Which were the top 5 disasters of 2008? Watch the video to find out…
Video: 2008 Disaster Response Year in Review
December 31, 2008
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Disaster Relief Operation | Tagged: disasters, new year, top, top 5, video, year in review | 
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Posted by amrecro
Denver Plane Crash: The Red Cross Response
December 23, 2008Other Disaster Events - December 2008
Red Cross volunteer, Joe Callahan, coordinates mental health services for plane crash victims and their families.
On December 20, a passenger plane skidded off a runway in Denver Colorado. Charley Shimanski, CEO of the Mile High Chapter, describes the Red Cross response:
In all, 38 people were transported to five local hospitals, and the chapter responded to each of these hospitals. At [Denver International Airport], we assisted Continental [Airlines] in the establishment of a Friends and Family Reception Center (FFRC). This was staffed with Health Services, Mental Health, and Mass Care volunteers. The FFRC helped to link families back together from the incident.
The families that were traveling to Houston and in need of lodging were bussed to a local hotel by Continental, and the two Red Cross Mental Health Care professionals that had been at [Denver International Airport] after the incident stayed the night at the hotel with those passengers. Our Mental Health Care professionals also accompanied those passengers back to Houston the following morning on the Charter aircraft that Continental provided.
It is widely known that the Red Cross offers basic health services, sheltering, and food in times of need. Many people, however, do not realize that the Red Cross responds to aviation incidents, provides services to family members, and offers mental health counseling immediately after traumatic events.
Disasters are traumatic. Red Cross workers are specially trained to identify and address need as well as trauma that disaster victims and their families experience.
You can become a Red Cross volunteer by contacting your local chapter.
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Disaster Relief Operation, Other Disaster Events | Tagged: colorado, denver, disaster, mental health, plane crash, red cross, relief | 
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Posted by amrecro
Winter Storms: Are you Experiencing Severe Winter Weather?
December 23, 2008Winter Storms - December 2008
Register as Safe & Well and check out preparedness information for before, during, and after a winter storm:
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Disaster Relief Operation, Winter Storms (December 2008) | Tagged: red cross, safe and well, preparedness, disaster, snow, ice, winter storm, winter weather, prepare | 
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Posted by amrecro
Winter Storms: Photos from New Hampshire Shelters
December 23, 2008Winter Storms - December 2008
These photos are available for media distribution. Please click the photo for caption and courtesy information:
No Comments » | Disaster Relief Operation, Winter Storms (December 2008) | Tagged: baby, cute, ice storm, images, new hampshire, photos, winter storms | Permalink
Posted by amrecro
Winter Storm Photos: Governor Lynch Visits Shelters in New Hampshire
December 19, 2008Winter Storms - December 2008
These photos are available for distribution. Please click the photo for caption and courtesy information:
No Comments » | Uncategorized | Tagged: governor, ice, image, lynch, new hampshire, photo, red cross, shelter, snow, snow storm, winter weather | Permalink
Posted by amrecro
Winter Storms Audio: Hoarding Water Bottles?
December 15, 2008Winter Storms - December 2008
Lisa Michaud reports from New Hampshire:
LisaMichaud’s Mobile post sent by AmRedCross using Utterli. Replies. mp3
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Posted by amrecro
Winter Storms Audio: The Youngest Volunteer
December 15, 2008Winter Storms - December 2008
Donna Stevens reports from New Hampshire:
LisaMichaud’s Mobile post sent by AmRedCross using Utterli. 
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No Comments » | Disaster Relief Operation, Winter Storms (December 2008) | Tagged: audio, children, disaster, new hampshire, power, relief, story, volunteer, winter storm, youth | Permalink
Posted by amrecro
Winter Storms Audio: Getting through shelter anxiety
December 15, 2008Winter Storms - December 2008
Cathy Jerome reports from New Hampshire:
LisaMichaud’s Mobile post sent by AmRedCross using Utterli. 
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No Comments » | Disaster Relief Operation, Winter Storms (December 2008) | Tagged: audio, new hampshire, shelter, water, winter storm | Permalink
Posted by amrecro
Winter Storms: Relief Efforts in Northeast New York
December 15, 2008Winter Storms - December 2008
As of this morning, there were 13 Red Cross shelters opened in 7 counties in Northeast New York.
Map of shelters located in Northeast New York:
With high winds expected to continue, power outages are expected to rise. Here are some safety tips for blackouts:
- Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles!
- Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
- Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
- Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.
- If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system.
- Listen to local radio and television for updated information.
More information:
No Comments » | Disaster Relief Operation, Winter Storms (December 2008) | Tagged: blackout, generator, google map, ice, map, northeast new york, safety, shelter, snow, storm, tips, winter | Permalink
Posted by amrecro
Winter Storms: Red Cross Shelters Hundreds as Severe Weather Hits Northeast
December 15, 2008Winter Storms - Release - December 2008
The American Red Cross sheltered hundreds of people over the weekend who were affected by ice storms in the Northeast. Working with local partners, Red Cross chapters opened shelters in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.
“Unfortunately, ice storms are par for the course during the New England winter. But the Red Cross is always ready to give people a safe and warm place to go when there are widespread power outages like this,” said Joe Becker, senior vice president of Disaster Services.
Severe winter weather also threatens other parts of the country this week, including states in the Midwest and West.
The Red Cross encourages everyone to be prepared:
- If a winter storm WATCH is issued in your area, it means a winter storm is possible. Pay attention to updates from local radio and TV stations, and avoid any unnecessary travel.
- If a winter storm WARNING is issued, it means a winter storm is headed for your area. Stay indoors during the storm if possible. If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat.
- A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately.
Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must, make sure you have a disaster supplies kit in the trunk. Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive.
If you get stuck while driving:
- Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
- Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.
- Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
- As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
- Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
No Comments » | Disaster Relief Operation, Winter Storms (December 2008) | Tagged: ice, local, maine, massachusetts, new hampshire, new york, northeast, snow, storm, vermont, winter | Permalink
Posted by amrecro
