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September is National Preparedness Month
When a catastrophic disaster strikes, it can take at least 72 hours before outside assistance arrives. For that reason, the American Red Cross encourages and trains community members to prepare 3-day emergency kits and plans for their family. By preparing yourself, you are helping the entire community. If you are able to help yourself during a disaster, then you are one less person that our first responders have to assist.
In a recent survey the Red Cross found that 89 percent of those surveyed believe that being prepared is important, but 22 percent have not done anything and are not sure how to get started.
The first step starts with you. Do you know what types of disasters are most likely to occur where you live, learn, work and play? The residents of Whatcom County and Skagit Valley live in an active earthquake zone, alongside rivers that frequently flood, and where we can lose power during a violent winter storm. Do you know what resources are available in your community in the event of one of these natural disasters?
Are you prepared? Do you have food, water, a first aid kit and emergency supplies for your family? Have you created a communication plan or meeting place if your family is separated during a disaster? Do you have an out-of-area emergency contact person? Are you trained in First Aid and CPR? These simple steps can make a world of difference for you and your family in the midst of a crisis.
Be a part of the solution by preparing yourself and your family. For more information on preparedness go to redcross.org/domore.
Fred Meyer and the Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross are teaming up! September is National Preparedness Month and we will be at Fred Meyer sharing information about being prepared and asking people to consider making a donation. We need Volunteers for these Saturdays: September 11, September 18, September 25 and October 2
SIGN-UP
1) Choose a Fred Meyer location: 800 Lakeway Drive, 1225 W Bakerview or 920 S Burlington Blvd.
2) Choose a date (or two)
3) Choose a time; shifts are: 9:00am-12:30pm, 12:30pm-3:30pm & 3:30pm-7:00pm
4) Contact Linda at: linda@mtbredcross.org or 360.733.3290 ext 1015 to sign up.
You can make a difference today - Volunteer!
September is also Weather Radio Awareness Month in Washington state, as a part of the National Preparedness Month.
For more info please go to http://emd.wa.gov/
There are several key events during the month to note: Sep 15 near 10:15 AM will be the statewide earthquake drill as well as the coastal tsunami warning comms test. The test will be initiated by the National Weather Service activating the Emergency Alert System (EAS) statewide via NOAA Weather Radio using the Required Monthly Test (RMT) event code. This means all weather radio receivers should activate upon receipt of the EAS test message and broadcasters (TV, radio, cable TV) will air the EAS test. Schools all have weather radio receivers now and should use them to receive this EAS test message to initiate their earthquake drill.....and for coastal areas follow the quake drill with their tsunami evacuation drill. Also, many manufacturers, vendors and retailers are offering special discounts on weather radio models during the month.
Do you know a hero? Please tell us their story. Throughout Whatcom County and Skagit Valley ordinary people do extraordinary things every day. Acts of heroism can be big and small. They can affect one person or an entire community. The Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross needs your help to identify and recognize local heroes.
A Real Hero can be someone who has performed a rescue, saved a life, given their time to make difference for others, even donated an organ. If you think someone you know has done something amazing, courageous, or extraordinary we want to know. Please help give them the recognition they deserve!
The Mt. Baker Chapter is a ccepting 2010 Real Hero nominations until September 30. Heroes will be honored at the 13th Annual Real Heroes Celebration December 2.
Click here for nomination form
Red Cross Live
Join us for our next Red Cross Live. Red Cross Live events are free, informational, one hour programs where we showcase all the services that we are providing for our community. These events give us an opportunity to bring the reality of our work to you and teach you more about everything we are doing help our community to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergency situations.
Please join us and give us the chance to show you how local donations are allowing us to continue to save lives every day. Red Cross Live happens the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at our Chapter Office at 2111 King Street, Bellingham, WA 98225. Lunch is included and there is no request for financial support. Our Emergency Response Vehicle will be there for you to tour.
Spaces are limited so please RSVP to Marinda Peugh at (360)733-3290 x1018.
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H1N1 |
The situation with H1N1 can change daily. Gather information on a regular basis from reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) and the Whatcom County Health Department. You can visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu, and the Health Department at www.co.whatcom.wa.us/health/h1n1.
You can find additional information on planning and preparing for pandemic flu at www.redcross.org/pandemicflu and www.flu.gov.
During a pandemic or other disaster, you can let others know of your well-being by registering on the Safe and Well website at www.redcross.org/safeandwell. |
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The Mt. Baker Chapter serves all communities in
Whatcom County and Skagit Valley.
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