LATEST LOCAL NEWS

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 — The American Red Cross must be prepared to respond to patient emergencies all across the country with blood products 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Through the everyday support and generosity of blood and platelet donors, the Red Cross can be prepared to do this, no matter when or where these blood products are needed.

Each day, approximately 44,000 units of blood are needed for patients in the United States. In fact, approximately every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood, and many of them receive blood from a Red Cross donor.

All eligible donors are encouraged to become an Everyday supporter of the Red Cross and their communities by giving blood or platelets this winter. Donations will help replenish the Red Cross blood supply to ensure that blood products are readily available for patients with serious medical needs.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more and make an appointment to donate. Donors can also share their story about why they give at redcrossblood.org or facebook.com/redcrossblood.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012 — The brutal blast of cold weather continues to keep the eastern half of the country shivering, especially in Florida where almost 400 people stayed warm overnight in shelters opened or supported by the American Red Cross.

Winter Safety Checklist [PDF]

Folks in New England are seeing sub-zero temperatures on their thermometers, with wind chills making it feel as cold as 20 below zero. The Red Cross has steps people can take to stay safe during the freezing temperatures:

• Everyone should dress in layers, wearing warm, loose-fitting lightweight clothing to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. They should stay indoors if possible.
• It’s a good idea to remember people who may need special help, such as the elderly who live alone or people with disabilities. Check on them to make sure they are okay.
• If the heat goes out, go to a designated public shelter during this extreme cold.
• Remember your animals and make sure their water isn’t frozen and they can get to their food. If possible, bring them indoors.

Many people are resorting to supplemental heating sources to cut down on costs. These alternate heating sources can be dangerous if not used properly. The Red Cross offers the following safety tips on how to properly use additional heating resources to keep warm:

• Never use a stove or oven to heat the home.
• Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. 
• Turn off space heaters or extinguish the fireplace before going to bed or leaving home. 
• Place a space heater on a hard, level, nonflammable surface.  Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away.  Look for a space heater model that shuts off automatically if the heater falls over.
• When using a fireplace, use a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks or rolling logs and keep the fire in the fireplace.
• Keep all flammable materials such as newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves.

For more information on what you can do to keep you and your loved ones safe, visit the Preparedness section of the Red Cross website.