Welcome to Wayne County Red Cross

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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.

For A Great Blood Donation Experience:

Before Donating

	Get a good night’s sleep
	Have a good breakfast or lunch
	Drink extra water and fluids to replace the volume you will donate (avoid tea, coffee, or other beverages with caffeine)
	Eat iron-rich foods — red meat, fish, poultry or liver, beans, iron-fortified cereals, raisins and prunes

Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries, or ice cream before donating. Tests for infections done on all donated blood can be affected by fatty materials — lipids — that appear in your blood for several hours after eating fatty foods. When this occurs and required testing cannot be performed, the blood may need to be discarded.

During the Donation

	Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow
	Show the staff any "good veins" that have been used successfully in the past to draw blood
	Relax
	Take the time to enjoy a snack and a drink in the refreshments area immediately after donating

After Donation

	Rehydrate by drinking plenty of fluids over the next 24-48 hours
	Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about five hours after donation
	If you feel light headed, lie down, preferably with feet elevated, until the feeling passes
	In rare cases when bleeding occurs after removing the bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm for 3-5 minutes; if bleeding or bruising occurs under the skin, apply a cold pack to the area periodically during the first 24 hours
	If for any reason, something doesn’t feel right, call the American Red Cross toll free number provided to you after your donation

	Enjoy the good feeling that comes with knowing that you may have saved as many as three lives.

To locate a blood drive in Wayne County click here.

Want to find other areas blood drives? Click membersforlife.org/cbsr

Did you know...

You can donate blood at 16 years old with your parents consent?