Mark Your Calendars for the 2011 Gala Salute

The Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross is once again holding its Gala Salute. The date for this event is September 24, 2011. The Gala Salute honors the strength and compassion of our military and all the sacrifices that they make.



If you didn’t get to attend the 2010 Gala Salute you missed a great evening. There was a live auction, music from the Compaq Big Band, award presentation, dancing and more.

The Gala Salute brings together all the people and groups who are dedicated to serving their community and showing their gratitude for our armed forces.

The 2011 Gala Salute will continue with this tradition of gathering people, businesses and community leaders, dedicated to the community, to pay tribute to our military.

We hope to see you there.

Volunteering with the Greater Manchester Chapter

Are you interested in helping your community become greater? There are many positions available, in a variety of areas, for people looking to volunteer.

A few positions that we are currently looking for someone to fill are:

• Government Relations volunteer
• Front desk receptionist
  

The duties of the Government Relations volunteer would be to attend town meetings and then report the information back to us. This is a great way to help your community through your local Red Cross chapter, as well as becoming more involved in local political matters.

The front desk receptionist would be responsible for answering the phone calls that come into the chapter and directing them to the proper person.

Volunteering is a great way to learn something about your community and give back to it at the same time. There are many opportunities available, so come by and we’ll find something that suits you

If these positions sound like something you’d like to do, or you’re interested in volunteering with the Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross in another way, contact Caela Goumas, Volunteer Coordinator, at (603) 624-4307 or GoumasC@usa.redcross.org.

Lightning Safety and Facts

Thunderstorms can happen anywhere in the world at any time of the day. We’ve seen our fair share of them recently, so it’s time to brush up on our lightning facts and safety information.

Before we start, look over these National Weather Service lightning myths to erase any wrong, and potentially harmful, “facts”.

Over the past 30 years lightning has caused an average of 58 deaths per year, according to The U.S. Natural Hazard Statistics.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cherie A. Thurlby. Public Domain)

There are some simple ways, however, to make sure that you remain safe. The most important thing to remember is: if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

Before the storms hits take a few precautions to make sure you’re prepared:

• Always have an emergency preparedness kit ready.
• Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a severe thunderstorm.
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail.

When the thunderstorm actually hits:

• Listen to local weather forecasts and keep an eye on the sky.
• Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
• Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
• Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job!

When the storm passes:

• Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
• Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.

If someone is struck by lightning:

• Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Anyone who has sustained a lightning strike requires professional medical care.
• The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
• Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries.

There are always more things you can do to stay safe. Read up on how lightning functions and how to stay safe [pdf].

Wilderness and Remote First Aid

Do you spend a lot of time outdoors? Enjoy going for a hike, camping, or just spend a lot of time outdoors for work? If you do, you should consider signing up for the American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid [pdf] class.

This 2 part, 16-hour Wilderness and Remote First Aid course gives you the skills and confidence you need to respond to an emergency when help may be delayed.

(Learn how to be prepared when you’re away from help.)

The course includes training on:

• Head (Brain), Neck and Spinal Injuries
• Heat-Related Emergencies
• Hypothermia
• Altitude-Related Illnesses
• Allergies and Anaphylaxis
• Burns
• Bone and Joint Injuries
• Wounds and Wound Infection

The course is based on the Boy Scouts of America’s “Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine Guidelines” and has been reviewed and/or supported by the American Camp Association, American Canoe Association, National Recreation and Park Association, and JCC Association. Wilderness and Remote First Aid also offers enhanced content and topics to meet OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.

To take the course you must be at least 14 years of age and possess current certification in Adult CPR/AED.

This course is on August 7th and 8th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you’re interested in taking this course, or other courses, call the Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross at 624-4307.

Protect Your Pets!

Today is the Third Annual National Pet Fire Safety Day, so while you’re educating yourself on disaster preparedness remember to think about your pets.

Home Fires are one of the most common disasters that the American Red Cross responds to, and they also happen to be one that affects pets directly.

The best way to protect your pets from a fire is to include them in your family disaster plan. If you have to evacuate then so do they.

Here are some tips from RedCross.org about preparing to evacuate with your pets:

• Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept you and your pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no ­pet policies could be waived in an emergency.
• Most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters.
• Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
• Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately.
• Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
• Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
• Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.

It’s also important to have a portable pet disaster supplies kit assembled. This should include medications and medical records (in waterproof containers), first aid kit, leashes and/or carriers, current photos (in case your pet gets lost), food and water, bowls, and cat litter/pan.

Here is a checklist [pdf] of all the things to think about and prepare for before and after a disaster strikes.

Also, look over the National Fire Prevention Association safety information to learn the most common causes of fires and how to prevent them from happening in your house.

(For even more pet protection, learn how to take care of your pet with cat and dog first aid videos.)

Pets are part of our family and we should make sure that in a disaster we are ready to take care of them. For further information on protecting your pets from fires and other disasters visit the Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Humane Society of the United States or Ready.gov.

The Perfect Time to be Prepared

Disasters can unfortunately happen at any time. That’s why it is important to have a plan prepared for your family.

Since July is Bioterrorism/Disaster Education & Awareness Month it’s a great time to set up a plan if you don’t already have one. If you do have a plan, now is a great time to review it for updates and talk about it as a family.

Having an emergency plan and kit available means that you and your family will know what to do if a disaster happens, and you’ll be equipped with the right tools to keep yourselves safe.

If you need help creating your plan look at the Red Cross Family Disaster Plan [pdf] or the FEMA Are You Ready Guide, which can show you how to set up your plan.

The Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross is involved in providing Disaster Services to the community, Disaster Planning information and details on what should be in your emergency kit.

Hopefully you’ll never have to use your plan or kit, but having them prepared in advance will ensure that you remain safe if you do find yourself in a disaster situation.

Let Your Fireworks Fly (Safely)!

(Bratislava; New Year 2005; Fireworks. Photo by Wikipedia user Ondrejk.)

With the Fourth of July weekend right around the corner we’ll all be having our celebrations this weekend. Whether we’re relaxing, and just looking towards the sky, or setting them off ourselves fireworks are always included in that celebration. Fireworks are a highlight of our Independence Day celebrations, but they are also dangerous.

There were an estimated 8,800 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks during 2009, according to the report [pdf] by the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission.

During the period between June 19, 2009 and July 19, 2009 there were an estimated 5,900 fireworks-related injuries alone, according to that same report. You can enjoy these Fourth of July staples safely by doing the following:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

The New Hampshire Department of Fire Safety has a list of permissible fireworks and restrictions on its website, which everyone should check to make sure they’re using the proper fireworks.

So, follow these and other Fourth of July guidelines and be sure to have a fun and safe weekend.

Reminder: Come to Papa Gino’s to Help your Community.

Don’t forget! The Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross gets 20% of your purchase from Papa Gino’s in the Maple Tree Mall on July 8th between 4pm and 9pm. You need to present a flyer at the time of your purchase.

All you have to do is bring this flyer with you, gather up a bunch of your friends and have a good time.

The money raised will continue to support your community with disaster and emergency relief, health and safety education, blood services and Service to the Armed Forces.

This is a great way to have fun with some friends and give back to your community at the same time.

Hope to see you there.

Get to Know your Red Cross

The Red Cross is probably an organization that you’ve heard of before, but do you know how it started?

While the Civil War was raging in the United States, Clara Barton, a former school teacher and government worker from Massachusetts, went to the battlefield to help care for the wounded.

After the Civil War, Barton went to Europe and learned of the Red Cross Movement and worked in relief efforts for civilians during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. Returning home, she worked to persuade the US government to sign the Geneva Convention.

In 1881, with a group of friends, Barton founded the American Association of the Red Cross. Her unique contribution to the worldwide Red Cross movement was organizing volunteers to help disaster victims. Her ideas became reality when Red Cross volunteers in New York shipped food and clothing to victims of the Michigan forest fires of 1881.

(Clara Barton)

For more history of the American Red Cross visit their website.

Continuing the example set by Clara Barton, The Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross services Manchester and the 16 surrounding communities, and has been doing so since its charter on July 28, 1916.

This example includes following the fundamental principles, which have always remained at the forefront, and providing disaster relief to the community.

The chapter moved into the Frank P. Carpenter House in 1941, after it was given to the Red Cross by the family. Frank P. Carpenter is remembered for his philanthropy, which funded the construction of many building in Manchester including the YMCA, the Carpenter Memorial Library and the Manchester Historic Association Building.

The chapter resided there until 2008, when we moved into the renovated carriage house behind the Frank P. Carpenter House. During that time the chapter was awarded two Historic Preservation Awards, in 1994 and 2002, for their treatment of the property.

The classes that are offered through this chapter include Adult CPR/AED, Babysitter’s Training and many others. These classes provide the community with the opportunity to learn how to prevent and be prepared for a disaster.

If you would like to get to know the Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross first-hand come get involved.

Be Prepared for Everything this Summer.

Summer is the time for adventures and fun. Unfortunately that can lead to some sticky situations and injuries. For that reason it is important to have a first aid kit around when you need it.

(Always have one with you!)

If you want to purchase your own first aid kit you can call us at 603-624-4307.

You may also make your own. Some kits are designed for specific activities, such as hiking, camping or boating. Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need. Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest. Check the kit regularly. Make sure the flashlight batteries work. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

Here is a list of what the Red Cross recommends including in a first aid kit for a family of four.

It is also important to have a kit prepared for an emergency. If you don’t have an emergency supply kit now, but are looking to start one (good job!), here is a list of all the things you’ll need.

Whatever you’re doing this summer try to stay safe and remember to bring along your first aid kit on all your trips.

Find Your Place and Give Back to the Community.

Improving your community can be done in a variety of ways. During the summer sometimes we forget to still give some of our time back, and all we need is to be pointed in the right direction and given a little push.

(Public Domain)

With that in mind here are a few places to look into as a starting point:

Libraries- There are various movies, classes and events happening throughout the summer. Go there to help out or just to have a good time this summer. Manchester City Library, Goffstown Library, Bedford Library, Hooksett Library

Food Banks- Hunger is something that we have the ability to lessen in this state. Find a drive near you or give some of your time in other ways at the NH Food Bank.

Give Blood- It’s easy to find a location near you and this simple task can save a lot of lives.

VolunteerNH- Find a place that fits your goals for volunteering. There are many different opportunities available, so find one that suits you today.

Boys and Girls Clubs- A way to help children in your community reach their full potential as responsible, productive and caring individuals.

Girls Inc NH- There are many different opportunities and roles available for someone wishing to be a role model for the youth of their community.

So, with these ideas in mind, find the place that suits you and volunteer this summer.

Help your Community and EAT! Come to Papa Gino’s and Support the Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Do you love helping your community? Do you love Pizza? Do you wish you could combine the two? Well, now you can. The Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross has teamed up with Papa Gino’s for their Community Fundraiser.

We will receive 20% of the sales from this fundraiser. All you have to do is bring this flyer to the Papa Gino’s on 545 Hooksett Road in the Maple Tree Mall on July 8th between 4pm and 9pm and your purchase will count towards the fundraiser.

This is a great way for everyone to help their local Red Cross chapter and enjoy some delicious food at the same time. Bring your friends and enjoy your food, knowing that it will provide health and safety education and help people in your community during disasters.

Remember, you have to bring the flyer with you when you go to make your purchase. Also, carry-out counts too! So don’t let a busy day stop you from helping your community.

We thank you all very much for your support of the Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross. We couldn’t do all that we do without your dedication.

World Blood Donor Day

Today is World Blood Donor day, which thanks those who voluntarily donate blood and encourages others to start becoming regular blood donors. The global campaign for this year is focused on youth. The slogan is: “New Blood for the World”.

The goal of this year’s World Blood Donor day is to get more young people involved in donating blood.

“Recruiting and retaining young donors not only improves the long-term safety and sufficiency of a country’s blood supply, but also promotes safe and healthy lifestyles,” the World Blood Donor day website writes. “With young people playing such a valuable role in helping to secure a safe and adequate blood supply, World Blood Donor Day is a good opportunity for governments, policymakers and blood programmes to thank them.”

The launch event for World Blood Donor day will be held in Barcelona, Spain. The Spanish and Catalonian Health Care Authorities, the Spanish and Catalonian donor associations and the Spanish Red Cross will host the event.

(The Red Cross Blood Bus)

If you would like to save a life by donating blood find a location near you at givelife.org. If you would like to volunteer with blood services call Ellen Benson at (603) 625-1951 or email her at bensone@usa.redcross.org.

Stay Safe this Summer when Swimming in Lakes, Rivers and Streams.

With summer getting closer and closer, swimming is the cool-down choice for most of us. And where better to do that than at a natural body of water, like a lake, river or stream? The safety tips for these bodies of water are different from those for swimming in a pool, however.

(The Squamscott River in Newfields, NH. Photo by: Jim Richmond, Creative Commons)

Starting with when you first show up, the first thing that you should do when going swimming at a natural water environment is to be aware of water and weather conditions. Some things to look out for are:

• Unexpected changes in air or water temperature.
• Fast-moving currents, waves, or rapids, even in shallow water.
• Sudden drop-offs that change water depth.
• Other people's activities in the same water, such as boating.

It doesn’t stop once the fun starts! While in the water there are also several safety tips to follow:

• Ensure that everyone in your family learns to swim well by enrolling them in age-appropriate learn-to-swim classes.
• Keep children under constant active supervision and remain free from distractions.
• Avoid swallowing the water.

The best way to stay safe is to make smart choices throughout your time having fun:

• Be aware of the potential hazards of the area you are visiting and take appropriate precautions.
• Know the abilities of those going with you, including swimming abilities and level of supervision required. Be sure to provide appropriate supervision.

To see the full list of information, look at the Be Red Cross Ready[pdf] preparedness sheet.

The summer is a great time to get outside and see the beauty of New Hampshire’s natural bodies of water. Make sure you can continue to enjoy it by following these preparedness facts.

Help Your Community by Signing up to be a Summer Swim Aide

Do you know a person, who is at least 11 years old, that loves swimming, playing games, and teaching?

Encourage them to sign up to be a swim aide for the Red Cross Summer Swim program. They will be assisting the Water Safety Instructors by working with students on their strokes and making sure that the students are following water safety rules.

This is a great opportunity to assist the community and have fun this summer.

(Our instructors having a great time at the pool. From L-R: Lindsey Hanna, Maddie Kramer, Jill Puchacz, Corey Birdsall, Kayla Silva, Ashley Tourville, Shaun Simpson, Allison Hesketh, Fritz Manson, and Savannah Walcott.)

Having taken swimming lessons or having a basic understanding of swimming strokes is required to become a swim aide.

To sign up call (603)-624-4307!

Become a Part of the 2010 Red Cross Summer Swim Program!

Sign up to be a Water Safety Instructor or Swim Aide for this summer and develop leadership and teaching skills while having fun and giving back to the community.

Water Safety Instructor classes start June 12.

Maria White, CEO of the American Red Cross - New Hampshire Region, On CPR/AED Awareness Week

Knowing how to help someone in crisis is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to our families and communities. It’s not uncommon to hear a story that reminds us how important it is to be well trained to respond when help is critically needed.

Last fall a New Hampshire school nurse saved the life of a 16-year-old boy who collapsed from a sudden heart problem. She used an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and CPR chest compressions. Her training in the appropriate use of CPR and AED, and the presence of an AED device on the site, were major factors in assuring this happy ending.

June 1-7 is National CPR and AED Awareness Week. According to the American Red Cross, about 300,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest each year in the United States. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen at any time to anyone, and not just adults. An AED can be used on children 8 years of age or older or 55 lbs or more. Each minute that defibrillation is delayed the chance of survival for the victim is reduced by 10%.

A goal of the American Red Cross health and safety program is to save lives by promoting and encouraging public use of AEDs along with CPR. The Red Cross provides the training and can facilitate the purchase of AED devices so that “all Americans can be within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it.”

Is there at least one person in your household, school or business who is trained in use of CPR and an AED? Do you have ready access to an AED device at work or school? If you answered no to either of these questions, the American Red Cross can help.

Red Cross chapters in New Hampshire provide training in use of CPR and AEDs. During CPR and AED Awareness Week (June 1-7), there are special discounts on these and other classes. For more information on classes in CPR and AED, or purchasing an AED, you can contact your local chapter of the Red Cross; visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org; or call the NH Regional Office at 800-464-6692.

Maybe next time, you will be the person who can help assure a happy ending.

Discovery Toys helps the American Red Cross raise funds through the IRF!

Discovery Toys will be donating 20% of their proceeds to the International Response Fund on May 15th from 10am-3pm.
They will have sample products and taking orders at the

Manchester Vineyard Church on Dow Street in Manchester.

The Gala Salute-Join as we celebrate our Armed Forces!

100th anniversary of Red Cross First Aid!

Come and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Red Cross First Aid class!
We will be certifying at least 100 community members in First Aid in honor of the anniversary on March 20, 2010. Each participant will receive a FREE vintage first aid tin when they register to take a First Aid class. Registrations will be taken through the Greater Manchester Red Cross at 624-4307 prior to the event and during the event on March 20.

The class times are as follows: 9-1pm, 11-3pm (activities for children ages 4-10 will be provided during this time), and 1:30-5:30.

Join the fun!

Proceeds from Comedy Night at Boynton's Taproom to Benefit the Red Cross

Are you a fan of comedy clubs? Join as at Boynton's Taproom on March 5th for a few laughs and help raise funds for the Red Cross. For ticket information please visit http://www.boyntonstaproom.com.

Bounce U Helps Raise Funds for Haiti through the International Relief Fund

Shorty's Mexican Roadhouse Will be Holding a "Super" Fundraiser on Sunday, February 7th to Benefit Haiti Through the International Response Fund

Find Out How You Can Help Raise Funds for Haiti through the International Response Fund

Haiti Earthquake - Red Cross Sends Aid

The Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross will be partnering with the Mall of New Hampshire and WZID to conduct a Drive-By & Drop-Off on Friday, January 15th. Red Cross staff and volunteers will be at the mall between 7am – 6pm collecting monetary donations for the International Response Fund.

If you are able to help, please stop by the mall. We look forward to seeing you there! If you are unable to come out to the Drive-By & Drop-Off, please feel free to contact the Greater Manchester Chapter at (603) 624-4307. We can accept MasterCard or Visa credit card donations over the phone; checks can be mailed to: American Red Cross-Greater Manchester Chapter, 1800 Elm Street, Manchester, NH, 03104.

Enroll in the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program!

After years of a successful summer swim program, the Greater Manchester Chapter will be offering a new winter program starting on January 10th at Southern New Hampshire University. Our certified instructors teach a variety of swim strokes and safety techniques to keep your family safe in and around the water. Times and dates of lessons are listed below. Public Registrations will be accepted by mail or in person at the Greater Manchester Chapter, located at 1800 Elm Street, until January 8, 2010 for session I, until February 19, 2010 for session II, and until April 2, 2010 for session III. Registration is accepted on a first come, first serve basis, but please register in advance as registrations will not be accepted on the first day of classes. For more information, please consult our web-site at http://www.redcrossmanchester.org/ or call the office at 624-4307.

Session I: January 10-February 14
Session II: February 21-March 28
Session III: April 4-May 9
Fees: One child- $50.00 per session, the second child in the same family is $40 per session

Preschool Levels: Designed for children ages 3 and 4. This program is designed to get children accustomed to entering and exiting the pool alone, kicking legs, floating with support, reaching with arms, and pool safety. A variety of games are played to make learning fun! Students must be 3 years of age by December 10 to register for this program.

Session I, II, and III
Sundays Only

Preschool Aquatics Level 1: 11:00-11:30
Preschool Aquatics Level 2: 11:45-12:15
Preschool Aquatics Level 3: 12:30-1:00

Learn-to-Swim Level 1: 11:00-11:30
Learn-to-Swim Level 2: 11:45-12:15
Learn-to-Swim Level 3: 12:45-1:00

· Registration fee(s) are non-refundable
· A parent/guardian/daycare provider must be present for the entirety of each lesson
· Classes are Sundays, for a six week session
· Sign your child up for the level that best fits their ability. It is easier for us to move a child up a level, than to move a child down a level.
· It is not uncommon for a child to stay in the same level for multiple sessions. If signing up for multiple sessions, select the same level and if your child passes to the next level we will make the appropriate changes.