Hurricane Season 2016

Tomorrow marks the first day of the hurricane season and people in the Lowcountry should be especially prepared since hurricanes are most likely to occur near the coast. Hurricanes are powerful storms that have the potential to cause danger from flooding, storm surges, high winds and tornados. 

Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane, so the American Red Cross has created a list of tips that will help members of the Lowcountry stay safe in the event of a hurricane.

• Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information. Many of these items are available through the Red Cross Store at redcrossstore.org.
•     Talk with household members and create an evacuation plan. Practicing the plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
•    Be informed. Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan and use the South Carolina Hurricane Guide to “Know Your Zone” for evacuations. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for pets.
•   Know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
• People can download the free Red Cross Emergency App to select up to 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts on their mobile device. The content includes expert guidance on what to do before, during and after different emergencies or disasters from home fires to hurricanes. All Red Cross apps can be found in smartphone app stores by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/apps.

Summer Safety: Red Cross Issues Tips On How to Have a Safe Summer

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC, Friday, May 27, 2016— Millions of people are looking forward to having fun and traveling this summer and the American Red Cross wants everyone to stay safe.

“Preparation and prevention are key components of summer safety,” said Louise Welch Williams, Regional CEO for American Red Cross South Carolina, “If an emergency occurs, people need to know what to do until advanced medical help arrives.”

When traveling, it’s important to know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Sprains and falls are some of the most common misfortunes travelers may face. Sprains are the most common injury for someone on a cruise, along with contusions and other superficial wounds. Going to the mountains? Falls are the biggest threat, many due to poor decision-making, lack of skill or not being properly prepared. Dehydration is also a danger. People planning a camping trip face the same dangers.

WHAT TO DO IF:

• Stung by a jellyfish? Wash liberally with vinegar as soon as possible for at least 30 seconds. If vinegar isn’t available, make a thick mixture of baking soda and water.
• Mosquitoes biting? Ideally the first step is to prevent mosquito bites. If not, use an over-the-counter product to reduce the itch and urge to scratch.
• Sick stomach? Keep the person hydrated and take a medication made specifically for someone with tummy woes.
• Too long in the sun? Get out of the sun, cool the area and use topical pain relief medication if needed.
• Blisters? Leave it alone to protect the area. If the blister may cause further injury, puncture at the base, clean and protect with another barrier such as a bandage.
• Allergic reaction? Remove the person from the allergen; give them oral antihistamines if needed. If the situation is life-threatening, consider the use of epinephrine.

AVOID VACATION MISHAPS Vacationers should pack appropriate clothing, insect repellant, sunscreen and first aid items. Include soap, tweezers, wound gel, personal medication and items such as fever reducers, fungal creams and pain relievers.

TAKE A CLASS Prepare for the unexpected with First Aid/CPR/AED training. Training can give people the skills and confidence to act in an emergency and to save a life. Red Cross offers a variety of online, blended (online content with in-class skills session) and instructor-led classroom training options. Register at redcross.org/takeaclass. A variety of First Aid kits and emergency supplies are available at redcrossstore.org.

DOWNLOAD APPS Download the Red Cross First Aid App for instant access on how to treat common emergencies as well as a hospital locator which is helpful for travelers. The Emergency App is a single ‘go-to’ source for weather alerts and safety tips for everything from a power outage, to a severe thunderstorm, to a hurricane. All Red Cross apps can be downloaded for free in app stores by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ or by going to redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

Tips on How to Have a Safe Summer

Summer Safety: Red Cross Issues Tips

On How to Have a Safe Summer

Getting trained and downloading First Aid and Emergency Apps make summer fun and travel easy

North Charleston, SC, Thursday, May 26, 2016— Millions of people are looking forward to having fun and traveling this summer and the American Red Cross wants everyone to stay safe.

“Preparation and prevention are key components of summer safety,” said Louis Welch Williams, Regional CEO, American Red Cross South Carolina. “If an emergency occurs, people need to know what to do until advanced medical help arrives.”

When traveling, it’s important to know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Sprains and falls are some of the most common misfortunes travelers may face. Sprains are the most common injury for someone on a cruise, along with contusions and other superficial wounds. Going to the mountains? Falls are the biggest threat, many due to poor decision-making, lack of skill or not being properly prepared. Dehydration is also a danger. People planning a camping trip face the same dangers.

WHAT TO DO IF:

• Stung by a jellyfish? Wash liberally with vinegar as soon as possible for at least 30 seconds. If vinegar isn’t available, make a thick mixture of baking soda and water.
• Mosquitoes biting? Ideally the first step is to prevent mosquito bites. If not, use an over-the-counter product to reduce the itch and urge to scratch.
• Sick stomach? Keep the person hydrated and take a medication made specifically for someone with tummy woes.
• Too long in the sun? Get out of the sun, cool the area and use topical pain relief medication if needed.
• Blisters? Leave it alone to protect the area. If the blister may cause further injury, puncture at the base, clean and protect with another barrier such as a bandage.
• Allergic reaction? Remove the person from the allergen; give them oral antihistamines if needed. If the situation is life-threatening, consider the use of epinephrine.

AVOID VACATION MISHAPS Vacationers should pack appropriate clothing, insect repellant, sunscreen and first aid items. Include soap, tweezers, wound gel, personal medication and items such as fever reducers, fungal creams and pain relievers.

TAKE A CLASS Prepare for the unexpected with First Aid/CPR/AED training. Training can give people the skills and confidence to act in an emergency and to save a life. Red Cross offers a variety of online, blended (online content with in-class skills session) and instructor-led classroom training options. Register at redcross.org/takeaclass. A variety of First Aid kits and emergency supplies are available at redcrossstore.org.

DOWNLOAD APPS Download the Red Cross First Aid App for instant access on how to treat common emergencies as well as a hospital locator which is helpful for travelers. The Emergency App is a single ‘go-to’ source for weather alerts and safety tips for everything from a power outage, to a severe thunderstorm, to a hurricane. All Red Cross apps can be downloaded for free in app stores by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ or by going to redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Safety Tips for Rip Tides

With the unofficial start to summer kicking off this weekend and a potential subtropical system forming offshore, the American Red Cross has tips to help keep swimmers safe from dangerous rip currents when visiting the beach.

Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore; they can occur at any beach with breaking waves.  Rip currents are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers; however, they have the potential to pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea.

While the system is still far from land, storms that don’t reach shore can cause strong rip currents along the beach posing dangers for swimmers.

The Red Cross advises anyone taking a trip this weekend to swim on lifeguard-protected beaches if possible, within the designated swimming areas.  Stay alert and check the local weather conditions; the National Weather Service provides rip current forecasts.  If a storm approaches, immediately evacuate the beach.

The United States Lifesaving Association estimates that the annual number of deaths due to rip currents exceeds 100.  Rip currents account for more than 80% of rescues performed by beach lifeguards.

If caught in a rip current, remember the following:

• ·         Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
• ·         Never fight against the current.
• ·         Swim out of the current in a direction parallel the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle—away from the current—toward shore.
• ·         If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim toward shore.
• ·         If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.
• ·         Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard, or dial 9-1-1 if a lifeguard is not available. Throw the victim something that floats, such as a lifejacket, cooler or inflatable ball. Yell instructions on how to escape the current. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

With hurricane season approaching, it is critically important to take safety precautions when swimming at the beach. For more information on how to keep you and your loved ones safe during your shore trip, visit www.redcross.org.

May is Trauma Awareness Month

During Trauma Awareness Month in May, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood and help ensure a sufficient supply for patient emergencies.

 

Blood products are often critically needed during trauma situations. A single car accident victim can need as many as 100 units of blood. Every day, the Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood donations to meet the needs of trauma patients and others with serious medical conditions across the country.

 

Donors of all blood types are needed this May. To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can then also visitredcrossblood.org/cedarfair to enter to win one of two grand prize packages for four to Knott’s Berry Farm in California or Cedar Point in Ohio.

Water Safety

If your headed to the pool this summer, make water safety your priority! The CDC reports that about 10 people die daily from unintentional drowning, and that drowning ranks 5th among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States. You can help prevent this by taking a few simple steps to create a safer environment while cooling off this summer. 

• Swim in waters supervised by a lifeguard.
• Ensure everyone in your family knows how to swim. Check out local learn-to-swim programs for new swimmers. 
• Teach children to ask permission before entering the water and make sure an adult is nearby at all times. 
• Inexperienced or new swimmers should wear life jackets. 
• Always wear life jackers on boats.
• Have a phone nearby in the event of an emergency so you are able to call 911. 
• Sign up with your local Red Cross to learn CPR and first aid.

In 2013, 17 children died of drowning in South Carolina. Be prepared the next time your headed to the pool or the beach.  

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2016

These days, it seems we’re surrounded by bad news: devastating natural disasters, wars, violence, more extreme weather patterns, and a historic number of people displaced from their homes. But as the globe keeps on turning, it’s important to remember that there are endless positive stories to be told, too.

One of these is the story of a universal movement that transcends politics, borders, and taking sides: the global Red Cross Red Crescent network.  Together, volunteers and staff in 190 countries provide help and comfort to people in need.  teams all over the world are guided by the same fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

May 8 is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day—a time to celebrate not only the good work of volunteers, but also the fact that a network like this exists: one that serves humanity regardless of race, color, sex, legal status, income level, or religion.

A Young Mother and Breast Cancer Survivor Urges Blood Donations

May 02, 2016

Mother’s Day celebrates the strong and loving women who influence our lives. In honor of these women, the American Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to make an appointment to donate blood and platelets. This generous, lifesaving gift helps millions of patients in need – including an inspirational young mother named Johnetta Goolsby of Conyers, Georgia.

A SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY At age 22, Goolsby was a busy mom to 1-year-old Peyton and training to become a phlebotomist when life suddenly turned upside down. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and immediately began a treatment plan including a double mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy.

“My daughter was and still is my biggest motivation to not give up and not let cancer win,” said Goolsby. “Mother’s Day 2016 means even more to me than my first year, because no matter the changes I went through my babygirl loved me no less.”

Battling cancer, the critical need for blood and platelets hit close to home for Goolsby.

“When I came out of surgery my doctors and family mentioned that I looked like a ghost, because during my surgery I lost a tremendous amount of blood,” said Goolsby. 

“(B)ecause of the American Red Cross employees, volunteers, sponsors, and donors I am here today. If it weren't for the American Red Cross supplying that hospital with donor blood, I don't know where I would be!”

Goolsby completed her final chemotherapy treatment in early April 2016. Today, she serves on the Red Cross Southern Region’s Minority Recruitment Advisory Board and volunteers her time to promote blood and platelet donations.

“Give blood to save someone like me, give blood to save a child, give blood to save a newborn, give to save the life of a new mom so she can be with her child,” encouraged Goolsby. “Give! Give! Give! Be part of someone’s lifesaving team!”

PROVIDE A LIFESAVING GIFT Each day, the Red Cross needs to collect approximately 14,000 blood donations for patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

To make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, download the Blood Donor App, visitredcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

Whole blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in most states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Platelet donors can roll up a sleeve every seven days, up to 24 times year. Platelets must be transfused within five days of donation. It’s important that eligible platelet donors give as often as possible to help ensure this potentially lifesaving blood product is available for patients whenever and wherever needed.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visitredcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.