30 | November | 2009 | American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin

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Prevent Home Fires During Holiday Season

Posted on November 30, 2009 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

This Holiday season make sure you and yours stay merry, warm and safe by following these tips:

Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees. If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.
Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top.
Designate one person to walk around your home to make sure that all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Filed under: Disaster Services, Preparedness | Tagged: American Red Cross, Holiday Safety Tips, home fires | Leave a Comment »

Lakeland Chapter Asks All Supporters to Spread the Message This Holiday Season

Posted on November 30, 2009 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

The life saving mission of the Red Cross benefits 250 people every 60 seconds, and our impact does not stop at our own borders.

Locally, nationally and internationally, no other organization provides our depth of services to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to all types of disasters and emergencies. This vital work starts right here, in our own community.

We are thankful for a community that supports the lifesaving mission of the Lakeland Chapter; but today I’m asking you and your friends to join me in financially supporting the mission of the American Red Cross. Many people wait to make charitable donations until the end of the year we are, however, in extraordinary times and we have an opportunity to encourage people to give to today! The Red Cross has launched a nationwide effort to encourage people to direct their year-end gifts to the American Red Cross. The centerpiece of the giving strategy is the 2009 Holiday Giving Catalog. It is available online at www.redcross.org/catalog. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to browse through the offerings.

Now, here is how we need your help. First, if you haven’t yet made a gift please consider making a gift to the Red Cross. Second, please consider using the Holiday Catalog to give gifts that save the day to your friends and family. Third, I’m asking you to send the link to the online catalog (www.redcross.org/catalog) to at least five of your family and friends. If you have a Facebook page, consider setting up a link to the catalog on your Wall. You can make a difference – right here, right now.

If you aren’t sure what to say, use the message below to express your support for the Red Cross.

Sample message

Thank you again for your help and support. We are able to carry out our live saving mission because of community support. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mauree Childress by phone at 920-227-4286 or by email at childressm@arclakeland.org.