March is Red Cross Month
Did you know that March is Red Cross month? It is one month of the year to take the time to recognize our country's everyday heroes who give their time to help people in need. The American Red Cross, in addition to supplying about 40 percent of our nation's blood, also provides shelter, food and emotional support during emergencies and disasters. The Red Cross relies on the heroic efforts of its workers and volunteers to get the job done.
Here's 5 ways that you can become a hero for the Red Cross:
1. Become a Red Cross volunteer . You can be a force and lend a hand in your community.
2. Give blood. Help a patient going through a hard time.
3. Take a class . Gain information and skills to help out in an emergency.
4. Make a plan. Get your family involved and develop a preparedness plan for emergencies.
5. Make a financial donation. Your generosity will help those in need.
March is a great month for you to join with other heroes and become a part of the Red Cross. More information on how you can help is available on the Red Cross website .
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Organizational Webinar on America's PrepareAthon!
In support of Presidential Policy Directive (PPD-8), National Preparedness, America's PrepareAthon! is launching its first national day of action this year on April 30, 2014. Targeting the grassroots level, America's PrepareAthon! is a nation-wide campaign to encourage the public to practice specific preparedness actions. Communities are better prepared to withstand an emergency and recover more quickly if everyone is involved. Events and activities will be held twice yearly to encourage individuals to discuss, practice and train for relevant hazards.
The focus of the first national day of action will be on preparedness for these hazards:
- Tornadoes Hurricanes, Floods and Wildfires.
Federal agencies supporting America's PrepareAthon! are inviting national-level organizations and their stakeholders to participate in one of two informational webinars to learn more about the campaign. You must register in order to access the webinar(s). Each webinar will be recorded and available to view at a later time.
Webinar #1
Webinar #2
With your help, we can move communities and individuals to act and become more prepared by participating in America's PrepareAthon! We hope that you can join us for the webinar. For webinar questions, please contact PrepareAthon@fema.dhs.gov. To learn more about America's PrepareAthon!, visit www.ready.gov/prepare .
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Returning Home
There's no place like home, especially when you're returning after having had to evacuate due to an emergency. But do you know what to do when you return and your home has potentially been damaged? Do you know who handles repairs and what actions to take to begin repairs? It's important to take action now, and learn what to expect and what actions are often required upon returning to a home damaged after a disaster.
To learn about what you need to do when coming home after a disaster, a ccess FEMA's free, online training module “ Coming Home After a Disaster ” and learn about how to plan for recovery from a disaster. The training will help you achieve the following:
- Learn what kind of repairs homeowners may handle themselves;
- Learn to develop a recovery action plan;
- Learn how to develop your homeowners action checklist; and
- Learn how to assess and document damage.
This training module is part of FEMA's “ Preparedness Activities for Communities Everywhere ” tools, which educate individuals about relatively easy steps to take to become prepared for all types of hazards. The tools are designed for anyone to use in coordination with local emergency preparedness partners to help better prepare for emergencies.
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Spring the Alarm
You changed your clocks for Daylight Saving Time, but what about your smoke alarm? As you prepare to spring forward, don't forget to “spring” the alarm by replacing its batteries. Smoke alarm batteries should be changed at least once a year to make sure it operates properly when you need it the most.
When fire breaks out, you only have seconds to escape its heat, black smoke and deadly gases. Increase your chances of survival by maintaining the smoke alarms in your home. Here are more tips for making your home safer :
- Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside each bedroom. If you keep your bedroom doors closed, place a smoke alarm in each bedroom;
- Check smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button;
- Never disable a smoke alarm when cooking; and
- Smoke alarms wear out over time. Replace yours if it's more than ten years old.
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Red Cross Pet First Aid App
Your pet is an important member of your family. Unfortunately, animals are also affected by disaster , and they rely on you for help during emergencies. Did you know the American Red Cross has a Pet First Aid app to help you take care of your four legged loved ones?
Available on iTunes and Google Play , this mobile resource puts veterinary advice for emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos and interactive quizzes, understanding pet first aid has never been easier.
Some features of the app include:
- Advice on administering medication, behavioral help and how to act in a disaster situation;
- First aid steps for over 25 common pet situations;
- An early warning sign checker for preventive care; and
- A location finder for emergency vet hospitals and pet-friendly hotels.
Include this app as part of your pet survival kit to be prepared when your pet needs you the most.
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Dates for Your Calendar!
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