Winter Wonderland or Winter Disaster? Be Prepared with the Red Cross

 

Winter Wonderland or Winter Disaster? 

Fluffy white snow sparkling in the bright sunshine is perfect for the long-awaited outdoor adventures in the Northeastern winter. However, that much-anticipated adventure might turn into a dangerous situation with the combination of strong winds and snow flurries. If you have ever lost power, you know how “inconvenient” it can be for just an hour or two. However, if that power loss continues for 12 or 24 hours or even days - would you be prepared?

Immediate Precautions

If you hear the news broadcasting Winter Storm Warning or Blizzard Warning, take immediate precautions.  

Defining Weather Situations

When in Doubt, Don’t Go Out. The American Red Cross has defined the severity of weather systems:

·        Outlook:   Winter storm conditions may be in the 2–5-day forecast

·        Advisory:  Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconvenience and may be hazardous. Using caution should avoid life-threatening situations.

·        Watch:     Winter storm conditions are possible within 36-48 hours. Review winter storm plans.

·        Warning:  Life-threatening severe winter conditions have begun or will begin in the next 24 hours. Take precautions immediately.

·        Wind Chill Temperature: This is how cold humans and animals feel when outside. Frostbite can occur rapidly.

Prepare for Emergencies

Preparedness kits will provide peace of mind during adverse weather emergencies.  The kits you put together for yourself would include water, food, medications, and other necessities for a 3-day supply per person. A kit for your car is important as well.  You can find more suggestions of supplies to include in your kits and additional tips here. 

Plans Before Emergencies

As winter approaches, a plan for emergencies will hopefully prevent any unfortunate events from occurring. Plans to care for not only yourself, but also, your family, pets, or neighbors who may need assistance. Include plans to ensure that your home is safe: flashlights, blankets, and water are available. Also, a plan is advised to evacuate to a safe location if your home is not safe during the storm. The Red Cross may set up emergency shelters.

The American Red Cross also has a FREE Emergency App that can
be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play which features weather alerts, more helpful tips like these and shelter locations in the event of a storm.

Written by: Ginny Scott, American Red Cross of WNY Communications Volunteer

Remembering "Snowvember", Five Years Later

A Lackawanna house buried in snow following
Snowvember 2014

What were you doing five years ago? If you were in Western New York in November 2014, particularly South Buffalo and the Southtowns, you'll never forget it. 

An unprecedented Lake Effect Snowstorm buried parts of WNY under as much as eight feet of snow. Travel bans and road closures left hundreds of motorists stranded, while thousands more were trapped in their homes. Many residents had to be evacuated over concerns their home might collapse under the weight of all that snow.

Thanks to the year-round support of our generous donors, the Red Cross was able to immediately provide hope, help, and comfort to the WNY community. Between November 18 and November 28, a workforce of 175 people - 80% of them volunteers - operated or supported 19 different shelters across the Region, providing a warm place to spend the night for 603 people. Working with community partners such as the Salvation Army, the Red Cross served 6,696 meals and snacks to families and individuals in need, with four Emergency Response Vehicles taking support directly to areas hardest hit by the storm. Specially trained volunteers provided 1,019 health and mental health contacts, and 3,939 relief items, including cleanup and personal comfort kits, were distributed to families affected by the winter storm.

Joy Lawrence was still smiling despite his big rig getting
stranded in the snow. He enjoyed his "little adventure"
staying at a Red Cross shelter in Elma, NY

“I’m really enjoying this. I call it my little adventure!” Truck driver Joy Lawrence, from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, was able to smile despite having been stranded and needing to be brought to the Red Cross shelter at Iroquois Middle School in Elma by two police officers. “Wow, Red Cross, you guys are awesome. Really helpful, really kind, really understanding. They're willing to help you in every way. Food, shelter, nursing. Sometimes it's hard for me to explain. I'm 100% satisfied with your services.”

NATIONAL NETWORK HELPS MAINTAIN A SAFE BLOOD SUPPLY 

The unprecedented snowfall forced 29 blood drives to be cancelled across WNY, resulting in 910 units going uncollected. When severe weather disrupts blood collections throughout the area, the Red Cross is able to provide blood from other blood regions to help local hospitals. Despite the conditions, volunteer drivers were able to deliver this vital resource to area hospitals so they could continue to meet patient needs.

“I was driving a Red Cross vehicle from the Blood Processing Center in West Henrietta to Mercy Hospital when Harlem Road when the National Guard said the road was impassible,” said volunteer driver Dona Bronkie. “After calling the hospital and my supervisor, we arranged to drop off the blood the Catholic Health building downtown and they were able to make sure it got to the hospital and patients in need.”

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STORM

Nationally, the Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes. To be ready to respond 24/7, the Red Cross maintains a variety of resources, equipment, and volunteers to provide help after disasters. Just as the Red Cross prepares for disasters, it’s also important for people to prepare by taking three simple steps:

The Red Cross operated or
supported 19 shelters, including
this one at the Depew Senior Center

1. Get a Kit: Emergency kits should include food, water, and other basic supplies to last three days for each family member.
2. Make a Plan: Plan what to in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and have to evacuate
3. Be Informed: Learn which emergency may occur where you live, work, and play, and how to respond as quickly as possible. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information

In partnership with New York State, the Red Cross is pleased to offer free Citizen Preparedness Corps training across the state. The training provides information about common types of natural and man-made disasters, and teaches effective ways to prepare for, respond to and recover from them as an individual, family and community. Click here to request volunteers to provide this training at your school, group, or other organization.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to get lifesaving preparedness information, real-time weather alerts, and more, in the palm of your hand. Search “American Red Cross” in the app store or go to www.redcross.org/apps.

DONATE BLOOD

NY-Penn Blood Services currently collects an estimated 750 units daily to support approximately 90 hospitals in New York and ten counties in Pennsylvania. The Red Cross strives to meet local hospital needs first, and then through our national inventory management system, we can move products throughout our area and across the country, where there is a need.

Currently the Red Cross has a critical need for all blood types and platelet donations. Schedule an appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The scene outside Iroquois Middle School in Elma
as volunteers opened a shelter for those affected by
Snowvember 2014

DONATE TO DISASTER RELIEF

You can help people affected by disasters like winter storms and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

You can also donate your time and talent as a Red Cross volunteer. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to fill out an online application and start your own Red Cross story.

Winter is Coming

Winter is coming! Or, to be more accurate, winter is here with much of the region under winter storm warnings and/or watches starting Thursday. Here in Western and Central New York, we're more than more than familiar with winter weather, but it's still important we're all prepared for the upcoming storms and weather that could make travel and being outside difficult:

• Download the Emergency App for iPhone or for Android to get real time weather alerts, shelter locations, and additional safety tips
• Talk with your family about what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Discussing winter storms ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for young children.
•  Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
• Be prepared to evacuate if you lose power or heat and know your routes and destinations. Find a local emergency shelter.
• Check emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
• Be sure you have ample heating fuel.
• If you have alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood- or coal-burning stoves, or space heaters, be sure they are clean and in working order.
• Check that your fire extinguisher(s) is in good working order, and replace it if necessary.
• Bring your companion animals inside and ensure that your horses and livestock have blankets if appropriate and unimpeded access to shelter, food, and non-frozen water 

Driving in Winter Conditions

• Keep in your vehicle:

• A windshield scraper and small broom
• A small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats
• Matches in a waterproof container
• A brightly colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna
• An emergency supply kit, including warm clothing. Bring enough of the following for each person:
• • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Rain gear, extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks, and wool hats
  • Newspapers for insulation
  • Plastic bags for sanitation
  • Canned fruit, nuts, and high energy snacks (Include a non-electric can opener if necessary)
  • Warm broth in a thermos and several bottles of water
  • Keep a cell phone or two-way radio with you. Make sure the battery is charged.
  • Plan to travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person with you.
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• Before leaving, listen to weather reports for your area and the areas you will be passing through, or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions.
• Be on the lookout for sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog, which can make driving very hazardous

If You Become Stranded

• Stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards (91 meters). You can quickly become disoriented and confused in blowing snow.
• Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.
• Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or five minutes every half hour). Running the engine for only short periods reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserves fuel. Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• Do light exercises to keep up circulation. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long.
• If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping. If you are not awakened periodically to increase body temperature and circulation, you can freeze to death.
• Huddle together for warmth. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable floor mats for added insulation. Layering items will help trap more body heat.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Severe cold can cause numbness, making you unaware of possible danger.
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration, which can make you more susceptible to the ill effects of cold and to heart attacks.
• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse

Staying Safe Outside

If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards:

• • Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.
  • Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.
  • Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
  • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.
  • Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.
  • Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries.
  • If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.

To protect your home during winter storms:

• Learn how to protect pipes from freezing.
• Make sure your home heating sources are installed according to local codes and permit requirements and are clean and in working order.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.
• Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coal-burning stove or an electric or kerosene heater.
• Stoves must be properly vented and in good working order. Dispose of ashes safely. Keep a supply of wood or coal on hand.
• Electric space heaters, either portable or fixed, must be certified by an independent testing laboratory. Plug a heater directly into the wall socket rather than using an extension cord and unplug it when it is not in use.
• Use a kerosene heater only if permitted by law in your area; check with your local fire department. Use only the correct fuel for your unit. Properly ventilate the area. Refuel the unit outdoors only, and only when the unit is cool. Follow all of the manufacturer's instructions.
• Consider storing sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off. Be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.
• If you have a fireplace, consider keeping a supply of firewood or coal. Be sure the fireplace is properly vented and in good working order and that you dispose of ashes safely.
• Consider installing a portable generator, following our safety tips to avoid home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning
• Consider purchasing flood insurance, if you live in a flood-prone area, to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw. Homeowners' policies do not cover damage from floods. Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if you are at risk. More information on NFIP is available at www.fema.gov/nfip.

Two from Western & Central Red Cross Deploying to Help in Winter Storm Relief

UPDATED: A third Regional volunteer is also deploying to assist in the efforts

A third American Red Cross volunteer from the Western and Central New York Region is deploying to Boston, MA to help in the winter storm relief efforts. Diane Sargent of Lockport will be doing Disaster Assessment, going into affected areas to gauge where help is needed most.

Sargent joins Regional Disaster Program Officer Kenneth J. Turner of Buffalo, who will serve as Divisional Management Response Team (DMRT) Director, and volunteer Sarah Perkins of Pittsford, who will serve as Disaster Assessment Lead. All three recently served in leadership roles during the response to the Western New York Snowstorm in November 2014.

As people begin to dig out from the Northeast blizzard, the American Red Cross is helping, making sure people have food and a safe place to stay. The Red Cross opened or supported 24 shelters in Massachusetts, where more than 340 people spent Tuesday night in Red Cross and independent shelters. Red Cross workers also served more than 4,800 meals and snacks in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

While this storm did not affect Western & Central New York, the American Red Cross urges everyone to take this time to prepare themselves and their loved ones for disasters like winter storms. The Red Cross is partnering with New York State to offer free Citizen Preparedness Corps Training. A trained Red Cross representative will provide a comprehensive overview on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural and man-made disasters. A 15-minute online version of this program is also available at http://prepare.ny.gov/online-citizen-preparedness-training  (select Red Cross from the referral dropdown menu), or to schedule an in-person Citizen Preparedness Corps training, please contact Individual and Community Preparedness Specialist Veronica Chiesi Brown at 585-241-4405 or veronica.chiesibrown@redcross.org.

The Red Cross relies on financial contributions to provide help and comfort to disaster victims anywhere, anytime. You can help people affected by disasters like winter storms, home fires and countless other crises by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

Red Cross to Distribute Clean-Up Kits in Storm Affected Areas

The American Red Cross will be distributing free clean-up kits and other materials to help residents as they begin to recover from last week’s devastating lake effect snowstorm. Clean-up kits-including brooms, buckets, work and rubber gloves, bleach, tarps, shovels and more- will be available while supplies last, along with information on what to do after a flood and specially-trained Disaster Mental Health volunteers to help area residents deal with the emotional impact of this storm.

WHAT:          Red Cross clean-up materials distribution

WHEN:         Wednesday, November 26, 2pm-5pm

                        Friday, November 28, 11am-2pm

WHERE:      Iroquois Middle School, 2111 Girdle Road, Elma

                        St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran, 3512 Clinton Street, West Seneca                   

The Salvation Army will be providing hot meals at both locations on both Wednesday and Friday as they continue to support the relief efforts. The Salvation Army has provided over 2,000 meals since the relief efforts began last week. Volunteers from the Southern Baptists will also be supporting the distribution, joining some of the 114 Red Cross staff and volunteers currently working on the relief efforts.

The Red Cross continues to operate a shelter at Iroquois Middle School, where six people spent Monday night. Four Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) have been bringing food, water and additional support directly into the hardest hit areas, and Disaster Assessment teams have been assessing the damage and helping guide the response efforts.

The Red Cross continues to work with emergency officials at the state, county and local level to monitor developments and ensure that community needs are being met as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.

You Saved My Life!

“I haven’t had sleep in 24 hours!”

Jeanette Jay with Winging It TV's Matt Snyder at
Iroquois Middle School shelter

Jeanette Jay had been evacuated from her home in the French Quarter Mobile Park in West Seneca

Thursday evening when of the snow from the lake effect storm threatened to collapse her roof.

“There was 12 feet of snow in my driveway,” Jay said. “I left my pets behind, I had to make a decision. I’m lucky to be here.”

The emergency officials that rescued Jay bused her and almost 30 of her neighbors to the Red Cross shelter at Iroquois Middle School in Elma.

“The treatment has been out of this world,” Jay said of the volunteers who provided hot meals, a place to rest, and emotional support at the shelter. “The facilities are the best they could’ve taken people to.”

This picture gives you an idea of how much snow has
piled up on people's roofs

Jay actually came to Western New York after her Pennsylvania home was destroyed by fire years ago. However, she hadn’t needed Red Cross services until this storm, and she is grateful for all the help she's received.

“You saved my life,” she said.

65 people spent Friday night in Red Cross shelters at the Iroquois Middle School, 211 Girdle Road in Elma, and Goodell Hall, 12847 Erie Street in Irving. Volunteers continue to operate those shelters as preparations are being made for potential flooding in the next few days. Please take some time to prepare yourself and your family for possible flooding, and download the FREE Red Cross Flood App for real-time alerts and additional safety tips.

"It's My Little Adventure"

Joy Lawrence of Brampton, ONT

"I'm really enjoying this. I call it my little adventure!"

That's not exactly what you'd expect to hear from a trucker stranded by an unprecedented lake effect snowstorm. Joy Lawrence was trying to get his rig back to Brampton, Ontario, Canada Tuesday when the snow started falling.

"Almost made it," Lawrence said Thursday from the Red Cross shelter at Iroquois Middle School in Elma. "Got stuck at 2:30, slept in my truck. I'd never gotten stranded, never seen snow like this before."

After getting some help digging out his rig, two police officers led Lawrence to the Jamison Road fire hall. The next day, he and others were transferred to the larger shelter at Iroquois Middle, where volunteers were able to provide them with additional services including showers.

"Wow, Red Cross, you guys are awesome," Lawrence said. Really helpful, really kind, really understanding. They're willing to help you in every way. Food, shelter, nursing. Sometimes it's hard for me to explain. I'm 100% satisfied with your services.

The snow continued to fall outside our shelter at
Iroquois Middle School in Elma Thursday afternoon

Despite being stranded in a foreign country, Joy's spirit throughout his ordeal really lived up to his first name.

"I've met some really lovely people," he said.

On Wednesday afternoon, Joy was one of 35 Canadians staying in Red Cross shelters in WNY. There were also 22 people from China, 3 from Brazil, and one each from Australia, India and the Philippines, making this a truly international operation.

"The American Red Cross is one of the best in the world," said Lawrence before returning home.

It's baack!!

So this is the view outside my office window right now:

I know what you're thinking. It's Western New York, in a few months we'll be longing to see that much green. That may be true, but the reality is, this is the first we've seen of the white stuff this season, with lake snow advisories in effect for parts of the area. So while the amount of snow you see on the ground today isn't enough to even slow down a true Western New Yorker, it's time to brush up on your winter safety tips, since we know this is only the beginning.

And while, of course, the best advice is to stay off the roads during blizzard conditions, that's not always possible. So here's a few winter driving tips to get you ready for the coming months:

• Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter with safe tires filled to proper pressure, a window scraper, kitty litter or sand in case you get stuck, extra clothes and a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk. Pack high-protein snacks, water, first aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers, extra prescription medications, blankets and important documents or information you may need.

• Fill the vehicle’s gas tank and clean the lights and windows to help you see.

• Find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling and pay attention to the weather forecast. Before you leave, let someone know where you are going, the route you plan to take, and when you expect to get there. If your car gets stuck, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

• If you can, avoid driving in sleet, freezing rain, snow or dense fog. If you have to drive, make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.

• Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.

• Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.

Giving Thanks for Safe Winter Travels!

In case you couldn't tell by the frigid temperatures and the snow some of us saw this weekend, winter is here. Just to make sure that point is hammered home, all of Western  New York is under a Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening. While six inches of snow may not be enough to scare us hearty Western New Yorkers, history tells us we'd do well to make sure we're prepared.

Warming station for stranded drivers at the Cheektowaga
Senior Center on 12/1/10

This is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, with over 43 million Americans expected to hit the roads. During Thanksgiving week 13 years ago, I was working at Channel 7 when this happened. Looking outside the downtown Buffalo studios, the streets looked like a war zone, with abandoned cars spread across the highways, blocking travel even for those trying to brave the massive snowstorm. Thousands were stranded. I spent the night with dozens of stranded travelers in the lobby of the hotel across the street, since every room had long been filled by other stranded travelers. I was only a month into my Red Cross career when a lake effect snowstorm forced the closure of parts of the Thruway near Cheektowaga on December 1, 2010, giving me my first shelter experience as we set up a warming station for the thousands of stranded motorists. (It wasn't over the holidays, but I was also a senior in the Marion Jr-Sr High School when an ice storm knocked out power to thousands and kept us out of school for a week in 1991. Not to date myself or anything...)

Volunteers serve a hot meal to drivers, some of whom had
been stranded over 24 hours when a snowstorm closed
portions of the Thruway in December 2010

It's almost as if winter storms are part of the Thanksgiving tradition in this region. And even if you can handle the snowy driving, other drivers or road closures can still leave you stuck. Try to wait until things are clear to hit the roads--I'm sure your family will keep the turkey warm for you. But if you must drive in wintry conditions, here's some safety tips to help you arrive safely:

• Pack emergency supplies like blankets, water and snacks, flashlight and first aid kit.
• Vehicles should be in good working order before heading out. Fill the fuel tank, check air pressure in tires and top-off windshield fluid.
• Buckle up and obey all traffic signs.
• Avoid distractions while driving like using mobile phones to talk or text.
• Designate a driver who won’t be drinking whenever alcohol is served.

If your using planes and trains instead of automobiles this Thanksgiving, we've got some safety tips for you as well. And of course, this is just the beginning of the winter season, so make sure you're prepared to make it through the snow at home and on the roads!

From seventies to snow...and Sandy!

It may be difficult to believe, with the bright sunshine and temperatures in the mid 70's, but big changes are coming soon, with some "S" words even popping up in the forecast for next week.

The "S" word that we're most often concerned about here in WNY is, of course, snow. And sure enough, there's a chance the white stuff will start flying next week. Coincidentally, this is Winter Weather Awareness Week in New York State. While you're getting out and enjoying this unexpected blast of summer weather, take some steps now to make sure your ready to stay safe when the winter weather blows in. Maybe take a walk to the store to update your emergency kit with fresh water and food and new batteries for the flashlight. Just remember, the time to prepare is now, because once a blizzard hits it may be too late.

There's another "S" word dominating the weather headlines: Sandy, as in Hurricane Sandy, which is already hitting Cuba, Jamaica and the Bahamas. The storm is expected to push up the east coast this weekend, and when combined with the winter storm could have devastating affects along the east coast starting early next week. In addition to the usual concerns of flooding and wind damage that come with a hurricane, Sandy's predictions even have parallels to our own October Surprise of 2006, with the combination of snow and leafy trees causing long-term power outages.

Outside the Clement Mansion following the
October surprise of 2006. Hopefully, Sandy won't
bring a repeat performance to the East Coast.

Here at the Red Cross, we're getting ready for Sandy, with conference calls scheduled this afternoon to make sure we're ready to respond whenever and wherever it becomes necessary. We encourage everyone to do prepare their families as well. One of the best things you can do is download our hurricane app on your smartphone, with tools to help you prepare for a storm by putting together and emergency kit, find a Red Cross shelter and let your loved ones know your safe.

So enjoy this wonderful day, but don't forget, the weather won't stay this way forever!

Preparedness month... day 27!

It's preparedness month! And we’re celebrating with 30 days full of tips on our favorite topic… preparedness!! If you’ve missed out on any of them, click here to take a trip through the month of September and catch up!!

Photo courtesy of tulsachange.com

Preparedness Tip #27
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. As much as 90 percent of the damage related to all natural disasters (excluding draught) is caused by floods and associated debris flow.
Most communities in the United States can experience some kind of flooding. Melting snow can combine with rain in the winter and early spring; severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rain in the spring or summer; or hurricanes can bring intense rainfall to coastal and inland states in the summer and fall. 
Regardless of how a flood occurs, the rule for being safe is simple: head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving floodwater produces more force than most people imagine. 
You can protect yourself by being prepared and having time to act. Local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio are the best sources of information in a flood situation.

Spring vs. winter!



Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross

Although it’s spring, we still haven’t been able to completely shake the grasp of winter, as we can see just by looking out windows across Western New York.  And if you’re like most of us here at the Chapter, we’ve been driving with our windows downs, shades on and tunes up and have long forgotten about the slick roads, white outs and all of the other dangerous situations that can arise from driving in the winter… or in this case, spring. That's why we thought it'd be the perfect time to brush up on some preparedness tips for winter driving!

Safety Tip # 1

Pay attention to the forecast: If the weather service is telling you to not travel unless necessary… don’t travel unless it’s necessary!

Safety Tip # 2

Always try to drive with a full tank of gas (One less thing to worry about if you get stuck in traffic)

Safety Tip #3

Make sure you have an emergency kit for your car with a variety of the following inside:

            -Battery operated radio

-Blankets

-Food

-Water

-Something brightly colored and reflective that can be used to call attention to your car if needed

-Flashlights

-Empty coffee cans or bottles (with lids!) for makeshift facilities

Safety Tip #4

Try to travel during the day

Safety Tip #5

If you’re driving and you think it’s too dangerous to continue, pull over! Turn on your hazard lights and hang a distress flag from your car’s radio antenna or window.

For more ideas on what to keep in your car’s emergency kit, visit us online!

For more winter driving tips, visit FEMA online. 

To purchase an emergency kit, visit our store online.

If you think that your school, company or other organization would benefit from a Be Red Cross Ready presentation that addresses issues such as winter preparedness, please contact Denise Herkey-Jarosch, Regional Coordinator, NYS Citizens Preparedness Program, at (716) 878-2231 or Louise Porter, Prepared and Ready Coordinator at (716) 878-2230 to set up a presentation

Storms A'Brewin'!!

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that a massive winter storm is headed our way this evening, predicted to dump over a foot of snow on Western New York by 10pm Wednesday.  As we've already seen this winter, it doesn't take nearly that much of the white stuff to cause problems.  Hopefully everyone will stay safe this time around, but thanks to your support, the Red Cross is ready to help if needed.  In fact, we've done this sort of thing before!

 

In early December, a lake effect snow storm left some travelers stranded on New York State Thruway for over 24 hours.  Our Disaster Action Team set up a shelter at the Cheektowaga Senior Center, providing 85 people with a food, water, a way to contact loved ones, and most importantly, heat!  The Red Cross also provided hotel rooms for 13 people who didn't have a way home at the end of the evening.

During that same storm, a family was forced out of the house they were renting 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 place to stay. Our staff also worked with the family to create a plan to help them put their lives back together, offering to pay the security deposit and first months rent on a new apartment.

Of course, when high winds combine with snow and ice, a widespread disaster including massive power outages is always possible.  Think back to October of 2006--the surprise storm left hundreds without power for days, with trees and power lines covering roads and damaging houses.  The Red Cross opened shelters across Erie County, even setting up cots for people to stay with us right here at Chapter heaquarters!

We count on you to be there for us, year after year, with your meaningful gift to the American Red Cross.  Donating is simple--just go to our website and help us continue to be What Happens Next when disaster strikes.  While you're there, check out some of our winter preparedness tips and make sure our winter wonderland doesn't turn into a nightmare.