October 2008 Archives

On October 24, 2008 the Tri-County Red Cross chapter responded to assist at a fire in Elizabeth in a two family home. Three adults and four children were provided with assistance by staff volunteer Chuck Sweetman.

The Red Cross was able to provide approximately $2,000 in hotel, food and clothing relief through our disaster fund.

To volunteer with the Red Cross or contribute to the Tri-County Red Cross disaster fund to help families like this one in Elizabeth, please call (908) 756-6414 or visit http://www.tricountyredcross.org .

On October 22, 2008 the Tri-County Red Cross responded to assist in a partial building collapse of an apartment house in Union, NJ when a truck drove into it on October 10th. Carol Burns, who is diabetic and wheelchair-bound has been living at a local motel while her apartment is being rebuilt. She was injured in the accident and has been unable to access any of her food or clothing.

 

The Red Cross was able to provide her with $205 on a debit card for short-term food and clothing through our disaster relief fund.

 

To volunteer with the Red Cross or contribute to the Tri-County Red Cross disaster fund to help individuals like Carol, please call (908) 756-6414 or visit http://www.tricountyredcross.org. 

Sometimes we get to do some pretty nice stuff at the American Red Cross. On of the lesser known functions we have is the Service to Armed Forces where we handle the paperwork and research when a family requests a soldier come home from duty due to an emergency or death.

This week saw a birth bring home Army Sergeant Scott Baur from Iraq to be with his wife Heather.  Nice.

With almost three days of cross-continental travel under his belt, Army Sgt. Scott Baur reached the most important destination of all, holding the hand of his wife, Heather, when their daughter, Jennifer, was born Tuesday evening at Monmouth Medical Center.

Baur is attached to the Army 50th brigade combat team, based in Freehold. And last Friday, he was on duty in Iraq.

Doctors at the hospital worked with the American Red Cross to arrange the emergency leave, a first for the hospital, which had tried unsuccessfully to get three other servicemen flown home for births earlier.

The Red Cross acts as a liaison for families of servicemen and servicewomen in times of emergency, sending emergency communications to deployed troops.

Families of soldiers stationed overseas who wish to learn more about American Red Cross programs available to them can call our Tri-County Office at (908) 756-6414 to set up an appointment to have a representative go over our Get To Know Us Before You Need Us program.

Anyone interested in volunteering in support of our Armed Forces or disaster services can call Nathan Rudy at (908) 756-6414.

On Halloween local ghouls and goblins will take over the night. But even scary creatures need to be safe and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween's greatest hazards aren't vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and automobile collisions.  The Tri-County Red Cross wants your family to have a safe Halloween so we're providing these tips, the Lucky 13:

"Halloween is a lot of fun for both children and their parents, but there is also the risk of injury that needs to be taken into account," said Nathan Rudy, Tri-County Red Cross Executive Director.  "In addition to following the Lucky 13 steps to safety, parents should consider taking first aid and CPR classes to be ready in case of emergency."

1. Map out the route that your children plan to roam, so adults are assured they will find their way home! 
2. From the bravest of superheroes to the noblest of knights, everyone should remember to bring flashlights!
3. If you visit a house where a stranger resides, accept treats at the door but, please, don't go inside.
4. When you get ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of masks, which cover your eyes.
5. Always remember, before you embark, to wear light-colored clothing to be seen in the dark!  (And remember to use reflective tape, even on bikes, skateboards and brooms!)
6. Whether you walk, slither or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not in the street.
7. As you roam through the neighborhood collecting your treats, please look both ways before crossing the street! (And cross from the corner!)
8. Wigs, capes and costumes are flammable attire, so avoid open flames to prevent a fire!
9. Use a glow stick instead of a candle so your jack-o-lantern isn't a safety gamble!
10. You may fly on a broom or a space ship from Mars, but please be on the lookout for drivers in cars! (And don't hide between parked vehicles).
11. Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn, and only visit homes with their porch lights turned on!
12. You may be dressed as a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
13. Have a grown-up inspect your candy when you're done trick-or-treating to remove open packages and choking hazards before eating.

First Aid and CPR classes are available weekly in the Tri-County Red Cross Plainfield and Elizabeth offices, alternating weeks.  More information on safety and other disaster preparedness is available on our website at http://www.tricountyredcross.org .

For a detailed list of Halloween safety tips for motorists, parents and homeowners, contact Corinna Krauskopf of the Tri-County Red Cross at (908) 756-6414

Just in time for the holidays, the Tri-County Red Cross announces its November schedule for First Aid, CPR and AED classes.

The Tri-County Red Cross announces the appointment of Michael Prasad of Fanwood as the Director of Emergency Services.  Mr. Prasad will be responsible for coordinating the chapter's response to local disasters such as house fires and floods and ensuring a vibrant and well-trained volunteer force is always available in the event of large-scale emergencies.

 

"I'm pleased Mike agreed to join our team as we continue through the hurricane season and enter the home fire season," said Nathan Rudy, Tri-County Red Cross Executive Director.  "In these uncertain economic times more people will need our assistance when the unthinkable occurs, and Mike's years of experience preparing for and responding to disasters will be invaluable to the residents of our chapter."

 

Mr. Prasad has been a Disaster Action Team Leader for the Red Cross since 2007, and currently leads the Community Emergency Response Team for the Borough of Fanwood.  He has completed FEMA's Basic Incident Command System courses and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) introduction course in addition to completing numerous Red Cross Disaster training courses, including Family Services: Providing Emergency Assistance, Mass Care Overview, Shelter Operations and Shelter Simulation.

 

Before joining the Tri-County Red Cross, Michael Prasad was a financial advisor with H&R Block where he was awarded the Henry Bloch National Award for Community Service from the H&R Block Foundation for his work with local charities in New Jersey and Ohio.

 

In addition to his role coordinating the Tri-County Red Cross disaster services, Mr. Prasad will also oversee the chapters' Services to Armed Forces and International Services.

 

If you are interested in joining the Red Cross as a volunteer Disaster Action Team member, please contact Mr. Prasad at Tri-County Red Cross, Plainfield Office, (908) 756-6414.  More information about the Tri-County Red Cross and its disaster programs are available at http://www.tricountyredcross.org .

Donate to the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Fund for local disaster response		Donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Fund for national disaster response		Split your gift equally between American and Tri-County Red Cross disaster response funds
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After responding to more than 60 large-scale disasters in 2008, including a record-breaking tornado season, widespread flooding across the central extensive wildfires, and a devastating hurricane season, the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is depleted. This fund allows the Red Cross to provide help whenever and wherever disasters occur. We are calling on you to support the DRF , which will ensure that we can continue our vital work to help those facing disasters across our country.       

We have launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to raise an initial $100 million to help victims of recent disasters, including the hurricanes of 2008, meet their immediate needs for food, shelter, counseling and other critical services.

The Tri-County chapter, headquartered in Plainfield and Elizabeth serves 22 communities in Union, Somerset and Middlesex Counties and respond to more than 60 local disasters each year, teaches life-saving skills to more than 10,000 people annually, and also supports national disasters with fundraising, volunteer disaster personnel and materials.

You, your company or your organization can donate at any level -- $5 to $50,000 or more -- by using the links above.  You can select to send your gift only to national disaster relief, only to disaster relief in the Tri-County Red Cross area, or split it evenly between the two.

Come on out tomorrow to the Home Depot at the Watchung Square Mall in Watchung NJ tomorrow, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Child Safety Day as part of National Fire Prevention Month.

Kids will get a fun activity book provided by Target with stickers and lessons on how to be safe in the event of a fire.  You can come get yours at the Home depot, or download it from our site here!