Red Cross Survey Finds People Unclear about How to Stay Safe in Water

watersafetyEven though nearly two-thirds of families with small children plan on swimming in areas without lifeguards this summer, many people don’t know the right thing to do in water emergencies or how to keep their loved ones safe in the water, according to a new American Red Cross poll.

The survey findings show that people mistakenly believe some steps such as having a swimming buddy or flotation device will keep them safe. For example, while the Red Cross recommends that people always swim with a buddy in designated swimming areas supervised by lifeguards, buddies alone are not enough to keep swimmers safe. Continue reading Red Cross Survey Finds People Unclear about How to Stay Safe in Water

Sixth Annual Tea Affaire – Vintage High Tea

It was a trip back in time as ladies gathered for an afternoon of fun, fashion, and high spirits for the Sixth Annual Tiffany Tea Affaire. This vintage high tea event, an endeavor of the Tiffany Circle and Legacy Society, welcomed women from throughout the Capital Region to the Sacramento estate of Judy and John Reynan in celebration of the dedicated work of the American Red Cross.

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Continue reading Sixth Annual Tea Affaire – Vintage High Tea

Are You Ready for Wildfire Season?

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That haze in the air, the subliminal smell that makes you want to barbecue for dinner, the gentle ballad of wailing sirens flying down the road. Yes, Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner! Wait, no…..fire season. I mean FIRE SEASON!

Thanks to record dry conditions, warm temperatures and winds throughout California, it’s that time of year again already! Red Flag Warnings are in effect as wildfires are beginning to crop up throughout the state, providing a not-so-gentle reminder that the time to be wildfire ready is NOW. Continue reading Are You Ready for Wildfire Season?

May is National Water Safety Month

watersafetyWell, there it goes. Did you see it? Winter certainly was in a big hurry to get out of town this year. If you blinked, chances are you missed the low temperatures all together. And now here we are, staring the fast-approaching summer right in the face!

For many of us, the warm sunshine is a most welcome sight. We can’t wait to swap the rain boots for flip flops, pull the cover off our swimming pools, and dive right into California’s greatest time of year (of course this is just one writer’s opinion). Continue reading May is National Water Safety Month

THANK YOU, Volunteers!!

signThe week of April 21-27, 2013 is National Volunteer Week! It’s a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. While we certainly appreciate and value these types of recognition weeks, for those of us in local Red Cross chapters that are fortunate enough to see the incredible work and dedication of volunteers in action on a daily basis, it’s hard to understand why there’s only ONE week per year set aside. The service, passion and energy Red Cross volunteers bring each and everyday is simply invaluable.

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Volunteers with the Emergency Response Vehicle Teams pause for a photo during the cross-country drive to help with Superstorm Sandy relief.

With a national workforce that is 97 percent volunteer, it is fair to say that the Red Cross simply could not fulfill its mission without the efforts of these selfless individuals. We proudly recognize and appreciate your work and passion for service – not only this week, but EVERY week. Continue reading THANK YOU, Volunteers!!

Capital Region Chapter Deploys Five Volunteers to Illinois for Flood Relief

ImageAs the Midwest battles devastating flood waters and braces for a long recovery, the American Red Cross is helping residents in flooded communities by providing food, supplies, and emotional support while also supporting sandbagging operations in nearby states that are preparing for flooding.

To support the flood relief efforts, the Capital Region Chapter has deployed local volunteers to help in some of the areas impacted. As of Thursday morning, five disaster services volunteers from Sacramento and surrounding areas were en route to Illinois to begin a two week assignment as part of the flood relief operation. Continue reading Capital Region Chapter Deploys Five Volunteers to Illinois for Flood Relief

Boston and Texas Tragedies a Reminder of Our Need to Be Ready

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Volunteers organize and respond following the Boston Marathon explosions.

The recent tragedies in Boston and in Texas have left permanent scars in the lives of those affected. Lives and homes have been lost, and the world’s of many were changed in an instant. For those of us not directly impacted, the events have nontheless left us shaken and unsure of what may happen next.

What is often difficult to grasp is simply not knowing what’s next. An unfortunate reality is that accidents do happen and tragedy can strike without so much as a moment’s notice.

But we are not helpless. There are a number of things that we can do to both reduce our risk/exposure to such events AND prepare ourselves to react and respond should disaster occur. Continue reading Boston and Texas Tragedies a Reminder of Our Need to Be Ready

Volunteers Needed for Northern California Fire Season

firepicAn exceptionally dry winter and a fast-approaching California summer can mean only one thing – a very busy fire season. In anticipation of a season sure to keep first responders on their toes throughout the state, the American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to aid in disaster response.

The American Red Cross of Northeastern California will conduct five (5) volunteer orientations in the coming weeks, which will provide new volunteers with an overview of the Red Cross, its programs and services, and an opportunity to help communities respond to and recover from potential wildfire emergencies. Continue reading Volunteers Needed for Northern California Fire Season

Red Cross Statement on Boston Marathon Explosions

WASHINGTON, Monday, April 15, 2013 — Our hearts go out to everyone in Boston dealing with this tragedy and our thoughts are with all of those injured.

safeandwellRight now, it’s important for people in Boston to listen to the advice of local officials and stay at home so that the roads are clear for emergency responders. If you are in Boston or have loved ones there, knowing people are safe is the best way to bring peace of mind. It is important for people to connect with one another. If you have access to a computer, go to redcross.org/safeandwell to list yourself as safe. If you don’t, they can text loved ones or call a one family member and ask them to register you on the site. We are experiencing high volume, so please check back if you have a problem connecting. Continue reading Red Cross Statement on Boston Marathon Explosions

Local Heroes of Calaveras and San Joaquin County Honored by Red Cross

heroesawardsHeroes. Ordinary people performing extraordinary acts. They don’t do it for recognition or accolades, but rather simply because it needs to be done.

This was a common theme running through the 11th Annual Red Cross Heroes event, held Wednesday, April 10 at Wine and Roses in Lodi, CA. This year’s Heroes event honored 21 local heroes from Calaveras and San Joaquin counties for their selfless actions and offered an opportunity to recognize the heroism that surrounds us everyday.

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Local Heroes honored by the Red Cross

Nominated by friends, family, and community members, and applauded by a reception hall filled to capacity, this year’s heroes humbly accepted recognition for acts they felt were simply their duty to perform. From performing lifesaving CPR to donating bone marrow, from honoring and assisting military veterans to creating a student project that reaches out to the community, the spotlight shined brightly on heroes of all ages for their efforts which have left a lasting impact on those they have helped and the communities in which they live. Continue reading Local Heroes of Calaveras and San Joaquin County Honored by Red Cross