September, which is peak hurricane season, is National Preparedness Month. During September 2005, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma affected millions of people across the United States and prompted an enormous response from the Red Cross.
With the help of 245,000 Red Cross disaster workers – many of whom were volunteers – the Red Cross assisted millions by providing shelter, food and other basic needs. In Union County, the Red Cross partnered with the Department of Social Services, DHEC, Salvation Army and other voluntary and faith-based organizations to shelter 31 evacuees during the hurricanes of 2005.
In the Upstate alone, the Red Cross responds to an average of two disasters each day, with house fires being the most common in this area. During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the Union County Service Center of the American Red Cross Piedmont Chapter assisted 38 individuals during 14 separate house fires.
“We can always use volunteers,” said Union County Service Center Director Carol Willis.
Willis stated Union county is always in need of those who are interested in becoming part of a Disaster Action Team (DAT).
“With just a few hours of training, people can go assist at house fires, which is the number one disaster in Union County,” she added.
Safety checklists are available at the Union Service Center – located downstairs from City Hall – for emergencies such as house fires, tornados, hurricanes, thunderstorms, winter storms and power outages.
BE RED CROSS READY
The American Red Cross recommends three preparedness actions to be “Red Cross ready” for emergencies:
• Get a kit. The American Red Cross recommends keeping an emergency preparedness kit including basic supplies such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, batteries, first aid kit, medications, a multi-purpose tool (including a can opener for non-perishables) and personal hygiene items. Some items in the kit – such as baby supplies or pet supplies – will vary depending on the specific needs of each family.
• Make a plan. According to the Red Cross, a solid plan can help bring peace of mind and assurance during a time of emergency. A good plan should focus on the three w’s – what, where and who: what to do, where to go and who to contact. Responsibilities should be identified for every member of the household, and everyone should practice emergency response. All household members should also be made aware of where emergency contact information is kept.
• Be informed. It is also recommended to learn what disasters or emergencies may occur and different ways to get important information during those times such as TV radio or the local emergency warning system. During emergencies, people can get hurt and may need immediate medical attention, and EMS or other professional medical help may be delayed. Therefore, the Red Cross also urges everyone to learn first aid.
EMERGENCY ACTION STEPS
Becoming “Red Cross ready” involves actions taken prior to emergencies to better prepare families to handle emergency situations. The Red Cross also teaches three emergency action steps to take during the actual event of an emergency.
• Check – Check the scene for safety and for clues as to what happened, who was hurt and who can help.
• Call – Get help by calling 911 or another local emergency number if necessary to get advanced medical help. According to the American Red Cross, calling for help can be the most important action taken to help someone who is seriously ill or injured. A call to 911 should be made immediately if someone is unconscious, having trouble breathing, experiencing chest discomfort or severe bleeding and especially if someone has a head, neck or back injury or possible broken bones.
• Care – The Red Cross recommends first aid and CPR training in order to care for those who are seriously ill or injured. Classes are offered monthly in Union.
The Union County Red Cross Service Center will offer an adult CPR/AED/FA class on Tuesday, Sept. 14, and an infant/child CPR class on Wednesday, Sept. 15, with both classes being held at 6 p.m.
The Red Cross offers monthly classes in Union County.
For more information about becoming a volunteer or enrolling in a class, contact Union County Service Center Director Carol Willis at (864) 680-8406 or (864) 429-7954, or by emailing cwillis@piedmontarc.org. Willis also conducts classes for organizations, as well as free “Masters of Disaster” classes for schools.
Post a Comment
