Posted on April 9, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
Tornado, Flood, and Thunderstorm Season nears.
Be Red Cross Ready - Last year, hurricanes battered the East Coast in less than three months prompting the Red Cross to mount its largest and most expensive response to a natural disaster in the organization’s history.
Thousands of people turned to the media for information on the storms’ paths and where to go for help. With predictions of another busy storm season on the horizon, the American Red Cross invites you to join us for a Preparedness Seminar.
Do this one simple step in being prepared – download one of the many Red Cross Apps to your phone!
Who:Free to the public
What: Be Red Cross Ready– join the American Red Cross for a presentation about preparedness; learn what you can do to be prepared for the upcoming storm season.
When: Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
Where:Ripon Public Library
Silver Creek Room
120 Jefferson Street
Ripon, WI 54971
Why: Learn -
How you can help be better prepare for the Spring Storms.
How the Red Cross helps people following a disaster.
How you can tap into Red Cross resource.
How you can become a Red Cross volunteer.
For more information on this presentation, or other information on preparedness, please contact Lisa Stanchfield at (920)922-3450, or Lisa.Stanchfield@redcross.org.
Posted on October 28, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
Posted October 27, 2012
Hurricane Sandy is barreling toward the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The American Red Cross urges residents along the coast and interior regions to make their storm preparations now as heavy rains are forecast to begin in the Northeast Sunday afternoon. Click on the links in this story for details on how to get ready for Sandy.
Weather experts predict this massive weather system could affect as many as 50 million people, with the storm having a significant impact in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Hurricane Sandy will bring heavy rain and flooding, winds gusting up to 75 miles per hour, extended power outages and even snow.
WHAT WE’RE DOING Some expect the approaching storm to be more powerful than Hurricane Irene, which caused a widespread disaster response operation in 2011. The Red Cross is mobilizing disaster workers and putting relief supplies into place. It also has shelters standing by and more than 100 emergency response vehicles on alert to respond, including vehicles from as far away as Wisconsin.
PREPARE YOUR FAMILY Government officials and weather experts are urging people to get ready for the storm now. Bring anything inside that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture, etc.). Keep up-to-date about the storm’s progress and find out about your community’s disaster response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs and make plans for your pets.
CHECK DISASTER SUPPLIES Everyone should build or restock their disaster supply kits now. Replace or restock items as needed. These supplies should include:
Water—one gallon per person, per day
Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items
Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
First aid kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
POWER OUTAGES Utility companies are warning customers that the storm could cause power outages lasting several days. Everyone should fill their vehicle’s gas tank and get extra cash now as gas pumps and ATMs won’t work if the power is out. Other steps you can take are:
Have coolers on hand and surround your food with ice in the cooler or refrigerator to keep food cold for a longer period of time. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
Use flashlights, not candles.
Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment and any appliances, equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out to avoid damaging them when the power is restored.
Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car as traffic lights will be out and roads congested
USING A GENERATOR If you are planning to use a generator, never use it indoors, including in a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace or other area, even with ventilation. Generators put off carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly. Full details are available at the link above.
IF YOU HAVE TO EVACUATE Several states have already declared a state of emergency and some are calling for voluntary evacuations in low-lying areas.Stay informed about the storm’s progress and evacuate if told to do so. If you need to find a shelter, download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check your local television, radio and newspaper.
If coming to a shelter, there are things you should bring with you such as:
Prescription medicine
Identification and valuable papers
Toiletries
Change of clothing
Water, non-perishable food
Blankets, pillows and/or sleeping bags
Baby food and diapers
HOW TO HELP To help those who may be affected by this storm and other disasters, you can make a donation by visiting http://www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
Posted on July 30, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
By Lauren Lindstrom, Communications Intern, American Red Cross
Summer is upon us, and with it the busy schedules of area families. Many of us are out enjoying summertime freedoms, providing more opportunities for area kids to babysit the children of friends and neighbors.
The American Red Cross offers the Babysitter’s Training Course for youth ages 11-15, offering them the opportunity to learn crucial childcare skills and gain the confidence to provide a safe and fun environment while babysitting.
The full-day course covers the basics of caring for infants, toddlers and older children, as well as choosing fun and age-appropriate games and toys.
Green Bay native Ava Baenen recently took advantage of the opportunity to hone her babysitting skills. The 11-year-old received her Babysitter’s Training Certificate on May 19 with two friends.
“It was probably the first time I changed a diaper,” Ava said, adding she learned the proper techniques for feeding and caring for kids of all ages and how to deal with discipline issues. “If there are kids being stubborn, we learned how to solve those problems.”
Most importantly, the Babysitter’s Training Course teaches important safety skills, such as CPR and how to respond if someone is choking.
Ava says she feels more prepared to handle new situations when caring for children. She hopes everyone looking to babysit takes the course.
“It’s a great experience, you learn a lot, and it’s fun!”
The course costs $85, which includes a participant manual and CD-ROM. You may find upcoming courses near you by visiting www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Posted on May 3, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
FOX 11 - News published : Thursday, 03 May 2012, 2:13 AM
photo courtesy Fox 11 Online
The storms are causing flash flooding in the city of Oshkosh. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department says the flooding is beginning to affect Highway 41 near the Butte des Morts Bridge and Witzel Avenue.Some streets on the North side of Oshkosh are also closing because of high water.The National Weather Service says some areas have already seen 2″ of rain.
Winnebago County is under a flash flood warning until 5 a.m.
Calumet and Manitowoc counties are under a flash flood warning until 6 a.m.
The National Weather Service says excessive runoff from this storm will cause significant flooding of small creeks, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots. The NWS advises: Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely. This is a dangerous situation, so motorists should use extreme caution. Report flooding to the nearest law enforcement agency so they may take appropriate action to close flooded roadways. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service in Green Bay.
Do you know what to do if your community is hit with flooding or if your home floods? Check out these preparedness tips – Click HERE
Posted on April 27, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
Thank you to the the Domination All Star Cheerleading Tumble and Dance group from Two Rivers that helped distribute 500 Fire Prevention Door Hangers on Saturday, April 21st as part of the Manitowoc County United Way Day of Caring.
Did you know Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes each year. Now is the time to be prepared for storm season. Wisconsin’s Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 16-20, 2012.
Once again, Wisconsin Emergency Management, ReadyWisconsin, and the National Weather Service have teamed up to help you and your family get ready for severe weather and to participate in the upcoming statewide tornado drill which is set for Thursday, April 19 with a Mock Tornado Watch issued at 1:00 p.m. and a Mock Tornado Warning issued at 1:45 p.m.
Check out these sites for additional tips and information to make sure you and your family are prepared!
Posted on April 16, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
The American Red Cross continues to help people across the Midwest after the weekend’s devastating tornadoes.
In Oklahoma alone, the Red Cross estimates that more than 600 homes were affected by this weekend’s tornadoes, including 87 homes that were destroyed and 49 sustaining major damage. Another area hit hard is Thurman, Iowa, where FEMA reports 75 percent of the town sustained damage.
Red Cross disaster teams are operating shelters, providing meals and distributing relief supplies throughout the affected communities. The Red Cross is also moving additional relief supplies into the tornado-stricken areas, including comfort kits, tarps, coolers, rakes and other cleanup supplies.
VOLUNTEERS LEAD DISASTER RESPONSE
Many of the Red Cross responders are volunteers. It was a busy weekend in Iowa as they helped in communities hit by the tornadoes, and also responded to large fires and other severe weather. The weekend began with volunteers helping people affected by a large apartment building fire in Des Moines. Tornadoes slammed into the Thurman and Creston areas Saturday. By Sunday morning, volunteers were on the scene supporting firefighters responding to a multiple business fire in Titonka.
After the tornadoes struck in Thurman and Creston, volunteers opened two shelters, activated three mobile feeding trucks, and began damage assessment. Red Cross volunteers served more than 1,650 meals and snacks Sunday and provided emotional support for clients.
Red Cross volunteers also responded to severe weather damage in Sioux City, Des Moines, Knoxville, Council Bluffs and Keokuk County. Most of the cases reported were wind and tree damage to homes. In Titonka, volunteers served 250 meals to firefighters battling a multi-business fire.
“There were a significant number of disaster-related incidents this weekend which affected many people’s lives here in Iowa,” said Leslie Schaffer, Red Cross spokesperson. “Our volunteers have really worked tirelessly to make sure people had a safe place to stay, food to eat and help getting their lives back on track. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the storms and fires this weekend, not only here but across the country.”
SAFETY STEPS
The Red Cross reminds people who live in the tornado-damaged areas that they should stay out of damaged buildings. Other safety steps include:
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy shoes when examining homes for damage.
Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately.
Use battery-powered flashlights when examining buildings—do NOT use candles.
If someone notices a gas smell or hears a hissing noise, they should open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly. They should also call the gas company or fire department.
Keep animals under control.
Clean up spilled medications, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids that could become a fire hazard.
HOW TO HELP
People can help those affected by disasters like these tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
Posted on April 11, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
By Judy Gregory, American Red Cross, Regional Manager Disaster Planning
Monday, April 9, twenty members of our Disaster Response Team participated in an evaluated drill with Kewaunee County Emergency Management on response efforts if a disaster would occur at the Point Beach Nuclear Plant.
Emergency Management set up a mock reception center and shelter in the Luxemburg-Casco Middle School. The evaluators, from FEMA, judged us on our ability to set up a facility that would register all the people who are evacuated from a contaminated area, operate a full functioning shelter and help reunite families.
We set up a mock shelter for the residents to go to. At the shelter we had Health Services, Mental Health Counselors, food, client caseworkers all available to meet the needs. A Shelter would be maintained for as long as residents would be out of their homes. The FEMA evaluators spoke with people in charge of each area as well as the Shelter Manager, Logistic Chief and Operations Site Manager.
We will receive the outcome of this evaluated drill in a few months.
Thank you to all the volunteers for your participation and support to help make the Red Cross and our community prepared.
If you would like to learn more information on how you can be prepared click HERE.
Posted on April 6, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
Thank you to Farmers State Bankfor their renewed support in 2012 for local disaster relief and preparedness. The American Red Cross relys on gifts from the American People, and we greatly appreciate the local communities support.
(l-r) Steven Hansen, Chapter Executive Northeast Wisconsin; Keith Snyder, Vice President, Donald Volkman, Senior Vice President, Laine Lazers, President, Farmers State Bank; Vicki P. Jenks, Board Member, American Red Cross.
RT @PGcharlesdavis: Firefighter says he's sure no one is inside building bc crews went inside EACH building unit before fire spread 2 hours ago
RT @PGDougSchneider: Authorities: Folks headed to Red Cross shelter at Langlade Elementary Sch should approach via Webster Ave to avoid fir… 2 hours ago
