Parent’s Guide to Surviving New Year’s Eve

by Sydney Holt, volunteer contributor

Ringing in the New Year often comes with added pressure and last-minute, frantic planning. If you’re lucky enough to snag a sitter, you may be tempted to run out the door the second they arrive, shoes-in-hand with a purse only big enough to hold lipstick and identification. Before you do, take 10 minutes to complete this simple NYE checklist from American Red Cross.

• Contact info – this may seem like a no brainer, but there’s more to it than just giving your contact information. Be sure to save the caregiver’s contact info in your phone, and write the number down on a slip of paper for safekeeping in your purse or pocket in case you phone battery dies or goes missing.
• Emergency Contact Sheet – Your sitter may not be familiar with your area like you are. In the event you can’t be contacted, be sure to leave an Emergency Contact Sheet. You can make your own, or use a template like this one from BabyCenter.com.
• CPR – Anyone watching your child should be CPR & AED certified. In addition, always leave a healthcare authorization form that allows your babysitter or childcare provider to get medical attention for your child.
• Activity Schedule – The New Year brings excitement for both the young and the young at heart. Be sure to leave plenty of indoor activity ideas for the kiddos and you’re guaranteed an uninterrupted night of friends, laughter and dancing! 

PS: Want to be sure you're leaving the kiddos in the safest hands possible? Get a babysitter who is Red Cross trained!

Happy New Year!

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Be Red Cross Ready...to Survive the Hunger Games!

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributor

We all wish we could wield a bow and arrow like Katniss or perfectly camouflage ourselves like Peeta. Unfortunately, most of us cannot quite compare to the wide range of skills the tributes in The Hunger Games possess. However, we have a resource the tributes do not: the Red Cross. So how would you fare if you absorbed all the Red Cross has to offer?

What to grab from the cornucopia? Look for the Red Cross logo. Red Cross sells first aid kits that would prove to be beneficial in a variety of events. There are also a variety of emergency preparedness materials such as kits and radios.

Preparedness is key. A variety of resources are provided by Red Cross for a plethora of emergencies that may occur. During the Hunger Games, nothing is off limits. Get started on becoming the most knowledgeable tribute you can be.

You have a smartphone! There are a variety of apps that can help you survive. Download the free Red Cross First Aid app. The app will provide advice on how to act if someone breaks a bone, has a head injury, gets heat stroke and more. There is also an emergency first aid function that instantly provides lifesaving advice.

Also try the wildfire app. This app will provide information on what to do before, during and after a wildfire. The game makers love fire, so be ready.

If you form an alliance with a younger tribute…you want to be prepared! Red Cross provides babysitter training classes that will allow you to best care for your new friend. The little ones can be quiet, sneaky and very helpful if you befriend them.

In case you want to save someone…for some reason…The first minutes after an accident are crucial. Take the Red Cross First Aid training course to know how to provide the best life-saving care possible. 

Dive into the games. Water being thrown at you is almost inevitable. A lake could be the starting point, or a flash flood could suddenly rush your way. Red Cross provides swimming and water safety classes that will keep you afloat. Search for classes near you here.

You survived….Now what? Disaster Mental Health Services provided by Red Cross serves as free counseling and support after a disaster. Coping with what happened is hard, but trained volunteers help people accept their situation and cope with their emotions. Here are some tips.

If being a part of the Hunger Games is not for you, no worries! Hunger Games: Catching Fire will be in theaters November 22. Live vicariously through Katniss and the rest of the gang in the second film of the trilogy. Truthfully, Red Cross provides countless services that better the quality of everyday life. To learn more about functions such as emergency preparedness and disaster services, visit redcross.org & may the odds be ever in your favor!

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Back to School Tips for a Safe and Successful School Year

by Natalie Horn, volunteer contributor

The summer heat has showed no signs of cooling down, and at the risk of stating the obvious, it has truly been a scorcher. The sweltering heat we have come to expect this time of the year is just getting started and, if you can believe it, it’s time for a new school year already! There is no way you could have forgotten, right? Back to School advertisements are inundating you through every medium: television, radio, even at the door of every local store you enter, beckoning you to hit up their back to school sales.

Although we know how important it is to save money on school supplies and look your absolute best for that first day (She totally HAS to have those jeans, Mom), take a moment to make sure you are preparing your child for a successful and safe year with these tips:

Walk the Walk

This heat isn’t goin’ anywhere, folks. If your children are walking to and from school, lightweight clothing to stay cool is a must as well as sunscreen. Lather up with that SPF because nothing is worse than a sunburn on picture day! Another risk from this insane heat wave is dehydration. Always make sure you have packed a sufficient amount of water to quench their thirst during the journey home. Finally, and most importantly, remember to also teach your children about stranger danger! Remind them to avoid contact with strangers, and to never get in the car with anyone, even if they are familiar.

Carpooling

If you are driving children home from school, providing a snack in the car is very important. Children often have lunch during the early part of the school day and providing an afternoon bite can give children the energy they need for homework or after school activities. For example, running errands after school is very common for riders, so please consider that these little tykes may be famished after a long day of learning. Also remember to always buckle up before take off!

The Bikers

A majority of children love riding their bikes to school. If your child is an aspiring BMX rider, always make sure he or she is wearing a bike helmet and has reflective gear on the bicycle. Helmets save lives!

Home Alone

Sometimes, due to work schedules, children may arrive home before their parents. Be sure to provide all emergency numbers for them in an appropriate place near a telephone in the home. Home Alonewouldn’t have been a blockbuster hit if Kevin McAllister’s parents had provided him with an “in case of emergency” contact! It is very important that your kids understand the significance of reacting quickly during a moment of crisis. This means knowing how to contact local law enforcement, having multiple exits from the home in case of emergency and a safe place for the home preparedness kit is.

Life Saver

Another great way to make sure that a home with small children is prepared for disasters is to become a CPR/First Aid trained parent. You never know when a child will need life-saving skills performed on them, and whether it is your child or someone else’s, being trained in CPR and First Aid allows you to bring that service to your family and community. To sign up for this vital training with the Red Cross in your area, click here. Or at the very least, download the Red Cross First Aid app for tips on what to do in everyday emergencies.

So as the air gets crisp, the leaves change colors and the kiddos return to school, please remember to sit down as a family to discuss scheduling, good school behavior, and, of course, safety.

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Safety Tips for Dad

by Natalie Horn, volunteer contributor

Every Father’s Day, families come together to celebrate their dear old dads who have sacrificed so much to raise the next generation great of Americans. Whatever you did to honor Dad this Father’s Day--be it a backyard barbeque, home improvement project or fun-filled day on the water--here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

For Grill Master Dad:

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay if father to Sophie, 17.

Your dad may not possess the same culinary expertise as Bobby Flay, but chances are he grills a mean burger. If your dad fancies himself a grill master, be sure he follows basic grill safety. Only use charcoal and propane grills when outdoors and place them far away from the home, deck railings or any overhanging branches. Always keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave your grill unattended. 

For Do-It-Yourself Dad:

Matt Muenster of DIY Network's 'Bath Crashers' has 2 children

Has your dad been watching too much DIY Network or HGTV? Does he have a grand vision to transform the garage into a fully functioning man cave, complete with a custom built entertainment center? Whatever Dad’s latest project is, it’s important that the whole family be prepared to administer basic first aid, because accidents happen - especially when power tools are involved!

Download the Red Cross First Aid app for simple step-by-step instructions to guide you through everyday first aid scenarios. The app is available free for iPhone and Android devices, and gives you instant access to the information you need to know to handle the most common first aid emergencies without even needing a data connection!

For Captain Dad:

Mark Wahlberg, Hollywood actor & father of four,
starred in the 200 disaster film 'A Perfect Storm.'
He probably should have worn a life vest.

A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for! If it's ships ahoy for your dad this summer, it’s imperative that all aboard observe boat safety.

Boaters should always wear life jackets on the water, most importantly children under 13 and non-swimmers. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the majority of drowning fatalities occur because the victim was not wearing a life jacket. Also, never consume alcohol while operating a boat or any motor-vehicle as it can impair your judgment and coordination. Visit the RedCross.org to enroll in a CPR training course today.

We all love Dad, so let’s keep him around for a few more years. Urge him and the rest of the family to be prepared for anything. For the latest first aid and CPR training class schedule, visit RedCross.org.

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Going Out or Staying In: How to Have the Best New Year's, Red Cross Style

Pick out a glitter-clad outfit; break out the horns and tiaras and find someone to kiss because it's New Year's Eve! Whether you're going out for a show-stopping Big D NYE celebration or hosting the best party in town at your place or on your boat, you'll want to check out these tips for a safe and fun celebration with your besties.

Staying In

The Decor

• Be aware of open flames around highly flammable paper decor and aerosol streamers.
• Designate one place for your guests to smoke, preferably outside, on either the porch or in the yard.
• Don't hang decorations where they may come loose and block an entryway or exit, like hide-and-seek-friendly closets.
• Remember decorations can pose a choking threat for children and adults alike. A good rule of thumb is, if an object can be passed through an empty toilet paper roll, it can be a choking hazard. Brush up on CPR and first aid before hosting the party of the year.
• Metal noisemakers with bells and whistles may be dropped and damaged. If they do, they could have sharp edges or cause someone to trip or choke.
• Double check your Red Cross Ready Kit and replenish it for the New Year.

The Kiddies

• Don't overlook the little ones! Prevent unwanted tumbles and wandering into unsafe areas by keeping stairways and dangerous areas closed off.
• Keep kid-friendly punch in different cups and in different color than the adult version.
• Curious fingers like to touch all the cool new stuff all over the house. Remember to keep in mind kids when buying party favors.

The Pets

• Pets love decorations as much as you do. Pick them up if they fall or break to keep them from becoming a danger to man's best friend.
• If people will be coming and going, keep your pets out of areas where they may get loose and wander outside.
• Keep the pets and kids safe by watching their interactions. Many accidents between the two can be avoided by separation.
• Don't put your pet in a situation of confusion and loud noises. Keep them in a safe, quiet place for the majority of the party and bring them out when things are more quiet and less chaotic.
• Fido needs his party clothes on too. Make sure your pet has his shots and his collar has an identification tag on it so if your pet goes missing, you can get him or her back.

Firearms and Fireworks

• Some people celebrate New Year's Eve with fireworks and firearms. Remember they are unstable and unpredictable and only as good as the person who makes them.
• Explosives are safest in no hands - in other words, leave the fireworks and explosives to the professionals.
• Children are very curious and will take the chance to get their hands on a firearm if possible.
• Adults who have been drinking and firearms don't mix well either. Keep the unattainable during a party and be aware of your surroundings.

Boaters, Be'ware

• If you'll be on a boat, wear your lifevest... consider it your New Year's bling. It's safe and fashion-forward.
• Don't drink and drive - period.
• The coast guard can request a safety inspection of your boat at any time. Don't go places you aren't familiar with and keep land in sight at all times.
• Turn your lights on if you'll be on the water after dark.
• No explosives. A sunk boat cannot get you safely back to land.
• Know the laws and rules of the water to keep your family and friends safe.

Out on the town

• Don't drink and drive - it bears repeating here. A designated driver or cab costs much less than a DWI, jail time or possible loss of life.
• If you are the designated driver, get a headcount before party-hopping.
• Don't leave a party with someone you don't know. It's better to go out with friends than to go alone.
• Don't leave your food or beverages unattended. It's easy for someone to slip something into your drink while it's in your hand, so imagine how much easier it is if you aren't paying attention.
• Don't accept drinks from a stranger. If someone wants to buy you a drink, get it directly from the bartender or waitress.
• Watch your exits! If you need to get out of there quickly, you'll need to know where to go.

So, brush up on the the words of Auld Lang Syne and have a happy (and safe) New Year's Eve! What are your New Year's plans?

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Area Lifeguards Prepare for the Ultimate Challenge

When you take your children to a public pool or water park this summer, you want to know with certainty that the lifeguard on duty knows what to do in the event of an emergency. On Wednesday and Thursday, July 13-14, 2011, 43 lifeguard teams from North Texas, Houston, Oklahoma and Arkansas will gather together for the annual “North Texas Guard Games”, a competition where lifeguards are tested on their ability to recognize and treat a spinal injury, perform a water rescue and CPR, respond to active and passive drowning victims and more.

Event Details:

• Wednesday, July 13, 2011
• Sun Valley Aquatic Center, 801 S. Valley Pkwy., Lewisville (behind Lewisville High School)
• Opening Ceremonies: 11:30a.m.
• Competition: Noon-2:00p.m. (continued on Thursday, July 14, 8:00a.m.-Noon)

Already, nearly 80 children have died from drowning in the state of Texas this year. Most of those were in unsupervised waters.

A child can drown in as little as one inch of water so it’s critical to keep constant eye contact while children are in the water. It is best to take kids to an establishment with a certified lifeguard. All families with a backyard pool should have at least one adult trained in CPR and First Aid.

If you’re interested in becoming a trained lifeguard, contact the American Red Cross at http://www.redcrossdallas.org/.

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Save-a-Life Saturday Photos

To honor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and all those involved in the Tucson tragedy, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter offered free lifesaving training on Saturday, March 19, 2011. Thank you to the 400+ people who learned lifesaving training. Check out these photos from the event:

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This is True Inspiration!

Ever thought about just quitting your job and doing something to make the world a better place? Well, let this story be your guide!

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Say "bye bye" to boo-boos!

I'm always up for finding out about new preparedness products. These products are perfect for your little princes and princesses. They were listed on today's Daily Candy for Kids.

Check them out before you need to call the waaaaaaaaaaaaambulance!

Medibag 4 Kids

The medibag has all the basics you'll need for caring for a stubbed toe or burned finger. It includes: antibiotic ointments, burn gel, application swabs, kid-friendly

bandages and smiley face stickers. Price: $20

Mini First Aid I'M OK! Set

For little ouchies on the little ones, make everything OK

with these colorful pocket cases (in blue, pink, orange and green). Each case includes: 24 accompanying I'M OK! bandages, six non-sting antiseptic swabs and an I'M OK! cold pack. Price: $14

Ouch Pouch

"For your little monkey's scrapes and boo boos," moms can stock their Red Cross first aid products for their kiddies in these cleverly crafted pouches. The clear front pockets show what mom is running low on and what should be restocked. Price: $6 - $13

CariFree Xyli-Tots Lollies

You go to the bank, they

give you a lollipop. You get a boo boo, you get a lollipop. Nothing keeps a kid from tearing up like a lollipop. And, these lollipops are sugar-free and contain a half gram of xylitol, which helps fight tooth decay and kee

p cavities at bay. Price: $13 for 24

Of course, if your child is of the rambunctious persuasion, you may want to opt for our Deluxe Family First Aid Kit. For only $24.95, you get the following:

• (2) 81 mg. Aspirin Tablets (chewable)
• (5) Triple Antibiotic Ointment Packs
• (6) Antiseptic Cleansing Wipes (sting free)
• (2) Hydrocortisone Cream Packs, 1%, 0.9 gm
• (2) Hand Sanitizer Packs
• (2) 5" x 9" Trauma Pads
• (6) 4" x 4" Gauze Dressing Pads
• (6) 3" x 3" Gauze Dressing Pads
• (1) 4" Conforming Gauze Roll Bandage
• (1) 3" Conforming Gauze Roll Bandage
• (1) 1" x 10 yd. First Aid Tape Roll
• (1) Instant Cold Compress
• (1) CPR One-Way Valve Faceshield (latex-free)
• (1) Emergency blanket
• (2) Triangular Sling/Bandages (safety pins included)
• (25) 3/4" x 3" Adhesive Plastic Bandages
• (15) 1" x 3" Adhesive Plastic Bandages
• (3) 2" x 4" Elbow and Knee Plastic Bandages
• (10) 3/8" x 1-1/2" Junior Adhesive Plastic Bandages
• (5) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" Patch Plastic Bandages
• (3) Knuckle Fabric Bandages
• (3) Fingertip Fabric Bandages
• (4) Thermometers (one time use)
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• (4) Latex-Free Exam Quality Gloves
• American Red Cross Emergency First Aid Guide
• Soft sided bag with clear pocket pages

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