Red Cross Relief Efforts Continue in Georgia and Other States Following Week of Tornado Outbreaks

For Immediate Release

Red Cross Relief Efforts Continue in Georgia and Other States Following Week of Tornado Outbreaks

Athens, GA Monday, March 5, 2012 - As Georgians joined their neighbors across the South and Midwest in tallying this week's widespread tornado damage, Red Cross chapters in more than a dozen states were hard at work in their communities, providing shelter, food and emotional support.

Red Cross damage assessment teams in Georgia worked with community partners to discover the full scope of the damage in counties impacted by this past Friday's storms. Paulding County was hit hardest by the storms, with 85 homes affected. The Red Cross provided needed water and snacks in affected neighborhoods where clean-up efforts had begun. So far, seven families in Paulding and Fulton counties have turned to Red Cross for help with lodging, food and other basic necessities.

"Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by this week's severe storms," said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross. "Our top priorities right now are making sure people have a safe place to stay, a warm meal and a shoulder to lean on as they begin to clean up their neighborhoods. The Red Cross is also working closely with our government and community partners to make sure everyone gets the help they need."

The Red Cross has monitored severe weather in South Georgia throughout the recent events and has trained disaster volunteers from across the state to work stand-by shifts in case of a need. Damage to homes is now reported in northern Lowndes and Lanier counties and the Red Cross is working with local emergency management agencies to ensure that residents have a safe place to sleep.  People can find Red Cross shelters open throughout the country by contacting local emergency officials, visiting http://www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). iPhone users can download a free Red Cross Shelter View app at http://apps.usa.gov/american-red-cross-shelter-view.

Those affected can let loved ones know they are safe by registering on the secure website, Red Cross Safe and Well, http://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php, where they can also update their Facebook and Twitter statuses to alert friends and family. Affected residents can also register by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). For those outside the disaster area, use Red Cross Safe and Well to find information about loved ones in the affected areas by using a phone number or local address. Smart phone users can visit http://www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click on the "List Yourself as Safe and Well" or "Search for Friends and Family" link.

If you or someone you know would like to help those affected by natural disasters, donations in support of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services are greatly appreciated. Please visit http://www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent directly to the East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross at 490 Pulaski Street Athens, GA 30601 or by calling 706-353-1645.  


About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org.

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Don't Let the Flu Get You!

Picture provided by: MSNBC

Flu season is well upon us and considering the groundhog’s prediction of a longer winter, the flu season may stick around even longer. Yuck! The American Red Cross is concerned with everyone’s well-being and the East Georgia Chapter teaches ten different classes on health and safety. Although these classes are not necessarily geared towards flu prevention, here’s some information we should all be aware of during flu season.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is most common in the winter, but also occurs during fall and spring seasons. The flu is a highly contagious virus that can spread simply by talking to a person infected with the virus. While many have heard of the swine flu or bird flu, the most common type of flu is the seasonal flu, which affects 5-20% of Americans every year.
The following people are more likely to get the flu:

• People 50 years are older
• People who have chronic medical conditions
• Women who are pregnant
• Children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years old
• Children’s symptoms will often last longer since their immune systems are still developing.
• Elderly living in a long term care facility

Watch out for these symptoms to detect the virus as soon as possible!  

Picture provided by: Evidence Based Living

• Severe body aches
• High fever
• Headaches
• Extreme tiredness
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Avoid the Flu By Following These Simple Steps

• Take your vitamins!
• Practice good health habits. Eat a balanced diet, drink lots of fluids, exercise, manage stress and get a good’s nice rest.
• Keep your hands to yourself!
• Try not to spread germs. Always wash your hands with soap and water and use a tissue to cover your nose or mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home and watch movies!
• Try to avoid contact with others when you are sick. A distance of 3 feet is recommended.
• Get the Flu Shot! 




Picture provided by: Around Town Kids

• This is one of the most effective ways to fight the flu, reducing the risk up to 80%. People should get the shot every year. It is recommended you get the shot between September and mid-November, but your local CVS®, Kroger®, and RiteAid® are currently offering the vaccination. Do not worry if you do not have insurance. At CVS®, if you do not have insurance, you receive a $5 gift card!  

If you think you or someone you know might be getting sick, you should let a doctor diagnose the symptoms. Treat the flu as early as possible in order to avoid further complications. For more information, visit The American Red Cross’ web site at   to make sure you are Red Cross Ready to prevent or fight the flu!

For even more information, visit: flu.gov

- Mary Elaine Gambill

March is Red Cross Month

"For over a century, the American Red Cross has harnessed the generosity of the American people, mobilizing us to offer assistance in the wake of disaster. Whether aiding towns fighting rising floodwaters or nations struggling with starvation and disease, the American Red Cross and its international partners have served during crises across the United States and around the world. During American Red Cross Month, we celebrate our Nation's humanitarian spirit, and we recommit to providing relief and hope in times of crisis."

-- President Barack Obama, 2011 Proclamation

March is almost here which means it is almost time to celebrate the official Red Cross Month! Just a few days remain before the start of the month, making now the perfect time to recognize and celebrate the work and progress of the American Red Cross across East Georgia and across the nation. It is a time to remember where we started and look ahead to where we are going.    

                                      

(Images provided by the American Red Cross national website)  

The American Red Cross was established by Clara Barton in 1881 and received its congressional charter in 1900. The mission from the moment it was established was clear - to provide relief aid after disasters and provide communication services to families with loved ones in the military. In 1943, amidst the turmoil of World War II, the first Red Cross Month was officially proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and March has continued to be acknowledged as so to this day.

(Images provided by the American Red Cross East Georgia website)

Over 100 years after its inception, the American Red Cross aids in almost 70,000 disasters each year. Across the nation and internationally, the Red Cross lends a helping hand with disaster relief by providing shelter, food, basic necessities and emotional support. In addition to disaster relief, the American Red Cross has helped the Armed Forces stay connected with their families and accounts for more than 40 percent of America’s blood supply. With all of these services, the Red Cross remains dedicated to educating communities about preparedness through health and safety training.

Join in celebrating the achievements of the American Red Cross! Follow us on Twitter   and like us on Facebook for updates about our events throughout the month.


- Jessica Wu

The American Red Cross and Black History Month

To honor Black History Month, we thought we would take trip down memory lane and remember the most influential African Americans within the American Red Cross community.

Frederick Douglass, abolitionist and Red Cross supporter

When Clara Barton first established a Red Cross Association in the U.S., she sat at a table with abolitionist Frederick Douglass after the end of the Civil War to discuss the monumental foundation. Douglass was in full support of Barton and continued to support the efforts of the American Red Cross long after its establishment in 1881.

Francis Elliot Davis, American Red Cross nurse

In 1915 Francis Elliott Davis, a professional nurse at Freedman’s Hospital in Washington D.C., applied to serve with the American Red Cross. Although she was turned down the first time, she continued to seek a position with the Red Cross. Finally, in 1917 Davis became the first black nurse approved by the organization. She served as a nurse with the Town and Country Nursing Service.

After World War I, black men and women began to participate even more with the American Red Cross  and small, segregated chapters even began to develop in the South alongside main chapters. U.S. involvement in World War II opened the doors for integration on a national level and the American Red Cross began to make changes in its personnel policies.

The American Red Cross meets with black representatives

In fact, in 1942 the American Red Cross met with black representatives of 13 organizations to discuss the growing role they could serve in the Red Cross. In 1945, Frederick Douglass Patterson became a member of the American Red Cross Central Committee.

Frederick Douglass Patterson (left) meets with American Red Cross Chairman Basil O'Connor (right) and Jesse Thomas (center), special assistant to the director of Domestic Operations of the American Red Cross

This is just a preview to the extensive black history in the American Red Cross. To read more about the historic milestones through time and the influential people involved in bringing about changes in the American Red Cross, visit the online American Red Cross Museum. 

- Amanda Keuler

PlungeFest 2012 - Starting a Tradition

With a cloudy sky and a chill in the air, the plungers took off full speed into the freezing cold water of Lake Chapman. Lifeguards from our very own Students for the American Red Cross (SARC) at the University of Georgia stood by as participants took the full plunge. After raising over $10,000 to benefit the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, Shelterbox and the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, plungers and spectators celebrated and cheered for all of the hard work that led up to this moment.

As soaked plungers made their way back to dry land, everyone clapped for the success of the event and began to walk up to the pavilion for a delicious lunch provided by Shane’s Rib Shack, a warm fireplace and good company. With music coming though the speakers, hot dogs cooking on the grill and hot chocolate waiting on the table, the pavilion was filled with the excitement of the first successful PlungeFest.

Among the brave plungers was Board Member Courtney Gale who says, “It was a great event that encouraged the socialization and interaction of several different hard working non-profits in the Athens area. The American Red Cross stood in unity with its director in order to fulfill its commitment and mission of providing services to citizens of East Georgia.”

With everyone gathered in the warmth of the pavilion, the event concluded with an awards ceremony in recognition of the great contributions that have been made to PlungeFest 2012. 

 

- Jessica Wu

Severe Weather Awareness Week (Feb. 6 - 10)

 Photo courtesy of NASA

The weather has been relatively mild this week, but you never know what is around the corner. Which is why Georgia Governor Nathan Deal declared next week (Feb. 6 – 10) Severe Weather Awareness Week across the state. Throughout the week, Georgians are asked to think about their own preparedness and safety during severe weather.

The week kicks off on Monday, Feb. 6 with Family Preparedness Day. On this day, each household is asked to get a weather radio and program it to their specific county. These radios will keep families more aware of severe weather so that they will be able to prepare their homes, ensuring their safety during storms. The rest of the week will also focus on thunderstorm, tornado, lightning and flood safety.

The American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter is here to help you and your families remain safe during storms and will be here in the aftermath. Stay tuned to our blog, Facebook and Twitter to receive more updates about the informative week.

- Amanda Keuler

Boutique in Athens Shows Local Charities Some Love

Entourage Clothing & Gifts, a boutique located on S. Milledge Ave in Athens, Ga., will be celebrating Valentine's Day by giving away $2,500 to a local charity through its Facebook sweepstakes. The American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter is one of the candidates to receive this donation.

The East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross supports 14 counties and all of its funding "comes from individual contributions, corporate donations, United Way, and fund-raising events [since] the Red Cross is not federally funded." The donation from Entourage would continue to allow the Chapter to help families in need when disaster comes through town.

You can help! All you have to do is follow these four easy steps:

1. “Like” Entourage's Facebook page
2. Visit the “$2,500 Giveaway” section on the sidebar
3. Click “Enter Sweepstakes” and allow the application to open through your Facebook
4. Register on the page and type in the “American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter” as your selected charity to win the donation

Make sure to enter the sweepstakes before February 29 so that your vote will count. After you have entered the sweepstakes, share it with your friends! What better way to spread some Valentine’s Day love than by helping the Chapter win the charity sweepstakes?

-Nina Kamber

SARC Raises Over $3000 in Letter Campaign

The Students of the American Red Cross at UGA recently participated in a fundraising campaign in an effort to support the East Georgia Chapter’s emergency services to families within its 14 county district. Members of the organization submitted addresses of their friends and family members. Then designated SARC representatives sent formal, typed letters to the given addresses, personalized with the name of each person.

The letters encouraged friends and family to donate money to the organization and help them reach their fundraising goals for the year. Although they didn’t quite make their goal, SARC was able to raise well over $3,000 with the letter-writing campaign. “We all had hoped for more,” said SARC advisor and Executive Director of the East Georgia Chapter, Jeff Taylor, “but based on the science it’s really quite good.” Eight students participated in gathering addresses and SARC members hope that even more students will participate next time. The letter campaign, along with other new fundraising initiatives from the SARC organization, has raised a total of $7,000 towards their $15,000 goal for the school year.

- Shelby Rudd