On May 12, at 2:28pm local time (2:28am EDT), a powerful earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Sichuan province in southwestern China. This earthquake is the worst to hit China since the 1976 Tangshan quake in northeastern China, where up to 300,000 lives were lost.
You can help those affected by this and countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to help those in need. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visit Here.
The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation specifically to the China Earthquake Relief Effort please do so at the time of your donation.
On May 2, Cyclone Nargis hit southwestern Myanmar at 4:00pm local time, with winds of nearly 120 mph and a storm surge of 12 feet. After making landfall in the Ayeyarwady region, the cyclone continued inland for 155 miles before hitting the city of Yangon late the same night. An estimated 24 million people live in affected areas along the delta, including 6 million people in Yangon.
- Myanmar Government
- The Myanmar Government has pledged $5 million for relief and resettlement work. The Ministry for Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement is coordinating the response, and the government has assigned geographical areas to various Ministries to monitor funds received via the Flash Appeal.
- Military and police units are carrying out rescue and cleanup operations in Yangon and Ayeyarwady. The government has also deployed 100 doctors to affected areas.
- The Ministry for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has deployed UN national staff to government facilities to assist in coordination, planning and information sharing, initially in Pathein, Labutta, Bogale and Yangon.
- United States Government (USG)
- USAID/OFDA has announced $3.25 million in emergency assistance in response to the cyclone. This includes $1 million to the American Red Cross for the procurement and distribution of relief supplies, as well as $250,000 to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Program (WFP) and UNHCR for emergency food, shelter, and water and sanitation assistance.
- A 10-person USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) remains in Bangkok.
- Daily flights of U.S. Government assistance continue to land in Yangon.
- United Nations
- The UN is scheduled to release $20 million from the Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) and on May 9 released a Flash Appeal for $187 million to respond to the cyclone. A summary of previous contributions by organization is available in previous disaster response reports.
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- The Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Myanmar Information Management Unit has released Who/What/Where maps for agencies reporting health, food, protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene activities in response to the cyclone. A summary of key contributions by organization is available in previous disaster response reports.
The information in this report is compiled from a number of sources including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the U.S. Agency for International Development and involved national Red Cross/Red Crescent societies. The American Red Cross strives to provide the most accurate and timely information possible; however, all information should be considered conditional until a final report has been issued.
You can help those affected by this and countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to help those in need. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visit HERE.
The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation specifically to the please do so at the time of your donation.
American Red Cross Bay Area opens shelter for the more than 5 residents affected by the Oakland apartment fire.
San Francisco, April 1, 2008
The American Red Cross Bay Area has opened a shelter tonight to provide emergency shelter and food to the more than 50 residents displaced by the apartment fire at 3010 Adeline Street in Oakland. The shelter is located in Oakland near where the fire occurred in a 38-unit apartment complex earlier this evening.
The Red Cross has been on the scene since shortly after the fire ignited this evening to provide emergency assistance in the form of food, blankets and mental health services. The shelter will provide a safe place for families to sleep tonight and over the next few days until alternative shelter can be arranged. The Red Cross will continue to work with the affected families in the coming days to secure more permanent housing and to help them begin rebuilding their lives following the fire.
Any residents affected by the fire may contact 1-888-4-HELP-BAY for assistance.
If you are interested in helping the victims of this fire or other emergencies, please contact the American Red Cross Bay Area at 1-888-4-HELP-BAY or www.redcrossbayarea.org.
About the American Red Cross Bay Area
Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, your American Red Cross Bay Area helps residents in six counties prepare for disaster, recover from them and connect U.S. military families torn apart by war, terrorism and natural tragedy. The American Red Cross’s more than 3,000 personnel, 97 percent of which are volunteers, are all dedicated to saving lives. Every year, ARCBA mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 500 disasters, trains more than 80,000 people in life-saving and preparedness skills, and exchanges hundreds of emergency messages for military, war and disaster-stricken families. Call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org to learn more. The Red Cross provides nearly half the Bay Area’s blood supply. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) today to schedule your lifesaving donation.
NOTE TO MEDIA: If you are interested in taking a news crew to the shelter, please call Melanie Sanders, communications manager for the American Red Cross Bay Area, at (415) 694-9038 to make arrangements.
American Red Cross Bay Area opens shelter for residents affected by Mission district fire.
San Francisco, March 17, 2008
The American Red Cross Bay Area has opened a shelter tonight for the more than 50 residents displaced by the apartment complex fire in the Mission District of San Francisco. The shelter is located near where the blaze occurred earlier this evening. The Red Cross will be providing food, shelter and a warm place to sleep tonight for affected families. The shelter will remain open until alternative housing can be secured for all who were displaced.
The Red Cross has been on-site since shortly after the fire started this evening to provide blankets, food and mental health services to affected families. The Red Cross will continue to work with families over the next few weeks to assist with their long-term recovery from the fire.
Any residents affected by the fire may contact 1-888-4-HELP-BAY for assistance.
For those who are interested in helping the victims of this and other emergencies, please call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org.
About the American Red Cross Bay Area
Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, your American Red Cross Bay Area helps residents in six counties prepare for disaster, recover from them and connect U.S. military families torn apart by war, terrorism and natural tragedy. The American Red Cross’s more than 3,000 personnel, 97 percent of which are volunteers, are all dedicated to saving lives. Every year, ARCBA mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 500 disasters, trains more than 80,000 people in life-saving and preparedness skills, and exchanges hundreds of emergency messages for military, war and disaster-stricken families. Call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org to learn more. The Red Cross provides nearly half the Bay Area’s blood supply. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) today to schedule your lifesaving donation.
NOTE TO MEDIA: If you are interested in taking a news crew to the shelter, please call Melanie Sanders, communications manager for the American Red Cross Bay Area, at (415) 694-9038 to make arrangements.
American Red Cross Bay Area assists 33 Fremont residents affected by appartment fire.
San Francisco, February 29, 2008
The American Red Cross Bay Area is on the scene providing assistance to the 33 residents displaced by this morning’s apartment complex fire at 3600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Fremont, Calif.
The Red Cross has been on-site since shortly after the fire started this morning to provide blankets, coffee and food, and mental health services to affected families. The Red Cross will continue working with families throughout the day to provide housing and clothing, as necessary, once the damage to individual homes has been determined.
Any residents affected by the fire may contact 1-888-4-HELP-BAY for assistance.
The American Red Cross Bay Area responds to disasters, like home fires, an average of seven to eight times a week in the Bay Area. For those who are interested in helping the victims of this and other emergencies, please call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org.
About the American Red Cross Bay Area
Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, your American Red Cross Bay Area helps residents in six counties prepare for disaster, recover from them and connect U.S. military families torn apart by war, terrorism and natural tragedy. The American Red Cross’s more than 3,000 personnel, 97 percent of which are volunteers, are all dedicated to saving lives. Every year, ARCBA mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 500 disasters, trains more than 80,000 people in life-saving and preparedness skills, and exchanges hundreds of emergency messages for military, war and disaster-stricken families. Call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org to learn more. The Red Cross provides nearly half the Bay Area’s blood supply. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) today to schedule your lifesaving donation.
American Red Cross opens shelter for residents affected by Daly City fire.
San Francisco, January 31, 2008
The American Red Cross Bay Area is opening a shelter today at noon for residents displaced by the 85-unit apartment fire in Daly City, Calif. this morning. The shelter is located at Albert M. Teglia Community Center at 285 Abbot Avenue in Daly City. The shelter is equipped with cots and blankets, and the Red Cross will be serving meals to families affected by the blaze. The shelter will remain open until water and electricity are restored and city officials provide permission for residents to return to their homes.
The Red Cross has been on-site since shortly after the fire started this morning to provide blankets, food and mental health services to affected families.
Any residents affected by the fire may contact 1-888-4-HELP-BAY for assistance.
For those who are interested in helping the victims of this and other emergencies, please call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org.
About the American Red Cross Bay Area
Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, your American Red Cross Bay Area helps residents in six counties prepare for disaster, recover from them and connect U.S. military families torn apart by war, terrorism and natural tragedy. The American Red Cross’s more than 3,000 personnel, 97 percent of which are volunteers, are all dedicated to saving lives. Every year, ARCBA mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 500 disasters, trains more than 80,000 people in life-saving and preparedness skills, and exchanges hundreds of emergency messages for military, war and disaster-stricken families. Call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org to learn more. The Red Cross provides nearly half the Bay Area’s blood supply. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) today to schedule your lifesaving donation.
NOTE TO MEDIA: If you are interested in taking a news crew to the shelter, please call Melanie Sanders, communications manager for the American Red Cross Bay Area, at (415) 694-9038 to make arrangements.
American Red Cross provides guidance for residents affected by power outages.
San Francisco, January 6, 2008
The American Red Cross Bay Area is urging residents affected by power outages to shelter in place in their homes through the weekend if they are not able stay with friends or families following the storms that first moved into the Bay Area on January 4. The Red Cross does not currently have shelters in operation in the Bay Area; however, the organization has been supporting families whose homes were made uninhabitable by the storms, as well as working closely with local officials on plans to deliver services should evacuations or shelters be required. The Red Cross will continue to monitor the situation and work with local officials and agencies to develop plans to provide services to affected communities if the power remains out for more than 72 hours.
Residents who are in a life-threatening situation due to power outages should contact local emergency response by dialing 911. Those who require electricity to power medical devices or other life-sustaining equipment should contact their physicians or local hospitals for advice. Some fire departments are also offering to recharge devices. Residents can contact their local fire departments’ non-emergency lines for additional information.
Any residents who suffered significant damage to their homes and are unable to remain safely in their homes may contact the Red Cross at 1-888-4-HELP-BAY for emergency assistance.
Following are some additional tips for residents still affected by power outages:
- If you are cold, put on layers of warm clothing and use blankets. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Avoid using your oven as a source of heat.
- Using candles for emergency lighting can be dangerous. Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting.
- Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information.
- Do not call 911 for information. Only call 911 to report a life-threatening emergency.
- Leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage.
- Turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary surges or spikes that can damage equipment such as computers and motors in appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, washers or furnaces.
American Red Cross hosts open house and service day in Marin County
San Francisco, December 1, 2007
WHAT: Free earthquake preparedness courses and volunteer service activities for
Marin County residents
WHEN:
Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Program Schedule:
10-11 a.m. Free earthquake preparedness course
11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ‘Give the Gift of Preparedness’ service projects
WHERE:American Red Cross Bay Area
San Rafael Training Center
712 5th Avenue, San Rafael, Calif.
San Francisco- The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter (ARCBA) will be opening its doors to the Marin County community at its San Rafael Training Center on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
With the holiday season approaching, the Open House and Service Day will be an opportunity for everyone to ‘Give the Gift of Preparedness’ to their loved ones and their community. Results from a recent ARCBA survey shows that 83 percent of local residents in the Bay Area are not prepared for an emergency. The Open House and Service Day will provide Marin County residents with a great opportunity to get trained and help get their community prepared.
Members of the community may stop by anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to tour the facility, purchase preparedness gifts and learn more about volunteering with ARCBA in Marin County. Additional activities include a free preparedness course with complimentary earthquake mitigation supplies worth $45 for each participant and two ‘Give the Gift of Preparedness’ service projects beginning at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
About the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter
Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, your American Red Cross Bay Area helps residents in six counties prepare for disaster, recover from them and connect U.S. military families torn apart by war, terrorism and natural tragedy. The American Red Cross’s more than 3,000 personnel, 97 percent of which are volunteers, are all dedicated to saving lives. Every year, ARCBA mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 500 disasters, trains more than 80,000 people in life-saving and preparedness skills, and exchanges hundreds of emergency messages for military, war and disaster-stricken families. Call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org to learn more. The Red Cross provides nearly half the Bay Area’s blood supply. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) today to schedule your lifesaving donation.
Wild Fire Preparedness Tips
SEE PHOTOS
Free Online Preparedness Course
Media Materials
ARCBA Deploys to Southern California Fires
American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter has deployed over sixty workers.
San Francisco, October 25, 2007
San Francisco- The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter (ARCBA) has deployed over sixty people to assist with Southern California Wildfires. Three Emergency Response Vehicle teams have been sent. The American Red Cross has over three thousand shelter and other Red Cross workers deployed to help the thousands of fire evacuees. The deployed workers join the more than three thousand local volunteers that are assisting evacuees. Due to the nature of this disaster, information is fluid and will change as needs arise and conditions warrant.
ARCBA WORKERS DEPLOYED
Sixty-six Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) workers have been deployed to work on the Southern California Wildfires Relief effort in San Diego, CA in the following categories:
- 3 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) and 3 ERV teams
- 32 Mass Care/Sheltering
- 7 Health Services
- 2 Disaster Mental Health
- 8 Client Caseworker
- 2 Partner Service (collaboration with external organizations)
- 1 Staffing
- 1 Operations Management
- 5 Disaster Assessment
- 1 Public Affairs
- 1 Computer Operations
RED CROSS SERVICES AT A GLANCE
The Red Cross disaster service efforts continue to expand significantly. While the Red Cross continues to feed and shelter those in need the organization has also started individual client casework and mental health services. More than 1,500 homes have been reported as destroyed or damaged and tens of thousands are still under mandatory evacuation orders. The Red Cross has also begun to distribute supplies such as clean-up kits, tarps, and shovels to help in the recovery efforts. Red Cross continues to support all of the firefighters, first responders and volunteers battling the numerous fires.
The Red Cross is working in close coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, HUD, CDC, state and local government, and others. Working with the National Council of La Raza, the NAACP, members of the disabled community and faith-based organizations, the Red Cross is collaborating with partners to ensure that all who need help are able to receive the care and assistance they need during this time.
As of midnight last night the Red Cross had 26 shelters opened with a population of 15, 482 people. The Red Cross is making a concerted effort to reach out to the organizations running other shelters to extend offers of supplies and expertise.
SAFETY AND WELL – BEING REGISTRATION
The Red Cross urges all those who have evacuated or who expect to evacuate to register their well being on the Red Cross Safe and Well website (https://disastersafe.redcross.org/), available at www.redcross.org. This Internet tool allows people in disaster-affected areas to register their well-being using several pre-scripted messages. Family and friends can then log on and search for registered individuals to learn of their whereabouts and safety. People without access to a computer or without electricity or connectivity can call the Red Cross (1-800-REDCROSS) for help registering, or contact a loved one to register on their behalf.
Please note that the Safe and Well site safeguards the privacy of the disaster victim. Although these messages will be viewable by friends or family members who conduct a successful search, the site does not reveal a specific location or contact information.
PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
The Response Center Network has been activated since Sunday in our Oakland office. This call center is part of a nation-wide network of call centers to answer 1-866-GET INFO calls from disaster clients seeking assistance.
HOW THE PUBLIC CAN HELP
In its over 125 years of disaster relief work, the American Red Cross has found that the most efficient and empowering way to assist survivors of disasters is to help financially.
The Red Cross is unable to accept small, individual donations or collections of items such as clothing, food or cleaning supplies. The cost to sort, package and distribute these types of donations to disaster victims is almost always greater than the cost of purchasing the items locally, and it is logistically impossible to distribute a wide variety of individual items in a meaningful way.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Southern California Fires by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. You may also call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).
BAY AREA CORPORATE PLEDGES:
Bank of America, $500,000
Chevron Corporation, $400,000
Wells Fargo Bank, $500,000
IN-KIND DONATIONS:
The American Red Cross appreciates the spirit of giving; but unsolicited, spontaneous donations of goods and services from individuals and community groups, though well intentioned, have hidden costs and pose a number of complications for relief efforts. For these reasons, the Red Cross is not able to accept any large collections of items, such as used clothing, hygiene items, furniture, toys and canned goods. The American Red Cross is not able to accept small, individual donations of these items. For large corporate in-kind donation offers, contact Charlotte Payton at (415) 427-8086.
According to Goodwill officials, local Goodwill locations are able to accept small donations but they can not track items to guarantee items will be distributed to those affected in Southern California at this time.
TAKE THE TIME TO PREPARE:
In addition to providing financial support to those affected by disaster, Bay Area residents can take additional steps to prepare themselves in the event of an emergency. Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Be Informed & Receive Training are three simply steps everyone can take to make sure they are ready today for tomorrow's disaster. Visit www.redcrossbayarea.org to take the FREE 10 minute on-line Preparedness training. Create a family disaster plan, print out a customized disaster supply list and receive 20% coupon on any item in the Red Cross Shop.
BLOOD SERVICES
The American Red Cross Blood Services national system responded during wildfires crisis by sending in more than 1,800 blood products so far from across the country. (Regions in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Texas and other areas in California).If you would like to help, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.BeADonor.com. To give blood, you must be at least 17-years-old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. If you have questions about whether or not you can give blood, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
San Francisco, October 24, 2007
American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter to assist with personnel and equipment.
San Francisco- The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter (ARCBA) has deployed 28 people to assist with Southern California Wildfires. Three Emergency Response Vehicle teams are on the way. The ARCBA response is part of a larger Pacific West Region response that has sent 200 Red Cross workers and 25 Emergency Response Vehicles to Southern California. The local and regional responses are part of the larger national Red Cross assistance that has over two thousand shelter and other Red Cross workers en route to help the thousands of fire evacuees. Due to the nature of this disaster, information is fluid and will change as needs arise.
RED WORKERS DEPLOYED
Forty-nine Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) workers have been deployed to work on the Southern California Wildfires Relief effort in San Diego, CA in the following categories:
- 3 ( Emergency Response Vehicles) ERV teams
- 31 Mass Care/Sheltering
- 6 Health Services
- 1 Disaster Mental Health
- 1 Client Caseworker
- 2 Partner Service workers ( working with external organizations)
- 1 Staffing
- 1 Operations Management
RED CROSS SERVICES AT A GLANCE
With needs changing by the hour in Southern California, the Red Cross is expanding its services to adapt to the needs of the communities that are affected. Over the next several days, the Red Cross will be concentrating its effort on sheltering, expanding feeding services and expanding the distribution of clean up supplies.
As of midnight last night the Red Cross had 23 shelters opened with a population of 5625 people. The Red Cross is making a concerted effort to reach out to the organizations running other shelters to extend offers of supplies and expertise.
Snapshot of other Red Cross services:
- Thousands of cots, blankets and toiletry kits have arrived with more on the way
- 50 Mobile feeding vehicles have arrived with 25 more en route
- 40 trucks full of supplies have arrived. Supplies include rakes, shovels, and other useful equipment to help with cleanup in the affected communities
- A large feeding kitchen will open today at Petco Field to support the shelters, mobile feeding and the feeding to the emergency workers
- The local chapters have trained more than 1500 local volunteers to help with the effort.
The national Red Cross has moved nearly 2000 additional workers to the area to help with feeding and sheltering efforts.
San Francisco, October 23, 2007
RED WORKERS DEPLOYED TO San Diego ARE AS FOLLOWS (name and county of residence):
| Pam Anderson
| Marin
| Harold Brooks
| Alameda
|
| Stanley Baldwin |
San Mateo |
Martha Fateman |
Alameda |
| Mike Carrol |
Alameda |
Gino Garcia |
Alameda |
| Carole Crawford |
Contra Costa |
Jennifer Goudeau |
Marin |
| Marty Healy |
Contra Costa |
Jack Harper |
Contra Costa |
| Rex Dillon |
Contra Costa |
Nathaniel Lee |
San Francisco |
| Karen Fuller |
Alameda |
Becky McCauley |
San Francisco |
| Robert Hewitt |
Solano |
Rosean Moreno |
San Francisco |
| James Mallory |
Contra Costa |
Nina Swanson |
San Francisco |
| Ricardo Noble |
Alameda |
Pat Timmons |
Solano |
| Gabriella Pierre |
San Francisco |
Sandy Timmons |
Solano |
| David Ringler |
Contra Costa |
Burt Yin |
Alameda |
| Joanne Thorne |
Contra Costa |
Jane Yin |
Alameda |
| Robert Unger |
Solano |
|
|
| John Williams |
Solano |
|
|
The Red Cross has the following equipment and people on the way: 25,000 cots; 50,000 blankets; 50,000 pre-packaged meals; 25,000 comfort kits filled with toiletry items; 75 mobile feeding trucks; 1000 shelter workers; 1000 workers to help with feeding, distribution of supplies, mental health and first aid support. Two Southern Baptist Kitchens are also on the way;
More than 3000 people from Southern California spent last night at 11 Red Cross shelters in safe areas outside of their threatened neighborhoods. There, they found Red Cross workers providing a safe place to sleep, a hot meal and access to information.
Red Cross mental health counselors are also on site to help clients manage the stress and fear that accompanies all disasters.
The Red Cross continues to distribute water and food to firefighters and emergency workers in the affected areas as they work to battle the blazes and safeguard residents.
San Francisco, October 22, 2007
Who:
In wake of Southern California Wildfires, American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, two days after the October 20th anniversary of the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm, ARCBA CEO Harold Brooks has been called to work on the Southern California Fires. Deployed to the San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross, Brooks will be assisting with the management of Red Cross operations. The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter is considered one of the most experienced chapters when it comes to national disasters. Last year, over 150 ARCBA staff (paid and volunteer) responded to disasters in 18 states throughout the nation.
What:
CEO deployment; inspection of Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVS) today; ERV teams: Burt and Jane Yin of Castro Valley and Pat and Sandy Timmons of Vacaville will deploy tomorrow morning from Castro Valley and Vacaville.
When:
Today, Monday, October 22, 2007, now until deployment of CEO at 2:00 p.m.; Emergency Response Vehicle Team Inspects Equipment today with deployment tomorrow morning.
Where:Oakland Airport, Southwest Airlines. Brooks is available for interviews prior to his 2:00 p.m. flight.
3:00 p.m.: American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, Oakland Office, 3901 Broadway, Oakland, CA. Volunteers Inspect the Emergency Response Vehicle. Visuals of ERV inspection and interviews of key Disaster Services staff are possible.
American Red Cross
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like [insert name], by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter Hosts Consulates & Binational Health Week Kickoff
2007 Binational Health Week Mural to be Unveiled.
San Francisco, October 12, 2007
Who: Harold Brooks, CEO, American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter; Alejandra García Williams- Consulate of Mexico, Rafael Carballo- Consulate of El Salvador, Ana Patricia Ramírez-Consulate of Guatemala, José Miguel Castiblanco- Consulate of Colombia , Rosario Alberro, Health Initiative of the Americas, Gustavo Rivas-Machón, Community Solutions Specialist Health Net California Inc., Rita Cruz Gallegos, Senior Director of Latino Programs, Health Net of California
What:Opening Ceremonies for the Binational Health Week, October 13-21. Binational Health Week has become one of the largest mobilization efforts in the Americas to improve the health and well-being of underserved immigrants and migrants of Mexico and Central America origin living in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It encompasses an annual weeklong series of health promotion and health education activities that include workshops, insurance referrals, and medical screenings.
When:
Friday, October 12
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, Learning Center/Eight Floor
85 Second Street,
San Francisco, CA
About Binational Health Week 2007
This year, Binational Health Week will take place October 13-21, 2007 in 31 states in the U.S. and 3 provinces in Canada, with the participation of the 46 Mexican consulates, 11 Guatemala and 12 Salvadorian consulates, and in the Mexican States with High rates of migration. Local taskforces include: Mexican and Central American consulates, American Red Cross Bay Area-Latino Community Preparedness with Jesus Verduzco as the manager, community clinics, county and city health services, and community based organizations, hometown associations, legislators, educational institutes, Faith-based communities, binational indigenous organizations, union representatives, the media, and funding agencies.
WID and ARCBA Partner to Provide Innovative Training to Better Assist Those With Disabilities
Announcement of $300,000 Grant from the Verizon Foundation comes
During Fire Prevention Week and near Firestorm and Loma Prieta Anniversaries.
San Francisco, October 10, 2007
In the midst of “Fire Prevention Week: Practice Your Escape Plan,” The World Institute on Disability and the American Red Cross announced Wednesday (Oct. 10) a collaboration funded by Verizon Foundation. Resulting in the creation of an innovative national training, awareness and action program to help Red Cross staff and volunteers better serve people with disabilities during disasters, the project will benefit ten Red Cross chapters nationally. The program will be funded through a $300,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation.
“The American Red Cross is committed to providing the best service possible by constantly learning and building on its over 125 years of providing disaster relief," said Harold Brooks, chief executive officer of the organization’s Bay Area Chapter.
"The American Red Cross trains staff and volunteers to respond to almost 75,000 disasters annually. This grant from Verizon is much appreciated and will help people with disabilities through this collaboration with the World Institute on Disability,” Brooks said.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the American Red Cross saw a need to improve outreach and response to vulnerable populations, such as people with disabilities, the elderly, children and low-income communities.
This October announcement comes during a month in which Bay Area residents have experienced devastating disasters: 1989 Loma Prieta that left 57 dead and $6 billion dollars in property damage and the Oakland Hills Firestorm that resulted in 25 dead and $1.5 billion in economic losses. It is also the time of year the state of California has experienced some of its worst wildfires, with approximately 20 dead and over 300,000 acres burning in just one occurrence in 2003.
The World Institute on Disability (WID) and the American Red Cross will set up a pilot program in one of 10 targeted locations across the country that could be affected by a high-risk disaster such as an earthquake or forest fire. The pilot location has not yet been selected, but among the locations selected for the training are Chicago, Houston, New Orleans and New York.
Goals of the program include:
- Improved emergency preparedness and disaster response by Red Cross staff and volunteers for people with disabilities.
- Increased collaboration between the American Red Cross and local community-based disability organizations and resources.
- Increased understanding of the special needs of those with disabilities in disaster situations.
Once the pilot program is complete, the American Red Cross will expand the training to all 10 locations to teach 200-300 staff members and volunteers how to better serve people with disabilities in emergency preparedness and disaster response. The WID also will develop disability resource directories for each location, including information on local community-based disability organizations.
“Through this generous Verizon grant, the WID and the Red Cross will have an opportunity to create new approaches to disaster preparedness that will result in creative ideas to improve responsiveness for each and every one of us,” said Kathy Martinez, executive director, World Institute on Disability.
Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston said, “The upheaval and trauma caused by a disaster take a tremendous physical and emotional toll on everyone involved. “Increasing accessibility for those with disabilities is a key issue for the foundation, and Verizon is proud to partner with the WID and the American Red Cross to play a role in providing better service and response to those affected.”
The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, is committed to improving literacy and K-12 education through its signature program Thinkfinity.org; fostering awareness and prevention of domestic violence; and promoting the use of technology in health-care delivery. In 2006, the foundation awarded more than $69 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the United States and abroad. The foundation also matched charitable donations from Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $29 million in combined contributions. Under the foundation’s Verizon Volunteer initiative, one of the nation’s largest employee-volunteer programs, company employees and retirees have also contributed nearly 3 million hours of community service since Verizon’s inception in 2000.
For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.
See pictures of the event at Gene Dailey's website.
About the World Institute for Disability (WID)
WID’s mission is to advance the human and civil rights of people with disabilities through research, training, advocacy and public education. With an emphasis on social and economic equity, WID has worked to increase opportunities for people with disabilities to live as productive and contributing members of society.
WID’s programs address a variety of issues that directly affect people’s ability to live full and independent lives. Currently three major projects work in support of employment – a cornerstone of independent living – as it is closely tied to individuals’ ability to be economically self-sufficient, empowered and autonomous. They are: Project Vision, Access to Assets, and Disability Benefits 101 information services. Complementary WID initiatives work to increase access to education, assistive technology, healthcare and transportation.
Founded in 1983 by leaders of the disability movement, WID is a 501(C) (3) organization based in Oakland, California. A majority of WID’s staff and board of directors are people with disabilities, allowing the organization to maintain a grassroots focus informed by a diverse disability perspective.
Red Cross honors Solano HEROES
Annual Awards with Honorary Chair Congresswoman Ellen O. Tauscher Highlights Hometown Heroes with “Luau on the Delta”
San Francisco, September 13, 2007
What: A group of individuals, businesses and organizations from Solano County are performing heroic acts to protect, prepare and provide for this community. The American Red Cross Bay Area (ARCBA) proudly hosts the Solano County Heroes Luau on the Delta recognition event, honoring members of this community who unselfishly put the needs of others before their own. From heroic events in homes, at schools and within workplaces, these citizens displayed levels of bravery, kindness, courage and service, which promote a sense of pride and honor throughout Solano County.
Who:
Act of Courage: Timothy Dugdale, Michael Miethe, Michael King, Kimberly Woodside, Stacey Lewis
Community Service: Lt. Craig Courtemanche and Battalion Chief John Jansen (Vacaville Fire Department)
Life-Saving –Youth: Anthony Bryant
Life Saving – Adult: Sgt. Maurena Rotering
Act of Kindness: Detective Steve Carey, Detective Pat Cowan and Detective Joe Curtis (Vacaville Police Department)
Animal Rescue: Michelle Bartlett (Fairfield) and Kris Knight-Cushing
Animal Aid: Cheri Duarte and “Denver” (Fairfield)
Honorary Chair: Congresswoman Ellen O. Tauscher
Event Chair: Cindra Rayburn
Keynote Speaker: The Honorable James P. Spering, Board of Supervisors, District 3
Special Guests: Miss Solano County and Miss Teen Solano County
Red Cross Representatives:
Harold Brooks, CEO, American Red Cross Bay Area
Billy White, Chair, Leadership Council of Solano County
Special Performance:
Hula Halau O Ku'ulei
Andrew Reed
When:
Thursday, September 13th, 2007
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where:Suisun City Waterfront Park (Across from 123 Main Street)
Sponsored by: B & L Properties, Solano Garbage Company & Travis Credit Unio
Red Cross honors San Francisco HEROES
3rd Annual Awards Breakfast Highlights Courageous and Kind Honorees
San Francisco, September 27, 2007
What: The American Red Cross Bay Area (ARCBA) joins with San Francisco Civic Leaders and lead sponsor, The Westin St. Francis to recognize those in our community who have shown courage, dedication, and character through acts of heroism and kindness.
Who: DISTINGUISHED HONOREES
Two Courageous Life-Saving Awards:
1)Dr. Sang-ick Chang, Kermit Kubitz, Lansdale & Mr. Jonas Svallin;
2) Natalie Olsen, Tammy Rodvelt & Leticia Rentillo
Community Service Award for an Individual: Niels Tangherlini
Community Service Award for an Organization: Gap, Inc.
Animal Rescue Award (Posthumous): Michael Keenan
Act of Kindness Award Reverend Cordell Hawkins
Unsung Hero Award: Gwen Mitchell
Honorary Chair:
Chief Heather Fong, San Francisco Police Department
Chief Joanne Hayes-White, San Francisco Fire Department
Honorary Award Chairs:
Treasurer Jose Cisneros, Assemblyman
Mark Leno,
Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi
Breakfast Committee Chairs: Gabriel Gallaread & Michael Taheny
Mistress of Ceremonies: Sydnie Kohara, Award-Winning Anchor,
CBS 5/ CW Bay Area
When:
Thursday, September 27th, 2007
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where:
Westin St. Francis, Alexandra’s/Top Floor
335 Powell Street,
San Francisco, CA
The American Red Cross Bay Area Joins Forces with "Ready America"
San Francisco, September 13, 2007—September is “National Preparedness Month.” In recognition of the month, The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter (ARCBA) has partnered with Ready America to develop an earthquake mitigation curriculum that discusses general preparedness as well as specific methods of securing your home to prevent some of the damage caused by shaking.
ARCBA will be offering various earthquake mitigation courses throughout the Bay Area, each lasting approximately one hour. The goal of this program is to reach hundreds of residents teaching them to recognize preventable destruction and how to avoid injury, and harm. Thanks to the sponsorship of the California Earthquake Authority, FREE mitigation kits containing, glow sticks, furniture straps, television straps, picture frame hooks, and earthquake putty are available to all those who attend an event.
The courses will be offered:
Monday
September 17, 2007
City of San Mateo Public Library
55 West Third St.
San Mateo, CA 94402
6:00 PM |
Saturday
September 22, 2007
Rockridge Library
5366 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
10:30 AM |
Saturday
September 29, 2007
Larcombe Center
99 Lake Merced Blvd.
Daly City, CA 94015
10:30 AM |
Tuesday
September 25, 2007
Ella Hill Hutch Community Center
1050 McAllister St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
6:00 PM |
Saturday
September 29, 2007
St. Paul’s AME
2024 Ashby
Berkeley, CA 94703
10:00 AM |
|
American Red Cross Bay AreaReceives $10,000 grant from the HOME DEPOT
Home Depot Grant Helps Red Cross Make Latino Households safer.
San Francisco, September 20, 2007—The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter today announced that it has received a $10,000 grant from The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, to provide emergency preparedness for Bay Area families. This is the second consecutive year in which the chapter has been awarded a grant through this program.
The Home Depot/American Red Cross Chapter Grants Program is part of a three-year multi-million dollar strategic partnership between The Home Depot and the Red Cross to educate one million people in disaster preparedness and to support Red Cross disaster readiness efforts. The goal of reaching one million people was surpassed in year two of the partnership, however, The Home Depot and the Red Cross remain committed to building stronger and safer communities. In addition to the grant program, The Home Depot also provides year-round in-kind donations to local chapters for disaster relief efforts, in-store preparedness clinics developed with Red Cross expertise, and funding for Red Cross diversity and emergency services program manager training.
Nationwide last year, The Home Depot/American Red Cross Chapter Grants Program reached, trained and educated approximately 315,000 people. Specialized disaster preparedness programs included outreach to Somali, Latino, Vietnamese, young people and deaf/hearing-impaired communities.
This year, the grant will be used to provide emergency preparedness, certification in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for infants and children and take home emergency preparedness starter kits for approximately 240 (120 per site) Latino households in the Bay Area.
“ With our goal of preparing 1 million people through our Prepare Bay Area Program. This grant from Home Depot will be helpful in reaching one of the target service areas, Bay Area citizens with English as a second language,” said Harold Brooks, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter.
“The Home Depot has a history of being a champion for its communities and providing significant relief and recovery support immediately following a disaster,” said Kelly Cafarelli, Vice President of The Home Depot Foundation. “By partnering with the Red Cross, we are providing our communities with additional tools to help them rebound quickly and completely.”
As the world’s largest home improvement retailer, The Home Depot embraces its role as a leader in social responsibility and celebrates its long-standing commitment to volunteerism. The Home Depot is passionate about helping its neighbors and communities during times of need. Another important component of The Home Depot’s disaster relief program is to educate communities on the importance of disaster preparedness in order to help minimize the loss associated with these devastating events.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work
About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,170 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, 10 Canadian provinces, Mexico and China. Through its HD Supply(SM) businesses, The Home Depot is also one of the largest diversified wholesale distributors in the United States, with nearly 1,000 locations in the United States and Canada offering products and services for building, improving and maintaining homes, businesses and municipal infrastructures. In fiscal 2006, The Home Depot had sales of $90.8 billion and earnings of $5.8 billion. The Company employs approximately 355,000 associates and has been recognized by FORTUNE(R) magazine as the No. 1 Most Admired Specialty Retailer and the No. 13 Most Admired Corporation in America for 2006. Its stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:HD) and is included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Standard & Poor's 500 Index.
American Red Cross Prepared to Mobilize in Response to Hurricane Dean
San Francisco, August 22, 2007—On Friday morning, August 17, the first hurricane of the Atlantic season started its track by passing between St. Lucia and Martinique, affecting these islands and the nearby island of Dominica. Hurricane Dean passed through the Lesser Antilles and entered the eastern Caribbean, while gaining strength. During the night of Saturday, August 18, Dean passed south of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. On Sunday, August 19, the eye of the hurricane passed south of Jamaica with reports of damaged roofs and storm surges particularly in St. Thomas.
On its passage through the Caribbean, Hurricane Dean was a Category 5 hurricane when it hit the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico on August 21, making landfall around the port of Costa Maya—near the border with Belize. Flooding is reported in Chetumal, Mexico, a city of about 150,000 people. Dean also affected the northern coast of Belize where assessments are still taking place to determine the full extent of the damage. Dean was downgraded to a Category 1 as it traversed the peninsula. The storm returned to the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to hit the eastern coast of Mexico this afternoon, August 22.
Currently the American Red Cross is:
- Accepting donations to help support the International Federation's Emergency Appeal seeking $1.3 million to assist 35,000 people who were affected by Hurricane Dean
- Closely monitoring the situation through disaster management delegates working with the Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) in Panama
- Positioning resources to respond
The Red Cross is accepting financial donations for this disaster. To donate, call 1-888-4-HELP BAY or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org.
American Red Cross and Partners Send Supplies to Peru
San Francisco, August 17, 2007—The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation), American Red Cross and other Red Cross national societies sent supplies for 2,000 families affected by the Peruvian earthquake Thursday evening. Two planes loaded with tents, plastic sheeting, blankets and water were sent to help support the Peruvian Red Cross in their efforts to provide aide to the people of Peru.
The American Red Cross continues to monitor the situation through our Disaster Management Delegate working with the Pan American Disaster Response Unit in Panama. To date, the Peruvian Red Cross has not requested assistance. If assistance is requested, the American Red Cross is prepared to mobilize relief supplies, delegates or financial assistance.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have issued a preliminary emergency appeal for $1.3 million to support the Peruvian Red Cross operation for survivors of the earthquake. The funds will be used to supply some 20,000 people (4,000 families) with emergency items including tents, blankets, water, clothes and bedding.
An intense earthquake and fierce aftershocks struck the central coast of Peru on Wednesday, August 15. The latest official reports indicate:
- 7.9 magnitude earthquake at 6:40pm near the epicenter;
- Infrastructural damage to buildings, phone lines and electricity;
- Nearly 17,000 houses have been destroyed; and
- It is estimated that the town of Pisco, with a population of just over 54,000 has suffered around 70 percent destruction of its infrastructure.
The Red Cross is accepting financial donations for this disaster. To donate, call 1-888-4-HELP BAY or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org.
American Red Cross Prepared to Respond to Earthquake in Peru
San Francisco, August 16, 2007—An intense earthquake and fierce aftershocks struck the central coast of Peru on Wednesday, August 15. The latest reports indicate:
- 7.9 magnitude earthquake at 6:40pm near the epicenter.
- Infrastructural damage to buildings, phone lines and electricity.
The American Red Cross is monitoring the situation through our Disaster Management Delegate working with the Pan American Disaster Response Unit in Panama. To date, the Peruvian Red Cross has not requested assistance. If assistance is requested, the American Red Cross is prepared to mobilize relief supplies, delegates or financial assistance.
For inquiries about relatives living in Peru who are citizens of Peru, encourage the members of your community to keep calling or to try contacting other family members who live nearby.
For inquiries regarding U.S. citizens, callers should be directed to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services run by the State Department. Overseas Citizens services: (888) 407-4747; from overseas: (202) 501-4444.
View a map of the affected area.
Astounding Earthquake Effect Cracks SF'S Beloved Union Square in Half!
San Francisco, August 13, 2007—The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter (ARCBA) will crack Union Square in half at 10 AM on Monday, August 20, as part of a continuing outreach program called Prepare Bay Area, aimed at promoting emergency preparedness to Bay Area residents.
Super Crack is a pulse-stopping special effect—a 60-foot crack designed to simulate earthquake damage, get the public thinking about the possibility of an emergency, and take action to get prepared.
The Super Crack event will include a press conference at 12:00 PM on August 20, with American Red Cross CEO Harold Brooks officiating. Free Personal Preparedness Courses will be offered, and Red Cross disaster kits will be available at 20 percent off. All businesses that attend or schedule the Preparedness Course will receive a free Business Continuity Planning CD-Rom, which provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions to help address life safety issues, minimize interruption to business and customers, and more.
The Red Cross recently surveyed the entire Bay Area and found that 83 percent of local residents are not prepared for an emergency. The USGS predicts a 62 percent chance that a catastrophic earthquake will hit the Bay Area in the next 30 years, and the recent 4.2 magnitude earthquake on July 20 is a reminder of this fact. Super Crack is a proactive way of forcing people to think, and then take action on the three easy steps anyone can take to prepare their home, family, even pets, for an emergency: Make a plan. Get a kit. Be informed and get trained.
Earlier this year, ARCBA simulated major earthquake damage to the Ferry Building and Market Street on their 22-foot wide mobile billboard as part of Prepare Bay Area—and Union Square is next!!!
The stunning visual graphics for the Prepare Bay Area campaign and Super Crack itself were created by Publicis & Hal Riney. "We're proud and honored to continue our role in helping to compel Bay Area residents to take action and get prepared for an emergency," said Jamie King CEO at Riney. "The Red Cross team is a great partner and this ongoing relationship provides the Riney team with great platform to deliver smart, powerful creative across multiple traditional and non-traditional media." Doyle Keeton Jr. and Clear Channel Outdoor also partnered with the Red Cross to provide support in executing Super Crack.
Partnered with PG&E and Catholic Healthcare West, the Prepare Bay Area campaign's focus is to drive Bay Area residents to www.redcrossbayarea.org or to call 1-877-PREPBAY to get information on how easy it is to get prepared, with the goal getting 1 million residents prepared!
Red Cross, Grainger, Oracle, Bay Area Workforce: Ready When the Time Comes
Belmont, CA, July 28, 2007—On July 28th, the American Red Cross Bay Area (ARCBA) became the most recent chapter to launch Ready When the Time Comes (RWTC)—a new program from the American Red Cross and national founding sponsor, Grainger, mobilizes groups of employees from partnering corporations ensuring that our communities are prepared to respond to any major emergency. The launch also included Oracle, who joined the effort as the local lead sponsor of the program.
The launch took place at Twin Pines Senior and Community Center in Belmont, CA. As part of the launch, 65 employee volunteers from Grainger and Oracle participated in a live simulated shelter exercise executed by ARCBA. The simulation included: how to set up and staff a shelter for displaced victims. Volunteers practiced mock registration procedures, the set up of cots and distribution of bedding, as well as food preparation and distribution.
"Eight major earthquake faults run beneath the surface of the Bay Area," said Harold Brooks, CEO of the American Red Cross Bay Area. "As scary as it may seem, a catastrophic earthquake will eventually strike, so we all must do our part to prepare our communities. Grainger, Oracle and the selfless volunteers who participated in the exercise serve as an inspiration to all of our corporate partners by spreading awareness that we can do so much more to prepare the Bay Area."
Ready When the Time Comes recruits volunteer teams from local corporations and trains them in emergency response before disaster strikes. The Red Cross then deploys the trained volunteers to disaster sites in the area on an as-needed basis. Ready When the Time Comes is a clear example of how businesses and workplaces across the Bay Area are getting involved to ensure their communities are prepared to respond, at a moment's notice, when disaster strikes.
Not only does the Bay Area sit atop eight major earthquake faults, but the U.S. Geological Survey says that there is a 62 percent chance that a catastrophic earthquake will strike within the next 30 years, leaving 400,000 people homeless. In an area as vulnerable and as large as the Bay Area, volunteers who are trained and ready to help in times of disasters are always needed.
ARCBA and The SF Dragons Host Red Cross Day to Help Prepare the Bay Area
San Francisco, July 21, 2007—The American Red Cross Bay Area (ARCBA) and the San Francisco Dragons, the Bay Area's only professional Lacrosse team hosted "Red Cross Day" this past Saturday at Kezar Stadium. Red Cross volunteers were on hand to provide preparedness information to nearly 3,000 lacrosse fans.
"Our goal is to get our message of preparedness to as many community members as possible," said Harold Brooks, CEO of ARCBA. "This preparedness day allowed us to distribute this important information to so many people from all over the Bay Area, while further helping ARCBA reach our goal of preparing 1 million households throughout the Bay Area for disasters, such as earthquakes, fires and floods."
According to a recent Red Cross survey, only 17 percent of Bay Area residents are prepared for any emergency, let alone a major disaster, such as an earthquake. Many people feel that it is inconvenient to fully prepare themselves and their families, which is the main challenge behind ARCBA's Prepare Bay Area (PBA) initiative. PBA brings organizations and leaders in the public and private sectors together to plan and execute the most extensive community preparedness campaign ever developed. The mission is to prepare 1 million Bay Area residents with a concentrated effort on vulnerable populations. PBA will guide Bay Area residents in this process to Make a Plan, Get a Kit, and Be Informed and Get Trained for disasters and other unexpected events.
"The Dragons are excited to partner with the American Red Cross on this opportunity to prepare our community for unexpected disasters," said Hank Molloy, President of the San Francisco Dragons.
4.2 Earthquake Rattles Bay Area—Red Cross Provides Vital Safety Information
San Francisco, July 20, 2007—A 4.2 magnitude earthquake centered east of Oakland shook the Bay Area at 4:42 AM on Friday, July 20.
While minimum damage was reported, the Red Cross has recently surveyed the entire Bay Area and found that 83 percent of local residents are not prepared for an emergency. Add in the fact that on July 18, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated the Bay Area one of six regions in the country most at risk for terrorist attacks, and on July 19, the nation's wildfire preparedness level was raised to its highest point. Reasons like these are why the Red Cross is conducting a proactive approach in drawing attention to the cause of disaster preparedness with a new campaign, Prepare Bay Area.
Prepare Bay Area's focus is to drive Bay Area residents to www.redcrossbayarea.org or to call 1-877-PREPBAY to get information on how easy it is to get prepared. Anyone can take action on three easy steps to prepare their home, family, even pets, for an emergency: Make a plan. Get a kit. Be informed and get trained.
- Make a Plan: Discuss with your family the disasters that can happen where you live. Choose two places to meet after a disaster, one right outside your home and one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return. Learn how and when to turn off utilities. Have a personal contact out of the immediate area.
- Get a Kit: Store supplies for everyone in your household for at least three days. One gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, flashlight, first aid kit, battery-operated radio.
- Be Informed and Get Trained: Learn basic first aid and CPR. During an earthquake- DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it's safe to exit.
After an earthquake:
Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it's leaking. (Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.)
Listen to the radio for instructions.
Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER and HOLD ON.
Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
Red Cross Convenes Faith-Based Organizations to Prepare Vulnerable Communities
San Francisco, June 22, 2007—The American Red Cross this past week convened faith-based organizations from around the Bay Area to prepare them for times of major disaster, as these organizations will be on the frontlines when their communities are affected by such emergencies.
"We can't say when the next major disaster will strike the Bay Area, but when it eventually does, we know that an enormous amount of residents will seek out their place of worship for support," said Harold Brooks, CEO of the American Red Cross Bay Area. "While so much of our work has been focused on preparing residents household by household, we have also spent a significant amount of time preparing faith-based leaders to ensure that they are ready to handle the needs of those who seek their help when a major emergency occurs."
The needs in a community following a major disaster are many and there is no substitute for people from within the community offering their skills to help those in need. Faith-based organizations can help by: distributing food and supplies; meeting spiritual care needs; providing information and collecting donations for those affected, as part of a Call Center; becoming a liaison or community outreach worker to organize neighborhood efforts; providing facilities for shelters, office space, training rooms, support centers, and feeding sites.
This program is part of ARCBA's Prepare Bay Area initiative, which brings organizations and leaders together to reach and prepare 1 million Bay Area residents, with a concentrated effort on vulnerable populations, including: the elderly, homeless individuals, the disabled, children, those of low income and people who speak English as a second language.
ARCBA has over 500 partners throughout the Bay Area all dedicated to preparing its residents for disaster. Tuesday's program allowed the Chapter to engage our existing partners and build upon those relationships for the benefit of every Bay Area community.
Faith-based organizations from multiple religions, communities and cultures attended the program from around the Bay Area, including: First A.M.E. Church of Richmond, Glide Memorial, Tzu Chi Foundation, Temple Israel of Alameda, and Allen Temple Baptist Church.
Berkeley Red Crosser, Mary Lou Chapman, Returns from Historic Trip
San Francisco, May 27, 2007—Earlier this week, Mary Lou Chapman from Berkeley, CA, returned home after an extraordinary visit overseas with 25 other women who share similar experiences and a passion for helping others. This wasn't her first trip to a foreign land, but was one that brought an opportunity to reflect and remember. Members of the American Red Cross Overseas Association, including Chapman, returned to the beaches of Normandy to honor all the men and women who served with the American Red Cross during World War II. Many brought their children and grandchildren with them. They laid a wreath at the grave of a fallen Red Crosser buried at Colleville-Sur-Mer and added their history, in the form of a documentary DVD, to the visitors center. The week was full of touching moments, including when they met with their French counterparts and visited historical monuments that they didn't get to see on their first visit in the early 1940s.
These members of the "Greatest Generation" accompanied America's fighting forces overseas to Europe, India, Asia, and Africa providing a touch of home to the men and women serving there. They delivered doughnuts and coffee to the troops in club mobiles and canteens. They played games and instruments, sang songs, hosted dances, handed out books and magazines and offered endless smiles and hugs. They spent countless hours at the bedside of wounded soldiers reading to them, helping them write letters home and holding their hands during their darkest hours. Each woman has an amazing story to tell of courage and adventure at a time when few women took on such challenges.
The Red Cross workers also provided vital emergency messages from their families. At a time when communication capabilities were very limited, soldiers had no other way to find out about the birth of their children, deaths of loved ones and the multitude of things that happened when they were so far away from home. This is a service that is still provided by the Red Cross everyday, ensuring soldiers around the world have the most up to date and accurate information regarding family emergencies.
Tips to Ensure a Safe and Fun Memorial Day Weekend
San Francisco, May 25, 2007—Although summer doesn't officially begin until the 21st of June, it is important to start thinking about summer safety during this Memorial Day weekend.
Grilling Out: Nothing says summer quite like the smell of barbecue. When it comes to grilling, it's imperative to keep safety in mind. It's not hard, just use some common sense and this set of grilling safety tips:
Gas Grill Tips
- Make sure tubes and seals are free of leaks or cracks. After sitting all winter, hoses that run from the gas tank to the grill can get brittle and crack creating a serious hazard.
- Clean the tubes that run from the gas tank into the burner. These tubes may get clogged with bugs or grease. It's easy to use a pipe cleaner to clear out any blockages.
- Keep your nose open. The smell of gas could indicate there is a leak. You should immediately turn off your grill and follow the manufacturer's instructions to check for leaks. Do not attempt to relight the grill until you're sure there's no risk.
- Do not attempt any tank repairs on your own. If a gas tank is leaking, return it to the place of purchase to be repaired or replaced.
Charcoal Grill Tips
- Never burn charcoal indoors. Not in a camper, a tent or even a garage with lots of ventilation. Burning charcoal gives off carbon monoxide. Even with plenty of ventilation, the gas can accumulate to toxic levels—so keep the grill completely outdoors.
- Coals continue to emit carbon monoxide until they are completely extinguished, which can take hours. Do not bring the coals indoors unless you're sure that the coals have stopped burning entirely.
Fun In The Sun: It's tough to beat the feeling of sand under your feet and the smell of salt water in the air, but a day at the beach can quickly turn sour once sunburn sets in. While it can easily put a damper on a vacation, it's not just uncomfortable—sunburn can have serious long-term effects. The sun's ultraviolet rays can penetrate the skin causing wrinkles, blotches and sagging. What's more, sunburn drastically increases the risk of skin cancer. But, it doesn't have to be that way, if you take the proper precautions.
- Use sunscreen with a rating of at least SPF-15. Make sure to apply it to all areas of your body. For best absorption, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
- Try not to spend too much time under the sun during peak hours of 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours or so. If you go swimming, put some more on as soon as you get out of the water.
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while you're under the sun. Heat stroke can happen unexpectedly if you're not properly hydrated. Also, avoid drinking alcohol if you're going to be out in the sun.
ARCBA Shelters Residents Displaced by Fire in SF's Mission District
San Francisco, May 18, 2007—The American Red Cross Bay Area opened a shelter for residents displaced by the complex fire in San Francisco's Mission District today. The shelter is located in the nearby Park and Recreation Center at 2450 Harrison Street, as 31 people were displaced by the building fire on Woodward and Duboce. Red Cross volunteers have been providing emergency assistance by way of shelter, food, blankets and mental health, as needed.
Those seeking assistance from the Red Cross should call (415) 427-8010.
For those who are interested in helping the victims of this and other emergencies, please call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org.
It's AmeriCorps Week! (May 13th—May 19th)
San Francisco, May 14, 2007—ARCBA salutes our current AmeriCorps team for offering their service. This week is designed to bring Americans into service and to salute current members for their work done in our communities.
At ARCBA, we have three AmeriCorps programs:
- National Preparedness and Response Corps (NPRC). American Red Cross National Headquarters; Full Service member for 10.5 months: Lucas Eckroad, Cecille Gumabon, Andrea Heiderer, Josh McCrea, John McCutcheon, Alejandro Mendoza-Castillo, and Gabriela Pierre.
- Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). California State program; Full Service Member for 12 months: Chester Ng and Francine Williams.
- AmeriCorps Local Emergency Response Team (ALERT). Consortium of California College grantee; part-time service members, one college semester for eight hours a week: Claudia Alvarez, Wenya Tan, Edward Wong, Mona Yu, Catalina Zhang, Chunyan Zhao, Gill Zhao, Johnny Zhong, and Grace Zhou.
Did you know...? There are 75,000 members across the Country serving a total of 62.4 million hours?
Other Facts:
- 92 percent of AmeriCorps sponsoring organizations say members helped them increase the number of persons the groups served to a large or moderate extent.
- 72 percent of AmeriCorps members continue to volunteer in their communities after their term of service ends.
- 87 percent of former AmeriCorps members accepted public service employment (including governmental and nonprofit work) within three years after completing their AmeriCorps service.
For more info: http://www.americorps.gov/about/americorpsweek/index.asp.
American Red Cross Participates in Road to Health Expo
San Francisco, May 11, 2007—The American Red Cross Bay Area (ARCBA) participated in Road to Health, a FREE exposition that promoted the benefits of health and fitness, while helping communities of color develop healthier lifestyles. During the expo, ARCBA instructed attendees on how to prepare for small and large emergencies, provided tours of the Chapter's Emergency Response Vehicles, and hosted games for youth that promote preparedness.
Road to Health, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, was a two-day, multi-city health, fitness, and wellness expo featuring local and national celebrities, seminars for youth, men and women, dance and nutrition demonstrations, medical screenings, CPR certification training, a blood drive, and cardio zone for kids.
"Preparedness is another aspect of wellness," said Harold Brooks, CEO of ARCBA. "By fully preparing for emergencies, you and your loved ones will be in a better mental and physical position when disaster strikes. Road to Health offers an opportunity to spread this message to communities of color, while at the same time furthering the work we are doing as part of our Prepare Bay Area campaign."
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