Drive Safely
With many people traveling over the holiday weekend, it’s more important than ever to drive safely. People should be well rested and alert, use their seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. If anyone plans on drinking alcohol, they should designate a driver who won’t be drinking.

Other tips for a safe trip include:
» Drivers should give full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
» Leave ample room when behind other vehicles.
» Use caution in work zones.
» Make frequent stops when traveling long distances.
» Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows, especially at night.
» Turn the vehicle’s headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
» Use high beams on rural roads unless approaching or following a vehicle.

Safe Grilling
The onset of grilling season often results in injuries and fires due to careless cooking practices. The Red Cross offers steps people can follow to help stay safe while enjoying those tasty cookout treats:
» Never grill indoors.
» Always supervise a grill when in use, and make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
» Keep grills out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
» Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.
» Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
» Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
» Be ready to close the lid and turn off the grill to cut off the fuel if necessary.
» Keep a fireproof pan under the grill to catch any falling ash or grease.

Water Safety
Learning to swim is one of the best steps someone can take to be comfortable and safe around water. People can contact their local aquatic facilities to get information about Red Cross swimming classes. Home Pool Essentials is an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners.

Other safety tips include:
» Swim only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
» Prevent unsupervised access to the water. Install and use barriers around your home pool or hot tub.
» Maintain constant supervision. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children even when lifeguards are present.
» Know what to do in an emergency. If a child is missing, check the water first. Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.Have appropriate rescue equipment, a phone, life jackets and a first aid kit near the pool.

Credit: BBC News

April 2012 Mexico City, Mexico Credit: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images

However, it seems that California is no longer alone in shaking up the United States. Within the past month alone, earthquakes were experienced in Oregon, Utah, and Maine. The American Red Cross reports that “earthquake occurrences are more frequent in United States since the last century.” Americans should be informed that the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) is the most active earthquake area east of the Rocky Mountains. States such as Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky have all experienced earthquakes caused by the NMSZ.

Although California has yet to feel the BIG ONE, with the kind of activity we’re seeing on a global scale, it is vital to be prepared at all times. Furthermore, Southern California is positioned right upon the San Andreas fault line, which could cause the next Great Earthquake of 2012, or 2013, or 2020. The truth is we do not know when our region will be hit with a devastating quake, but we do know that it WILL happen.

April 2012 Mexico City, Mexico Credit: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images

When people are prepared, not only are they more enabled to survive a disaster, but they also can have a sense of calm that allows for better decision-making in an emergency situation. Get an emergency kit, make a plan and be informed today so that you are ready for what may come tomorrow.

“Working with Red Cross to join forces has been exciting, said CEA CEO Glenn Pomeroy. “We all know the Red Cross for its compassionate outreach in our own communities. By adding this new auction to CEA’s statewide media campaign, we hope to motivate more Californians to make earthquake preparedness a priority.”

To accomplish this goal, expertise from the American Red Cross on preparing a kit, making a family disaster plan, and being informed, has been combined with CEA’s residential-insurance expertise and loss-mitigation knowledge to promote a comprehensive preparedness plan for California residents.

This joint preparedness effort by the CEA and the Red Cross was partially prompted by a UCLA School of Public Health and Survey Research Center study that reported in 2010 that “relatively few (California) households have acted to mitigate losses and reduce injuries” resulting from earthquakes.

California has about two-thirds of the nation’s earthquake risk. Some 2,000 known faults crisscross the state, producing an average of 102 earthquakes a day – more than 37,000 a year.

According to the 2010 State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, strong earthquakes of Magnitude 6 to 6.9 strike California an average of once every two to three years. An earthquake this size can cause major damage if the epicenter is near a densely populated area. The 1994 Northridge earthquake (magnitude 6.7) caused more than $40 billion in disaster losses, 57 deaths, and 11,846 injuries.

“Working with the CEA to help more people learn how to take care of their families and neighbors will make our communities more resilient to damaging earthquakes,” said American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter CEO Harold Brooks. “The Red Cross is eager to work with the CEA to further promote a culture of earthquake preparedness through education campaigns to motivate more residents to ready themselves for disasters.”

About the CEA
With nearly $10 billion in claim-paying power, combined with the service expertise provided by the CEA’s 17 participating insurance companies, the CEA could cover all of its claims if the 1906 San Francisco, 1989 Loma Prieta, and 1994 Northridge earthquakes all reoccurred today. Just 12 percent of California’s homeowners with fire insurance, however, also have a separate earthquake insurance policy. Visit www.EarthquakeAuthority.com for more information about the California Earthquake Authority.

Donate Blood – Every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion

Blood can not be manufactured; it can only come from volunteer donors. So when the bag is full, the needle is out and the bandage is on, the blood donor feels great about doing a good deed but while his body is busily replenishing the lost pint, what happens to the blood he just donated?

The bag of blood is given a number, which will be used to track its contents. Some of the blood goes to a lab for testing, while the rest is sent to storage. The smaller sample is first tested for type, ABO and RH positive or negative.  Receiving a transfusion of the wrong blood type can cause a hemolytic reaction, which includes fainting, chills and fever. Type O negative is considered the universal donor, since anyone can accept it. It’s always in demand. Type AB negative is also in demand, being the rarest type.  The sample is then tested for several diseases, including HIV, hepatitis and West Nile virus. If the blood is found to be infected, it’s destroyed and the donor is notified. All results stay confidential.

The rest of the donation can be stored as whole blood, refrigerated, for up to 35 days. Whole blood can be transfused during surgery, or given to trauma patients. Other donated blood gets processed. It’s spun in a centrifuge to separate it into elements: red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Red blood cells carry oxygen. They can be used to treat hemophilia or given to patients who have lost blood. These cells can be stored for up to 42 days. Platelets are important for clotting. They’re used to treat clotting disorders, some types of cancer and burn patients.  Platelets can be stored at room temperature, constantly agitated, for five days.  The third element, plasma, is the liquid component of blood. It’s used to treat hemophilia and in general surgery.  It can be frozen and stored for up to a year. People can donate only plasma through a process called plasmapheresis.

The whole blood or separated elements are distributed to hospitals. Open heart surgery can require a transfusion of two to six units of blood. An accident victim may need up to a hundred units. Through voluntary donations, the Red Cross provides nearly 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply.

Fortunately for the blood donor, his body will replace the lost red blood cells in about 36 days. In 56 days, he’ll be eligible to donate another pint and the process will begin again.

For more information about donating blood, donor requirements and blood drives please check out: http://redcrossla.org/blood/

“We are pleased to be partnering with the Red Cross to help our communities prepare for emergencies, without spending a lot of money doing so. Consumers can save more when they shop 99¢ Only Stores first for their emergency preparedness supplies,” said Eric Schiffer, CEO, 99¢ Only Stores.

The Red Cross recommends that residents have disaster kits for every location, including home, car, work or school and urges families with pets to include provisions for the feeding and care of their animals. Residents are also urged to keep valid identifications and important documents in water-proof, plastic bags.

“We know that personal preparedness is critical in surviving a major disaster, and we are very grateful to the 99¢ Cent Only Stores for helping the Red Cross get our community members prepared,” said Paul Schulz, CEO, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region.

BARKCODE® is an identification system that integrates with cell phones, tablets, computers and other everyday mobile communication devices to connect a lost or injured pet to its owner or caretaker.  Once attached to a pet collar, the nickel-sized tag, which contains a 2-dimensional code, can be scanned by any mobile or cell phone device with a camera to pull up multiple contacts and other important information about the pet immediately.

In addition to providing a simple method to identify lost animals and help them back to their loving families after a major disaster such as flood, hurricane or earthquake, BARKCODE® will donate $3 to the American Red Cross for each discounted $10 tag purchased to raise funds for American Red Cross disaster preparedness and disaster response missions.  

“We are pleased to work with the American Red Cross and provide this proprietary technology to assist both individual owners and pets,” said BARKCODE® Co-Founder Laura Erickson. “By going to barkcode.com/redcross can receive the BARKCODE® pet ID Tag (provides 10-year service), and in turn, the American Red Cross will receive a donation for their tremendous global disaster efforts.”

Red Cross L.A. Region CEO Paul Schulz commented, “The BARKCODE® Pet ID system is an ideal way to bring people and their pets together and relieve unneeded stress and suffering during and after a disaster.  BARKCODE®’s support of the Red Cross is much appreciated and just one more key partnership between the Red Cross and socially aware business interests.

Click here for more information about protecting your pet during a disaster or assistance in locating  lost pet. Donors will receive this revolutionary tool for assisting and locating pets while helping the Red Cross to support disaster preparedness and disaster response missions. 

Remember Your Pet When Planning for Disasters

Before disasters strike, the Red Cross urges you to keep your pets in mind while planning for emergencies and possible evacuations from your home or neighborhood. Please remember the following tips when preparing for disasters: make plans to take your pets with you if you have to evacuate; most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Know which friends, relatives, hotels, or boarding facilities will accept pets in an emergency; assemble an easy-to-carry kit with emergency supplies for pets, including:

• Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers
• Food, drinking water, bowls, manual can opener
• Medications and copies of medical records
• Current photos of the pets

Learn Pet First Aid

If your pet is injured or stops breathing, would you know what to do? Several Red Cross chapters in the L.A. Region offer courses on pet first aid. Recently, the Santa Monica Red Cross co-sponsored a Prepare UR Pet workshop and Preparedness Fair, which generated a large community response.

Click here to see if there is a pet first aid course offered near you or call 1-800 RED CROSS. The Red Cross has also developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid Guides with DVDs that teach basic responsibilities, such as spaying/neutering, giving medications, performing CPR, and preparing for disasters. To purchase a guide, please visit the Red Cross Store.

Before:

• If you see a wildfire, call 911. Tell the dispatcher where the fire is located.
• Evacuate anyone with medical and physical limitations, children, and the elderly.
• Wear protective clothing.
• Remove any combustible or flammable items outside your home.
• Close and protect openings to your home (like pet doors). Remove as many flammable objects as possible.
• Shut off any natural gas, propane or fuel oil supplies at the source. Remember, only a professional will be able to turn these back on.
• Connect garden hoses and fill pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, and tubs.
• Back your car into the driveway in case of immediate evacuation.
• Disconnect any automatic garage door openers so doors can be opened by hand.
• Place valuables inside the car ready for quick departure.
• Contain pets in one room so that you can find them quickly if you need to evacuate.
• Turn on lights and close all doors, but don’t lock up. If necessary, firefighters can gain quick entry to your house to fight fire.

During:

• If you’re outside in a wildfire, try to seek shelter in a sparse fuel area. On a mountainside, the back side is safer. Stay down until the fire passes.
• If you’re completely trapped, it’s safer to stay in a car than run from the fire. This is dangerous and should only be done in an emergency. Roll up windows, drive slowly with headlights on, and do not drive through heavy smoke.
• If you must stop, park away from heavy brush and leave headlights on. Get on the floor and cover up with a blanket/coat. Stay inside until the fire passes.

After:

• Put out any roof fires and check the attic for hidden burning sparks.
• The water you put into your pool or tubs will come in handy; connect a house to the outlet on your water heater if the power is out.
• Maintain a “fire watch” after the fire. Keep an eye out for any smoke or sparks in your home.

Information from the American Red Cross and FEMA (http://www.fema.gov/hazard/wildfire/index.shtm)

Read below for the full story

By Tony Barboza, Los Angeles Times
January 22, 2011, 8:51 p.m.

Scientists say such a storm, occurring every 100 to 200 years, would inundate the Central Valley, trigger widespread landslides and cause flood damage to 1 in 4 homes.

California’s “big one” may not be an earthquake at all, but a devastating megastorm that would inundate the Central Valley, trigger widespread landslides and cause flood damage to 1 in 4 homes in the state.

The prospect of such a storm was raised this month by scientists predicting the consequences of an “atmospheric river” of moisture from the tropical Pacific hitting California with up to 10 feet of rain and hurricane-force winds over several weeks.

A team of more than 100 scientists, engineers and emergency planners used flood mapping, climate change projections and geologic flood history to simulate a hypothetical storm so intense that it occurs only every 100 to 200 years. They presented their findings in Sacramento during a conference sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the California Emergency Management Agency.

The study isn’t meant to be a forecast that such a fierce storm is imminent, but rather a push by scientists to publicize the risk of a catastrophe that they say is unfamiliar to most Californians.

In the scenario — powerful back-to-back storms — floods could require about 1 1/2 million people to evacuate and cause more than $300 billion in property damage. The economic loss would be four times that of a very large earthquake.

The simulation was based on the most severe storm event on record in California, a 45-day series of storms that started in December 1861 and, according to the Geological Survey, caused such extensive flooding that the Sacramento Valley was turned into “an inland sea, forcing the state Capitol to be moved temporarily from Sacramento to San Francisco, and requiring Gov. Leland Stanford to take a rowboat to his inauguration.”

Geologists studying prehistoric flood deposits found evidence of even larger storms that occurred about every 300 years. Scientists project storms of that magnitude to become more frequent and powerful as a result of global warming.

Scientists said the study highlights the need to prepare for the large-scale devastation of powerful winter storms, which have received far less attention than the threat of earthquakes. Unlike a quake, which radiates from a single location, a megastorm would cause destruction spanning the entire state.

“We need to recognize that flooding here in California is as much of a risk as an earthquake,” said Lucy Jones, chief scientist for the Geological Survey’s Multi-Hazards Project. “These storms are like hurricanes in the amount of rain that they produce.”

The exact effects of a colossal storm would depend on weather patterns that cannot be predicted until about a week before they strike. But the study identified some of the most vulnerable areas.

Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area would be especially susceptible to the floodwaters of overflowing rivers. A 300-mile-long expanse of the Central Valley would be underwater, with substantial losses of crops, livestock and urban structures. The rains would overwhelm much of the state’s flood protection system, especially in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta area, where levees aren’t designed to withstand the flow predicted in such a storm.

Landslides would wash out key portions of roads, highways and railroads. Flooding would disrupt the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Power, water and sewer lines could sustain damage that would take months to repair.

“It’s an extreme but plausible storm” that would become more catastrophic the longer it lasted, said Mark Jackson, meteorologist-in-charge at the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office, who wasn’t involved in the research but went to the conference. “Our landscape can really handle quite a bit of rain. But when you get two storms back to back, you reach saturation, and the flood control systems are pushed over capacity.”

The study, which took two years to complete, was designed as a follow-up to a 2008 report by the Geological Survey in which researchers examined the potential effects of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake on the San Andreas fault in Southern California.

As a next step, meteorologists are working to develop a scale that would rank the intensity of California’s extreme storms with categories like the ones used to classify hurricanes.

Why were Red Cross volunteers knocking on doors on Monday, January 17th? They were spreading the word about fire safety as part of a service project in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. More than 100 adult and youth volunteers joined AmeriCorps members to give out door hangars with fire safety tips and talk to Los Angeles residents about how to prevent the most common disaster the Red Cross responds to: residential fires. The volunteers focused on two L.A. neighborhoods with a higher than average incidence of house fires in 2010, and also spoke to people along the Kingdom Day Parade route in Leimert Park. They met in the morning for a brief training session, then split into teams of two to three volunteers. Each team covered an area of approximately a hundred houses in two hours.

The MLK Day outreach gathered volunteers from groups such as HOPE Worldwide and St. Mary’s Academy Health and Wellness club. The Garcia family, consisting of Mom, Dad, their four kids, Grandma and her two foster children, joined in to be of service. Fairus Tefery and Tavasha Amador, students from St. Mary’s, canvassed together. Tavasha hoped that “the information I present, I can learn myself.” Lucy Vigil, a volunteer who joined through her church group, vividly remembers a house fire in her neighborhood which left an elderly woman with nothing. “I want to be able to help people out without imposing any expectations in return,” she said.

Together, the volunteers distributed nearly 1800 door hangars and spoke to over 630 area residents. They emphasized the need for smoke detectors, reminding people to test their detectors and change the batteries every six months. They also stressed the importance of having an evacuation plan. Overall, the volunteers found the residents they spoke to very receptive. “People think L.A. is all South Central and dangerous,” said volunteer Martin Garcia. “But most people here just want to keep their families safe.”

Want to canvass your own neighborhood with door hangers?

Get a group of family or friends together and spread the word about preventing homefires, they are the most common and most PREVENTABLE disaster. You can help by getting others to take these few simple steps!

Fire Safety Checklist

Downloadable Fire Safety Doorhangers

Find your local Fire Station