What on earth is this thing!?!  At first glance, it looks like some kind of mini space-craft from an alien planet that’s about to take some kind of useful information about earth to a mother ship…

Maybe it’s a new tool that your doctor’s office is using for…

Perhaps it’s a handheld heating device?

How about this year’s hottest child’s toy (step aside, Tickle Me Elmo…)

ACTUALLY, it’s The American Red Cross Road Torq – a tiny device (fits comfortably in your car’s glove box) that serves as a hands free  flashlight and red flashing safety beacon.  Crank this little thing for only two minutes and you’ll get a full 15 minutes of light to change that flat tire in the middle of the night or dig through your trunk to find that missing shoe.

What else can this sweet little device be used for?  Perhaps you’d like to put it in your camping or backpacking gear…  Maybe it would be helpful as you’re digging through your attic for a box that you “swore” was right over there…Maybe the kids would get a kick out of it for slumber parties?

Now we’re always promoting preparedness here, so why not have something COOL looking to help prepare your car too?  Besides, you can always make your passengers try to figure out what it is on long road trips.  So many uses…

Dorothy thought tornado season was over!

It seems so easy to break our lives into seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.  As it gets colder, we start to put away our summer clothes, pull out the extra blankets, and hunker down for winter.   Sadly, we have also fallen into a similar routine for preparedness.  Once a “season” is over, many believe they’re in the clear.

Here are the main “Seasons” I’m referring to:

Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30

Tornado Season: March – May (or June depending on where you live)

Fire Season: June – November

However, there has been a lot of “not in season” weather over the years.  Yesterday’s tornado in Alabama being just one example.  In 2011, Texas was experiencing some of its largest wildfires in April, and did you know that a significant (Cat 3)  hurricane formed as early as May 15 (back in 1951)?

Preparedness is truly a year-round effort, because you never know what that next storm front will bring.

To see if your preparedness kit is up to snuff, pull it out and compare it against our recommended preparedness kit contents.

Disclaimer: the author of this post is from Southern California and has not been very familiar with cold winters for a few years.  Any misrepresentations of winter can be attributed to her lack of experience.

With Old Man Winter finally hitting parts of the United States, ski resorts are doing their best snow dances, while everyone else is starting to buckle down for a long haul inside.  The American Red Cross has been at the leading edge of preparedness for decades, and every year has brought you our Winter Storm Safety Checklist which is chock full of information to keep you and you loved ones safe before, during and after a storm; but how does one prepare for the dozens of hours that will be spent inside while the storm rages outside?  Today, we would like to provide you with a few “other” Winter preparedness items to include.

Indoor Fort Supplies

This will include blankets, sheets, chairs, and some other sturdy furniture.  However, your indoor fort building skills may have diminished over the years.  Don’t fret, Apartment Therapy has some very easy to follow instruction, design ideas and decor inspirations for the young and mature.

Movies

Having a family movie night is an idea that’s an oldie but still a goodie.  Either go rent a variety of movies, or turn on your favorite movie streaming service.  Be sure to buy popcorn and candy for a full movie night experience.  You can even combine fort building with movie night!

Games

Board games are a great way to avoid getting bored!  Other games can include Charades, tick-tack-toe, Texas Hold ‘em, or you can get creative and come up with a karaoke/dance competition (be sure to have your First Aid Kit on hand in case this game goes awry).  Maybe buy a few small prizes or allow the winner to get out of doing the dishes that day.

Sleds

Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, you can go sledding during or after a snowstorm.  Sometimes going down a hill isn’t enough, so you might want to build a Sled Mountain - in which case, go ahead and grab that First Aid Kit again.

So enjoy Old Man Winter as much as you can, and don’t forget to check out our more “traditional” winter preparedness tips so you and your family will be able to tackle the season with confidence!

Today’s post comes to us from New York’s “Changing Lives: The Story Book” Blog

Volunteers come from many walks of life. For some, it is a chance to give back to their communities. For Francklin Morose, a volunteer with the American Red Cross on Long Island, it’s much deeper than that— as his journey began with the world literally crumbling at his feet.

Morose was at his accounting job in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, on Jan. 12, 2010—the day of the worst earthquake in the island nation’s history.

It began with a simple shake he recalled. He and his colleagues thought a big truck had driven by.
“Then,” he said, “everything started to fall down—the walls, the ceiling.”

With all the entrances blocked, Morose and his colleagues were forced to jump to the ground from a second story bathroom window. That’s when they realized an earthquake had struck.

“The whole block was dark; everything had changed,” Morose said.

He described buildings destroyed; communications disrupted; trees down; and people who were bloodied and bruised running through the streets. He made his way home and found it destroyed.

That night, Morose located his family in a park, among hundreds of others that had lost their homes.

“There was no food, drink, nothing,” he said.

The mental toll was equally as heavy. Morose became concerned about Alexa, his six-year-old daughter. She had been at school during the quake. Although physically unscathed, she had been traumatized by the experience and screamed at every noise.

A few days later, Morose heard that the United States was allowing Haitian-American citizens who had been affected by the quake to evacuate. Because Alexa had been born in Florida, she was eligible to travel. Because she was underage, Morose was permitted to accompany her. Alexa’s mother, concerned about leaving her job, stayed behind in Haiti.

Father and daughter took a military transport plane to Orlando, Fl. At the airport, American Red Cross relief workers gave them food, toys and contact information for the Red Cross on Long Island as they would be traveling to Baldwin, N.Y., the next day; Morose planned to stay with a cousin who lived there.

Shortly after arriving on Long Island, Morose visited the Red Cross office in Mineola, and was given a stipend for winter clothing, along with information about how to apply for Social Security, food stamps and more.

“This was exactly what I needed to start,” he said.

“Red Cross gave me their friendship,” he added. “When I came to my cousin’s house, I didn’t know anyone. The Red Cross called to make sure we were okay. That’s when I decided to volunteer.”

Morose is on call two days a week as a Disaster Action Team volunteer who responds to fires and other local emergencies, helping those in need with the same kind of immediate humanitarian relief he and Alexa received from the Red Cross.

In the two years since he and Alexa arrived in the United States, they have moved from his cousin’s house to Bellerose. Morose now works as a childcare worker for children with disabilities.

He says Alexa, who attends first grade at a Queens public school, is doing better. But because she does not want to return to Haiti, they will stay in the country. Morose, who has a bachelor’s degree in business administration he earned in Haiti, plans to go to school here for a degree in finance.

Meanwhile, he says he volunteers for the American Red Cross “to help other people as they helped me.”

He added, “I would like to thank everyone who contributes to make the Red Cross what it is. Without the Red Cross, we would have been lost.”

If @RedCross was a person, they’d be my best friend. Only have to see them every 57 days, and they give me a presents and cookies 4 blood

— Andrew Dornfried (@ATDWofKnght1982) December 28, 2011

Bert and The Count were ready for Hannukah, but Beaker was not.

Yes, it’s time to break out the old menorah to start celebrating the Festival of Lights with the family.  However, before you get too many candles lit this season, the Red Cross and a few Muppets would like to share some tips to prevent your holiday from going up in flames.

• Remember that lit candles are fire. Keep them at least 12 inches from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, mattresses, paper, books, flammable decorations, clothing, and upholstered furniture.
• Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Do not leave a room before blowing out all candles.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Place candles where they cannot be reached or knocked over by pets and children.
• During an emergency, always use flashlights and not candles as light sources.
• Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle. And keep all matches and lighters out of reach and out of site of children.
• Keep all lit candles and other open flames away from any flammable liquids.
• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and use the test button to check each alarm each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Once again, Beaker shares with us the importance of fire safety:

*this post came to us from the blog of Cindy Haskins Monro, in Arizona.  During the holiday season there is always a significant drop in blood donations, when demand is especially high.  Consider scheduling an appointment today.

My husband, Bruce, has been donating blood for over 10 years.  I figured he was representing our family and we were doing our part.  I thought they froze the blood and stockpiled it for future use.  I thought surely they always have plenty of blood on hand.  I was so wrong.

Blood donors make up a mere 5% of the 38% of Americans eligible to donate. I found that statistic rather shocking.  Also, red blood cells are refrigerated and have a shelf life of only 45 days.  (Your donated blood has been used or has expired 11 days before you are eligible to donate again in 56 days, which explains why it is necessary for the American Red Cross to call upon its donors so often.) Just a few are carrying the load for the many and the daily struggle to meet the demand of hospitals for blood is constant.

My First Experience

Newly informed, I set out last Saturday to donate blood.  I was headed for the American Red Cross building in Tucson when I spotted a Red Cross mobile unit about a block away, next to Diamondback Police Supply.  I decided to see if I could donate there, since it appeared a blood drive was underway.

I parked my car and walked over to the sign-in sheet where I was greeted by Barbara Belhumeur.  I was given material to read, and since I had no appointment, I sat down to wait my turn.  I soon noticed everyone seemed to know one another and there was a sense of something special happening in the air.  Everyone was smiling, everyone was hugging, with special attention paid to Holly, who was stationed at the sign-in table, as well as to Barbara and a gentleman named Larry.  I asked Barbara if this was a special event.  It was.

Barbara and Larry Belhumeur lost their son, Holly’s husband, to a devastating illness recently and this was a memorial blood drive.  Mark Belhumeur (known for remarking  ’you are a scholar and a gentleman’ when introduced to someone new) had recieved the gift of blood while battling his illness.  Though he eventually succumbed, his family wished to give back and to help save the lives of others in his name.  Mark had worked at Diamondback Police Supply, which is why the location was so appropriate.  He was obviously much loved and is deeply missed by all who knew him.  His family and friends did him proud that day.

As I waited my turn, I marveled at the resiliency of the human spirit and at the ability of this lovely family to turn tragedy into hope for others.  My name was called and I entered the bus.

I was first seated in a private cubicle by a young, attractive phlebotomist named Alethea , who pricked my finger (felt like a sharp snap, not particularly painful) and took a speck of blood, which she tested for adequate iron.  She also checked my blood pressure.  I then answered a few questions regarding travel and personal associations, all of which is strictly confidential.

It was determined I was healthy and eligible to donate (I had eaten an iron-rich breakfast and drunk plenty of water, which also makes your veins more accessable) and I was instructed to recline comfortably on a padded bench seat.  Alethea inserted the needle neatly and cleanly and approximately 10 minutes later I had given a unit of blood.  John, another Red Cross professional, cleaned me up, bandaged me and, after making sure I was feeling OK, sent me to the front of the bus. I thought, ‘what a simple and easy way to impact the lives of others in a beneficial way’.

I made my way to the front of the bus where assorted snacks and beverages had been made available to replenish the energy of donors.  While seated in this mini recovery area, I met a young mother named Shannon, who had donated at the same time.  Shannon, in her motherly wisdom, had brought along her nine year old daughter, Olivia (darling with long golden hair), so that she could observe and learn.   Also on hand was Elisa Rister, Mrs. Arizona 2009, who is friend to Holly Belhumeur.  She is as beautful and as down to earth as they come and provided wonderful support to the cause.

After chatting a while, I was free to go.  I asked everyone’s permission to mention them in this article.  They all kindly agreed.  We hugged and I walked away feeling like I had done something meaningful that morning.  I know I will become a regular, lifelong donor thanks to the generosity of spirit I experienced with the Belhumeur family and the kind, professional attention I received from the American Red Cross professionals, Alethea and John.  My heartfelt thanks to all of you for making my first blood donation so memorable!

First stop, the American Red Cross Store. Here are my five favorite items for sale at this online shop:

- Solarlink F360 Eton Emergency Radio (ON SALE for $53.96) The Red Cross sells a number of emergency radios, but this one is my favorite. I love the color (I’m partial to anything red), the four power sources, the auxiliary output, and the USB compatibility.

- 2012 One Red Cross Calendar ($9.95) What better way to ring in the new year than with a Red Cross calendar on which to keep track of all of your volunteer commitments! I’m particularly partial to Red Cross calendars as both of my kids have made appearances in the past. (They’re not in this year’s calendar – sorry.)

- Baby Vintage Onesie ($18.50) I love all of the Red Cross vintage clothing, but this onesie is one of my favorite pieces. Both of my kids sported Red Cross onesies at one time or another, but that was before the vintage option came out. I’ll be purchasing the vintage style for friends who are having babies in the next few months.

- Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($24.95) We’re all trying to live a little greener, so why not pick up one of these army green water bottles? They’re perfect for home, the office, the gym, and travel.

- Vintage Field Bag ($25.00) I LOVE this bag. It’s great for toting everything from Red Cross teaching materials to my laptop to diapers, and it goes with nearly everything.

There’s also plenty of Red Cross apparel, pins, first aid kids, and emergency kits and radios available, should those things be more in line with what your family and friends would like for the holidays.

Second stop, the American Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog. If the family and friends for whom you’re shopping already have everything they need, consider purchasing a “gift” in their name for someone in need. Here are my five favorite options from the Holiday Giving Catalog:

- Hygiene Kits for 3 Homeless Veterans ($30) Approximately 1/3 of our country’s homeless population are veterans. This gift provides these heroes with personal hygiene items like a razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, lotion, and more.

- Emergency Water Containers for 6 Families ($30) Water supplies disrupted by disasters can threaten community members with dehydration and disease. This gift provides families with containers to collect and store clean water.

- Vaccinations for 25 Children ($25) Measles still kills an estimated 450 people – mostly children – every day. This gift provides children with a lifetime of protection against this deadly disease.

- Swimming Lessons for 5 Children ($50) Many children don’t have access to swimming lessons that could someday save their lives. This gift helps increase safety around the water and prevent drowning.

- Gift of the Month ($300) Though a bit expensive by my holiday gift giving standards, this gift makes a powerful impact all year long by providing one item (infant care kit in January, hot meals in February, blankets in March, etc.) to someone in need each month.

Well now, that should cover just about everyone on your list, right? Happy shopping!

Clark: We’re kicking off our fun old-fashioned family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols.

Audrey: We’re not coming all the way out here just to get one of those stupid ties with Santa Clauses on it, are we?

Clark: No, I have one of those at home. What we’re looking for today is the “Griswold family Christmas tree.”

You’ve found the perfect holiday tree, strapped it to the roof of your car and made it home…time to decorate!  However, before you unleash your inner Griswold and put all the glitz and glam on your beloved tree, the Red Cross and The Muppets have a few tips keeping your holiday merry and bright.

Christmas Tree Care

• 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.
• Use a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.
• Keep trees at least three feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
• Make sure that any light strings or other decorations for the tree are in good condition and follow manufacturer’s instructions for their use. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords.
• Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
• Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove.
• Safely dispose of trees as they become dry and needles begin to drop.
• Dispose of trees through recycling centers or community pick-up services. Dried-out trees should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house or garage.

Holiday Lights and Decorations

• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets by not linking more than three light strands.
• Use decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant

Place decorations at least three feet away from fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.

Now to sum this advice up, our friends The Muppets, have graciously teamed up with UL Laboratories to give the Griswold in you a little friendly tree advice.

However, did you know it’s also the time of year when heart attacks are most likely to occur?   It’s true.  Sadly, between Thanksgiving and New Years, there is a nation-wide increase in cardiac-related deaths.

There are a few reason why researchers propose heart attacks increase during the winter holiday season.

1. Weather: breathing cold air can constrict the blood vessels and therefore increase the pressure causing clots to form. However, there are still a number of heart attacks in warmer weather climates.
2. Emotional Stress:  the holiday season can be a source of stress with family you do or do not want to interact along with or financial pressures with gifts and travel expenses.
3. Overindulgence: Poor eating habits, excessive alcohol or abusing drugs can lead to an increased strain on your heart.

Taking a Red Cross CPR class can help you learn how to care for a person having a heart attack and how to perform CPR for a person in cardiac arrest .   Often, cardiac emergencies happen at home or the workplace, so the life you may have to save could be that of a friend or loved one.

We know that taking a CPR course during the Holiday Season may seem impossible – but if you have three minutes to spare, we have a “Learn Hands-Only CPR” video that can help…you can always make taking the full CPR course a New Year’s resolution.

Referenced for researching this article:

Reverse Heart Disease – Solution to Holiday Heart Attacks is the Heart Fit Clinic

The Truth Behind More Holiday Heart Attacks