Asheville-Mountain Area Red Cross

American Red Cross Rolls Out New Logo!

2012-02-10T10:21:00.000-05:00

The American Red Cross officially unveiled its new logo last Thursday, featuring the iconic Red Cross in a button, to symbolize the personal investment of volunteers, employees and supporters in the Red Cross mission. The Red Cross, one of the world’s most recognized and trusted brands, has historically represented hope, safety on the battlefield, and care in crisis.

This new look is designed to reflect the organization as it is today: modern, authentic and innovative. The updated identity is meant to appeal to both long-time Red Cross supporters and an entirely new generation of volunteers and donors, eager to show their affiliation with the organization. This presentation of the Red Cross logo is similar to the lapel pins and buttons worn by Red Cross supporters in the early part of the 20th century.

While most people think of disaster relief and blood donation when they think of the Red Cross, the updated brand identity is meant to invite people to learn more about the organization and its mission.”We want to show more people how they can be part of a Red Cross that intersects with their lives in many ways,” said Peggy Dyer, chief marketing officer of the Red Cross. “We’re proud of both our history and our future. We look forward to telling our story to a wider audience and the new brand identity is an important step in that process.”

The American Red Cross will continue to roll out its new look when it debuts a redesigned corporate website later this year. The new site will feature the logo button, updated graphics and an enhanced use of photography. It will also feature user-generated content to allow individuals to share their Red Cross experiences.

The American Red Cross is currently developing a public-service ad campaign that will feature stories of people whose lives have been touched by the Red Cross mission.

Show Your Love with a Red Cross this Valentine's Day!

2012-02-08T15:06:00.005-05:00

Do you have a Red Crosser as a Valentine this year? Well, we dug up some true finds on ETSY to make any dedicated Red Cross blood donor, disaster volunteer or instructor smile. Click on the images to visit the ETSY stores.

First up, an authentic vintage World War II American Red Cross first aid kit, complete with supplies and literature. Perfect for the vintage collector and Red Cross instructor alike:

Check out this retro ringer tee, featuring the old American Red Cross bloodhound mascot. A stylish option for the blood donor on your Valentine's Day list.

And here we have an inspired update to a vintage Red Cross ad from the early 1900's. This wonderful vinyl graphic will make a statement on any Red Crosser's wall!

Upcycled vintage Red Cross pins turned into lovely earrings! A perfect way to show off your Red Cross pride!

And finally, a vintage American Red Cross nurse's silver pocket watch! Just think of where it's been - maybe in Clara Barton's pocket!

And spend some time drooling over all of the Red Cross Love items on Pinterest here.

Note: The American Red Cross does not have any affiliation with Etsy or the Etsy sellers listed above.

Superbowl Ad features New CPR Techniques?

2012-02-06T13:54:00.002-05:00

We wouldn't recommend this as an actual life-saving technique but we did enjoy a hearty chuckle.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2012-01-19T14:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It’s a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work…

ITALY: 250 Italian Red Cross staff and volunteers are taking part in the rescue and relief operation at the site of capsized liner Costa Concordia. The cruise ship hit rocks off Italy’s west coast on Friday night, killing at least 12 people and injuring 70. Volunteers have supplied more than 800 people with clothes, shoes, hygiene kits, transport to nearby hospitals, medicine and other materials.

NIGERIA: The ICRC is providing support for the Nigerian Red Cross to treat those injured in a recent wave of protests. A nationwide strike was called for January 9th by labor organizations to protest the withdrawal of fuel subsidies. Since the strike began, Nigerian Red Cross volunteers have provided first aid all over the country to more than 600 injured persons.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Heavy fighting has been raging in Shabunda territory of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since January 5th, 27 injured people, including eight children, have been evacuated to various hospitals in Bukavu with support from the ICRC. The ICRC is continuing to supply medical supplies and is pressing the authorities and weapon bearers to respect and protect civilians.

SOMALIA: The ICRC has decided to temporarily suspend distribution of food and seed relief intended for 1.1 million people in urgent need after having been blocked by local authorities in parts of central and southern Somalia. Since a drought started in late 2010 the ICRC has distributed food rations to more than a million people and has provided agricultural support for over 100,000 farmers.

CHILE: On the first day of the new year hundreds in Chile were evacuated from dozens of forest fires that burned at least 57,000 acres. The Chilean Red Cross is currently assisting more that 50 families in shelters located in the communes of Quillon and Chillan.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The "Other" Winter Preparedness Tips

2012-01-18T14:07:00.003-05:00

With Old Man Winter finally hitting parts of the United States, ski resorts are doing their best snow dances, while everyone else is starting to buckle down for a long haul inside. And even though Western North Carolina might not be getting any snow for awhile yet, it's still a good idea to use the cold weather as an excuse for some indoor fun.

Although, the American Red Cross has been at the leading edge of preparedness for decades, and every year has brought you our Winter Storm Safety Checklist which is chock full of information to keep you and you loved ones safe before, during and after a storm, today, we would like to provide you with a few “other” Winter preparedness items to include.

Indoor Fort Supplies

This will include blankets, sheets, chairs, and some other sturdy furniture. However, your indoor fort building skills may have diminished over the years. Don’t fret, Apartment Therapy has some very easy to follow instruction, design ideas and decor inspirations for the young and mature.

Movies

Having a family movie night is an idea that’s an oldie but still a goodie. Either go rent a variety of movies, or turn on your favorite movie streaming service. Be sure to buy popcorn and candy for a full movie night experience. You can even combine fort building with movie night!

Games

Board games are a great way to avoid getting bored! Other games can include Charades, tick-tack-toe, Texas Hold ‘em, or you can get creative and come up with a karaoke/dance competition (be sure to have your First Aid Kit on hand in case this game goes awry). Maybe buy a few small prizes or allow the winner to get out of doing the dishes that day.

Sleds

Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, you can go sledding during or after a snowstorm. Sometimes going down a hill isn’t enough, so you might want to build a Sled Mountain - in which case, go ahead and grab that First Aid Kit again.

So enjoy Old Man Winter as much as you can, and don’t forget to check out our more “traditional” winter preparedness tips so you and your family will be able to tackle the season with confidence!

“It’s devastation...You have buildings that are no longer there. People were sucked out of their homes and wound up in fields.”

2012-01-13T11:42:00.002-05:00

Dan McCurry spoke to the Asheville-Citizen Times about the tornadoes that ripped through Rutherford County this week.

Read more here.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2012-01-13T11:40:00.000-05:00

INDIA: On the morning of December 30th, Cyclone Thane battered India’s south-east coast causing thousands to flee from their homes. In its wake, the cyclone left an immense trail of destruction. Early action by volunteers of the Indian Red Cross Society deployed before the disaster was able to reduce the impact of the severe storm. Working closely with the authorities, the Red Cross helped to evacuate people from low-lying coastal areas and sent out warnings through its district branches.

SOUTH SUDAN: Violence in Pibor County, Jonglei State, has left thousands of people displaced and many wounded. The ICRC is working with the South Sudan Red Cross (SSRC) to help health facilities cope with an influx of casualties. ICRC teams based at regional Training hospitals are treating hundreds of people, distributing medical supplies, and helping to reunite families separated by fighting.

GUINEA-BISSAU: Between December 30th, 2011, and January 6th, 2012, the ICRC visited 38 military personnel arrested in connection with disturbances in Guinea-Bissau on 26 December. The visits took place in Mansoa military prison and at Armura air base in Bissau, and essential relief supplies were provided for the detainees.

MAURITANIA: A team from the IFRC has been visiting villages to assess food security problems in Mauritania. A lack of rainfall and poor access to water sources has had a major impact on agricultural production. The Mauritanian Red Crescent, with partners from a number of National Societies, are running programs to help and encourage gardening activities, growing food that is less dependent on abundant rains.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Who Says Preparedness Isn't Stylish?

2012-01-13T11:34:00.001-05:00

During a blackout, earthquake, or other scary emergency, aesthetics are likely to be the last thing on your mind. But that doesn't mean they don't still serve an important purpose, as Eton's Turbodyne series of American Red Cross-branded emergency gear shows. Designed by Whipsaw, this gear is to getting out of a jam what the iPod is to pumping out the jams: form married to function in the best possible way.

The industrial design of the Turbodyne set was meant "to be more emotional and more appealing than the typical emergency tool, so that people wanted to own them and use them on a regular basis, even when [there is] no emergency," Whipsaw president Dan Harden tells Co.Design. Indeed, these look more like designer toys than dependable tools at first glance. But that emotional appeal has a serious purpose, Harden explains: "Pride of ownership also means they will more likely be out and ready for use instead of being relegated to the basement or the emergency kit."

"On emergency products, non-ornamental and informative aesthetics can play an important functional and human factors role," Harden continues. "Bold forms, expressive details and high contrast colors can express function and operation so clearly that it takes no thought to find and use the product - which is of course good in an emergency when you just can’t think." For additional information on the products in this series, or to make a purchase, go to the American Red Cross store.

(Excerpted from an article by John Pavlus; originally printed by Fast Company Design at http://www.fastcodesign.com/)

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2012-01-06T13:12:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

SOMALIA: In response to ongoing armed clashes in the Middle Juba region of southern Somalia, the ICRC has sent urgently needed emergency medical supplies over the past few days to various medical facilities on both sides of the front line in Kismayo, Afmadow and Dhobley. In cooperation with local treatment facilities, the ICRC will continue to closely assess surgical and other medical needs in the coming days and weeks.

SYRIA: The situation in Syria has continued to deteriorate, especially in the past week, and violence is taking a heavy toll, leaving hundreds of people dead or wounded. Since June of this year, when the ICRC was granted greater access to the areas of unrest, the organization has been providing medical aid, food aid, and other basic items for the people affected. Over the past eight months the ICRC and Syrian Arab Red Crescent have distributed at least 14,000 family sized one month food parcels, 30,000 school kits, 1,400 hygiene kits, medical supplies, hospital support, drought relief, and legal workshops concerning international humanitarian and human rights laws.

PHILLIPINES: An outbreak of the deadly bacteria Leptospirosis has highlighted the dramatic and ongoing needs of the tens of thousands of people in northern Mindanao, the most prominent island in the southern Phillipines, who were displaced and affected by Typhoon Washi. The Philippine Red Cross has deployed health staff and mobilized additional volunteers and resources in an effort to help limit the outbreak.

AFGHANISTAN: At the ICRC's Orthopedic Center in Kabul, playing wheelchair basketball is a welcome diversion for both patients and staff. The patients had been playing basketball together for some time, but it was more like 'buzkashi' – the ferocious no-holds-barred local equivalent of polo. Inspired by a training course they received in May of 2010 by West Linn-native wheelchair basketball player and coach Jess Markt, the players have practiced together every week since then.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Is Being Prepared One of Your New Year's Resolutions? We Hope So!

2012-01-05T14:43:00.001-05:00

It’s that time of year when many people look forward to the New Year, a fresh start and what they would like to change to make their lives better. Many resolve to lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier. The Oregon Red Cross asks that everyone resolve to make 2012 the year they get prepared, to be “Red Cross Ready” when emergencies happen.

Families can look ahead and determine how to deal with disasters, whether it be a fire in the home or something that affects their entire neighborhood. They need to know what emergencies are most likely to happen in their area. Knowing what to do when disaster strikes can make a difference for everyone in your household and your community. To be prepared, you should:

1. Get a kit. If you’ve ever had to search for your flashlight when the power goes out, you know what it feels like to be unprepared. The Red Cross has a downloadable checklist to help you assemble your emergency preparedness kit. It should include the following:

Ready-To-Go Emergency Preparedness Kit

A three-day supply of non-perishable food and water—one gallon per person, per day for drinking and hygiene purposes.
A battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
At least one flashlight and extra batteries.
A first-aid kit, which should include all prescription and OTC medications and any necessary medical items.
Copies of all important documents (proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
Extra cash in a variety of denominations.

2. Make a plan. Talk with members of your household about what to do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case everyone is separated, and choose two places to meet—one right outside the home, in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside the neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate. Other tips on how you should formulate your emergency plan are:

Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. All household members should have this person’s phone number and email address. It may be easier to call long distance or text if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.
Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.
Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Travel your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable.
Plan ahead for your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals. Keep a handy list of “pet friendly” accommodations and animal shelters along your evacuation routes.

3. Be informed. Know what situations may occur where you live, where you work, where you go to school.

If you live or travel often to areas near a fault line, learn how to prepare and what to do during an earthquake. If summer includes a trip to the beach, know what to do in case you are faced with a tropical storm, hurricane or tsunami. Remember that emergencies like fires and blackouts can happen anywhere, so everyone should be prepared for them.
Find out how local officials inform the public in the event of an emergency.
Learn first aid and CPR/AED so that you have the skills to respond in a situation before help arrives, especially during a disaster when emergency responders may not be immediately available. Contact us to sign up for training.

As you look to the new year and what you would like to change, add getting prepared to your list of resolutions for 2012. Visit the preparedness section of the American Red Cross of WNC website to know what to do, to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, in all types of emergencies.

Enjoy a safe and Happy New Year.

Holiday Home Fires Leave 80 People In Need

2011-12-30T11:31:00.001-05:00

Since December 14th, 25 families in the Western Carolinas* have been devastated by home fires. The Red Cross swiftly responded to each incident - offering food, clothing, emotional support, cash assistance and hotel lodging to 80 adults and children.

Here are just a few of the stories:

December 23rd. Family of 3 loses their home to a fire. The excitement surrounding the coming holiday was dampened by an electrical fire which destroyed the mobile home of a family of two adults and one child. Two Red Cross volunteers assisted the family during this crisis with food, clothing, shelter at a nearby hotel and seasonal garments.
Christmas Morning. Fire Destroys family home. The family was uninjured; however, they lost their cherished dogs and the home and Christmas presents were destroyed. Red Cross volunteer caseworker Victoria King, along with 3 other Red Cross volunteers, assisted the family with lodging, food and clothing.
Christmas Day. Family of 5 loses their home to a fire. Thankfully, no one was injured but the home was destroyed. Volunteers met with the family of 5, provided hotel, emergency clothing, food, stuffed animals for the children and a shoulder to lean on.

Each year, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters in the United States every 9 minutes. Our dedicated disaster action team members respond to disasters, mostly house fires, two to three times a day in the Western Carolinas region. They courageously and selflessly sacrifice their own holidays to assist those in need. They are able to do this because of generous donations from individuals like you that provide for the relief items, their training and practice.

I hope we can count on your support again this year. Simply put, your gift allows our disaster volunteers to bring hope and comfort to those in need. Resolve to lend a helping hand to those who have lost so much in recent fires. Please inquire about becoming trained as a disaster volunteer or make a financial contribution to the American Red Cross to support our relief efforts. Visit www.redcross.org for more information.

A Special Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-12-16T14:23:00.001-05:00

EAST TIMOR: A team of well-trained Red Cross Volunteers recently helped with a horrific collision in regional East Timor. Four people died and almost 20 more were seriously injured when a troop carrier crashed two hours south of the capital, Dili. Nurses and doctors at the local hospital in Aileu were overwhelmed by the size of the emergency and Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste volunteers stepped-in to help. For eight years, the organization has received funding and training support from the Japanese Red Cross and the IFRC.

IRAQ: People in rural Iraq are among the most severely affected by seemingly never-ending violence, the lack of economic perspectives and of appropriate infrastructure. The ICRC is helping needy farmers increase their production in a sustainable way, and since September has provided some 900 farmers in Diyala, Baghdad, Wassit, Babil and Anbar governorates with drip irrigation systems benefiting over 6,300 people. Since the beginning of the year, almost 42,000 people, mainly in rural areas of central Iraq, have been given a boost by ICRC livelihood support projects.

LIBYA: More than 100 surgeons are enhancing their skills treating gunshot and blast-wounded patients through a seminar in Tripoli this week. The training is being co-organized by ICRC and the Ministry of Health. The ICRC conducted similar workshops in Benghazi, Tripoli and the Nefusa Mountains earlier in 2011.

INDONESIA: The ICRC has recently completed a mass scabies treatment program at the Labuhan Deli Prison in Medan, North Sumatra, working with the Indonesian Directorate General of Corrections. Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by tiny, invisible mites that spreads easily in crowded surroundings such as at prisons. The campaign benefited 908 inmates, who had been living with scabies for years.

NIGERIA: Many children in Nigeria miss school or find it hard to concentrate because of the little talked of illnesses caused by worms. The Mushin division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society is tackling this by distributing de-worming tablets and teaching students about the importance of taking them regularly. So far 35 Red Cross volunteers have targeted 84 primary schools and provided tablets to over 22,000 children.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Happy Holidays from All of Us at the Red Cross!

2011-12-14T14:23:00.001-05:00

Madeleine's Story

2011-12-09T14:05:00.003-05:00

What Americans Want This Holiday

2011-12-06T13:57:00.002-05:00

Holiday Giving Catalog: Give the Gift that Really Matters

2011-12-06T13:21:00.001-05:00

This holiday season, give to someone who does so much for your country; give to a service member. When you’re writing your gift list, don’t forget to include someone who hasn’t asked for anything.

Show our service members they’re cared for this holiday season by offering the gift of comfort. Just $50 lets one member of the military know that you care, and you haven't forgotten all they do.

Military comfort kits provide "a little bit of home" to service members who are injured and spending a few days, weeks or months at a military hospital. The kit is filled what they need to stay comfortable and keep in touch while they’re recovering: a phone card, robe, shower shoes, toiletries and an MP3 music gift card.

“My son was critically injured in Afghanistan…knowing that people cared helped my son recover from his wounds.”— Mike & Jackie, parents of a wounded hero, San Francisco, CA

Take a look at other ways to give in our Holiday Giving Catalog.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-12-06T13:20:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It’s a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work…

MALDIVES: Last week the Maldivian Red Crescent became the 187th member of the IFRC at its 18th General Assembly in Geneva. The process of forming the new National Society began in the wake of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which affected over 27,000 people in the Maldives. These low-lying islands will be among the most threatened territories should sea levels rise significantly.

YEMEN: Two ICRC staff members and a Yemen Red Crescent Society volunteer who had been briefly held by armed individuals in a village in Lahj governorate, southern Yemen, returned to Aden. On November 22nd, they left to distribute food rations and essential household items to displaced people in Lahj, but were prevented from returning to their office. The ICRC was in regular contact with them after the incident occurred, and contacted the authorities and other leaders in the area to request their assistance in arranging for the prompt return.

NIGER: The ICRC is providing support for a major immunization campaign against meningitis that began last week in the Agadez area of northern Niger. The ICRC is supporting the campaign in the districts of Arlit and Tchirozérine, where over 58,000 people aged one to 29 will be vaccinated by the first week in December.

IRAQ: Over the past two weeks the ICRC, in a joint Iranian-Iraqi operation, found the remains of 103 Iranian and Iraqi soldiers in Al-Fao, southern Iraq, who went missing during the 1980-1988 war between the two countries. In its capacity as a neutral intermediary, the ICRC provides support for the efforts of the Iranian and Iraqi authorities to account for those who went missing during the war and to ease the suffering of their families.

SOMALILAND (SOMALIA): While Southern and Central Somalia carry the brunt of the East Africa food crisis, Somaliland has not escaped the effects of recurrent droughts and political violence. At the newly-established Sheikh Omar Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camp, the Somalia Red Crescent has been working to recruit volunteers and distribute relief items provided by the Icelandic Red Cross from its clothing business.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Holiday Heart Attacks: Not a Myth

2011-11-30T11:38:00.001-05:00

The holidays are a time for celebrating and spending time with family and friends. It’s the most festive time of year – we decorate trees, light menorahs, share meals and smiles, and sing songs together.

However, did you know it’s also the time of year when heart attacks are most likely to occur? It’s true. Sadly, between Thanksgiving and New Years, there is a nation-wide increase in cardiac-related deaths.

There are a few reason why researchers propose heart attacks increase during the winter holiday season.

Weather: breathing cold air can constrict the blood vessels and therefore increase the pressure causing clots to form. However, there are still a number of heart attacks in warmer weather climates.
Emotional Stress: the holiday season can be a source of stress with family you do or do not want to interact along with or financial pressures with gifts and travel expenses.
Overindulgence: Poor eating habits, excessive alcohol or abusing drugs can lead to an increased strain on your heart.

Taking a Red Cross CPR class can help you learn how to care for a person having a heart attack and how to perform CPR for a person in cardiac arrest . Often, cardiac emergencies happen at home or the workplace, so the life you may have to save could be that of a friend or loved one.

We know that taking a CPR course during the Holiday Season may seem impossible – but if you have three minutes to spare, we have a “Learn Hands-Only CPR” video that can help…you can always make taking the full CPR course a New Year’s resolution.

Taste the Holiday Love from Atlanta Bread!

2011-11-23T07:19:00.000-05:00

Banana Nut, Cranberry Orange, Blueberry, Mocha Chocolate Chip, Caramel Apple Crunch... Um. Can you say nom?

Atlanta Bread is donating $1 of every loaf of $6.99 Holiday Bread to the American Red Cross.

So taste the holiday love, Asheville. It tastes really good.

Your Atlanta Bread locations are at 633 Merrimon Ave and 484 Hendersonville Road.

Go Red This Black Friday!

2011-11-22T14:57:00.005-05:00

Another Thanksgiving. Another dining table filled with loved ones and favorite family recipes. Another football game. Another family sweater photograph. Another Black Friday to stand in line hour after hour.

Which one of these things doesn't belong?

There's a way to give this holiday season that doesn't require a trip to the mall or an hour long wait in line. It's the American Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog and it's the perfect way to honor your friends and family with gifts that really matter.

Is you father a veteran? Consider ditching that Blu-Ray player for meaningful gift in his name: a calling card for members of our Armed Forces who are overseas, for example.

Do you have a family member who ever received aid from the Red Cross after a storm? Then consider honoring them with a gift that sponsors an Emergency Response Vehicle.

Have a kid in med school? Consider a nod to their future career by vaccinating children overseas in their name.

Yeah, iPods, Play Stations and Kindles are cool but consider giving a gift that really matters this holiday season.

It's Turkey (or Tofurkey) Time!

2011-11-18T13:27:00.005-05:00

Oh Thanksgiving – time for friends, family, football, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and most importantly – TURKEY!

Although Thanksgiving isn’t until next week, we’re sure those of you who are in charge of this famous dinner centerpiece are madly looking at recipes, making multiple trips to the grocery store, and starting your prep cooking.

Did you know that the average number of house fires DOUBLES on Thanksgiving Day – cooking is the leading culprit of these fires…so you may not want to try and channel your inner Paula Dean, unless you’ve trained her well. One of the largest incidents of these home fires stems from the growing trend to deep fry turkeys. Deep frying seems like a good option because: 1) it takes a lot less time to cook the turkey than baking it and 2) you have a better chance of having a beautifully moist turkey; and if you’ve eaten your fair share of over-baked turkey, you may want to convert to the fryer.

To help you, our good friends at the Department of Homeland Security have some good advice for those attempting to fry turkeys

Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.
Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck.
Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.
Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.

For the more visual learners, here is a video from State Farm of what can happen if you do not follow the proper guidelines for frying your turkey:

Downtown Mountain Mile: November 19

2011-11-04T14:36:00.005-04:00

Looking for a way to hit the ground running this holiday season? We've got you covered.

On November 19, 2011, start the holiday season with a big finish in our 3rd Annual Downtown Mountain Mile. The one mile fun run and competitive race precedes the holiday parade so it's a chance to see and be seen in the Holiday Parade.

The theme at this year's downtown Holiday Parade is "Days Gone By." Runners and walkers are welcome to dress in costume to celebrate this theme or a more traditional holiday costume. But it's Asheville, why be traditional?

For more information, click here.
To register, click here or call (828) 258-3888, ext. 225.

A Red Cross Halloween

2011-10-27T14:11:00.005-04:00

Halloween is sort of a big deal in our fair city of Asheville. It's no secret that we will take any excuse to play dress up and share a locally brewed cold one with friends. And with Halloween only a few days, we're guessing that you’ve already figured out your costume. But if time has gotten away from you this fall and you still don’t know what you’ll dress up as, here are a few Red Cross-themed costumes I’d recommend.

American Red Cross Nurse (circa 1940)

American Red Cross Volunteer (throw on a Red Cross t-shirt, jeans, and a lanyard and you’ll be all set)

Buddy Blood Drop (Let's be honest. He's a little creepy.)

Now that you’ve gotten your costume squared away, take a moment to review the Red Cross’ Lucky 13 Tips for a safe Halloween. Be sure to wear your Red proudly at one of these local Halloween events!

Trick or treat!

Note: If you choose to dress up in a Red Cross-themed costume, please keep in mind that you’re representing the organization and remember to respect its mission and fundamental principles. Thanks!

The Red Cross Centennial Ball: The Celebration of the Century

2011-10-25T12:04:00.010-04:00

If you missed the Red Cross Centennial Ball, you missed the celebration of a century: figuratively and literally. See the photos below.

View the rest of the photos here.

80 Seconds

2011-10-11T11:32:00.000-04:00

A woman holds up one of the few items that survived the fire that took her home in Chicago. Photo by Erica Barraca

Did you know that every 60 seconds*…

More than 168 million emails are sent
695,000 status updates and 510,040 comments are published on Facebook
Google serves more that 694,445 search queries
More than 13,000 iPhone apps are downloaded
6,600 images are published on Flickr
600 videos (about 25 hours of content) are uploaded to YouTube

Seems impressive, but here’s another statistic: approximately every 80 seconds someone will lose their home to a fire. That’s more than 63,000 fires a year that Red Cross volunteers across the country will respond to.

October is National Fire Prevention Month, and our friends at the Chicago Red Cross has created a way for you to get a glimpse of what losing some of your cherished photo memories would feel like with their “Every 80 Seconds” campaign. With home fires, “things” can usually be replaced, but precious photos usually cannot. After you go through this, take a moment to make sure your home and family are Red Cross Ready.

The Red Cross goes Black Tie

2011-09-16T12:22:00.006-04:00

Throw on a black tie in honor of the Red Cross. All the cool kids are doing it... See?

After hurricanes, fires and floods, the Red Cross knows how to clean up, serve a hot meal and make people feel at home. Now, imagine taking that talent to the Crowne Plaza and treating guests to an evening of elegance, complete with red roses, live music, fine art, and fine gourmet dining.

That’s just what will happen this October at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center in Asheville – the Red Cross of Western North Carolina will go black tie for one night and one night only.

On October 22, the Red Cross of Western North Carolina will honor its centennial year in elegant fashion with the Red Cross Ball: The Celebration of a Century. With the help of presenting sponsor, Asheville Savings Bank, the Red Cross will host a lavish evening of cocktails, dinner and dancing to the music of local favorite, A Social Function.

“The Red Cross is thrilled to celebrate our Centennial year with such a fine event and with such fine friends. We are so pleased that Asheville Savings Bank is sponsoring the Ball, in their own 75^th year,” said Patrick Fitzsimmons, CEO of the Western North Carolina Region.

While wining, dining and dancing, attendees to the Ball can expect the chance to support the regional efforts of the Red Cross through a “Fund the Needs” auction. This unique auction of goods and services will offer the opportunity to make a direct pledge to humanitarian services the Red Cross provides to the community. In addition to the “Fund the Needs” auction, guests may bid on a number of fine art pieces from a selection of renowned artists, including Jonas Gerard, Gail Smith and George Widener.

Any proceeds from the auctions as well as ticket sales will go directly to supporting the regional humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross of Western North Carolina. Single tickets for the Red Cross Ball are $125 and may be purchased online at www.redcrosswnc.org. Tables of 8 are available are also for $1000.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-09-15T11:01:00.000-04:00

PAKISTAN: Today the IFRC launched a preliminary emergency appeal for $12 million to provide urgent relief and medical support to 105,000 people affected by the devastating floods that have once again struck Pakistan.

JAPAN: The Japanese Red Cross has played a key role in tsunami and nuclear disaster emergency response and recovery efforts. 800 medical teams were deployed immediately after the disaster to run mobile clinics for survivors. With donations totalling $510 million received (of a total $51 billion pledged) by Red Cross Red Crescent societies abroad, another key part of the Japanese Red Cross reconstruction plan is to support the building of temporary hospitals.

KENYA: A leaking gasoline pipeline in Kenya’s capital exploded on Monday, turning part of a slum into an inferno in which at least 75 people were killed and more than 100 hurt. Red Cross official Pamela Indiaka said the Red Cross is providing body bags and has dealt with 75 bodies so far. The death toll from the blast may still rise.

ITALY: The 34th Round Table on current issues of international humanitarian law (IHL) recently took place in San Remo, from September 8-10, 2011. Conclusions were made by Dr Philip Spoerri, Director for International Law and Cooperation, ICRC, regarding new weapon technologies and IHL.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Infographic: How Dangerous is Your House?

2011-09-13T15:53:00.005-04:00

via Ecomom.com

The Path of a Blood Donation

2011-09-13T14:25:00.002-04:00

Follow the path of a blood donation "from arm to arm!" Watch below:

Find a Blood Drive here and send your blood on a life-saving journey!

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-09-08T11:47:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

WORLDWIDE: Each year, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world observe World First Aid Day. The day is marked on the second Saturday of September and communities are preparing for it around the globe.

COLOMBIA: On Monday, September 5, 2011, ICRC and Ministry of Social Protection presented a guide in Bogotá for improving treatment for casualties of armed conflict. The victims of armed conflict include people wounded by improvised explosive devices and explosive remnants of war, and also the victims of firearms and other devices.

YEMEN: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Yemen Red Crescent Society have distributed food rations to over 17,000 displaced people and residents in the areas of Zinjibar, Ja'ar, al-Bateis and al-Husn in Abyan governorate. Armed confrontations have forced tens of thousands of people to hastily leave their homes in search of safer places.

SOUTH KOREA: The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement was well represented at the recent 10th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) held in Busan, the Republic of Korea. IFRC used the conference as an opportunity to call upon governments in Asia and the Pacific to provide universal, non-politicized and anonymous access to HIV testing as a key step towards the United Nation’s ‘Getting to Zero’ strategy.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Goodnight, Irene. See you again in 2017?

2011-09-06T11:10:00.003-04:00

We've bid adieu to Irene (although the Red Cross response efforts are ongoing still) and we're saying a reluctant hello to Katia. Check out our Hurricane Preparedness Tips if you're in the storm's path.

Ever wonder where in the world they get these names?

The list of names for potential hurricane for the Atlantic is created by the World Meteorological Association.

There are actually six lists are reused and recycled (even storms can be green). That means that this year's list will be used again in 2017. Each letter of the alphabet gets a name except for Q, U, X, Y, and Z. In the event that more than 21 hurricanes spawn in a single season, meteorologists dip into the Greek alphabet for names.

See the 2011 List of Names here.

Some random facts:

The letters "Q", "U", "X", "Y" and "Z" are not used.
When an unusually destructive hurricane hits, that hurricane's name is retired and never used again.
Before 1978, hurricanes were solely named after women (more history here!)

So did your name make the cut for 2011? If not, scroll down to check out the lists from other parts of the world.

Photo credit: NASA

Maybe We Should Start Including LightSabers in Our First Aid Kits...

2011-09-02T13:11:00.003-04:00

MST3K + Red Cross = Yes, please

2011-09-01T15:14:00.004-04:00

Hurricanes, fires, earthquakes... It can get pretty heavy around here. So to let you know we're not all doom and gloom, we present this MST3K Awesomeness:

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-09-01T15:05:00.002-04:00

Hurricane Irene Depletes Blood Supply

2011-09-01T14:54:00.001-04:00

The American Red Cross is moving blood products to the areas most likely to be affected by Hurricane Irene so that these products will be available during and after the storm.

It’s the blood that is already on the shelves that helps save lives before, during and after a disaster, so the Red Cross is urging immediate blood and platelet donations in areas unaffected by this storm. We are also asking that community members consider donating blood in affected areas once the storm passes through and it’s safe to do so.

Since platelets have a shelf-life of just five days, it is imperative that there are enough platelets on hand to meet the needs of patients across the country and those in the path of the storm.

The Red Cross has already had to cancel more than 60 blood drives along the East Coast due to Hurricane Irene, resulting in the shortfall of more than 1,500 units of blood. It is expected that additional blood drives will be postponed in the coming days due to storm damage.

Nationwide, around 44,000 blood donations are needed each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. These patients and others rely on blood products during their treatment. If blood collections are negatively impacted by a disaster, the long-term care needs of these patients could also be affected.

When disaster strikes, this need does not diminish, even though blood donors may find it difficult or impossible to get to a convenient donation opportunity. If people will make an appointment to donate blood in the upcoming days and weeks ahead, blood will be available in the aftermath should conditions prohibit people in some parts of the country from traveling or coming to blood drives.

Please help now. Make a blood donation appointment online or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Please be aware the Red Cross anticipates unusually high call volume over the next several days from those directly affected by the hurricane and you may experience long delays.

Original post from www.redcrossblood.org/irene

Red Cross Responds to Local Disasters, While Several Volunteers Are Still On Assignment in the East Coast

2011-09-01T14:51:00.002-04:00

The East Coast is still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Irene, which is likely to rank among the 10 costliest catastrophes in U.S. history, according to The New York Times, with a price tag of $7 billion to $10 billion.

The nation looks on in absolute horror at the damage and devastation the storm has left in its wake. Significant flooding, wind damage and widespread power outages are all still plaguing the communities along the eastern seaboard, where the storm has taken the lives of at least 44 individuals across 13 states and left 4.6 million homes without power.

It’s at times like these the Red Cross lives out its humanitarian mission: to keep victims of disaster sheltered, fed and clothed and to help those victims prepare and prevent further disaster. Since Hurricane Irene swept across the East Coast last weekend, the Red Cross has:

Served more than 279,000 meals and snacks to people
Supported 144 shelters with more than 2,700 people last night.
Since Friday, August 26, 2011 has provided more than 52,000 overnight stays.
To date shipped:

Approximately 228,000 shelf stable meals
Approximately 13,000 clean up kits containing trash bags, soap, and bleach.
More than 8,000 comfort kits containing toothbrushes, soap and shampoo.
More than 2,000 cots
More than 3,000 blankets
More than 100,000 bulk supplies such as shovels, rakes, gloves and flashlights.

But the Red Cross mission does not and can not end there.

When such a large scale disaster affects such a large portion of the nation, it’s easy to forget that disasters are also occurring on a local level nearly everyday.

Since August 26, although the national focus has been on the 1,000 mile swath of the Eastern Seaboard hit by Irene, home fires have broken out in 7 different counties across Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.

The Red Cross has responded to 9 separate incidents of disaster in Madison, Buncombe, Polk, Anderson, Pickens, Spartanburg and Greenville Counties. The Red Cross assisted a total of 32 families in those counties with shelter, food and financial support, exceeding $14,500 in cash and resources, despite the fact that many of their resources and volunteers had already been deployed to other states in preparation and response to Hurricane Irene.

All across the nation, stories of the unwavering commitment of Red Cross volunteers can be heard. Yesterday, one Red Cross volunteer celebrated his wedding anniversary with disaster victims in Maryland. His wife of 40 years is back home in Tennessee, supportive and awaiting his return.

Another volunteer is recognizing a different kind of anniversary. Monday was the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and one Red Cross volunteer from Mississippi that was affected by that unprecedented storm traveled to Baltimore this week to volunteer her time for victims of Hurricane Irene simply to return the kindness extended to her six years earlier.

Red Cross volunteers answer the call of victims of disaster in every part of the nation, whether that means a deployment to a different state or an emergency response to a local fire. Red Cross Disaster volunteers dedicate much more than their time and energy to response efforts. They dedicate their lives to serving the needs of disaster victims. Sometimes it’s difficult, many times it’s a sacrifice but it’s always rewarding.

You can help people affected by disasters like floods and tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. To make a donation, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross officer or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. To learn more about the work of the American Red Cross in the U.S. and around the world, please visit redcross.org or the Western North Carolina site at www.redcrosswnc.org .

# # #

26 Volunteers from WNC assisting in Irene Response Effort

2011-08-30T14:14:00.003-04:00

Two Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV’s) and four volunteers from the American Red Cross in Upstate South Carolina are en route to Middleton, NY to assist with disaster relief efforts in an area heavily flooded from Hurricane Irene.

Two additional Red Cross volunteers from Western North Carolina are being deployed to the eastern part of their home state to assist storm victims. The additional volunteers being called up bring to 26 the total number from the Western Carolinas providing relief in either North Carolina or further up the coast in New England.

“The Red Cross provides assistance both at home and anywhere else it is needed,” said Patrick Fitzsimmons, CEO of the WNC Region of the Red Cross. “We’re extremely grateful to our volunteers for the service they are providing to victims of Hurricane Irene in North Carolina and beyond.”

In eastern North Carolina, Red Cross damage assessment teams are operating in 23 counties and finding previously unreported damages to homes and buildings. Shelters are open in 18 locations and housed and fed 375 victims of the storm Monday evening. Five food kitchens are operating in eastern North Carolina and hot meals are being delivered by 41 ERV’s. Since the hurricane made landfall in North Carolina on Saturday, the Red Cross has fed over 22,000 meals.

You can help people affected by disasters like floods and tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. To make a donation, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross officer or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. To learn more about the work of the American Red Cross in the U.S. and around the world, please visit www.redcross.org .

15 Western Carolinians Red Cross Volunteers Deploy East to Help with Hurricane Irene Disaster Response

2011-08-26T10:48:00.003-04:00

In anticipation of Hurricane Irene’s landfall tomorrow along the North Carolina coast, 15 American Red Cross volunteers from WNC and the upstate of South Carolina leave this morning to help with disaster relief efforts.

Five of the volunteers are going in a medical services capacity; nine will work in damage assessment and one is serving as the site director for the Raleigh area. All fifteen are highly-trained in their respective roles and are likely to be deployed for approximately two weeks.

In all, around 70 volunteers in WNC and the upstate are on alert and may be called up for service should the need arise.

“Without our committed volunteers, the Red Cross could not fulfill its mission,” said Ann Wright, CEO of the upstate South Carolina region. “We’re still hoping for the best with this hurricane, but we have to be prepared for the worst.”

If you are in the storm's path, please read our Hurricane Preparedness and Safety Checklists.

You can help people affected by disasters like floods and tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. To make a donation, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross officer or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. To learn more about the work of the American Red Cross in the U.S. and around the world, please visit www.redcross.org.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up

2011-08-25T11:20:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

LIBYA: The ICRC has begun distribution of medical and surgical kits to hospitals in the capital city of Tripoli. The ICRC has had a permanent presence in Tripoli since mid-April of this year.

NORTH KOREA: An emergency appeal has been launched by IFRC to provide supplies of food and non-food relief, shelter materials, clean water and health care to 30,000 people who have been badly affected by storms and floods. The American Red Cross will contribute $50,000 for the international response in North Korea.

SOMALIA: With the opening of the four new feeding programs, Somali Red Crescent feeding centers now cover the whole country, including all areas most affected by malnutrition. Somalia has been in the grip of a severe drought since October 2010.

IRAQ: The ICRC released a film today that highlights the difficulties of Iraqi women who shoulder the burden of caring for their families alone. An estimated one million women struggle to feed their families and continue to depend on outside help.

USA: Hurricane Irene is the first major hurricane of 2011 threatening the East Coast and the American Red Cross is preparing for a full disaster response. The Red Cross urges people to get a three-day supply of water, food that doesn’t require refrigeration, flashlights, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit. Irene could affect blood collections along the East Coast and The Red Cross is urging those who are eligible to give blood prior to the storm’s arrival.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Hurricane Irene Update #2

2011-08-24T15:28:00.004-04:00

Hurricane Irene is now a category 3 storm and could affect a large swath of the East Coast later this week with wind and potential flooding.

American Red Cross chapters from Florida to Maine are getting ready. Irene is the first major hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season.

Trained Red Cross disaster relief workers are being mobilized to prepare shelters and relief supplies for a full East Coast response. Within our Heart of Carolina Region and throughout North Carolina, nearly 100 Red Cross volunteers are either on standby or are on the move. Dozens of mobile feeding vehicles and trucks equipped with communications technology are already moving towards North Carolina and Virginia where Irene is predicted to make the first landfall.

Just as the Red Cross is preparing for Hurricane Irene, people along the coast also need to get ready. Residents along the coast should take the threat of Irene seriously, finalize their hurricane plans and update their emergency supply kits. They include a three-day supply of water ready for each person on hand, along with food that doesn’t require refrigeration, flashlights, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit. A full list of suggested items is available on www.redcross.org

People in potential evacuation areas should familiarize themselves with the Red Cross Safe and Well website by visiting www.redcross.org/safeandwell so they can let their loved ones know what their situation is due to the hurricane. The site can be also be accessed on a smart phone, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. People can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well site.

Affected residents should also download the free Red Cross shelter finder app in the Apple iTunes store.

The Red Cross today (Wednesday) is releasing new survey results on how Americans use social media during disasters. With a hurricane threatening, the survey shows the importance of a family communication plan, and social media can be one part of that.

The survey shows that the internet is the third most popular way for people to gather emergency information, behind only television and local radio. The survey also showed that 18 percent of both the general population and the online population specifically saying they use Facebook for emergency information. People have high expectations that response groups are monitoring social media in times of disaster – and responding to cries for help. Also, Four in five believe that response groups should be monitoring social media, and one in three believes that a request for help on social media should be responded to in less than an hour.

Remember, calling 9-1-1 is always the best first action to take when a person needs emergency assistance.

American Red Cross disaster preparedness starts long before a hurricane makes landfall, beginning with keeping supplies and equipment on stand-by all year to help people in need. On average, the Red Cross spends about $450 million on disaster relief every year. If someone would like to support Red Cross disaster efforts, they can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Call (828) 258-3888 to make a donation to the Red Cross in WNC's response efforts.

Earthquake Replay

2011-08-24T13:03:00.001-04:00

The 5.8 magnitude Virginia quake definitely was a shock in more ways than one. Earthquakes are rather unheard of out east, due to the lack of an active tectonic plate boundary. That doesn't mean they don't happen, and the East coast was caught by surprise for a relatively mild quake compared to the West. The reactions varied from real shock to 'laughter' shock).

How did this happen? Here's how:

Social Media Aftershock

2011-08-24T12:44:00.009-04:00

Did you feel the Earthquake?

Just one minute after the earthquake shook the East Coast yesterday 40,000 tweets were blasted out about the quake. This just shows the speed and power of social media in the times of disasters. We want to invite you to join the National American Red Cross today at 3:00 pm EST for Facebook DC Live: Social Media’s Role in Disaster Preparedness & Response to hear more about this emerging topic.

Tune in online to see Trevor Riggen, our Senior Director of Disaster Services, discuss a survey the Red Cross conducted regarding how Americans use social media during disasters. The event will be a live webcast on Facebook here.

You can RSVP and share the event information with your communities here. If you can’t watch today, the event will be archived for viewing later. In addition, we will be releasing the full survey results and a press release this afternoon.

Watch live streaming video from facebookdclive at livestream.com

Two Chances

2011-08-23T14:49:00.007-04:00

Tune in today at 4:45pm to The Matt Mittan Show on 570 AM or at 5:00pm to 880 AM The Revolution to hear a briefing on Red Cross operations in response to Hurricane Irene from Steve Dykes, Director of Marketing for Western North Carolina and the Upstate Regions.

Hurricane Irene: Update #1

2011-08-23T12:19:00.003-04:00

Click here to view a chart detailing A Guide to Our Basic Services in an event such as a hurricane.

Irene, the first hurricane of 2011, is pounding Puerto Rico today with heavy rain and winds as high as 80 miles per hour after leaving many residents on St. Thomas and St. Croix without power Sunday. Irene is expected to gain strength as the week goes on, threatening Florida and the southeast states as early as Thursday.

The American Red Cross opened shelters on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John and is working closely with government partners in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to coordinate any relief services that may be needed. The Red Cross has warehouses on the islands equipped with thousands of cots and blankets, kerosene lanterns and comfort and clean-up supplies.

Experts predict the storm will impact Haiti and the Dominican Republic on Tuesday. In Haiti, the Red Cross is busy preparing for the storm, working to help people in vulnerable camps prepare for the storm, and putting emergency disaster risk reduction teams on alert.

The American Red Cross has been working in Haiti’s camps for many months on such activities as emergency first aid courses, training in early warning systems (megaphones and whistles), projects such as digging ditches and sandbagging hillsides, preparing evacuation routes and teaching children about disaster preparedness.

Red Cross officials are preparing to respond along the East Coast if needed, and urge anyone in Irene’s projected path to get ready too. Trained disaster relief workers are on alert, along with Red Cross mobile feeding vehicles and trucks equipped with communications technology.

“Just because the U.S. has largely been spared from hurricanes over the past several years is no reason to believe Irene will change course and go out to sea,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the Red Cross. “People who live in or who are vacationing in the areas that could be affected by this storm need to get ready now.”

It’s important to know what the hurricane warnings mean. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions could threaten the area within 48 hours. People should stay informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Those in the affected area should finish their storm preparations and leave the area if authorities ask them to do so.

The Red Cross has steps people can take this week as the storm approaches to help ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones.

Before the hurricane:

Check your emergency supplies and replace or restock as needed. Your disaster kit should contain items such as gallons of water, non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food and sanitation and personal hygiene items. More information about what you should include is available on the Red Cross web site.
Create an evacuation plan with members of your household and practice it to cut down on any confusion.
Plan routes to your community’s shelters, register family members with special needs as required.
Make plans for your pets.

If a hurricane is predicted for your area:

Bring items inside that can be picked up by the wind.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and keep them closed as much as possible so food will last longer if the power goes out.
Turn off any propane tanks and unplug your small appliances.
Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you don’t have hurricane shutters, close and board up your windows and doors with plywood.
Listen to local authorities and evacuate if advised to do so. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.

After a hurricane:

Return home only when officials say it is safe.
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them to the power company.
Stay out of any building that has water around it.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you’re sure it’s not contaminated.
Keep your animals under your direct control./li>

To learn more about how to remain safe should Hurricane Irene become a threat, visit www.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-08-17T15:05:00.000-04:00

MALAWI: 120,000 long lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets are being distributed by the Malawi Red Cross with support from the IFRC.

ETHIOPIA: The Ethiopian Red Cross is providing camels for a number of families who have lost their livelihoods in Ethiopia.

KENYA: The Kenya Red Cross's 'Kenyans for Kenya' has raised approximately $5 million to deliver immediate food, water, and health assistance to those suffering from the current drought.

COTE D'IVOIRE: The Red cross of Côte d’Ivoire, with support from the IFRC has rolled out the first phase of its emergency assistance for almost 1,000 families from 17 communities in the Toulépleu Prefecture affected by the crisis that followed the controversial results of the 2010 presidential elections in the country.

USA: Paul Olson, 79, makes his 400th donation of blood at the American Red Cross Headquarters for the Penn-Jersey region.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

This Facebook Post Made Our Day:

2011-08-16T14:54:00.004-04:00

Wanna be a possible superman? Sign up for Babysitting here.

Prepare-aphernalia: Spark Awards 'Highlights'

2011-08-11T13:04:00.002-04:00

The Spark Awards is an international participatory design competition, and their 2011 Design Content winners have some design ideas that incorporate preparedness into our everyday living. We hope to see some of these realized:

Raise your hand if you've ever been in a blackout. Right. That's everybody. This Sparks Award design suggests incorporating an LED flashlight into a door handle. It would integrate into an electronic locking mechanism, which could disengage the lock and engage the continuously charging flashlight in the case of a blackout. Not only that - but as you see below it can actually be quite stylish. An integrated light sensor could allow the flashlight to act as a night-light or mark exits. Voila.

Another Spark Award winner was the design for a U-Haul Emergency Response Conversion Kit for the American Red Cross. In a major disaster thousands of response vehicles could be needed to respond across a large region. Certainly, keeping a ready-fleet of this magnitude would be difficult with a huge investment. This simple idea proposes prepared industrial palettes of emergency supplies with word-less instructions for volunteers to convert a rental truck into an emergency response vehicle, in this example using vehicles from locally founded U-Haul. An added benefit would be that for medium-sized disasters, response vehicles from far away chapters would not be necessary (saving money, volunteer travel time, and potentially reduce response time).

Yet another winning design was for a Epi-Inject Wall Mounted Epinephrine Injector, making epinephrine injections easy and readily available for cases of severe allergic reactions. Want to see all the design ideas? Click here!

[Note: We don't endorse, nor sell, the prepare-aphernalia products we feature here. We just like to share cool stuff we come across.]

Photo 1: Gizmodo
Photo 2: Art Center College of Design, Pengtao Yu

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-08-11T10:50:00.001-04:00

PHILIPPINES: Safe drinking water is now only a few steps away for over 1,200 residents of Mabini, a remote community in Northern Samar province, after the completion of a spring catchment built with support from the ICRC.

SOMALIA: The ICRC is scaling up its emergency operation in central and southern Somalia to assist an additional 1.1 million drought- and conflict-affected people.

SUDAN: Almost half a million conflict-affected people in Darfur have been given seed and agricultural tools by the ICRC in time for the planting season and the first rainfall.

RWANDA: The ICRC has renovated a shelter for more than 300 children. Since 2009, nearly 70 children separated from their parents by armed conflict have been among those accommodated in the shelter while the ICRC traced their families.

WORLDWIDE: The Measles Initiative has officially vaccinated one billion children.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Red Cross / Threadless T-Shirt Design Challege

2011-08-10T10:29:00.001-04:00

More than half a million Red Cross volunteers and 35,000 employees respond to more than 70,000 emergencies and natural disasters each year. Each of these people makes a difference for families who have lost their homes, possessions, and loved ones. There aren’t enough medals to go around to honor all those who get into gear and help neighbors in need.

To help honor these everyday heroes the American Red Cross is joining with Threadless to host a design challenge that celebrates those who are donating blood, serving meals, and providing shelter when the need is the greatest. With the help of everyday heroes, communities and families are able to rebuild their lives and put disaster behind them. The chosen design will be available at Threadless, and 25% of the sale from each tee will go to the American Red Cross.

The challenge runs now through August 18th, and submissions can be made on the Threadless website. You can also check out what people are doing and help choose the winner. The purpose of this challenge is to create a stand-alone design inspired by the theme, not a brand tee. Your design should not have brand names or logos on it.

If your design is selected, you will receive:

1. $1750 cash
2. $250 Threadless gift certificate
3. Two tickets to the celebrity-attended Red Tie Affair in Santa Monica, CA on April 21, 2012
4. $500 towards airfare to attend The Red Tie Affair
5. A 2-night stay at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica

For full terms and conditions, click here.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-up!

2011-08-05T12:03:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

BANGLADESH: Thousands displaced by flooding are receiving assistance from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

CAMEROON: More than 300 volunteers are on the ground combating the cholera outbreak with hygiene and sanitation awareness.

SOMALIA: The ICRC is currently distributing food to 162,000 people in areas affected by drought and armed violence in southern and central Somalia.

SYRIA: The American Red Cross is contributing $50,000 to the relief efforts in Syria as part of its international response to the civil unrest in North Africa and the Middle East. The support will be dedicated to procuring food and relief supplies in Syria for people impacted by the violence.

HAITI: In preparation for tropical storm Emily, the IFRC - in support of the Haitian Red Cross- is activating its emergency plans in Haiti. Red Cross emergency response teams are on standby throughout the country and emergency supplies are pre-positioned.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Eye on Emily

2011-08-03T16:19:00.006-04:00

As Tropical Storm Emily makes its way across the Dominican Republic and Haiti today, the Red Cross is watching the storm closely to see how it develops. Red Cross response teams are on standby in Haiti, where ongoing disaster risk reduction programs are also helping Haitians prepare for hurricane season.

There is a chance that Emily will weaken as she moves over high terrain in Haiti and the DR. Here at the Red Cross, we are watching her every move to anticipate the response that will be needed.

You can watch with us as well – take a look at these infographics and links that explain how hurricanes are formed and what their life cycles tend to look like:

Diagram below via Infographic

Red Cross On the Scene At the Biltmore Avenue Blaze

2011-07-29T12:53:00.004-04:00

We were on the scene of the Biltmore Ave. fire on Thursday to help out with keeping everyone hydrated and fed. Big thanks to Salvation Army and Hearts with Hands for also providing food and drink.

We'd like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family of Capt. Jeff Bowen, once of the first firefighters on the scene at 445 Biltmore Center medical office blaze. His brave efforts will not be forgotten or lost on the Asheville community. A true hero.

Eat Dust, Give Blood: NASCAR Driver Shows Support for Red Cross

2011-07-28T13:46:00.002-04:00

This weekend Vancouver, Washington NASCAR driver Greg Biffle will not only be telling people to "eat dust" but to also "give blood." He'll be on the track for the Indianapolis Brickyard 400 and he will be racing in style.

To show support for the ongoing Type O Alert, the 3M/American Red Cross No. 16 car has been repainted with a new 'Type O' car. You can check out the new look with a 3D viewer on the Red Cross Racing homepage.

Want to show your support? If you use Twitter, let people know there is a shortage and use the hashtag #RefuelOurTank. You can sign up for an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org. If you present to donate, you can report it to the Red Cross Racing website to gain points for stylish racing themed rewards.

Firefighter To Do List: Prevent Fires Now, Robot Dance Later.

2011-07-22T07:37:00.001-04:00

The Red Cross can teach you how to prevent fires in your home. But we can't teach you how to do the Robot Dance. Somethings you just need a firefighter for.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-07-21T11:30:00.000-04:00

SOUTH SUDAN: Volunteers for the newly formed South Sudan Red Cross went out on their very first operation – monitoring and assisting people attending the celebrations to mark the birth of the Republic of Southern Sudan.

PAKISTAN: Volunteers are helping families prepare to face the oncoming monsoon season.

YEMEN: Since mid-June, the ICRC and the Yemen Red Crescent Society have provided aid for more than 17,500 people who have escaped the fighting in Abyan and settled in Lahj.

ZIMBABWE: Medical equipment donated by the ICRC is helping bring newborn babies back to life.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Attack of the Middle-Aged Gym Rats!!!

2011-07-21T11:19:00.007-04:00

We go to great efforts to prepare and educate the public about what to do in the event of an emergency. Earthquake? We've got you covered (heh). Floods? We know what to do. Tornadoes? We've got an ERV for that. But... 17 middle-aged gym rats? Ummm... *scratches head*

"Korean scientists think they have determined what caused a 39-story Seoul skyscraper to shake violently for 10 minutes, causing the building to be evacuated for two days.

Earthquake? Nope.

Gale-force winds? Sorry.

Volcanic activity? Unh-uh.

No, the culprit, they say, was 17-middle-aged gym rats working off the midriff bulge in a Tae Bo class.

Apparently, while dancing and boxing to 'The Power' by Snap on July 5, the exercisers not only shook their booties, they shook the building."

Confused? Us too. Read more about how this happened here.

You've got the power... to be prepared.

Summer Safety: Preparation Now = More Play Later

2011-07-18T14:51:00.006-04:00

What's summer without a dip in the pool or a trip to the beach? Summer's a blast! Lemonade poolside, flip flops in the sand, family outings by boat.

Now for that bad news: Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14 years (via Center for Disease Control).

This is why we strongly urge everyone to read up on the following materials. Share them with your families and loved ones, particularly your children.

Home Pool Safety (also available in Spanish)
Choosing a Safe Place to Swim (also available in Spanish)
How to Respond to a Water Emergency
Watching Children Around Water
Water Safety in the Home
Choosing a Life Jacket

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-07-14T10:08:00.000-04:00

SOMALIA: Levels of malnutrition have reached a new peak and are currently the highest in the world. The ICRC and the Somali Red Crescent plan to open ten new feeding centers while mobile teams made up of nurses and nutritional specialists will visit people in the areas worst affected.

SUDAN: Since fighting first erupted in Kadugli in early June, the ICRC has been providing support for the humanitarian activities of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society - delivering clothes, shelter materials, hygiene items and household essentials for 18,000 people.

SOUTH SUDAN: A new national Red Cross society for a new nation - The South Sudan Red Cross is formed of staff and volunteers who have until recently worked for the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, which continues to operate in Sudan.

TURKEY: More than 10,000 Syrians, fleeing domestic unrest, have been living in six ‘tent cities’ near the border for over a month. The camps are run by the Turkish government, while relief supplies and personnel are being supplied by the Turkish Red Crescent Society.

CYPRUS: More than 100 Cyprus Red Cross volunteers were mobilized in the wake of a massive explosion that ripped through a naval base in the south of the country.

VIETNAM: A Vietnam Red Cross team has provided relief and financial assistance to more than 400 families affected by flash flooding in Nghe An Province.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Handle the Heat!

2011-07-13T10:45:00.001-04:00

'Tis the season to be... sweaty? Don't get us wrong, we're as excited about snow cones, leisurely strolls in the night, sprinkler fun, poolside reading and dancing in the street as anyone else.

It's just that. Well, we're worriers. And in recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. As temperatures and humidity levels soar in many parts of the country, protecting yourself and others from overheating is critical to avoid a potential heat-related illness. Here are some easy tips for staying safe during heat waves, courtesy of Dr. David Markenson, chair, American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council.

· Never leave a child or pet in a parked car – even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees.

· Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day – even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol that dehydrate the body.

· Dress for the heat. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing in layers. Avoid dark colors that absorb the sun’s rays.

· If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool yourself. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

· Protect your self from sun exposure even on cloudy or hazy days. In addition to dressing for heat, apply a broad-spectrum (protection against both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen and reapply as indicated, wear eye protection (wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection) and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

· Be a good neighbor. Check in on the elderly, young children and pets to make sure they are not suffering from the heat.

Print out our Heat Safety Checklis t. Put it on your fridge! Share it with the fam!

Saving Lives... One Vending Machine Beverage at a Time?

2011-07-13T10:26:00.005-04:00

Let's talk drinking and donating for a minute. Here's a simple chart:

Water + Donating Blood = Good

Alcohol + Donating Blood = Bad

Soda + Donating Change = Awesome

As proof of the latter, I give you these cool new vending machines straight outta Japan. As mentioned on the Wall Street Journal blog, "Rather than collect the change from a canned coffee or sweet soda, customers can elect to donate it to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami relief fund set up by the Japanese Red Cross. Donations can be made in ¥10 or ¥100 increments. After making a donation, a voice pipes up thanking customers for their good deed of the day."

Sure, one could argue that sodas aren't good for you, but better to save a life than die of thirst, no?

Reblogged from CrossBlog

It's an ERV Parade!

2011-07-12T12:21:00.002-04:00

What are these Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) doing? They actually aren’t in a parade, but are delivering much needed items to residents in Minot, ND who are cleaning up their homes after the historic flooding that occurred recently in their town. As of Sunday night, 258 people were still staying in Red Cross shelters in the area. Red Cross workers have been working nonstop since the flooding began and will continue to be there for the long haul. They are handing out clean up kits, conducting case work, and more. Get a glimpse of what they are doing:

A New Era of Fire Safety?

2011-07-07T10:00:00.003-04:00

What ever happened to stop, drop and roll?

Found on Twitter via @nycbergs.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-07-07T09:32:00.000-04:00

SUDAN: The recent violence in the Sudanese state of South Kordofan has left almost 58,000 people displaced. 600 Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers are working long shifts to provide first aid, psychosocial support, and distribution of food and shelter items.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: 18 detainees who had been detained after recent clashes in the Kaga-Bandoro area were released under ICRC auspices.

KUWAIT: The remains of 32 Iraqi soldiers killed during the 1990-1991 Gulf War were repatriated under the auspices of the ICRC.

IRAQ: Three decades of conflict have left hundreds of thousands of families struggling to find out what happened to their missing loved ones. Since 1980, the ICRC has spared no effort to put an end to their anguish.

BRAZIL: Together with the Brazilian Red Cross, the ICRC teaches a course in basic first aid to community members in an effort to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of armed violence. The skills they acquire enable residents to respond to emergencies.

NIGERIA: The IFRC and Nigerian Red Cross Society are using cell phones to combat malaria.

GEORGIA: Following floods and mudslides, volunteers from the Red Cross have joined the local population in the region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti to help clean the main roads and support the most vulnerable people.

VIETNAM: The Red Cross helping to prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses with a new hygiene education program that uses puppets, games, exercises and role-playing to encourage primary school children to understand the importance of personal cleanliness and hygiene, and discuss it with their friends and family.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Thank you, Blood Donors!

2011-07-06T16:40:00.001-04:00

Tea Time for Asheville!

2011-06-28T12:07:00.004-04:00

Asheville isn't a tea toddler's town by any means. We've been named Beer City USA many years in a row but there are just oh so many other hours in the day besides happy hour.

That's why Asheville is going for the title of Tea Town USA via McAlister's Deli.

"Tea Town USA isn't just a battle for bragging rights — it's also a scramble to claim thousands of dollars for local nonprofits. Through votes, smartphone check-ins and special challenges, each town racks up points, and the towns with the most points will score big for groups within their communities."

Which local nonprofit has McAlister's chosen as the possible recipient of the $7,500 prize? You guessed it. The good ol' Red Cross of WNC. So if you think Asheville brews the best tea in the USA, be sure to vote here.

It's a vote for McAlister's. It's a vote for tea time. It's a vote for the Red Cross. It's a vote for your community.

The first time's the hardest...

2011-06-27T15:18:00.002-04:00

... that's why there are cookies. And "tragic needle accidents" never actually occur, for the record. Thanks for your kindness and bravery, Justin!

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-06-23T09:49:00.002-04:00

CHINA: The Red Cross Society of China has deployed an emergency water unit to provide clean, safe drinking water to the flood hit Hubei province.

TURKEY: As the numbers fleeing unrest in Syria the continue to rise, Turkish Red Crescent is responding to their immediate needs, providing shelter, meals, health and psychological support in government-run camps close to the border.

SENEGAL: In cooperation with the Bignona medical district, the ICRC has helped build and equip a new maternity facility in an area hit hard by armed violence. "Until now, there was nothing but a basic sheet-metal shelter set up for childbirth," said a nurse from the village.

NIGERIA: A total of 31 teachers from 20 Nigerian universities gathered in Abuja to attend a three-day training course on international humanitarian law organized by the ICRC.

SOMALIA: The ICRC has just completed a distribution of seed and tools for more than 95,000 people in drought-stricken areas.

KENYA: Water from a rock - The Red Cross has completed the Kawalash rock catchment system, a new water project that will benefit some 5,000 residents of the Ol Donyiro area in northern Kenya.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Take a Cue from Tom Hanks!

2011-06-22T10:17:00.011-04:00

We're currently recruiting Tom Hanks to be our newest Red Cross volunteer? Why? Because he knows the importance of knowing the weather forecast! That may seem a little pedestrian to some but knowing your local weather forecast can save lives.

With all of the weather-related disasters reaching the headlines recently, you can safely assume the Red Cross knows the value of using forecasts to prepare for and respond to disasters.

So how about you? Do you know the predicted high temperature in your area today? Do you know if there is an ozone alert? Or a heat index alert? Do you know what those terms mean?

Having this basic knowledge can mean the difference between life or death.

But it doesn't have to all be doom and gloom. Take a hint from Tom Hanks and have fun with it!

Parsons The New School of Design’s PETLab has teamed up with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre to develop a set of games about disaster preparedness in the face of flooding, drought and other climate change related issues. The initiative, which we call "Games for Disaster Preparedness", are playful, often non-digital activities that actively engage participants in experiential learning, through the simulation of complex decisions with consequences. In other words: fun capacity building.

So head on over to the PETLab/Red Cross Climate Center website to try your luck in a round of Weather or Not!, Telephone or Before the Storm. In fact, play with the whole family!

Type O Alert - Please Donate!

2011-06-21T10:09:00.002-04:00

The supply of type O negative blood at the American Red Cross has dropped to critical levels.

If you are a type O negative donor you can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a lingering summer shortage.

“The American Red Cross is reaching out to eligible blood donors, sponsors and community leaders to ask them to help recruit type O negative blood donations to help meet the needs of patients in our community,” says Kristi Brown, spokesperson for the American Red Cross Blood Services – Carolinas Region.

Type O negative blood is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.

While all blood types are needed during the critical summer months, the Red Cross urges those eligible donors with blood type O negative to make and keep appointments to give blood this summer.

We highly encourage all type O negative blood donors who meet the eligibility requirements to double the difference by becoming a double red cell donor. If eligible, you can give to give two donations at once.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or click here to find a convenient blood donation location and to schedule a lifesaving blood donation appointment.

Also, please remember Operation Blood Drive, our largest single-day collection effort of the year, being held this Thursday.

Thank you from your American Red Cross and the hospital patients we serve.

See ya later, post-donation cookies... Helloooooo, french pastries!

2011-06-17T08:05:00.001-04:00

We like to treat our loyal blood donors every now and then. And for those of you who are a little squeamish about rolling up your sleeve, what better incentive than the promise of a sweet n' stick treat?

So beloved blood donors, how about a strawberry and white chocolate post-donation scone? Or a hot buttery cinnamon roll? Cream cheese danish more your style? They've got that too and everything else under the oven.

Crème Patisserie & Confectionery will be our blood collection sponsor Tuesday, June 28th. Come to our 100 Edgewood Rd. location to donate blood from 10am-7pm and enjoy some sweet & savory treats! All presenting donors also get a 10% off coupon at Crème and have a chance at winning a $3000 American Express card!

Be sure to "like" Crème's page on Facebook, too!

Infographic: Blood Donation at a Glance

2011-06-16T14:57:00.009-04:00

Here it is, folks. Everything you ever wanted to know about blood donations but were too afraid to ask!

Source: EmergencyPlanningExperts.com

So now that you know everything you need to know, why not consider donating at this year's Operation Blood Drive?

Red Cross Responds to Strong Overnight Storms in WNC; Emergency Teams and Response Vehicle Dispatched

2011-06-16T10:12:00.004-04:00

The American Red Cross in WNC is responding to a series of strong overnight storms in Jackson, Swain and Graham Counties to assist victims who have sustained damage to their property and businesses.

Currently, two 4-person volunteer disaster response teams from the region are responding to the storms, conducting damage assessment and serving snacks and refreshments from the Emergency Response Vehicle to victims and responders from law enforcement and fire departments. Affected residents and businesses are being offered clean-up supplies, tarps to cover damaged roofs and other assistance as warranted.

“We are working closely with emergency management officials in all three heavily effected counties to assess damage and what is needed on the ground,” said Patrick Fitzsimmons, Red Cross CEO in WNC. “Depending on the damage assessment, we will respond with supplies and people as needed.”

According to early reports, several houses had roof damages caused by high winds and downed trees. Additionally, a large number of residents and businesses in the area remain without power.

Individuals and businesses interested in assisting with the disaster response can make a financial donation to The American Red Cross, 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC 28804, by going to www.redcrosswnc.org or by calling 828-258-3888, Donations should be designated for Disaster Relief.

June 23: Operation Blood Drive!

2011-06-03T11:18:00.001-04:00

On June 23, 2011, Western North Carolina will hold what we hope to be the largest blood drive of the year. With donors on vacation and preoccupied with other summer activities, collections tend to take a dip, but the Red Cross hopes to avoid a shortage this summer by asking donors to join together in making giving the “Gift of Life” a part of their summer plans.

The drive will be held at 2 locations in Western North Carolina!

Asheville, NC - 7:00am - 6:00pm
Trinity Baptist Church
216 Shelburne Road Asheville, NC 28806-2318

Hendersonville, NC - 7:00am - 6:00pm
Grace Lutheran Church 1245 6th Avenue West
Hendersonville, NC 28739-3311

All presenting donors will receive a free t-shirt and a chance to win a $3,000 gift credit card.

Call Stacy Taylor at 258-3888 ext. 414 for more information.

Donated blood can be used to treat hospital patients who have cancer, bone marrow transplant recipients, victims of traumatic injury, and various other blood disorders. One unit of separated blood can provide several components to meet individual patient needs; up to three lives can potentially be saved from one donation.

Donor eligibility involves minimum age, weight and health requirements. Donors must present a donor card, driver's license or two other forms of ID prior to donation.

Never given blood before? Check out the First-Time Donor section, which includes information about what to expect when giving blood, tips for a successful donation, and an explanation of what happens to your donated blood.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-06-02T13:36:00.000-04:00

HONDURAS: The ICRC is helping to mitigate the effects of violence in schools with a training workshop on humanitarian principles and first-aid in the city of Tela.

Côte d'Ivoire: Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by fighting, other violence and looting over the past few months. The ICRC and the Red Cross Society of Côte d'Ivoire have begun to distribute food, seed and other emergency aid in 35 villages east of Bangolo.

AFGHANISTAN: Fighting has been ongoing west of Qaysar since early May, displacing thousands of people from more than 20 villages and triggering a distribution of emergency aid by the ICRC and the Afghan Red Crescent Society in this highly volatile, hard-to-reach part of north-west Afghanistan.

LIBERIA: The ICRC donated a complete sets of books on international humanitarian law, the branch of international law that governs armed conflict, to both the Ministry of Defence and the Liberian armed forces.

ICELAND: When Grimsvötn, a sub-glacial volcano in southeast Iceland, erupted last week Red Crossers immediatley opened two shelters, activated a 24-hour helpline and mobilized psychosocial support teams to help those affected.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

S.O.S: New Android App by the American Red Cross!

2011-06-02T07:00:00.002-04:00

Got an Android? Feeling left out ever since the American Red Cross developed the iPhone Shelter App?

Well, no longer! Now there's pocket-sized peace of mind available for your mobile device too!

Introducing the new S.O.S. App for Android: offering emergency care protocols & guides, by the American Red Cross & Dr. Oz.

The American Red Cross and Dr. Oz have teamed up with Sharecare to create the ultimate emergency care app exclusively for Android mobile devices. The S.O.S. app provides step-by-step video narration by Dr. Oz and follow along demonstrations allowing people to quickly and confidently respond to common emergency situations with the goal of saving lives. This free app also includes an expansive Resource Guide for easy access to additional emergency care information.

Animal Cruelty or Green Heroism?

2011-06-01T10:45:00.007-04:00

Elephants from the Picadilly Circus have been commissioned (peanuts = living wage?) to assist in the post-tornado cleanup in Joplin, Missouri. As you can see in the video below, the elephants are highly efficient at moving cars and other large debris that would otherwise require several bulldozers.

So what do you think? Are these Elephants being exploited for free labor? Is this a nice break from circus life? Is this a green alternative to using bulldozers and other construction machinery?

Watch the video and then cast your vote in the poll in the left sidebar!

"Like" Atlanta Bread, Help Red Cross Disaster Relief!

2011-05-31T09:38:00.004-04:00

Do you like Atlanta Bread? Do you prefer the Turkey Club Panini or does the California Avocado get your mouth watering? Lucky for us, Atlanta Bread is just a few steps away from our 100 Edgewood Road location off of Merrimon Ave.

If you like Atlanta Bread as much as we do, then make it official over on Facebook! For every person who "likes" Atlanta Bread on Merrimon Ave., they will donate $1 to Red Cross Disaster Relief, up to $500.

Great neighbors, great sandwiches!

WATCH: Red Cross Response Efforts in Joplin, Missouri

2011-05-27T10:17:00.001-04:00

"We don't just have wounded bodies, we have wounded spirits."
- Nurse and Red Cross volunteer Christine Stockwell, on the ground in Joplin, MO.

Need A Makeover? Get Beauty Relief!

2011-05-26T12:35:00.009-04:00

AMR Portraits in partnership with Electric Tan and Salon gladly presents: “BEAUTY RELIEF” on Saturday May 28, 2011, a fundraiser for the people of Greenville, TN who have been recently devastated by a series of tornado storms. Proceeds will be given to the American Red Cross’ Disater Relief Fund.

Support a worthy cause and get a fresh look all in one trip! Join the folks at Electric Tan and Salon in Woodfin, NC anytime between 8am - 6pm for one of two exciting packages!

Beauty Session: One of the experienced stylists will offer styling. The customer will then have a short photo session with one of the photographers. They will receive 1-8x10, 2- 5x7’s, and either 4-3.5x5’s or 9-wallets (same day). Time:30-40 per customer. Walk-in’s welcome and appointments made by calling (828) 380- 9748.

Price $40- cash only

Price break down- $10 automatically will go to the American Red Cross

Photo Session: One of the photographers will do a short photo session with the customer. They will receive 1 8x10, 2-5x7’s, and either 4-3.5x5 or 9-wallets (same day). Walk-in’s welcome and appointments made by calling (828) 380-9748.

Price $15-cash only

Price break down- $10 automatically will go to the American Red Cross

Couples and Children welcome and encouraged!!! Great way to get school pictures!!

Raffle Drawings- all proceeds directly given to the American Red Cross

Exciting Raffles from AMR Portraits, and the stylists of Electric Tan and Salon. Free photo sessions and prints, free hair products, free styling and cut.

Refreshments will be provided.

Get Best Buy Gear for Donating Blood or Platelets!

2011-05-25T14:05:00.006-04:00

Have you been eying the latest in game consoles, laptops or televisions? Are you jonesing for some new tunes and flicks? Well now you can donate blood or platelets at any Red Cross blood drive and exchange your Donor Rewards p oints for Best Buy® Reward Zone® points!

Yep - donating blood with Red Cross Racing just got better! You can help save up to three lives with every blood donation AND you can work towards some sweet Best Buy gear.

Give Blood. Get points. Get the stuff you love! For more details visit http://www.redcrossracing.com/

The Best Cat Video on the Whole Internet... Seriously

2011-05-23T16:12:00.009-04:00

The Best Cat Video on the Whole Internet? I know that's saying a lot. The internet is chock full of cat videos and photos. (Have you seen the I Love My Cat flickr pool? They have to limit submissions to one per day, otherwise we'd all collectively crash the internet by uploading too many of photos of our fuzzy friends all at once.)

But this cat video is just too sweet.

It's not because the cat is any cuter than, say, this little guy. It's more about the owner. Her cat had been lost for nearly a month after a tornado destroyed her house, but miraculously, during a CNN interview, the cat returns. Watch what happens...

And, of course, if you want to help survivors of disasters like the recent tornadoes and floods you can always donate.

(This post has been reblogged from Cross Blog, the blog of the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross.)

Be Red Cross Ready for: ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!!!!

2011-05-20T08:16:00.003-04:00

Public, we're worried about you. Apparently, you are inordinately worried about a Zombie Apocalypse. Well, we're not here to judge. We're here to help you plan, prepare for and avoid disaster. And now even the Center for Disease Control agrees that zombies are a serious threat (wink wink). So here goes...

Here's a list of resources:

Zombie's been munching on your brains n' bones? Then take The Zombie Bite Calculator Quiz!

Gizmodo and Google Street View help your find the best Zombie emergency escape route in your own neighborhood.

But of course the best thing you can have on hand in the event of a Zombie Apocalypse? A disaster home preparedness kit:

Kit Contents:

Water: One gallon of water per day per person. (Yeah, we know, that's a lot of per's... do it anyway)
Food: At least three days worth of non-perishable food items. Consider the Tactical Sammich. And don't forget a can opener!
Flashlight and Batteries: Essential for when the power goes out from Zombies chewing on power lines. Also useful for shining in Zombie faces.
Hand-Crank Radio: No better way to get your news in a power outages. Also, Zombies hate Katy Perry!
First Aid Kit: This is a no-brainer, if you still have a brain after the Zombie Apocalypse that is.
Medical Supplies: Pre-filled prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, extra glasses and contact lenses.
Sanitary Supplies: Zombies hate cleanliness!
Multi-Purpose Tool: Not a bottle opener!
Personal Documents: To prove you aren't a Zombie!
Cash: Zombies are typically immune from the temptation of bribes but give it a shot.
Map and Contact Information: So you can find peeps and they can find you a la Zombieland.

And you know the best thing about this Kit? It can even be used should a REAL emergency strike. No offense, Zombies.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up

2011-05-19T09:48:00.003-04:00

QATAR: Health professionals and other specialists from 10 different countries gathered in Doha to attend a two-week training course in the management of humanitarian aid, jointly organized by the ICRC, the Qatar Red Crescent Society and the University of Calgary – Qatar.

REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Residents of the department of Likouala remain in a precarious situation following the massive influx in 2009 of refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ICRC is distributing farm and fishing equipment for almost 100,000 residents to ensure that food reserves will not be exhausted.

JAPAN: Red Cross and Red Crescent partners from around the world gathered in Tokyo from May 9-11 to review the response to the disaster so far and to discuss plans to aid long-term recovery. The American Red Cross has made another $30 million donation to the Japanese Red Cross, bringing its contributions to date to more than $160 million.

PAKISTAN: Pakistan Red Crescent Society workers are teaching residents about disaster preparedness in advance of the monsoon season, which last year caused massive flooding and landslides.

NAMIBIA: The Namibia Red Cross and the World Health Organization are partnering to prevent disease outbreaks during floods.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Are You Ready? Then Body Roll!

2011-05-17T14:10:00.014-04:00

Hey... at least when the Red Cross asks the question, "Are you ready?"... it has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DANCE MOVES BELOW:

Always remember that about us. Speaking of... are you ready? Check out our long list of disaster preparation checklists, including floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and thunderstorms.

Also: Do you have a kit? Hey, you could always pack these sweet dance moves away with the rest of the essentials in your home disaster preparedness kit.

We think our motto is a good one: "Get a kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed."
But we can't deny that we also love: "Now bop! And drop! Hug yourself!"

Thank you, Double Dream Hands Guy. Thank you.

Don't miss this weekend's Wilderness and Remote First Aid!

2011-05-17T12:08:00.005-04:00

Some people play board games in their leisure time. That's why you're not some people. If this or this looks like your idea of a good time... then our Wilderness and Remote First Aid Class is designed for you. For peace of mind in your leisure time! More this. Less this.

Topics Include:

• Head (Brain), Neck and Spinal Injuries

• Wounds and Wound Infection

• Hypothermia

• Heat-Related Emergencies

• Allergies and Anaphylaxis

• Altitude-Related Illnesses

• Bone and Joint Injuries

• Burns, and more….

Also, you get to play with fake blood. I mean, come on! Woot!

The course will be offered in two locations, two weekends: Sign up here!

May 20 &21 / 9:00am – 5:00pm both days

Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter

American Red Cross

100 Edgewood Road

Asheville, NC 28804

June 4 & 5 / 9:00am – 5:00pm both days

Park Ridge Health Center

Duke Conference Room

100 Hospital Drive

Hendersonville, NC 28792

Saving the World, One Joystick at a Time...

2011-05-13T13:57:00.000-04:00

Hey, Red Cross Disaster Volunteers, Hackers and Geeks alike: Think you've got a great idea for a disaster preparedness video game? Then team up and check out GameSave, a 5 week competition in which teams build a demo and working concept for a game which addresses disaster response and mitigation.

Saving the world might be as easy as picking up a video game controller.

Read more over at The Atlantic.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-05-12T13:55:00.001-04:00

LIBYA: A ship chartered by the ICRC arrived in Misrata this week, carrying medical supplies for the hospital, spare parts to repair water and electrical supply systems, and baby food for the civilian population.

NEPAL: A four-day emergency-room trauma course jointly organized by the ICRC and the Dhulikhel Hospital of Kathmandu University is taking place in Pokhara.

JAPAN: With healthcare systems left in crisis by the earthquake and tsunami, the Japanese Red Cross Society will provide vital medical infrastructure in one of the worst hit north-eastern areas, until damaged state services can recover.

SUDAN: The ICRC is working with government and local partners to vaccinate 100,000 cattle.

WORLDWIDE: The IFRC has announced the launch of the Nursing Network - a worldwide network of nursing colleges that will work together to ensure a global nursing workforce is ready to respond in the event of emergencies.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Show Me the Shelters!

2011-05-06T11:44:00.004-04:00

Yeah, yeah. We could tell you that over 1200 people stayed in Red Cross shelters over the past few nights. We could go on about how we've got 64 shelters open in the South East right now and that we've served hundreds of thousands of meals to folks in need. And then you could say "SHOW ME THE SHELTERS!!!"

Well, just to prove to you that we're not all statistics and numbers. Voila:

This map shows all the states where the Red Cross has been providing food, shelter and supplies recently. (Large version with legend here.)

Stephen Colbert Takes a Bathroom Break for American Red Cross

2011-05-06T11:09:00.003-04:00

The Colbert Report
Tags: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

2011-05-05T10:42:00.000-04:00

LIBYA: Among many activities, the ICRC conducted an emergency evacuation of 1,381 Nigerians from Misrata, reunited five Libyan civilians with their families, and evacuated more than 2000 stranded foreigners from the port of Misrata.

GEORGIA: The remains of a person who went missing in connection with the August 2008 hostilities were handed over to the family by the Georgian authorities under the auspices of the ICRC.

BANGLADESH: The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and ICRC are providing aid for more than 700 people following the recent violence in Khagrachari.

MYANMAR: Three years after cyclone Nargis made land fall in Myanmar, Red Cross teams are still helping people rebuild their lives.

JAPAN: Mobile medical teams are on the road, bringing care to the lost and lonely.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Bravery in the Midst of Sorrow: Alabama Boy Shows Signs of Courage

2011-05-02T15:55:00.004-04:00

As Red Cross of WNC Staff and Volunteers returned from their deployments in Eastern North Carolina on Sunday, they wasted no time in making arrangements for yet another deployments to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where they will help with the disaster response to the recent tornadoes. Some of our staff and volunteers still remain in the eastern part of North Carolina and our thoughts also remain with them. But in light of the devastation in the Southeast, we all have on thought in in common: "When will it end?" It seems that the South has been all but destroyed by one deadly storm after another. We, each and every one of us in WNC, long to lend a hand to a neighbor, we hope for time for our neighbors to heal, we wait for good news.

In the midst of our hoping and waiting comes a story of bravery from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, written by Danelle Schlegelmilch, a Red Cross worker who was deployed to Alabama to help with tornado relief.

Kevonte Jackson, D’Monte and Kedavian Key take a break in the Red Cross shelter to share their amazing story of surviving the ride of their lives in a tornado.

Today I met the most courageous little boy I might ever meet in my life at a Red Cross shelter in Tuscaloosa, Ala. D’Monte Key is like any other 8-year-old boy; rambunctious, spunky and full of energy.

As he zipped passed me today in his tank top and flip-flops I didn’t notice anything unusual about him. It was only when he slowed down that I noticed little D’Monte was covered in stitches.

The same boy who was doing cartwheels through the aisles at the shelter today is very lucky to be alive. Just three days ago D’Monte’s world was literally turned upside down when a tornado sucked up his home and family. D’Monte and his family were running to the bathroom to take cover from the storm when their home started to shake off of its foundation and took off.

“The whole house went up in the air and we went up with it,” Nicco Key, D’Montes mother, said. “We were all flying around in different rooms, going up and down all over the place. I kept spinning round and hitting the walls.”

“I saw D’monte and he was going up higher into the tornado so I grabbed him and pulled him back down. The whole time I kept praying ‘Lord, take care of us’ over and over again. It felt like the blink of an eye, like a dream, and it was gone in 30 seconds.”

When asked what it felt like to be in the middle of a tornado, D’monte simply replied, “Bad…real bad.” His 7-year-old brother Kedavian added, “I saw the tornado. We were inside it. I looked up and I saw my brother was in the sky. De’monte was in the sky.”

When the home finally dropped from the sky it landed about 20 feet down the road and D’monte, his two brothers, mother and her boyfriend landed on the street below all with various injuries. The house destroyed along with their vehicles. D’monte was knocked unconscious and the most seriously injured.

His 13-year-old brother, Kevonte, threw D’Monte, who was covered with blood, over his own ripped-up back, and ran him down the street, through rubble and live wires, to the hospital. Miraculously, they all survived. D’Monte with dozens of stitches all over his face and body.

“I just thank God I’m still here and my family is all safe,” Nicco said. “The tornado didn’t touch the house next to mine, but it moved ours off the ground. But we made it and we are blessed for that.”

“I thank God for the Red Cross,” she added. “It has been great staying here. Everyone is so nice and we are treated right. It is also good to be able to talk to others about what happened to us. That really helps us cope.”

Red Cross Sends Help after Deadly Tornadoes Blast through the South

2011-04-29T11:05:00.010-04:00

The American Red Cross is helping thousands of people after Wednesday and Thursday's deadly tornadoes destroyed neighborhoods throughout the southern region of the country.

Hardest hit was Alabama, where Governor Robert Bentley has activated National Guard troops to help in the devastated areas. The Red Cross has sent disaster workers, materials, and equipment into the state. Nearly 40 emergency response vehicles are on the way, along with 25,000 ready-to-eat meals. Red Cross Blood Services is moving hundreds of blood products into the area and Red Cross nurses and mental health works are being deployed to help people cope with the aftermath of this disaster.

More than 1,600 people sought refuge in 65 Red Cross shelters Wednesday night as the storms forced them from their homes. Red Cross shelters are open in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas.

The American Red Cross of Western North Carolina has deployed disaster volunteers to Madison County and emergency response vehicles and staff to eastern North Carolina to respond to severe wind damage. The region has also deployed 40 Emergency Response Vehicles, $25,000 meals and several hundred units of blood to Alabama, the state that's been hit the hardest by spring storms and floods.

More than half of the country has been affected by this continuous band of damaging weather, disrupting people’s lives from North Dakota to the East Coast. In the last several weeks, Red Cross disaster workers have provided thousands of overnight stays in shelters, distributed thousands of clean-up and comfort kits and served hundreds of thousands of meals and snacks.

Those who want to help the people affected by these disasters, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Their gift will enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other disaster assistance. Contributions may be sent to the American Red Cross at 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC 28804 or may be made online at www.redcrosswnc.org. The American Red Cross has also set up a special texting campaign for the Southern storms, which can be made by texting REDCROSS to 90999. A $10 charge will be added to the donor’s phone bill.

“The American Red Cross is making sure people have a safe place to stay and food to eat. We will be there as long as needed as families struggle to get through this terrible tragedy.” said Patrick Fitzsimmons, Regional Executive Direction of the Western North Carolina Red Cross. “We are working in communities across a large part of the country helping people affected by these storms.”

We Stand Against Racism with YWCA!

2011-04-25T11:14:00.006-04:00

You may already know that the Red Cross of WNC partners with the YWCA of Asheville for Aquatics Programs and Lifeguarding Classes. You might not know, however, about our commitment to Stand Against Racism with the YWCA.

The Stand Against Racism is a movement of the YWCA with the goal of bringing people together from all walks of life - across the country - to raise awareness that racism still exists.

The methodology of the Stand Against Racism is to bring together like-minded organizations that share in a vision of eliminating racism and celebrating the richness of diversity.

Stand Against Racism Day is April 29 but events will be held locally and nationally.

Of the seven principles of the American Red Cross, at least four can be interpreted as principles which stand against racism or discrimination of any kind.

Humanity: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality: The American Red Cross makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality: In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Unity: There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Racism, indeed, hurts everyone. Everyone. As Kathryn Liss wrote in the Asheville Citizen- Times: "For those of us who are not targeted, we are hurt by the separation we experience from people whom we might like to know, become friends with, learn from. As long as some people are left out, everyone is kept separate."

And so come April 29, 2011, in principle and in action, we will stand against racism because if we do not, we will fail in our mission to provide humanitarian relief.

We are encouraged by the YWCA's mission to eliminate racism and recognize the importance of doing so! We stand in solidarity with you!

For more information on the week's events and the Stand Against Racism movement, visit the YWCA of Asheville or the Stand Against Racism website. Please consider attending an event.

We love this kid!

2011-04-21T09:00:00.003-04:00

Read more at CNN.com or click here.

CPR saves lives! Learn this lifesaving skill today!

From Raleigh resident: "The Red Cross is a blessing to this family"

2011-04-20T15:54:00.008-04:00

Gilda Brisbon and her family know what it’s like to be homeless. But when they moved into their home in Raleigh, North Carolina three years ago, they thought that those days were behind them. That all changed on Saturday when their home was destroyed by a tornado and they lost everything but the clothes on their backs.

“My daughter Brittany was home alone when it hit,” said Brisbon. “I had heard the warning sirens and was hurrying to get home. I looked at my watch and it was 3:31 P.M. when I saw the black funnel cloud coming right at me.” She took refuge in a nearby friend’s house with her grandson Anthony, struggling to keep the door closed against the storm.

At their home, daughter Brittany saw the lights flicker on and off, felt the house shake and heard the sounds of the storm. She took refuge in the laundry room, miraculously suffering only minor cuts and bruises. The tornado demolished all of the Brisbon home but the kitchen and laundry room.

“It rained very hard for about five or ten minutes, and then everything got quiet,” she said. “I ran from the house to find my mother, and had to climb over many trees that were knocked down. The houses on either side of ours were untouched, but ours was destroyed.”

The Brisbon’s spent the weekend at the nearby house of their friend, Latesha Winston and her two children. Power was out in the entire neighborhood, however, so when they heard that there was an American Red Cross shelter open, they all took refuge there.

Red Cross Shelter Manager Judy Cox said many of the families staying at the shelter have similar stories. They have lost power, some have had their homes destroyed, and all are extremely grateful for the Red Cross help in their time of trial.

“This is the first time that we have ever stayed at a Red Cross shelter,” Brisbon said. “All of your people are so kind to us and treat us wonderfully. The Red Cross is really a blessing, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Brisbon and her family are not sure what they will do next. Their home has been condemned and they must now find a new place to live, but they have been through tough times before and are positive that they will make it through this challenge that life has thrown at them.

How you can help

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to get help to people affected by disasters. Please consider making a donation today to help to those in need. Call (828) 258-3888 to make a donation or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter at 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC 28804. Write "NC Tornadoes" in the memo of the check to ensure that your donation will go towards disaster relief in eastern North Carolina.

Red Cross of WNC Responding to Storm Damage in Eastern North Carolina

2011-04-18T10:48:00.012-04:00

The American Red Cross in Western North Carolina has begun deploying staff, volunteers and resources to the eastern part of the state in the wake of powerful storms and tornadoes that killed at least 21 people and caused extensive property damage over the weeeekend.

The WNC region’s disaster director, Tony Reid, has been deployed to an operations center in Rocky Mount to oversee response activities in the Northeast quadrant of North Carolina, the area hardest hit by the storms. In addition to the deaths and injuries reported, more than 1,600 homes were damaged or destroyed in the eastern part of the state, thousands are without power and numerous Red Cross shelters have been established to temporarily house those displaced by the violent weather.

In addition to Reid, three volunteers from WNC have been dispatched to the hardest hit areas along with Asheville’s Emergency Response Vehicle which is being used to distribute supplies to those affected by the storm and emergency responders.

Regional Red Cross CEO Patrick Fitzsimmons says he expects additional volunteers to be called into service as the eastern part of the state recovers from some of it’s worst spring weather in 30 years. “We have placed all of our disaster response volunteers on stand-by and expect at least some of them to be deployed,” Fitzsimmons said. He added that the regional office has more than 150 trained disaster volunteers on its roster.

Fitzsimmons said the best way individuals in the mountains can help is to make a financial donation to help defray costs of the response operations. Donations can be made on-line at www.redcrosswnc.org , by mailing a check to The American Red Cross, 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC, 28804, or by calling 828-258-3888, Ext. 226. Designate “NC Tornadoes” on your donation.

UPDATE: 3:00pm, 4/18/11: Our texting campaign in now active. You can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the disaster response efforts in the Eastern Carolina Region. Select "Disaster Domestic" when you are prompted (Disaster in Japan in the second option).

A Message from Japanese Red Cross President Konoe

2011-04-15T09:58:00.002-04:00

Transcript:

"On 11 March, a massive earthquake, measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale, struck Japan’s north-east coast. Then came the tsunami. I felt strong tremors and watched the first television pictures of the remorseless wave breaching our coastal defences and sweeping ships, cars and burning houses across the land. When I reached the disaster area, I was confronted with devastation that defies imagination. This was one of the very worst. The destruction was absolute.

In living memory, this is the first time that the world has experienced such a complex emergency involving tsunami, earthquake and nuclear risks. We need time to process what has happened, although one thing is certain: the thousands of families swept away by the waves are a claim on our conscience.

Japan’s road to recovery will be a long one. But we are deeply touched by the sympathy and goodwill shown across the world. The only response to such tragedy, in the end, is mutual aid and a global spirit of togetherness – in my country, in your country, and in all others. I sincerely appreciate all of your support in the past, the present and the generous help offered for the future. In return for such encouragements, our nation will steadily prove its resilience. And the Red Cross Red Crescent will always stand by those in need."