Play safer this sports season with Red Cross training

Back to school also means back to practice for thousands of student athletes and coaches. The American Red Cross has training and resources available for people to learn how to treat a variety of emergencies and injuries that may occur throughout the sports season.

“School and neighborhood coaches, athletes and spectators should know how to help prevent and respond to common sports injuries such as strains and sprains, fractures, cuts and concussions,” said Nancy M. Blaschak, Regional CEO.

Safe Kids Worldwide reports that a child is hurt playing sports every 25 seconds and that more than 1 million emergency room visits are made due to sports injuries each year. Sports injuries account for about 20 percent of all injury-related emergency room visits for young people, according to their study.

The Red Cross has developed a number of resources for everyone involved in sports and recreational activities:

·         First Aid, Health and Safety for Coaches is an online program for teens and adults who coach at any age level. Developed with the National Federation of State High School Associations, this course covers first aid skills including breathing emergencies and injuries to muscles, bones and joints. Coaches are encouraged to take a CPR/AED course as well.

·         Family First Aid and CPR is an online course for those not required to have OSHA-compliant certification. Participants learn how to treat cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies until help arrives. Pediatric modules are also available.

·         American Red Cross First Aid App is a free app for smart phones and tablets. It gives users instant access to information on how to handle the most common first aid situations, and includes videos and interactive quizzes. The app puts lifesaving information right in people’s hands wherever and whenever they need it.

Information on courses and additional resources are available at redcross.org. A variety of Red Cross apps can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross, or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps.

Beat the Heat

“Heat can be especially hazardous to anyone exercising or playing outdoors this time of year. People should avoid scheduling workouts and exercise during the hottest times of the day,” added Blaschak.  “Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.”

Preparedness to help keep a promise

As soon as I first heard the rumbles of thunder overnight, I knew my wife and I would soon have company. Sure enough, just before one of the loudest thunder claps during what turned out to be an impressive storm, our six year old walked into the room, saying, "I really don't like the thunder." In the interest of getting any sleep, we let him crawl into bed with us, and like any good parent I told him that daddy wouldn't let anything hurt him.

Of course, as I thought about it today, I realized that's not really a promise that I can keep. For all the things we parents do to keep our children safe, we can't control the weather and the damage it could cause. But we can certainly prepare for it. We should all have an emergency kit ready to go should we need to leave immediately and a plan for where we would go, and have flashlights ready should the power be knocked out.

The best way to be prepared is to know what's coming so you can get to a safe place before the storm hits. Wednesday afternoon, my Red Cross Tornado app alerted me to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Erie, Genesee and Wyoming Counties. That was extremely useful information since my cubicle has no windows and it was sunny when I arrived to work!

So no, we may not be able to guarantee we can keep our children safe. But we can help them stay out of harm's way and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store.

Want to join "Team Red Cross"? There's an app for that!

We all know that the good people of Western New York always want to help out their neighbors in need. After a disaster, people step up not only with financial support but with a desire to volunteer, especially if that disaster occurs in our own back yard. The problem is, they may not know how to help. Well now, there's an app for that!

The American Red Cross launched the Team Red Cross App this week, which allows people to sign up to help, get an overview on basic tasks and receive notifications about Red Cross disaster volunteer opportunities in their community.

Once you download the app, you need to create an account. Then you'll learn about different jobs, such as working in a warehouse, handing out supplies or assisting with feeding. When the Red Cross has a need for volunteers, the Team Red Cross App will notify you based on their location, and you can instantly accept or decline the volunteer opportunity.

The best time to download the Team Red Cross App is now, BEFORE a disaster strikes in WNY so you can help immediately.

The app is free and designed for iPhone and A

ndroid smart phones and tablets. Additional features include:

• A quick orientation right on the mobile device.
• Ability to share notifications for volunteers with your social network.
• Earn digital “badges” by completing a job test, accepting a job, sharing the app, recruiting volunteers, etc. The “badges” can then be shared with your social network.
• Allows you to donate money to the Red Cross and sign up to donate blood.
• Offers emergency response information that you can share with their friends at the touch of a button.

The Team Red Cross App is the seventh in a series of highly successful Red Cross apps, which are now on more than 3 million mobile devices across the country. A recent Red Cross survey shows that apps are now tied with social media as the fourth most popular way to get information during emergencies—behind TV, radio and online news sites. Nearly one-fifth of Americans say they’ve received some kind of emergency information from an app they’ve downloaded, making the Red Cross apps an important way for the public to get ready for disasters.

The Team Red Cross App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps. We look forward to having you join our team!

Red Cross Issues Tips to Stay Safe as Temperatures Rise

High heat and humidity forecast for much of week

BUFFALO, NY, July 15, 2013 - Summer is here, bringing with it dangerous excessive heat. The American Red Cross has steps people can follow to stay safe as the temperatures soar.

“Excessive heat can be deadly; it has caused more deaths in recent years than all other weather events,” said Kenneth Turner, Chief Disaster Officer for the Western New York and Finger Lakes Regions. “We want everyone to stay safe during the hot weather and have some reminders for them to follow when the weather is hot and humid.”

NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN, PETS IN THE CAR. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees. Other heat safety steps include:

§  Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

§  Avoid extreme temperature changes.

§  Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

§  Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

§  Postpone outdoor games and activities.

§  Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.

§  Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

§  Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.

§  If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should choose places to go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).

HEAT EXHAUSTION Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes. 

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

HEAT STROKE IS LIFE-THREATENING. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

For more information on what to do when temperatures rise, people can visit redcross.org, download the Red Cross Heat Wave Safety Checklist, or download the free Red Cross First Aid. The app is available for iPhone and Android smart phone and tablet users in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. People can learn how to treat heat-related and other emergencies by taking First Aid and CPR/AED training online or in person. Go to redcross.org/takeaclass for information and to register. 

National Lightning Safety Awareness Week Rolls On

This seems like a relatively appropriate time to blog about lightning, considering the thunder rumbling outside our 786 Delaware Avenue headquarters as I type this. It's even more appropriate since this storm is taking place in the middle of National Lightning Safety Awareness week!

According to the National Weather Service, there have been seven lightning fatalities nationally already this year. Since 1996, there have been 32 documented injuries in Western New York, including seven each in Erie and Niagara Counties. So if thunder roars, go indoors!

Thunderstorms can also cause power outages and flooding. In fact, all of WNY is currently under a Flood Watch because of our current storms. Now would probably be a good time to review these thunderstorm and flooding safety tips to make sure you're prepared. You can also download the FREE Red Cross Hurricane App for iPhone and Android and receive NOAA weather alerts so you'll always know what's coming our way.

Wildfire? There's an app for that!

There are media reports this morning regarding a swamp fire burning in Lewiston. Officials say there's no danger to people or buildings at this time, but what if that were not the case? Wildfires may not be everyday occurrences in WNY, but they can happen, and the Red Cross has an app for that (and other potential disasters, too)!

Our FREE Wildfire App--available in English and Spanish for use on both iPhone and Android platforms-- includes the “Blaze Tracker” trio of features, which can be customized for alerts specific to locations where they live, travel or have loved ones:

•        “Blaze Warnings” which let users see areas where NOAA has issued warnings that conditions are favorable for potential wildfires;
•          “Blaze Alerts” inform users when a wildfire has begun within 100 miles of any locations monitored; and
•          “Blaze Path” from Inciweb.org which provides users with a current view of an existing wildfire’s perimeter, how it has spread and the fire’s current location when available.

Additional features include:

•        One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way;
•          Locations of open Red Cross shelters;
•          Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;
•          Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and
•          Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

The Wildfire App--along with the Tornado, Earthquake, Hurricane, and First Aid apps--can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. Apps can help prepare people for disasters, but they are not a substitute for training. Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. People can go to redcross.org/takeaclass to find a course near them.

We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto!

No, Western New York is not in Kansas. But Dorothy may be surprised to know that we seem to have a few tornado warnings here every year, including some actual tornado touchdowns. During this National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the Red Cross has launched an new Tornado App that puts help right into the hands of people who live in or visit tornado-prone regions. Best of all, it’s free and available for iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone and tablet users. The Red Cross app gives people instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during and after tornadoes.

 

The app, available in English and Spanish, has a number of features including a high-pitched siren and “tornado warning!” alert that signals when a NOAA tornado warning is in effect. An “all clear!” alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled. People who are out of harm’s way can quickly tap the “I’m safe” button to send a message letting loved ones and friends know they are okay.

People across the country can now receive location-based NOAA tornado, severe thunderstorm and flood alerts on their mobile devices and share them on their social networks. Users can share vital information via Facebook, Twitter, text and email. Even if someone doesn’t live in a tornado-prone area, users can have peace of mind knowing they’ll have instant information about loved ones who live in other parts of the country.

Other features of the app include:

·         Simple steps and checklists people can use to create an emergency plan and share it with household members;

·         Preloaded preparedness content that gives instant access to critical action steps even without mobile connectivity;

·         Toolkit with a flashlight, a strobe light and an audible alarm;

·         Locations of open Red Cross shelters; and

·         Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

Red Cross First Aid, Hurricane, Earthquake and Wild Fire Apps have already been downloaded more than 2 million times. People have not only downloaded the apps, but have used them to track storms, let loved ones know that they are safe, find Red Cross shelter locations and access other recovery resources. Download the apps today. The Tornado App, along with the others, can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps.

While apps can help prepare you for disasters, they are not a substitute for training. Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. Go to redcross.org/takeaclass for information and to register.