Red Cross Offers the Trick to Safety this Halloween
Red Cross Offers the Trick to Safety this Halloween
Including Tips to Help Prevent the Spread of Flu Germs
DETROIT, October 28, 2009 — With Halloween right around the corner, and H1N1 flu widespread across the country, the American Red Cross offers tips to help parents and children celebrate safely this year.
“We don’t want anyone to go out trick-or-treating and come home sick,” said Sharon Stanley, Chief Nurse of the American Red Cross. “You can follow these special tips to try to have a flu-free Halloween:”
- f your child is sick, keep them at home. This will be disappointing to your young one, but your neighbors and community are counting on you to hold the line on transmission of this virus.
- Remind kids to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs away. Carry that hand sanitizer with you or have it near your candy dispensing area!
- If you are giving out candy, hand it out or scoop it. Instead of a bowl of candy, consider handing out small, individually wrapped bags of treats.
- Throw away any unwrapped candy and inspect the rest for choking hazards and tampering.
To help prevent other dangers, take the following steps for a safer Halloween:
- Use flame-resistant costumes.
- Plan your route and make sure adults know where children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children as they make their way around the neighborhood.
- Make sure the trick-or-treaters have a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.
- Visit only the homes with a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.
- Instead of masks which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see, use face makeup.
- Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
- Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
- If you are welcoming ghosts and goblins, make sure your outdoor lights are on.
- Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps.
- Clear your porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
- Restrain your pets.
- Use a glow stick instead of a candle in your jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
Read MoreAmerican Red Cross Offers Fire Prevention and Safety Tips
(DETROIT) – The biggest disaster to threaten families nationally isn’t a hurricane or a flood – it’s a fire in their home. Last year, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter responded to more than 1,700 fires in the tri-county area, providing families with humanitarian aid. The local disaster relief is part of the home fire responses by the American Red Cross to more than 63,000 fires throughout the country.
October is Fire Safety Month, and the start of the heating season. For these reasons, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to take steps now to minimize the risk of home fires by remembering two key fire safety steps: install adequate smoke alarms and develop a fire escape plan.
“Fires can strike suddenly and spread quickly,” said Glen Hendricks, director of Emergency Services for the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “That’s why it’s important to take simple and inexpensive steps, such as installing smoke alarms inside the bedrooms, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home.”
“People should also create an escape plan, because during a fire every second counts,” Hendricks said. “Being prepared can greatly reduce the affects of these devastating fires.”
It is recommended that people check each smoke alarm in their home by pushing the test button at least once a month, and replacing batteries every year, or as needed. Also, replace the smoke alarms every ten years.
Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes from every room in the home, as well as a convenient place to meet outside, which should be a safe distance from the house. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year and revise as necessary. Families are encouraged to pay particular attention to developing and regularly practicing escape plans for children and older adults.
The Red Cross is committed to helping people learn how to minimize the risk of a home fire. Besides smoke alarms and escape plans, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter also recommends taking the following fire safety precautions:
Simple Steps to Help Prevent Fires
Keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from all heat sources, including stoves and alternative heating devices such as space heaters.
Stay in the kitchen if you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Don’t leave the home if you’re simmering, baking, boiling or roasting food.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
Safety Tips in the Event that a Fire Strikes Your Home
Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.
If you see smoke or fire in your fire escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit. If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If the door is warm, use your second way out.
If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a brightly colored cloth at the window.
For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information, visit www.semredcross.org.
About the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter (like those across the nation) depends on the generous support of financial donors to provide humanitarian aid to community members who are affected by home fires. You can help ensure that the Red Cross is ready to respond locally and meet the emergency needs of Southeast Michigan disaster victims by making a financial contribution to the Southeastern Michigan Chapter. Please visit www.semredcross.org or call 877-788-0014 to donate.
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McGregor Fund Awards $100,000 Grant to the American Red Cross for Local Disaster Relief Efforts
The McGregor Fund recently awarded a $100,000 grant to the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter in support of its local disaster relief efforts. The grant money will help the Red Cross provide emergency aid for residents in the tri-county area following a home or apartment fire, or other disaster.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross has one of the busiest disaster relief operations in the country, providing humanitarian aid to an average of five families a day in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties who have suffered a fire in their home. The local chapter provides families with emergency food, clothing and shelter, as well as much-needed emotional support to help them to recover from their losses.
“We are extremely grateful for this generous grant from The McGregor Fund,” said James Laverty, CEO of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross. “Contributions like this allow us to continue providing a vital safety net for families experiencing devastating fires in their home or apartment.”
Eighty percent of the grant money will go directly towards emergency aid for families. The other 20 percent will go towards equipment and materials used by the chapter’s Disaster Services to provide emergency aid. The grant will be administered from September 2009 to September 2010.
“The McGregor Fund has a long history of helping area residents through relieving their misfortunes and promoting their well-being - and this grant is a wonderful expression of that,” Laverty said.
American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area. These services are providing relief to disaster victims, giving support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and supplying the knowledge and skills to the community to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more or make a donation, log on to www.semredcross.org or call 1-877-788-0014.
The McGregor Fund
The McGregor Fund is a private foundation established in 1925 by gifts from Katherine and Tracy McGregor “to relieve the misfortunes and promote the well-being of mankind.” The foundation awards grants to organizations in the following areas: human services, education, health care, arts and culture, and public benefit. The area of principal interest of the foundation is the City of Detroit and Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. The McGregor Fund has granted over $190 million since its founding and had assets of $141 million as of June 30, 2009. Visit www.mcgregorfund.org for more information.
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Read MoreRed Cross Research Finds Public Taking Precautions agains H1N1 but not Preparing for Emergencies
Red Cross Research Finds Public Taking Precautions against H1N1
But not Preparing for Emergencies
Local Red Cross Offers Resources During National Preparedness Month
With September designated as National Preparedness Month, recent surveys by the American Red Cross show that 93 percent of Americans were planning to take extra steps to avoid getting the H1N1 flu (swine flu)¹. However, only 12 percent of those surveyed had taken the steps the Red Cross recommends to prepare for a disaster.²
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter, American Red Cross, urges local residents to make a renewed effort in September to prepare for a possible resurgence of the H1N1 flu this fall – and for other emergencies, such as a home fire.
“You are your best defense against emergencies,” said James Laverty, CEO, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “The Red Cross can help you take simple steps to prepare yourself and your loved ones for emergencies ranging from a home fire or a flu outbreak, as well as prepare you for emergencies through safety training.”
The H1N1 flu survey, which was conducted in July by the Red Cross, found that the majority of Americans are taking (or planning on taking) extra measures to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues, and washing their hands more carefully to avoid getting the flu. In contrast, less than half plan on assembling a two-week supply of food, water and medicine that they might need in the event they or someone in their family becomes sick and needs to stay home for an extended period of time.
The Red Cross recommends that people take the following precautions to help guard against the flu:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are feeling sick.
As for all emergencies, the Red Cross recommends people start by taking three actions to prepare:
- Get a kit: The Red Cross recommends having one to two weeks worth of supplies at home, which should include nonperishable food, flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents.
- Make a plan: The Red Cross recommends meeting with family members to discuss how to prepare for and respond to emergencies most likely to happen in the local area. In Southeast Michigan, the most likely emergency is a home fire or medical emergency. Make a family plan for preventing a fire, and how to respond if one occurs.
- Be informed: Learn about what resources are available to help combat the most common types of emergencies where you live, learn, work and play. One of the most important ways to be prepared is to take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED course.
To help communities get prepared for emergencies, the Red Cross has created a free online education program called Be Red Cross Ready, which walks people through the three action steps. It is available on www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady.
Local Red Cross Preparedness Resources
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter recommends taking Red Cross safety training, such as First Aid and CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator). The chapter also sells a variety of AEDs, first aid kits and other preparedness supplies on their website. For more information, go to www.semredcross.org.
In honor of National Preparedness Month, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is also offering free preparedness seminars for the workplace, at their sites in Livonia, Warren and Detroit. The Pandemic Flu Leader Training is a 90-minute session that helps participants review and update their emergency preparedness plans with regards to communicable diseases. It will be held on September 24 and 25.
The Workplace Emergency Preparedness Seminar explains how to implement a comprehensive, organization-wide safety, preparedness and business continuity program. The three-hour seminar will be held on October 7, November 4 and December 2.
How to Save Money on Health and Safety Programs is a 90-minute class taught on September 24 and 25, and November 13. For more information, contact Lynn Osborne at 313-576-4106 or OsborneLy@usa.redcross.org.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter’s Emergency Services Director, Glen Hendricks, is also putting on various community-based presentations on how to prepare for disasters. The preparedness talks focus on how to prevent and respond to emergencies such as fires, the N1H1 (swine flu) and more.
¹ H1N1 findings are based on a telephone survey of 1,002 U.S. adults 18 years and older, conducted July 17-20, 2009 by CARAVAN® Opinion Research Corporation. The margin of error is +/-3.1 percent.
² The general preparedness findings are based on an online survey of 1,306 U.S. residents 18 years and older, conducted July 24-August 7, 2009 by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Red Cross.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more or make a donation, log on to www.semredcross.org.
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Red Cross Research Finds Public Taking Precautions against H1N1 but not Preparing for Emergencies / Local Red Cross Offers Resources During National Preparedness Month
With September designated as National Preparedness Month, recent surveys by the American Red Cross show that 93 percent of Americans were planning to take extra steps to avoid getting the H1N1 flu (swine flu)¹. However, only 12 percent of those surveyed had taken the steps the Red Cross recommends to prepare for a disaster.²
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter, American Red Cross, urges local residents to make a renewed effort in September to prepare for a possible resurgence of the H1N1 flu this fall – and for other emergencies, such as a home fire.
“You are your best defense against emergencies,” said James Laverty, CEO, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “The Red Cross can help you take simple steps to prepare yourself and your loved ones for emergencies ranging from a home fire or a flu outbreak, as well as prepare you for emergencies through safety training.”
The H1N1 flu survey, which was conducted in July by the Red Cross, found that the majority of Americans are taking (or planning on taking) extra measures to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues, and washing their hands more carefully to avoid getting the flu. In contrast, less than half plan on assembling a two-week supply of food, water and medicine that they might need in the event they or someone in their family becomes sick and needs to stay home for an extended period of time.
The Red Cross recommends that people take the following precautions to help guard against the flu:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are feeling sick.
As for all emergencies, the Red Cross recommends people start by taking three actions to prepare:
- Get a kit: The Red Cross recommends having one to two weeks worth of supplies at home, which should include nonperishable food, flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents.
- Make a plan: The Red Cross recommends meeting with family members to discuss how to prepare for and respond to emergencies most likely to happen in the local area. In Southeast Michigan, the most likely emergency is a home fire or medical emergency. Make a family plan for preventing a fire, and how to respond if one occurs.
- Be informed: Learn about what resources are available to help combat the most common types of emergencies where you live, learn, work and play. One of the most important ways to be prepared is to take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED course.
To help communities get prepared for emergencies, the Red Cross has created a free online education program called Be Red Cross Ready, which walks people through the three action steps. It is available on www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady.
Local Red Cross Preparedness Resources
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter recommends taking Red Cross safety training, such as First Aid and CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator). The chapter also sells a variety of AEDs, first aid kits and other preparedness supplies on their website. For more information, go to www.semredcross.org.
In honor of National Preparedness Month, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is also offering free preparedness seminars for the workplace, at their sites in Livonia, Warren and Detroit. The Pandemic Flu Leader Training is a 90-minute session that helps participants review and update their emergency preparedness plans with regards to communicable diseases. It will be held on September 24 and 25.
The Workplace Emergency Preparedness Seminar explains how to implement a comprehensive, organization-wide safety, preparedness and business continuity program. The three-hour seminar will be held on October 7, November 4 and December 2.
How to Save Money on Health and Safety Programs is a 90-minute class taught on September 24 and 25, and November 13. For more information, contact Lynn Osborne at 313-576-4106 or OsborneLy@usa.redcross.org.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter’s Emergency Services Director, Glen Hendricks, is also putting on various community-based presentations on how to prepare for disasters. The preparedness talks focus on how to prevent and respond to emergencies such as fires, the N1H1 (swine flu) and more.
¹ H1N1 findings are based on a telephone survey of 1,002 U.S. adults 18 years and older, conducted July 17-20, 2009 by CARAVAN® Opinion Research Corporation. The margin of error is +/-3.1 percent.
² The general preparedness findings are based on an online survey of 1,306 U.S. residents 18 years and older, conducted July 24-August 7, 2009 by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Red Cross.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more or make a donation, log on to www.semredcross.org.
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Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and American Red Cross partner at Arts, Beats and Eats to Offer Free Smoke Alarms
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mandy Andrews (248) 343-0129
Or Andrea Tomaszewski (313) 350-1434
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and American Red Cross partner at Arts, Beats and Eats to Offer Free Smoke Alarms
September 2, 2009 (Oakland County) - The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter, are working together to offer free smoke detectors at Arts, Beats and Eats in Pontiac this weekend. Families now have an opportunity to better protect themselves through a special donation provided by Detroit Red Wings Forward Henrik Zetterberg, who donated the smoke detectors to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Fire Investigation Unit.
“We are thrilled to be teaming up with the Red Cross to give away these free smoke alarms to help keep people safe in their homes, and remind them to have working smoke alarms at all times,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
To obtain a free smoke detector, visitors can stop by the Red Cross tent, have a family member color a fire-safety picture, and take Red Cross fire safety information home with them. The smoke alarms will be available on Saturday and Sunday. The Red Cross tent is scheduled to be on Saginaw Street, between E. Pike and E. Lawrence, closer to E. Lawrence.
The Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is one of 13 community non-profits taking part in the Arts, Beats and Eats, Festival of Hope this year. Besides having their tent, Red Cross volunteers and staff will be on hand at the entry points on Sunday evening, collecting the $2 entry fee for the festival.
In addition to the smoke alarms and fire safety literature, people visiting the Red Cross tent can get other safety tips, write a thank you note to the troops, which will be sent overseas by the Red Cross and is being sponsored by Quicken Loans, and get pictures taken for the local Red Cross Facebook page.
For more information on Arts, Beats and Eats, go to www.artsbeatseats.com.
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*American Red Cross to Launch Public Campaign to Support Core Services for Southeast Michigan
American Red Cross to Launch Public Campaign to Support Core Services for Southeast Michigan
What:
A news conference to unveil the new public fundraising campaign supporting the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross and its services to the residents of Southeast Michigan.
Who:
Leadership of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, along with residents who have benefited from its vital services.
When:
Tuesday, August 18, from 2:00-2:45 p.m.
Where:
American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter headquarters, 100 Mack Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48201, located at the corner of Mack and Woodward Aves.
Why:
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross has been developing the Tour of Duty campaign to secure important financial support to sustain its operations for years to come.
Pre-registration is appreciated but not required; please contact Andrea Tomaszewski at TomaszewskiA@usa.redcross.org or 313-494-2740.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more or make a donation, log on to www.semredcross.org or call 1-877-788-0014.
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Read MoreAmerican Red Cross to Launch Public Campaign to Support Core Services for Southeast Michigan
What:
A news conference to unveil the new public fundraising campaign supporting the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross and its services to the residents of Southeast Michigan.
Who:
Leadership of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, along with residents who have benefited from its vital services.
When:
Tuesday, August 18, from 2:00-2:45 p.m.
Where:
American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter headquarters, 100 Mack Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48201, located at the corner of Mack and Woodward Aves.
Why:
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross has been developing the Tour of Duty campaign to secure important financial support to sustain its operations for years to come.
Pre-registration is appreciated but not required; please contact Andrea Tomaszewski at TomaszewskiA@usa.redcross.org or 313-494-2740.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more or make a donation, log on to www.semredcross.org or call 1-877-788-0014.
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Read MoreFocus on Pool and Beach Safety as Holiday Weekend Approaches
July 1, 2009 — Now that warm weather has arrived, there's nothing like swimming to help cool you off on a hot summer day. The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter offers these safety steps you can take whether you are taking a dip in the pool, or spending the day at the beach:
Summer and swimming go hand in hand
- Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
- Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
- Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
- Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
- Maintain constant supervision.
- Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses, which are offered at many local swimming pools throughout Southeastern Michigan.
- If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers. Many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
- Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
- If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
- Have appropriate equipment by swimming pools at all times, such as reaching pole, ring buoy with attached line, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
- Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
- Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first aid and CPR courses from the Southeastern Michigan Chapter to learn how to respond to emergencies.
Lake and Ocean fun call for special safety tips
- Swim only at a lifeguard-protected beach, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
- Never swim alone.
- Learn to swim well.
- Be cautious at all times and check local weather conditions.
- Swim sober; do not mix alcohol and swimming.
- Make sure to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.
- Don’t dive headfirst, protect your neck. Check for depth and obstructions before diving. Go in feet first the first time.
- Pay especially close attention to children and elderly persons when at the beach.
- Make sure you always have enough energy to swim back to shore.
- In the ocean, follow these tips:
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.
- Rip currents are responsible for many lives lost on our nation’s beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. For your safety, be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:
- If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can't swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
Ah, the beach - sunglasses, sunscreen, flip flops
- Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.
- Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.
- Protect your eyes, wear sunglasses that will absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
- Wear foot protection. The sand can burn your feet and glass and other sharp objects can cut them.
- Watch for signs of heat stroke – hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person. Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.
- As summer heats up, more and more of us will take to the water for some summer fun.
For more details on local Red Cross courses to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer, visit www.semredcross.org, or call 586-756-7600.
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Andrea Tomaszewski
Marketing and Communications
American Red Cross
W 313-494-2740
C 313-350-1434
Read MoreRide for Red Charity Event to Benefit American Red Cross Military Services Program
The local American Red Cross is calling all motorcyclists to go “cruisin’ for a cause” on Sunday, July 12, and take part in a scenic, 50-mile tour of Oakland County’s finest parks and back roads. The Southeastern Michigan Chapter’s Ride for Red will benefit the organization’s expanding Service to the Armed Forces program, which provides emergency aid to Michigan military personnel, their families and veterans.
Ride for Red will start out at Waterford Oaks Water Park between 10 a.m. and noon, where participants will be treated to Bear Claw refreshments. The route then travels over open vistas in and around three other parks: Independence Park, Seymour Lake Park and Addison Oaks Park. Bikers will enjoy other freebies and chances to win several prizes, such as campfire grills designed for bikers, Red Cross first aid kits, a new set of leathers, and Ride for Red pins for the first 50 registrants.
Even better, bikers will be treated to a complimentary ox roast afterwards with live entertainment, prizes and cash bar. It takes place at Gus O’Connor’s in Rochester. Gus O’Connor’s is the official organizer of Ride for Red.
The deadline for early registration is coming up fast, on July1, during which time the registration cost is $30. For those registering from July 2 up through the day of the event, the cost is $35. Bikers can register online at www.semredcross.org, or at the event between 10 a.m. and noon.
The rain date for the ride is Sunday, July 19.
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For more information, contact:
Andrea Tomaszewski
(313) 494-2740
Read More