Rex Anne Waggoner, attended our Public Affairs Institute in Dallas and is excited to share her thoughts on the experience with you on our blog!

I am an intern for the American Red Cross South Plains Regional Chapter and I was invited to partake in the Public Affairs Institute hosted by the North Texas Region on Feb. 18-19, 2012. I participated in three workshops on how the media and the Red Cross spokespersons communicate to have the Red Cross message delivered under duress (i.e. an apartment complex on fire or a National Disaster).

Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect, just that there would be Red Cross representatives from Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Our instructors were former journalists ranging from print to broadcast who have been in the field longer than I have been alive. I enjoyed listening to their accounts and experiences.

John Hoffmann and Robert Hinkle showed us how to be prepared when we are bombarded with questions by journalists which was an experience I needed to have. Concentrating between a pair of eyes and knowing there’s a camera always rolling was a reminder for me to not take a lax position in my Red Cross duties since we never know what does and doesn’t get edited out in the final cut.

Chris Yates, a former broadcast journalist who is also a social media entrepreneur, showed us how to make a video on the fly. I learned to always focus on audio when filming, otherwise the video is compromised and your message is tuned out.

Chris Osborne, a reporter, showed us how to make a Twitter account and use “Tweetspeak ,” to let the Red Cross chapters and the surrounding communities know about volunteer opportunities or vital messaging if there is a crisis. Chris informed us how much Twitter did help him during the Tornado disaster in his home town in Alabama last year.

My favorite class was “Talk to the Glass,” our on-camera course, since I thought it was good practice to not be unsettled with viewers watching me from their homes. I was nervous at first but I used my adrenaline to project my voice so I could be understood clearly. It was a good reminder that journalists are the conduit of my message but that I have to remain objective. At the end of the day my audience is everyone at home trying to obtain our vital messaging during disasters!

The shooting video and photography drill was fun since I got to be an “actress” while conveying the message of the Red Cross. I did find it challenging to answer the message in 15 to 90 seconds of my story pitch since I just didn’t know how to verbalize the Red Cross message effectively. That was a lesson for me!

Photography was an interesting viewpoint from Gene Dailey, a national Red Cross photographer. I learned about tackling different perspectives with the light always at my back to taking low-shots for the angle of the picture to convey a mood or a message and to apply the Rule of Thirds which was something I learned in my PR Graphics class here at Texas Tech.

Overall, I enjoyed my experience at the PA Institute and the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds, and be in a place where effective communication was a real-life application.

The Red Cross engages professional communicators to help accomplish our mission. If you’re a trained photographer, videographer, social media influencer or spokesperson, there is a place for you. Just click on http://www.redcross.org/ to find your local Red Cross chapter.

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The Power of One: Blood Services

By American Red Cross volunteer Joanna Jordan



Roger Warner, 64, has donated over 23 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. He started donating in the late 1970s when a friend with a cancer diagnosis needed blood.


“I thought it would be nice to do,” he says.

And it was. In fact, cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy treatment sometimes need blood as often as once a day. And without people like Roger, they wouldn’t be able to get their required transfusions.

Cancer patients aren’t the only people who find themselves in need of a blood transfusion. Someone in the United States — including car accident victims, newborns, sickle cell patients and so many others —needs blood every two seconds.

Roger says he’s happy to help provide blood for anyone who needs it.

“If one pint can maybe save three lives, that’s great. I think it’s good to do. If you’re physically able to do it, why not?” says Roger.

The Red Cross provides 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, and not without the donations of generous people like you. January is National Blood Month, so there’s no better time to do your part. Donate today!

Find out how to donate blood at http://www.redcrossblood.org/.

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Staying Lucky – And Safe! – at Outdoor Parades and Festivals

By Joanna Jordan, American Red Cross volunteer


St. Patrick’s Day is a big event in Dallas, with one of the largest parades in the country taking place in the middle of the city. We’re lucky to have such a spirited display of Irish pride and green shirts and faces. And you can stay lucky (and safe!) at your city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade or any other outdoor event by following a few health and safety tips.

1. Have a separation plan. If you’re going to an outdoor event with kids, make sure you talk about where to go and what to do if you get separated. Determine a meeting place that’s easy for kids to find.

2. Leave pets at home. Unless the event is advertised as pet friendly, you’ll want to leave your furry friends at home.

3. Dress appropriately. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring extra supplies if you’ll need to reapply. (Read your sunscreen bottle to determine when to reapply; every SPF is different!)

4. Bring water and snacks. You’ll want plenty of water, especially as temperatures heat up. Find out if the venue has water fountains where you can fill up your bottle. If you can’t fill up, you’ll want to bring more bottles. Snacks are a good idea, especially if you’re planning to be at the event for three hours or more or if you have kids with you.

5. Keep hand-held items to a minimum. One bag is plenty. The more you bring, the more you have a chance to lose.

6. Use caution when eating food cooked outdoors. Make sure your meat is fully cooked and any dairy is properly chilled.

7. Bring or wear insect repellent. If you’ll be spending your time at a park or other grassy area, you may need insect repellent. Spray it on before you go and as needed throughout the day.

8. Wash your hands after handling animals. If you’re at a petting zoo, or just a place where you’ve handled dogs or other animals, be sure to wash your hands before you eat. Hand sanitizer will work in place of soap and water if you’re in a pinch.

With just a little planning, you can stay safe (and lucky!) this St. Patrick’s Day and on into summer. Find out more about health and safety tips at RedCrossDallas.org

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The Power of One: Services to the Armed Forces

Written by Red Cross volunteer Amy Yen



For the past 69 years, the President of the United States has procalimed March as Red Cross Month. It is a time for us to come together as a country and reflect on how important the presence of the American Red Cross is to our lives, whether it is teaching us life saving CPR, repsonding to a house fire in our neighborhood or keeping us safe and comforted in a time of disaster. The scope of what the Red Cross does is massive, but sometimes the even more powerful perspective is taking a moment to look at how our organization changes lives one person at a time. Red Cross Dallas' Red Alert blog introduces The Power of One series in honor of Red Cross Month and the individuals that make the Red Cross so great.

Proud military mother Laura Tiede poses with a photo of her son.
Photo of courtesy of WFAA, Dallas

The American Red Cross helps thousands of victims of disasters, provides emergency military communications and saves lives because millions of Americans donate their time, money and blood to the movement each year. This Red Cross Month, we wanted to share the story of one of our supporters who knows that one phone call from the Red Cross will one day bring immeasurable comfort and aid to her family.

Last August, Laura Tiede, a legal assistant who works for Legal Aid in Fort Worth, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Days before she had surgery to have her gall bladder removed, her son Fred was deployed for his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Her colleagues at Legal Aid, where she has worked for 17 years, wanted to take up a collection to help her, but Laura had a different plan in mind. “I told them if they were going to take up a collection, to give it to the Red Cross,” said Laura. “Because if something were to happen to me, they would be the ones to contact my son’s Commanding Officer to get him home. Besides that, I’ve been watching what they do during disasters. The Red Cross selflessly goes wherever there’s a problem. I felt pretty strongly about it.”

Laura’s co-workers at Legal Aid decided to hold a blood drive in her honor on Veteran’s Day last November, where more than 30 people gave blood. That was enough to help 81 patients while honoring Laura’s son and other soldiers serving their country.

Although her doctors originally told her she would only have months to live, Laura has kept fighting. Her company plans to make the Veteran’s Day blood drive an annual affair. And her son has been recalled back to the U.S. because of her condition and is now due to be stationed at Foot Hood in Texas.

Laura’s commitment to the Red Cross continues to be a true inspiration to everyone around her. “I think it’s a great organization. I think everybody should support it,” she said. “I would tell people, if you had a disaster, who would show up? If your apartment burned down, who would show up? It’s the Red Cross. They come with clothes and food and they take care of you. The Red Cross is there for everyone. If something happens, out come the trucks, like ants. I hope everyone will donate and give blood.”

Thank you, Laura, for reminding us during Red Cross Month that one person’s commitment to our mission can save countless lives.

Since the Civil War, the American Red Cross has been taking care of members of the United States military and their families. Read more about how the Red Cross helps the Armed Forces and military families and how to host your own blood drive for Red Cross Month.

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High Waters: High Alert

Rain, a much welcomed sight in Texas but when it pounds the dry ground for hours, much like it has over the last few hours, concerns for public safety quickly take the spotlight. 

 Flood Safety Checklist [PDF]

What should I do?

• Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• 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.
• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• 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.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
• Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at www.FloodSmart.gov.

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EXTREME CAUTION NEEDED: Don't Let High Winds Lead to Disaster

What should I do if there are reports of wild fires in my area?

With high winds whipping from one end of the state of Texas to the other, it's critical that we all use extreme caution until the danger passes. Do not use anything outdoors that could create a spark such as outdoor grills or welding machines. Avoid discarding cigarette butts from car windows and extinguish cigars/cigarettes only in safe containers. One spark could create a disastrous situation for our communities so use caution!

If a wildfire should occur, read the steps below to get out safely.

Be Red Cross Ready - Wild Fire Safety Checklist [PDF]

• Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
• Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
• Always back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
• Confine pets to one room so that you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area.

Limit exposure to smoke and dust.

• Listen and watch for air quality reports and health warnings about smoke.
• Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• Use the recycle or re­circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you do not have air conditioning and it is too hot to stay inside with closed windows, seek shelter elsewhere.
• When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves. Do not vacuum because it stirs up particles that are already inside your home.
• If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your health care provider's advice and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen. 

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Winter is Here! Be Red Cross Ready With These Winter Safety Tips

By Catherine Carolton, Volunteer Writer, American Red Cross

The holiday season is about the weather changing, being thankful, spending time with family, giving back, celebrating Christmas, Hannahuk, Kwanzaa and more, and, in my case at least, eating -- too much. With old man winter coming to visit, it's an opportunity for Red Cross to educate and remind us about how to be safe as we're driving, shopping, cooking and entertaining.


Winter Storms

The Red Cross has tips for you to review before, during and after a storm. Bundle up, don't drive if you don't have to and listen to the news/radio for updates in your area. Learn more here.

Driving

Take your safe driving to the next level during storms -- allow for extra distance between cars, brake gently and slowly to feel hw much traction you have. Double check you have a safety kit in your car in the event of an accident: batteries, flashlights, water, non-perishable food and a blanket. Learn more.

Staying Warm

Be sure you weatherize your home so you keep the hot air inside and don't "heat the neighborhood" as your mom use to warn. A few minutes can save you energy -- and money - and keep you warm. Be sure to fill all those nooks, crannies and cracks where the warm air can escape. Change your furnace filter monthly. Use a programmable thermostat - not a BBQ or oven to heat your house. A space heater can be a great way to heat one area, just be sure you follow safety tips. Here's a few more no-cost holiday energy-efficiency tips.

So weather you're at home or out, be sure to remember these safety tips to enjoy your holidays to their fullest. And be sure to check on your friends, family and neighbors to be sure they are safe during the next holiday storm.

Our favorite way to remember the importance of being prepared for winter is the fable of the ant and the grasshopper. Do any of you remember this video?

What are some ways you take extra caution?

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Photos: Veterans Day Parade 11/11/11

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Power Outage Tips To Keep You and Your Family Safe

High temperatures don’t just cause discomfort, they can be deadly and can cause a whole host of other problems that you would only expect during a disaster. Power outages are one very real concern. As air conditioners are running at maximum capacity, there is a heavier demand on the energy grid. Sometimes this can result in widespread unexpected power outages, other times areas institute “rolling blackouts” to help ease the demand. Either way, you could be without power which means you and your family are completely without air conditioning, your food could quickly spoil and you need a plan. Make sure you have alternative places to go to stay cool if something like this happens. You and your family should have a plan ready to go just as you would in any other situation. Here are other helpful tips to keep you and your family safe should you lose power.

What should I do during a power outage?

Keep food as safe as possible.

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours.
• Then use food from the freezer. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
• Use your non­perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer.
• If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.
• Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep it covered at all times.

Electrical equipment

• Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
• Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
• Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.
• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.

Using generators safely

• When using a portable generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a portable generator to a home’s electrical system.
• If you are considering getting a generator, get advice from a professional, such as an electrician. Make sure that the generator you purchase is rated for the power that you think you will need.

What should I do when the power comes back on?

Do not touch any electrical power lines and keep your family away from them. Report downed power lines to the appropriate officials in your area.

Throw out unsafe food.

• Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Never taste food or rely on appearance or odor to determine its safety. Some foods may look and smell fine, but if they have been at room temperature too long, bacteria causing food­borne illnesses can start growing quickly. Some types of bacteria produce toxins that cannot be destroyed by cooking.
• If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
• If you are not sure food is cold enough, take its temperature with the food thermometer. Throw out any foods (meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been exposed to temperatures higher than 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture, or feels warm to touch.

Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal­burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
• If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.
• Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

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Disaster Update: Tornadoes in Texas

Rope tornado over Denton, Texas on May 24, 2011 at 8:05pm. Photo Credit: Brian Vinson (@brianvinson on Twitter)

After fanning out across the area to assess damage left behind by violent storms on Tuesday night, Red Cross teams have discovered that more than 100 homes received some type of damage. The breakdown is as follows:

(2) Homes Destroyed (both in Dallas County)
(32) Homes with Major Damage (Dallas Apartment Building)
(79) Homes with Minor Damage such as fences down, trees down, shingles off, windows out

In all, 113 families were affected by the storms. For those families who have no home left, the American Red Cross is assisting them with a safe place to stay and assistance so they can purchase new clothing, new shoes, groceries, items for their kids and more.

Given the seriousness of the storms, the Red Cross is relieved that more people didn’t suffer. For many, they recognized that they were not fully prepared for the intensity of the storms, so the Red Cross has created a site with free information that can help residents learn what to do if a tornado is approaching and they’re at work, at school, in a vehicle, mobile home and more. The best time to get educated about tornadoes is before the sky is rotating so citizens are encouraged to visit www.redcrossdallas.org/blog for helpful information.

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Red Cross Gearing up for Mississippi River Flooding

The American Red Cross is ramping up to help people along the Mississippi River, where forecasters are predicting potentially catastrophic flooding may occur starting later this week. The Red Cross is sending trained volunteers and supplies to the areas of Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana threatened by the record flooding. Shelters are opening in some parts of those states.

Tom Elliott, an American Red Cross Disaster Volunteer from Dallas, Texas, was sent to Mississippi last week to help with the deadly tornado outbreak. Little did he know that a week later, his team would not only be responding to that disaster, but that they would be gearing up for one that could be even worse.

“We’re preparing for Vicksburg, MS to crest on the 21st,” said Elliott. “We’re planning to open four large shelters on the western side of the state and two large kitchens. We’re not even wrapped up with the first disaster and now the people of Mississippi have to face a second.”

Across the south, deadly tornadoes destroyed or damaged as many as 13,000 homes in recent weeks. The Red Cross estimates the costs of its responses to the April tornadoes, Texas wildfires, flooding and other disasters since March 31 could reach $31 million—with the response to the Mississippi River flooding expected to drive relief expenses even higher. As of Thursday, May 5, the Red Cross had raised about $16 million for disaster response since March 31.

Thousands of people have been affected by recent disasters. Please consider making a donation today by clicking on www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions can also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

The Red Cross has launched 20 separate relief operations over more than half of the United States since March 31. A total of 27 disaster relief experts from Dallas, Texas are currently on assignment in MS, AL, AR, or TN. More are expected to deploy in the days and weeks ahead.

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Prepare for Another Round of Severe Weather Across North Texas

Photo courtesy of NWS/NOAA

Over the last week, it seems every time you turn around there is yet another severe weather alert being issued. Today is no different as Dallas County has been placed under a Tornado Watch until 6:00 p.m. along with other areas in the Metroplex. While you should already have a plan in place for these severe weather dangers that continue to occur, if you don’t have a tornado plan yet the time to procrastinate is over. Take a few moments today to make sure you are ready to move to your safe place if the time comes. Here are some tips to prepare and some items you may need if severe weather threatens your neighborhood.

Know the Difference

Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives!

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately under ground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom).

Ways You Can Prepare

The following are procedures you should follow in order to prepare your family for tornadoes:

• Pick a safe place in your home where family members could gather during a tornado, windstorm or major hail storm. The safest place to be is underground, or as low to the ground as possible, and away from all windows. Unfortunately, many residents in the Metroplex do not have basements, therefore an interior hallway or room on the lowest floor is the best choice. Putting as many walls between you and the outside will provide additional protection. Also make sure there are no windows or glass doors in your safe place and keep this place uncluttered.
  
  
• Get out of your mobile home and choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. Mobile homes are much more vulnerable to strong winds than site-built structures. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your family's safe place.
  
  
• If you are in a vehicle, get out immediately. Find a sturdy nearby structure and take shelter. If there is no building nearby, go to a low-lying area until the storm passes. Taking cover under bridges is not recommended.
  
  
• If you are in a high-rise building, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Center hallways are often structurally the most reinforced part of a building.
  
  
• Check with your work and your children's schools and day care centers to learn tornado emergency plans. Every building has different safe places. It is important to know where they are and how to get there in an emergency.
  
• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. This kit should be kept near your safe room, whether at home, work or school, and should contain supplies such as bottled water, flashlights with extra batteries, first aid supplies, an AM/FM or NOAA Weather radio and additional important items.
  
  
• Conduct periodic tornado drills so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching. Practice having everyone in the family go to your designated area in response to a tornado threat. Practicing your plan makes the appropriate response more of a reaction, requiring less thinking time during an actual emergency situation.
  
  
• Discuss tornadoes with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing disaster ahead of time helps reduce fear and lets everyone know how to respond during a tornado.
  
  
• Log on to www.redcross.org to download free tips on getting prepared for severe weather.

In the event that severe weather does impact the North Texas area, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter will be ready to respond. Real-time updates for any responses can be found by following @RedCrossDallas on Twitter.

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Celebrating 100 Years of Service by Continuing to Serve

As wildfires continue to rage in Texas and Oklahoma and thousands are picking up the pieces after one of the nation’s worst tornado outbreaks in recent history, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter is providing help and hope, as it has done for the last 100 years. Help us celebrate 100 years of service by donating to help disaster victims recover. Financial donations are needed so that families across the nation can lean on the Red Cross for support.

In Texas alone, nearly 150 Red Cross volunteers are on the ground at wildfires making sure families and firefighters have food and water. In hard-hit Oklahoma and North Carolina, Red Cross teams are providing mobile feeding, clean-up supplies and a lot of mental health support for the grieving. Right here in our area, the Red Cross was needed this week because an apartment fire that displaced 72 residents.

Today, the Dallas Area Chapter turns 100 years old. We’re celebrating by doing what we’ve always done – providing help and hope to victims of disaster. Celebrate with us by making a donation! Click on www.redcross.org, text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

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Spring Forward With Your Plans for Severe Weather

An American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle brings food and drinks to families and volunteers on a street devastated by a tornado in Mapleton, Iowa.
Photo Credit: Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross

Spring is here! Just a few weeks ago, we set our clocks forward and lost an hour of beloved sleep. Now, it’s time to move forward with our plans to prepare for severe weather, which, if left undone, could leave us without things much more important than a few extra taps of the snooze button. Springtime brings beautiful flowers and warmer temps, but Mother Nature also has tornadoes up her sleeve. The Red Cross is urging all North Texans to assemble disaster supply kits and make plans now.

Know the Difference

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Severe Thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.
In times of inclement weather, be sure to listen for storm watches and warnings and act accordingly. Knowing the difference between watches and warnings and following can help save lives.

Ways You Can Prepare

The following are procedures you should follow in order to prepare your family for tornadoes:

• Pick a safe place in your home where family members could gather during a tornado, windstorm or major hail storm. The safest place to be is underground, or as low to the ground as possible, and away from all windows. Unfortunately, many residents in the Metroplex do not have basements, therefore an interior hallway or room on the lowest floor is the best choice. Putting as many walls between you and the outside will provide additional protection. Also make sure there are no windows or glass doors in your safe place and keep this place uncluttered.
  
  
• Get out of your mobile home and choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. Mobile homes are much more vulnerable to strong winds than site-built structures. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your family's safe place.
  
  
• If you are in a vehicle, get out immediately. Find a sturdy nearby structure and take shelter. If there is no building nearby, go to a low-lying area until the storm passes. Taking cover under bridges is not recommended.
  
  
• If you are in a high-rise building, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Center hallways are often structurally the most reinforced part of a building.
  
  
• Check with your work and your children's schools and day care centers to learn tornado emergency plans. Every building has different safe places. It is important to know where they are and how to get there in an emergency.
  
  
• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. This kit should be kept near your safe room, whether at home, work or school, and should contain supplies such as bottled water, flashlights with extra batteries, first aid supplies, an AM/FM or NOAA Weather radio and additional important items.
  
  
• Conduct periodic tornado drills so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching. Practice having everyone in the family go to your designated area in response to a tornado threat. Practicing your plan makes the appropriate response more of a reaction, requiring less thinking time during an actual emergency situation.
  
  
• Discuss tornadoes with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing disaster ahead of time helps reduce fear and lets everyone know how to respond during a tornado.
  
  
• Take an online “Be Red Cross Ready” course. This 15-minute interactive course will ensure that you’ve got everything you need on-hand before the storm hits. To find the course, go to www.redcross.org/beredcrossready.
  
  
• Log on to www.redcross.org to download free tips on getting prepared for severe weather.
  
  

In the event that severe weather does impact the North Texas area, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter will be ready to respond. Real-time updates for any responses can be found by following @RedCrossDallas on Twitter.

Storm photos from the American Red Cross' Photostream on Flickr

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Social Media Club of Dallas to Host "Dallas 4 Japan"

On Thursday, March 24th, the Social Media Club of Dallas will host "Dallas 4 Japan," a networking event and fundraiser for the American Red Cross. The event will be held at the Aloft Hotel in Dallas from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Donations from this event will go to support the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in Japan. Grab your tickets now!

We hope to see you there! Can't make it? You can follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #Dallas4Japan.

Watch this moving video and make plans to attend this event!

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Red Cross Launches Emergency Appeal for Money and Blood

The recent winter storms in North Texas have taken their toll. In a short four day period, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter responded to 18 residential structure fires, opened four shelters, one warming center and delivered supplies by the hundreds to the Greyhound bus station. When the sun finally broke through, the loss to the organization was apparent. More than $22,000, nearly half of the monthly budget for disaster assistance at the Dallas chapter, was distributed in four days. And a shocking total of 155 people found themselves depending on the Red Cross for help.

While the volunteers in disaster services were busy responding to dire needs from home and apartment fires, the polar opposite was happening in the Red Cross Blood Services unit. Due to unsafe roadways, blood drives in Dallas/Fort Worth were cancelled for an unprecedented four days. That, combined with the catastrophic winter weather nation-wide, has created a state of emergency. In total, the agency is down by 28,000 pints of blood. A unit of blood can save up to three lives.

In a rare move, the American Red Cross in Dallas, Texas has issued an emergency appeal for financial and blood donations in order to replace the supply that has been deleted.

“We need money to respond to disasters, and we need blood to save lives”, said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, chief executive officer, American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter. “So we’re urging our community to take action this week. You want your Red Cross to be able to respond on a moment’s notice, and we can only do that with fully stocked shelves in our blood unit and in our disaster relief warehouse”.

To make a financial donation to the American Red Cross, go to www.redcrossdallas.org, text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 or call 214-678-4800.

To make a life-saving blood donation, go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

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American Red Cross to Launch Newest and Cutest Creation to Help the Littlest Disaster Victims

"Piper the Puppy" to make Maiden Voyage on January 19, 2011

WHAT: The American Red Cross in Dallas, Texas is excited to launch “Piper the Puppy”, the newest and cutest tool to help local children affected by home fires. Not only will “Piper the Puppy” bring comfort to kids on the curb after a fire, it will also serve as a new and creative funding stream for the local chapter.

Individuals, corporations, school groups, civic organizations and the like can donate $100 for a “Piper the Puppy” and their name will be written on Piper’s paw. From there, Piper will be placed on a Disaster Relief Vehicle and when the time comes, he will be handed out to a child at a fire scene. Next, the Red Cross will alert the donor that their “Piper the Puppy” was given out. For the Red Cross, funds generated from the adoption of Piper’s could total as much as $150,000 each year, with those dollars supporting disaster relief efforts.

WHERE: "Piper the Puppy” will be loaded onto Red Cross relief trucks for the first time on January 19 at the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter, 4800 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas

WHEN: Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 10:00a.m.-10:30a.m.

VISUALS: “Piper the Puppy” will be loaded onto an American Red Cross Relief Vehicle by Suzy Bashore, the idea generator for “Piper the Puppy” and member of the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle Society of Women Leaders in Dallas. She’ll be assisted by Red Cross volunteers who will likely be handing the first Piper out to a child at a home fire before the end of the day.

BACKGROUND: “Piper the Puppy” is the brainchild of Suzy Bashore, an American Red Cross donor and volunteer in Dallas for the past seven years. Her concept creation will start in Dallas, but is already being adopted by other Red Cross chapters around the nation. Anyone interested in donating $100 towards the “Piper the Puppy” project can go to www.redcrossdallas.org/piper. All donations are used to provide disaster assistance such as food, new clothing, new shoes, hygiene supplies and more to families burned out of their homes.

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Celebrities Support Red Cross Holiday Giving Campaign

Television, movie and music personalities urge people to give the gift that saves the day



More than a dozen celebrities are urging their fans and the public to donate to the American Red Cross this holiday season and give a gift that could save the day for someone in need.

Celebrities who are actively encouraging support for the Red Cross holiday giving campaign include actors Josh Duhamel, Marlee Matlin, Jane Seymour, Jackie Chan and Jimmy Smits; television personalities Dr. Phil McGraw, Nancy O’Dell and Leeza Gibbons; and award-winning music stars Chayanne, Reba, Rascal Flatts, Wynonna Judd, Sara Evans and Pat Green. All are members of the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet.

The Red Cross holiday giving campaign features an online “Gifts that Save the Day” catalog that enables people to make a tax-deductible charitable donation this holiday season that could provide food and shelter for a disaster victim for a day; a military comfort kit with a robe, phone or music card and other supplies for a wounded warrior; or basic necessities for a family who lost everything in a disaster.

Catalog gifts are contributions toward a Red Cross program area, not a donation to a specific project or item. The donations will be used to provide assistance where it is needed most within the program area; the remaining money is put to use where it is needed most. Many mobile phone owners can also make a $25 donation by texting GIFT to 90999.

Smits narrates the Red Cross holiday television advertisement, now airing across the country this season, which describes the Red Cross moment when people go from despair to hope during an emergency or disaster.

“This holiday season, I’m giving the gift of hope by supporting my local American Red Cross,” Reba said in a video message about the campaign. “Instead of sweaters and ties, I’m giving gifts from the Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog.” Reba also has sent an e-mail to Red Cross supporters nationwide encouraging them to donate this holiday season.

Seymour is the primary celebrity spokesperson for the campaign and will be participating in a series of television and radio interviews promoting support of the Red Cross the last week of December, a time when many people make year-end tax-deductible donations to charities.

“Perhaps it’s because my father was a doctor, or because I played one on television, but I think my favorite gift in the catalog is the gift of vaccination against measles,” Seymour said. “It’s a great honor to be asked to take part in this worthwhile endeavor for the American Red Cross. I can tell you from personal experience that the time I spend volunteering has enriched my life.”

“You can really make a difference for a lot of families by contributing to the Red Cross Holiday Gift catalog,” said Duhamel, who promoted giving to the Red Cross during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. Dr. Phil shared Red Cross inspirational items for military members on his recent holiday show. Donations in support of members of the military are among the most popular Red Cross contributions.

Celebrities are also reaching tens of millions of their fans and supporters by using their digital media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and websites to promote donations to the Red Cross.
For example, Judd informed her Twitter followers, “$25 vaccinates 25 children around the world against measles. Wanna help? http://bit.ly/RCHoliday.” Chayanne, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Matlin, O’Dell, Evans, Green, Gibbons and Chan have “tweeted” or made Facebook or website postings, urging their followers to support the Red Cross holiday campaign.

Each celebrity’s work on the holiday campaign is just the latest example of their support of the Red Cross.

A recent Red Cross survey showed that despite the economy that has impacted so many Americans, people plan to give to charity this holiday season, with nearly six in ten (57 percent) planning to donate at least $50 to charitable causes over the holidays.

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