It didn't happen this time, but...

A week ago today, Western New Yorkers were bombarded with predictions of "snowmageddon". Heavy, wet snow was supposed to blanket the area, bringing down trees and power lines in a scene reminiscent of our October Surprise in 2006. The predictions were so dire, the Weather Channel even sent Jim Cantore to Orchard Park to cover the devastation.

L-R: Ken Turner, Julie Rapp, Susan Peek and Diane Sargent
discuss emergency response plans for
predicted spring snow storm.

Here at the Red Cross, we prepared for the worst. Potential shelter locations were put on standby in each of the eight counties of the Greater Buffalo Region, and staff and volunteers were lined up to operate them. Emergency services directors here at our regional headquarters took part in multiple conference calls with their counterparts in the Southwestern New York and Tri-County Chapters to coordinate any possible response and ensure that the Red Cross was ready help wherever needed. We were also in constant contact with emergency managers at the state and local level to coordinate potential action.

As we all now know, "snowmaggedon" never materialized. Some parts of WNY did receive some measurable snowfall, and there were scattered power outages, but there was never any true emergency and no actual disaster operations were necessary. The most exciting part of Jim Cantore's time in Orchard Park turned out to be a visit from Santa Claus!

That doesn't mean we should all start treating the weatherman like the boy who cried wolf, however. Anyone who was here in October of 2006 knows how important being prepared ahead of time can be, and disasters can happen any time, whether the meteorologists predict it or not. If you want to learn to what steps to take to make sure you're Red Cross Ready when disaster predictions actually do come true, set up a free preparedness education program at your school, business or organization.

Here at the Red Cross, the false predictions gave us a chance to test our emergency response capabilities throughout the region in real time. By coincidence, we had a a recap of our March disaster drill scheduled for last Wednesday, and we took that opportunity to discuss what went well during our preparations for the spring storm, and what we could've done better. So we'll keep watching the weatherman, and we'll be ready to respond when the boy actually does see the wolf!

Shelter-in-place? Like a blanket fort?

While checking in with some of the blogs we follow here at the Red Cross, I came across a really interesting article posted by the Disaster Preparedness Blog about sheltering in place.  Not really a topic anyone thinks about... but they should! Disasters can happen anywhere, and the fact that we have a power plant, major train lines, Thruways and a whole other country right next to us makes the chance of us having a disaster that causes particulates to be released in the air a pretty high possiblity! Does your household know what to do when a shelter in place warning is issued? 

What is sheltering in-place?

·    Shelter-in-place is an emergency precautionary method that is put in place if there is a situation where local government believes that hazardous materials may have been released into the atmosphere.

o   This is not the same thing as going to a shelter in case of a storm!

§  Depending on where you are, there are different steps you should take.  The information below is focused on sheltering at home.    

Why might you need to shelter-in-place?

·   Chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants may be released accidentally or intentionally into the environment. Should this occur, information will be provided by local authorities on television and radio stations on how to protect you and your family.

How will you know you need to shelter-in-place?

·   Information will most likely be provided on television and radio, so it is important to keep a TV or radio on, even during the workday.

Where should you shelter in place?

·   You should select a small, interior room with no or few windows to take refuge in that has a hard-wired telephone and is above ground level

o   In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed 

How do you shelter in place?

·   Get your “home” emergency supply kit

o   Need help creating a kit? Visit us online for tips on what to pack!

o   Want your employees, co-workers, parishioners, tenants or students to learn more about getting prepared? Contact Denise Herkey-Jarosch at 716.878.2231 or HerkeyJaroschD@usa.redcross.com to schedule a Be Red Cross Ready presentation!

·   Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.

·   If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains.

·   Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.

·   Close the fireplace damper.

·   Make sure that you have a radio and that it’s working

o   News stations will tell you if the shelter in place warning has been lifted or if you need to evacuate.

·   Bring your pets with you, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.

·   Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.

Watch this great Red Cross video that goes over sheltering in-place.

Remember that instructions to shelter-in-place are usually provided for durations of a few hours, not days or weeks. There is little danger that the room in which you are taking shelter will run out of oxygen and you will suffocate!

For more information on sheltering in place, check out this great informational sheet provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or view the Red Cross’ sheltering in-place pamphlet below to know what to do when you're not home!

We're ready!

All of us Buffalonians know that our weather is far from cooperative.  When a storm’s supposed to hit it misses, and when it’s supposed to miss it hits.  That not only makes our poor meteorologist’s lives quite difficult, but also makes it difficult for us to be prepared.  This is why we push so hard through our Red Cross Ready presentations that you prepare NOW, so regardless of what happens next, you’re ready.

Here at the Chapter we’re always prepared, which allows us to respond seamlessly during severe weather or other disasters.  We couldn’t do this without your support.

Donations from the community are what help us continue to offer you with the wide range of free classes, support, services and emergency response, so that when those big storms or other disasters do hit, we have all of the tools we need to respond.

You can help us continue to be prepared by:

Making a donation
or
Becoming a volunteer

For tips on how to better prepare now so that you’re ready for the next storm, visit us online.
To schedule a Be Red Cross Ready presentation for your school, work, church or community center, call or e-mail Denise Herkey-Jarosch at 716-878-2231 or HerkeyJaroschD@usa.redcross.org.

Snow snow everywhere...

Since I grew up shoveling a very long driveway, I appreciate the fact that when I come home after a very blizzardy day to my quant apartment, I’m not responsible for shoveling the driveway.  No more waking up in the morning with all of my muscles hurting, freezing out in the cold or having snow frozen in my hair for hours from my brothers lovingly dumping their shovels full of snow on me.  But not everyone is lucky enough to have a snow shoveling landlord. 

Most people have homes, cars and children that need to be carted around, which means that the two feet of snow that has piled up on your 20 ft driveway needs to be moved if anyone plans on getting in or out.  Not always the easiest or safest task.  

Did you know?

·         Just 15 minutes of snow shoveling is equal to 30 minutes of moderate physical activity.

o   Strokes and heart attacks are the second most common reason that people are sent to the emergency rooms during snow storms. Anyone who has already had a heart attack, has a history of heart disease, has high blood pressure has high cholesterol, lives a sedentary lifestyle or even smokes should approach snow shoveling with extreme caution.

So, here are some snow shoveling tips!!

·         Dress in layers

·         Don’t put your back into it!

o   Back injury is a common health risk of shoveling snow. Using the wrong muscles can cause great pain or send someone to the hospital. It's very important to stretch and warm your body up prior to snow shoveling to prevent injury.

§  Use proper body mechanics:

            ·         Stand with feet at hip width for balance

·         Bend from the knees

·         Keep the shovel close to the body

·         Tighten stomach muscles while lifting

·         Avoid twisting movements

·         Pick the right shovel!!

o   Larger snow shovel=Faster shoveling=Higher risk of injury

o   An average snow shovel can hold up to 16 pounds of snow, which will add up quick once you get through your entire driveway and sidewalk!

o   By using a smaller shovel you will reduce your chance of injury

·         Stay hydrated!!

o   Cold weather can dehydrate the human body

o   Take frequent water breaks, about every 10-15 minutes, and warm up your hands and feet! 

o   Avoid alcohol

o   Avoid caffeine or nicotine before shoveling because they cause blood vessels to constrict, placing extra stress on the heart

·         PUSH the snow

o   Why make more work for yourself? It’s much easier on your body and will still get the job done.  

If snow shoveling is too much of a risk for your health, consider paying the neighbor’s kids (unless you have your own!) a few dollars  to shovel your walks or driveway. It may just save your life.

Stay safe!! And have a great winter.

For more information, please visit our disaster preparedness section online, and to schedule a presentation for your work, church or other organization, please contact Denise Herkey-Jarosch, Regional Coordinator, NYS Citizens Preparedness Program at (716) 878-2231 or Herkeyjaroschd@usa.redcross.org.

Special thanks to the Army Corps of Engineers for this great information!!

Make a New Year’s resolution to support your Chapter!

When you turn on your favorite news station and see a fellow community member’s home being ravaged by a fire, you may say “what a shame” and think how that could never happen to you and your family.  However, it does happen to families every day here in Buffalo, and when it does, we’re there to help.  We wouldn’t be able to do this without you.  

Your donations of time and money allow us to do what we do best in the community, help.  Whether it’s through Emergency Services, Disaster Preparedness, Services to Seniors, Services to the Armed Forces or HIV/AIDS Services, we are here in Buffalo to help. 

So thank you for all of the support you have given to us this past year and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the New Year so that we can continue to help all of our neighbors. 

To make a donation please visit us online or call us at 716.878.2374.

Have you thought about becoming a SAF volunteer as part of your New Year’s resolution?

Some people don’t realize that the American Red Cross is still closely connected to its roots in terms of working alongside the military.  Through our Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) program, we help connect families here in the States with their family member in the service, stateside or across the world.  This is a great opportunity to get involved and give back to Service Members and their families, and great way to incorporate benevolence into your New Year’s resolution! 

SAF volunteers work directly with family members during major events, such as a birth or the death or illness of a close relative,  to verify their emergency, and then follow the correct avenues in order to get their message delivered to their family member in the service.  Depending on the type of emergency, where the service member is located, and if it is during a time of war or peace, the Service Member may be granted leave to come home or an opportunity to call home.

If you would like to become involved in this great service, you will need to complete the Services to Armed Forces- Emergency Communication Message Training through the Chapter.  This course is a basic introductory class that gives an overview of how to receive and process a case in the Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services program, and also has an online course component that provides more hands on training. 

To schedule training, please call us at 716.878.2387 or visit us online.

What does "Help from the Red Cross" Really Mean?

You hear it all the time on the news after a fire or other disaster--"The Red Cross is assisting the family."  That sounds good, but what does it really mean?  Well, here's what it meant for one family forced out of the house they were renting by last week's lake effect snow machine!

Our Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to the scene on Lemans Road in Depew last Thursday, after the weight of multiple feet of snow caused the roof to collapse on the home.  The Red Cross provided the family with money for food, new clothes, and a hotel stay through Monday. 

On Monday, the family came into our Chapter to ask for more help.  The Red Cross provided them with additional clothing and other supplies for their infant child, and extended their hotel stay through Thursday.  Our staff also discussed a long-term recovery plan with the family, and will help in any way we can as they try to put their lives back in order.  The Red Cross has even offered to assist the family with the security deposit and first month's rent once they find an apartment!  Our Disaster Action Team is looking forward to meeting with the family today to get an update on their progress and offer them further assistance.

The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter helps hundreds of families like this one who suddenly find themselves homeless after a fire, flooding, or yes, even a massive lake-effect snow storm every year.  But we need your help to be able to provide these services to our neighbors.  This holiday season, please consider giving the gift that saves the day!  Text GIFT to 90999 to send a $25 donation to the American Red Cross.