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Are you "Red Cross Ready"?

While the American Red Cross and our partners are committed to lending a helping hand in to those in need, assistance may be delayed in times of disaster. That's why it's important for you and your family to Be Red Cross Ready by completing three easy steps:

Get A Kit

Make A Plan

Be Informed

Let's start with the kit. Listed below are the items that are suggested for a good disaster supply kit. You can make your own supply kit listing for your personal use.

Find a waterproof container and start filling it with the things listed below or whatever you have on your list. We have two weeks to get it completed before we start part two of our project, Make A Plan. Our goal is to have it all completed by June 1st which is the official start of hurricane season. Check back on May 3rd for information on Make A Plan.

DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

Water - at least a three (3) day supply; one gallon per person per day

Food - at least a three (3) day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food

Flashlight

Battery powered or hand crank radio (NOAA weather radio if possible)

Extra batteries

First Aid Kit

Medications (7 day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses,contact lenses, syringes, cane)

Multi-purpose tool

Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

Cell phones with chargers

Family and emergency contact information

Extra cash

Emergency blanket

Map(s) of the area

Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

Tools/supplies for securing your home

Extra set of car keys and house keys

Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes

Rain gear

Insect repellent and sunscreen

Camera for photos of damage

For more information on hurricane preparedness

click here.

Our Mission

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its congressional charter and the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Cross Movement.

Welcome

The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross serves the residents of Wayne County and men and women of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Our chapter oversees the Wilson County Chapter, which serves the residents of Wilson and Green Counties.

Hours of operation for Wayne and Wilson Chapters are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Thursday.

Wayne County Chapter:
(919) 735-7201

Wilson/Greene County Chapter:
(252) 237-2171

The Wayne County Chapter and Wilson/Greene Counties Chapter are in partnership with the United Way.

TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE INTERNATIONAL DISASTER FUND, PLEASE CLICK HERE. THIS WILL ENABLE AID TO GO TO HAITI VICITMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE. AFTER THEIR NEEDS ARE MET, ANY REMAINING AMOUNT WILL GO TOWARDS FUTURE INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS.

Emergency Services

121 Single family disasters responded to impacting 398 citizens that were assisted with temporary lodging, food, clothing, medications and other immediate needs with direct assistance. Service is available 24/7.
5000 Elementary school students were taught abduction prevention techniques for the 7th year in a row through the Chapter's "Home Alone Safety" program.
3 Emergency Services volunteers served on separate national disasters during the course of the year giving approximately 8 weeks of service.

Service to Armed Forces

230 emergency communications were delivered on behalf of our Armed Forces Heroes during the course of the year. Service is available 24/7.

Blood Services

280 Blood drives conducted collecting 11,810 units of blood with the potential to positively impact 35,430 lives. Blood Services collects blood everyday of the year except Christmas Day.

Health & Safety Training

7,192 citizens certified in CPR and First Aid Training. 3,627 citizens received training in various courses. 1,200 Elementary School students received water safety tips during "Water Safety Awareness". Approximately 15,000 citizens participate in the "Vial of Life" program.

BECAUSE OF YOU, we continue to provide all these lifesaving and critical programs and services. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT - our friends and neighbors - to provide for the needs in our community through financial gifts and gifts of volunteer time. Our Red Cross Chapter is funded solely by the generous individuals and organizations right here in Wayne, Wilson and Greene Counties.

WE HOPE WE CAN COUNT ON YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT. THANK YOU!!!

The Heat Is On!

Summer has arrived and unleashed extremely hot and humid weather across the mid-Atlantic and southern portions of the country. Heat advisories are in effect as temperatures approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or higher, with little relief in sight. The American Red Cross has steps people can follow to stay safe during the heat wave.

“The blistering heat can be dangerous. It can cause heat cramps, exhaustion, or heat stroke,” said Sharon Stanley, chief nurse of the American Red Cross. “It’s very important to be aware of the danger and take measures to stay safe during this hot weather.”

What to do during the heat wave:

· Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

· Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.

· Eat small meals and eat more often.

· Avoid extreme temperature changes.

· Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

· Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

· Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.

· Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

· Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

· Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure your animals have water and a shady place to rest.

· Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work and school—and prepare for the possibility of power outages.

· Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.

· If you don’t have air conditioning, choose places to go to for relief from the heat during the hottest part of the day – schools, libraries, theaters, malls.

· Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.

How to help someone having trouble with the heat:

The extreme heat can cause physical difficulties which, in some instances, can be life-threatening. Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. To help someone with heat cramps:

· Get them to a cooler place and have them rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids.

· Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

Heat exhaustion involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. Signs include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion. If someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, you should:

· Move them to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition.

· If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature.

· Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by giving care as you would for heat exhaustion. If needed, continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits.

Your blood donation counts,

just ask my mom...

Eighteen-month-old Calvin had sickle cell disease. So when he ran a fever...more