U.S. Tornadoes and Floods Appeal
This storm season is the deadliest in a decade, and it’s on pace to break even more records. You’ve seen the recent headlines — an onslaught of tornadoes, storms, and floods striking Central U.S communities, some with very little warning. Many of our neighbors are dealing with the destruction of personal property, the pain of loss, and are facing the most difficult time of their lives.
Families and individuals affected by these disasters are being met by hundreds of Red Cross volunteers and workers, recently deployed from around the country to lend a hand. These response teams are working 24/7, providing shelter for thousands. They have delivered 100,000+ meals and snacks so far and are providing other vital emergency and health counseling assistance.
Such a major response is only possible through the National Disaster Relief Fund. As a Red Cross supporter you know our first priority is to those facing disaster. But now, additional donations are critically needed, especially given the scope of devastation caused by these historical storms. From tornadoes, storms, and floods in the Central U.S., to wildfires and multi-family home fires across the country, the Red Cross is on the scene.
Will you please help by making
a gift for disaster relief today?
Providing the surviving families and individuals with the help they
need calls for a constant outlay of relief supplies and resources.
Donations like yours are vital to our relief operations! Your gift
to the
Disaster Relief Fund
today will help these people and thousands of other disaster
survivors around the country each year. Thanks for whatever you can
afford today.
While this tornado season is breaking records, we’ve now moved into the most notorious storm period of the year: hurricane season. When people need us, they need us right away. Join us as a “First Responder” with a disaster relief donation that allows us to be there on day one when disaster strikes.
Red Cross Tips For A Safe 4th of July
This Fourth of July, friends and loved ones all across the country will gather to celebrate our nation's independence and what is for many, the unofficial start of summer. If your traditions include fireworks, barbecues, or relaxing days at the pool or beach, the American Red Cross can help you prevent emergencies and enjoy a safer holiday by offering the following tips:
Water safety at the pool and beach:
The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is
to learn to swim. The Red Cross has swimming courses for people of
any age and swimming ability. To find out where lessons are offered
or to enroll in a CPR/AED or first aid course, contact your
local Red Cross
chapter.
- Swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present, and swim with others. Never swim alone.
- Enter the water feet first. Enter the water headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
- Adults should never leave a child unobserved around water. Practice "reach supervision" by staying within an arm's length of young children and weak swimmers while they are in and around the pool, lake or ocean.
- Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and rests.
- 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.
- Watch out for the "dangerous too's" – too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
- Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
- Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.
- If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.
Firework safety:
There are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated
with fireworks a year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product and
Safety Commission. You can enjoy these Fourth of July staples safely
by doing the following:
- Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
- Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
- Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
- Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
- Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
- Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
Safe Grilling:
Nothing says summer quite like the smell of barbecue. Make sure
safety is a key ingredient in your Fourth of July by reading the
following tips for safer grilling:
- Use gas and charcoal barbecue grills outside only.
- Position grills far from siding, deck railings, overhanging branches and house eaves.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using grills.
- Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.