Flood? Fire? Flu? We've got you covered!

The snow is falling, falling, falling today! But just hold on Buffalonians, a warm up is on the way!

But that warmer weather means that all of our nice fluffy snow is going to melt and cause another week of flood watches and warnings across WNY. So for today, we thought it would be a great idea to provide you with some links to information that will help you get prepared for all of the possible disasters that can be thrown your way. 

So what do you still need to prepare for?

Flood Information from:
FEMA

New York State Health

Ready.gov

American Red Cross

Fire information from:

Buffalo Red Cross  

Red Cross

FEMA

USFA

Seasonal flu information from:

Flu.gov

Buffalo Red Cross

American Red Cross

Flu preparedness

CDC

Winter storm information from:  

FEMA

CDC

NOAA

Buffalo Red Cross

American Red Cross

Haven’t made your emergency supplies kit yet? Click below for step by step help from the Red Cross!Red Cross tips

Want more information? Contact Denise Herkey-Jarosch at (716) 878- 2231 or HerkeyJaroschD@usa.redcross.org  to schedule a Be Red Cross Ready presentation so that you can be prepared!

Hot or cold?

Mother Nature just can’t seem to make up her mind here in Buffalo! It was in the 50’s last week, with green grass finally getting to brighten up our lawns and all that old snow and ice melting away, and now here we are, yet again, in the midst of a winter storm watch! Regardless of how much we want to put on our Bermuda shorts, flip flops and sit and picnic in the park, we need to stay alert and prepared, and you will be after reading our following tips below!

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for Home, Containing--

• Food- at least 3 day’s supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare foods such as canned food. Don’t forget a can opener.

• Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).

• First aid kit and essential medications.

• Battery or crank-powered NOAA weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

• Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.

• Cell phone with charger.

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items.

• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your car, too.  Make sure your gas tank is full before travelling.

If the Power Goes Out--

• Do not use candles for lighting. Use flashlights or glow sticks only.

• Use items in the refrigerator first, then the freezer, then non-perishable foods.

• Use generators correctly – If you have a portable generator and the power goes out, always plan to keep the generator outdoors. Never operate it inside, never in the basement, garage, carport, or near any open windows.  Connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.  Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring.

Know What Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean--

• A Winter Storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.  People in a Watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio and television stations

• A Winter Storm WARNING means a winter storm has already begun or will soon begin in your area.  Individuals in a Warning area should take immediate precautions.

So remember, only 24 more days until spring! We can do it Buffalo!

For more information on winter storm preparedness, please contact the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter at (716) 886-7500, or visit us online.

An organization of good

One of the reasons that we are so successful in the community is that all the staff here at the Chapter, our volunteers and corporate partners all care about our Buffalo neighbors.  If there is a disaster, large or small, we know that there are people we can rely on and trust to represent us and do good work within the community.  We saw this firsthand this past week. 
As you may have seen in the media, we opened a shelter to house 22 individuals that were left homeless after a fire.  Thanks to two of our corporate sponsors, Gr8 Pizza and Danny’s South, we have been able to provide hot meals to everyone in the shelter while they continue to put together a plan to get back on their feet. 

While these restaurants were making sure that everyone had something to eat, two of our amazing volunteers, Diane Sargent and Pete Swales, were delivering the food to the shelter all weekend long.  In addition, our staff and volunteers have been at the shelter 24 hours a day, making sure that the needs of those 22 individuals are being taken care of since last Tuesday.

We are an organization of volunteers, and we are so thankful for all of the hard work, dedication and kindness all of our partners and volunteers in times of disaster.  If you would like to become one of our amazing volunteers, please contact Mary Walls at 716.878.2140.
To make a donation so that we can continue to do our good work in the community, please visit us online.