Red Cross urges simple house fire tips that can save lives

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2009

Contact: Bill Harrison

804-780-2256 (O)

804-396-0162. (cell)

 

RED CROSS URGES SIMPLE HOUSE FIRE TIPS THAT CAN SAVE LIVES

House Fires Can Happen to Anyone

 

“Every three hours in the United States a home fire claims a life and every thirty minutes someone is injured in a home fire,” shared Reggie Gordon, CEO of the American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter.

 

Injuries related to fires and burns costs $1.3 billion in 2000 and in 2006 residential fires cost nearly $7 billion in property damages. The sentimental value of lost personal items and keepsakes cannot be estimated.

 

“Loosing one’s home is always devastating,” continued Gordon, “And it can be especially difficult for the elderly who may have lived in a home for many years or for children who cannot comprehend the damage.”

 

There are measures that businesses, schools and families can put into place that arm people with lifesaving skills in the event of a fire or other emergency.

 

American Red Cross recommendations:

 

Install smoke alarms

 

Install an alarm on every floor of the home, even in the basement and outside every sleeping area. Test the alarms monthly. Change the batteries at least twice a year.

 

Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do if they hear- get out and crawl under the smoke.

 

Having a smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a home fire in half. More than three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with nonworking alarms.

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Get out of the burning house

 

In a fire get out and stay out. Don’t pause to get belongings.

 

Teach children not to hide, but to get out immediately.

 

Escape first, then call for help.

 

Never go back into a burning house for any reason. Going back can be deadly. The heat can scorch your lungs and melt your skin. Breathing even small amounts of smoke can make you confused or pass out.

 

Have an escape route

Plan and practice escape routes. Have a location that all family members will meet after leaving the building.

 

The American Red Cross will conduct free fire safety seminars for communities of faith, civic organizations or schools. Contact the chapter through the web site www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org or by calling 804-780-2250.

 

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Red Cross Halloween safety tips

Halloween is a fun time where there will be many ghosts and ghouls out trick-or-treating.  This is a great time to be educated on the safety hazards you should follow on this festive night.  The American Red Cross has outlined some helpful tips that will help you stay safe:

 

Plan your route beforehand and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.

Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards and brooms, too!)

Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.

Cross the street only at corners.

Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.

Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.

Walk, slither and sneak on sidewalks; not in the street.

Carry a flashlight or glow stick to light your way.

Visit homes that have the porch light on.

Keep away from open fires and candles. (Keep in mind that costumes can be extremely flammable.)  Another great option, is to use a glow stick in place of candles.  It prevents fires but offers the same effects of lighting.

Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s home.

There will be many people dressed in costumes, be cautious of strangers and animals, especially dogs.

Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don’t eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.

American Red Cross helping local fire victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 6, 2009

Contact: Bill Harrison

804-780-2256 (o)

804-396- 0162 (cell)

The American Red Cross, Southside Area Chapter is helping 30 people displaced by the recent Poplar Forest apartment complex fire with debit cards for food and clothing. “We could have also provided shelter, but everyone located housing,” stated Rosalyn Andrew, Chapter CEO.

Farmville volunteers Peggy Nightingale, Vandal Holman, Chelsi Hood, Chris Atkins and Lena Rose Huddleston were the first Red Cross personnel to arrive on the scene. They were later joined by Andrews and volunteers Iva Branch of Blackstone and Morris Burke of Richmond.

“We have spent about $4,000.00 thus far on the operation,” said Andrews. “All American Red Cross help is free, made possible by the contributions of time from our volunteers and donations of money from the community,” continued Andrews.

“This fire is a reminder that tragedies such as this can happen to anyone.  We must be prepared and know how to respond when a fire strikes our home.” she said. “I must share that the response from the Farmville community was a bit overwhelming. People came out of the woodwork asking how they could help. Breakfast for the residents and firefighters was donated by the Prince Edward County Public Schools, Longwood located housing for their students and the Poplar Forest management team made the transition so much easier by immediately refunding security deposits and rents.”

Andrews noted that while material possessions can be replaced, family heirlooms and more personal items cannot. “We have mental health counselors who will meet with people who have faced disasters as oftentimes it takes a few days for the reality to set in,” she said.

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“We would love to recruit more volunteers from the Farmville area as the help is much more immediate when the responders are local,” said Andrews.

“The area covered by our chapter is extensive and we are working to increase our volunteer forces as well as build up our monetary reserves.”

To help with monetary donations or for information on how to volunteer, contact the American Red Cross, Southside Area Chapter, 3267 A South Crater Road, Petersburg, Va. 23805 or donate on-line at www.SouthsideArea.RedCross.org. The Chapter’s phone number is 804-733-5711.

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