American Red Cross of Santa Cruz County

Earthquake in Chile

Santa Cruz County American Red Cross — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:07:51 +0000

Here’s the low-down from our International Guru at Headquarters. The second video is in Spanish.

Germs are Bad Rappers.

Santa Cruz County American Red Cross — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:53:51 +0000

Have you noticed that something seems to be going around Santa Cruz County? 2 of my neighbors are sick, at least 2 of our regular volunteers, and this very AM, I woke up with that particular sensation in the back of my throat that says, “You’re gonna wish you were in bed ALL DAY.”

There’s been some pretty big talk about the flu this year. So much so, that you’re probably reading this blog post and thinking, “Not AGAIN!”

Still, it’s always a good idea to follow a few simple rules to keep yourself healthy… and if you aren’t healthy, to keep others around you from picking up what you’re putting down (if you know what I mean). You can check out some tips here: Red Cross Flu Checklist (PDF).

Or, you can take the hint from an old Red Cross friend, Scrubby Bear. We still offer this program, but thankfully, since this video… there have been some updates.

How to give love this Valentine’s Day… even without a date.

Santa Cruz County American Red Cross — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:15:56 +0000

Excited for Valentine’s Day…or not so excited for Valentine’s Day?

This will be your blogmaster’s first Valentine’s Day alone in 8 years (can I get an “Awww…”?). But it’s ok. There are some amazing things going on this Valentine’s Day weekend. Grab your date (or don’t – no date required!) for one of these great events, and do something amazing for your community and the victims of the Earthquake in Haiti.

Did I mention these are No Date Required events? If you’ve got some love to give this Valentine’s Day, don’t sit home and sulk. Do something good for others – and have some fun at the same time.

Friday, February 12, 7 PM:

Concert for Haiti at First Congregational Church (900 High Street, Santa Cruz)

Cover: $10.00 or more (donation)

Performing: Robert Haven & Ben Cole, Franklin Marshall Band, David Beaudry, Kevin Robinson, Keith Taylor & More!

Saturday, February 13, 10 AM – 3 PM:

Santa Cruz Love Project @ Rebecca Stark Photography, 2027 N. Pacific Avenue Suite A, Santa Cruz

Rebecca will be taking headshots and Valentine’s Day inspired portraits for a donation, split 50/50 with our local chapter and the Haiti Relief Fund. No one to hold hands with? Pets and Strong “don’t need nobody” types (like yours truly) also welcome!

Sunday, February 14, 10 AM:

The Last Resort Cut-A-Thon, 2-1245 E. Cliff Street in Santa Cruz and 5024 Soquel Drive in Soquel

The Last Resort Salon will be having a “Cut-a-Thon” to support the American Red Cross, Santa Cruz County Chapter as well as the relief effort in Haiti. Stylists have donated their time, and all profit for the day will go to the Red Cross.

Sunday, February 14, 5-9 PM

Almost Chaos, Jackie Rocks Band and Rapid Fire @ Coasters Lounge (Inside the Boardwalk Bowl), 115 Cliff Street, Santa Cruz

Local, award-winning, teenage bands Almost Chaos, Rapid Fire and Jackie Rocks Band will be perform at this all-ages show. Cover is $5.00.

There will be a raffle during the concert with 100% of the profits to benefit the American Red Cross. Raffle sponsors include Pacific Coast Manor, Santa Cruz Skate Shop, Baby Bloomers and Dominican Hospital.

Wednesday, February 17, 4 PM – ?:

Acapulco Restaurant Haiti Relief Night, 1116 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

Can’t drag yourself out of your lonely heart funk (or love nest) and make it to an event this weekend? You can still help at Acapulco’s Haiti Relief Night. 25% of receipts for the night will go to Haiti Relief. In addition, servers will be donating the night’s tips.

The restaurant usually closes at 9:30 PM, however, if they are busy they will remain open.

Haiti Earthquake Update, February 4, 2010

Santa Cruz County American Red Cross — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:28:56 +0000

For an up to the minute, straight from the horse’s mouth update on Haiti, visit:

http://www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/response/haiti/index.asp

For those of you who don’t know, the American Red Cross is just a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. Not in recent history have so many societies from all over the world come together on a relief mission.

The IFRC has put together this (very cool) Google Earth map with current relief activities (requires you to download Google Earth): http://www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/response/haiti/RCRC-activities-in-Haiti_28Jan.kmz

Santa Cruz Love Project

Santa Cruz County American Red Cross — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:07:09 +0000

Everybody likes to get something back. Usually when you donate, you get that warm fuzzy feeling. How about that warm, fuzzy feeling plus some world class photos of you and your main squeeze?

Santa Cruz local and photographer Rebecca Stark has invited the American Red Cross, Santa Cruz County Chapter to partner with her for her first (quite possibly annual) Santa Cruz Love Project. On Saturday, February 13, Rebecca will be taking headshots and Valentine’s Day inspired portraits for a donation, split 50/50 with our local chapter and the Haiti Relief Fund.

No sweetheart? Pets are also welcome.

Check out Rebecca’s blog for more info: http://rebeccastark.blogspot.com/2010/01/santa-cruz-love-project.html

$5 can buy Hope.

Santa Cruz County American Red Cross — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:43:22 +0000

Everyone knows money can’t buy you love… but did you know that you can buy a big barrel of hope for only $5.00?

When you give that $5.00 to the American Red Cross, Santa Cruz County Chapter, it’s true.

Just $5.00 can provide bedding for a family at a Red Cross Shelter, or blankets to the victims of a home fire. If you give only $10.00, you provide a day’s worth of meals to a disaster victim. Pretty slick, eh? Any donation to the Red Cross assures that we’ll be there when the community needs us, providing services that help rebuild lives.

Helping the Red Cross in its humanitarian mission is as easy as giving up 1 trip to the coffee shop. Or, using a coupon the next time you order a pizza. Or, finding that random $5.00 bill that went through the wash in the pocket of your jeans (I LOVE when that happens).

As always, you can send your donation or come in to 2960 Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz, visit our website at www.sccredcross.org, or give us a call at 831-462-2881 to make your donation. We also have some awesome community partners that have agreed to take donations on our behalf! Check out the following locations, and drop some hope in the bucket:

TONY AND ALBA’S PIZZA

PIZZA ONE

LIVE OAK FARMER’S MARKET

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BANK

LULU CARPENTER’S COFFEE HOUSES

ANGEL SWEETS

PALO ALTO MEDICAL FOUNDATION

SC41 FURNITURE

SAVEMART

STAR BENE RESTAURANT

CHAMINADE RESORT AND SPA

Flood Preparedness, Sandbag Locations

Santa Cruz County American Red Cross — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:12:38 +0000

The storms traveling through Santa Cruz County are expected to be even stronger tomorrow. Flooding is already causing some problems on local roads. Here are some tips in case the water levels rise.

Click here for Sandbag Locations in Santa Cruz County

Flood and Flash Flood

Know What to Expect

Know your area’s flood risk–if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.

Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .

Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop

A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop

A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

Prepare a Family Disaster Plan

Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing . . .

First aid kit and essential medications.
Canned food and can opener.
At least three gallons of water per person
Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .

Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .

Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

Tornado Preparedness

Santa Cruz County American Red Cross — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:30:12 +0000

“Tornado, you say..?”

Yep, I say.

Did you know there was a Tornado Warning in Orange County today? The storm passing through California has not only the ability to cause Mudslides and flooding, but may be powerful enough to produce a tornado…even in Santa Cruz County. Knowing what to do in a tornado can be the difference between life and death. So, because we care, here’s a quick cram on what to do during a tornado, in the unlikely event of a Watch or Warning here in Santa Cruz County.

Tornado Preparedness

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornado intensities are classified on the Fujita Scale with ratings between F0 (weakest) to F5 (strongest). They are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Although severe tornadoes are more common in the Plains States, tornadoes have been reported in every state.

Know the Difference

Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives!

Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately under ground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom) and Duck and Cover (just like you would in an Earthquake).

What should I do to prepare for a tornado?

During any storm, listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about watches and warnings.
Know your community’s warning system. Communities have different ways of warning residents about tornados, with many having sirens intended for outdoor warning purposes.
Pick a safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
Practice periodic tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching.
Consider having your safe room reinforced. Plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection can be found on the FEMA Web site athttp://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/rms/rmsp453.shtm.
Prepare for high winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees.
Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.
Watch for tornado danger signs:
- Dark, often greenish clouds-a phenomenon caused by hail
- Wall cloud-an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm
- Cloud of debris
- Large hail
- Funnel cloud-a visible rotating extension of the cloud base
- Roaring noise

What should I do if a tornado is threatening?

The safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement or safe room.
If no underground shelter or safe room is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative.
- Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes or other severe winds.
- Do not seek shelter in a hallway or bathroom of a mobile home.
If you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, abandon your mobile home immediately.
Go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately, using your seat belt if driving.
Do not wait until you see the tornado.
If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter:
- Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
- If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park. Now you have the following options as a last resort:
  - Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible.
  - If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.
- Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances.

What do I do after a tornado?

Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.
If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
Wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes when examining your walls, doors, staircases and windows for damage.
Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately.
Stay out of damaged buildings.
Use battery powered flashlights when examining buildings—do NOT use candles.
If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly and call the gas company or fire department.
Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Keep all of your animals under your direct control.
Clean up spilled medications, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids that could become a fire hazard.
Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive.

National’s Newsroom

Santa Cruz County American Red Cross — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:59:16 +0000

Hello everyone… it’s been a long week around here! Longer still in other parts of the world, I’m afraid.

Just wanted to give you a heads up about our National Organizations Newsroom: http://newsroom.redcross.org

Great updates, and they have posted a new picture gallery of the relief efforts just today. Give it a look.

Haiti Earthquake Update 1/16/2010

Santa Cruz County American Red Cross — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:38:49 +0000

From Redcross.org:

Red Cross Continuing to Push Aid to Haiti Amid Difficult Conditions

Friday, January 15, 2010 —

The aftermath of Tuesday’s earthquake has posed logistical challenges for all humanitarian organizations, including Red Cross responders, who are working around the clock to meet the challenges and ensure aid reaches the survivors.

The difficulties include damaged transportation and power systems; an unreliable airport tower, which had led to many flights being diverted; and damaged cranes at the capital city’s port, which is not expected to reopen until January 18. Some roads are also covered with debris, making travel within the capital city difficult.

Despite these challenges, the American Red Cross has dozens of disaster specialists in Haiti, assessing the damage, addressing urgent needs and establishing the foundation for a long-term recovery operation. These individuals joined the 15-person staff who were already in country, and 12 Red Cross teams from other countries who arrived on Thursday. Among these teams are engineers, surgeons and family linking specialists. These teams will establish field hospitals, restore water and sanitation systems, distribute supplies and restore family links facilities.

Two planes carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance are due to land Friday afternoon in Port-au-Prince. The first carries a field hospital, and the second carries tarps, blankets, hygiene items, buckets, shelter supplies and kitchen sets.

The American Red Cross is also working today with airport authorities to transport additional items from its warehouse in Panama into Port-au-Prince.