American Red Cross of Central Texas

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED

2012-01-20T13:33:00.000-06:00

Red Cross CenTex Blog Followers,

Due to a recent change in social media strategy at the American Red Cross Central Texas Region, this blog was moved from Blogger.com to Wordpress.

Please check out and follow our new blog at:
redcrosscentraltexas.wordpress.com

See you there!

2012-01-13T13:18:00.001-06:00

As the new year gets rolling, many of you know that the Preparedness Health & Safety Services of the American Red Cross have undergone some significant changes. Due to all these changes, we’re encouraging our instructors & instructor-trainers to take a minute to verify that your certifications are correct in our Learning Management system.

We now have ‘live chat’ among other options for communicating with the brand new Training Support Center.

If you haven’t completed your update to the new information & program release, remember that while most updates have been extended through March 31, 2012, we encourage you to update as soon as possible.

Thanks for all your patience as we continue to strive to make PHSS systems more efficient and user-friendly.

To receive all important communications, every instructor and instructor trainer should confirm that their Learning Center record is accurate and that their email address is correct. To update and/or confirm, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and select the Health and Safety menu prompt to connect to our Training Support Center.

What I'm Thankful For

2011-11-24T09:00:00.005-06:00

After a nice Thanksgiving break, I wanted to take the time to write about the impact interning for the Central Texas chapter of the American Red Cross has had on me, and how thankful I am to have had this opportunity.

I am thankful for the hands-on experience I have been exposed to through this internship.

I am thankful for my supervisor and the rest of the Red Cross staff members that have welcomed me into their Red Cross family and have helped me learn the ins and outs of the organization.

I am thankful for all the generous volunteers and donors who are the reason why the American Red Cross is able to do so much and that I have had the opportunity to see this generosity make a difference in our community.

I am thankful for being a part of the Central Texas chapter and how being a part of this great organization reminds me how great it feels to give back.

What are you thankful this holiday season?

More Thanksgving Safety Tips

2011-11-23T11:34:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving brings family and friends together to share a good meal, laughter and football. However, it can also bring unexpected health hazards like food poisoning and choking.

Food Poisoning

Eating undercooked turkey can be a health hazard. If thawing a turkey at a temperature above 40 degrees Farenheit, salmonella and other bacteria can grow and cause food poisoning. To avoid this

there are some methods for safe defrosting. The turkey can be thawed in the refrigerator—one day for every 5 lbs. of the bird. The turkey can be submerged in water if it is in leak-proof packaging—30 minutes for every pound. The water should be changed every half hour. It's also safe to defrost a turkey in a microwave. Remove any packaging and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Regardless of what thawing method you use, it is important to cook your turkey right after thawing.

Food poisoning can also happen if leftovers are not stored correctly. Leftovers must be stored two hours after serving. If they are going to be eaten within three days, store in the refrigerator, otherwise store leftovers in the freezer. Make sure to remove the bones from the meat before storing.

Choking

Choking can occur while tasting the Thanksgiving meal you are preparing or while your enjoying your dinner with loved ones. The first step is to call 9-1-1 if loved one is having problems breathing or speaking. Next, we recommend the use of the FIVE-and-FIVE technique. The first step is to give the choking victim five back blows, followed by five abdominal thrusts. Repeat these steps until object is forced out, person can breathe or becomes unconscious. If you are alone you can follow the same technique using your hand or by pressing your abdomen firmly on the back of a chair.

For more Thanksgiving safety tips visit the American Red Cross.

Have a fun and safe Thanksgiving!

Safety First During Holiday Travel

2011-11-21T16:15:00.000-06:00

According to a new AAA suvey there is an expected 42.5 million Americans who will be traveling at least 50 miles this Thanksgiving holiday. That is a 4 percent increase from last year and most travelers are expected to use our nation's roadways to reach their destinations.

To arrive safely to your destination, here are a few safety tips to consider before hitting the road:

Know when to travel. AAA predicts that 90 percent of travelers will be traveling by road to reach their destination and both Wednesday and Sunday afternoons will be the busiest times on the roads.
Make sure your car is in good working order.
Start out with a full, check the air pressure in your tires and make sure you have windshield fluid.
Get 6-8 hours of sleep the night before. Fatigue decreases awareness and reaction time.
Avoid distractions like using your cell phone while driving.
Observe speed limits and be mindful of road work and road signs.
Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
Check road conditions and plan accordingly.
If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won't drink.

It is also recommended that you keep an emergency preparedness kit in your car. Useful items include water, snacks, a flashlight, first aid kit, extra cash and blankets. The Red Cross Deluxe Auto Safety Kit is a great solution to help people prepare for emergencies on the road and is available in the Red Cross Store at http://www.redcrossstore.org./

Turkey Fryer Fire Danger

2011-11-18T12:41:00.000-06:00

In this YouTube video, State Farm demonstrates the dangers of using a deep fryer if not used correctly. Deep fryers have become a favorite during the holiday season, especially Thanksgiving, because of their quick and tasty result. However, these handy cooking appliances can be dangerous if not used correctly. Here are some safety tips to take into consideration before using your deep fryer this holiday season.

Turkey fryers should always be placed outside, away from the home, fences or other structures and combustible materials. Avoid wooden decks.
Many deep fryers do not come with a thermostat. This can be dangerous because if left unattended the unit may overheat the oil, so make sure to buy a reliable thermostat.
To reduce the chance of tipping, place fryer on a flat surface.
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful of marinades before placing it in the pot. Excess water in partially frozen turkeys will cause the pot to overflow, resulting in a fire hazard. The National Turkey Federation recommends 24 hours of thawing for every 5 lbs of bird before cooking in a turkey fryer.
Be careful to not overfill your turkey fryer with oil. To determine the correct amount of oil for your fryer, put the actual turkey you will be frying into the basket and then into the empty pot. Add enough water to cover the turkey by about two inches. Take out the turkey and measure how much water is in the pot. That is how much oil you will need.
Make sure there is a fire extinguisher close by. Never use water to put out a grease fire.
There are no insulated handles on deep fryers and lid and handles become very hot and can cause severe burns. Cover your hands by wearing leather gloves and wear protective eyewear if possible.

Visit here for more Thanksgiving safety tips.

Help Support Fire Victims this Holiday Season

2011-11-16T13:19:00.000-06:00

A sudden house fire can leave a family without shelter and their essential day to day necessities and can be a devastating time for them. Therefore, it is important for us to be prepared to provide families with essentials that they may need after a house fire.

With the holiday season here, the American Red Cross offers a great way of helping house fire victims get back on their feet through the annual Holiday Giving Catalog. The Holiday Giving Catalog gives you the opportunity chose exactly what your donations will be going to. Whether you would like to support a family with shelter and food for a day or blankets after a fire, there are plenty of ways to help.

For the complete Holiday Giving Catalog please visit the American Red Cross.

Practice Kitchen Safety this Thanksgiving

2011-11-15T11:47:00.000-06:00

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking fires are more than twice as likely to occur on Thanksgiving day compared to an average day. This amounts to more than 4,000 fires on Thanksgiving day. In addition to making sure there is a working fire alarm in your home there are other easy safety precautions you can take to make this a fun and safe holiday.

Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking. According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires Thanksgiving day. About 90 percent of fires are caused by unattended cooking.
Keep items that can catch on fire like potholders and food wrappers at least three feet away from heat sources.
Wear tighter fitting clothes with short sleeves that are out of the way when cooking.
Designate a "kid-free zone" at least three feet away from the stove and other hot surfaces.
If using a deep fryer when cooking, keep deep fryer outside away from walls, fences and other structures.
Never hold a child while cooking, drinking or carrying hot foods or liquids.
Turn handles of pots and pans inward to avoid accidents.
If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food make sure to check it regularly, stay in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
Follow all manufacturer guidelines regarding the appropriate use of appliances.
After guests leave, walk around the house to make sure all candles and smoking materials are extinguished.

Holiday Mail for Heroes

2011-11-09T14:04:00.000-06:00

For the fifth year the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes will partner together for the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. The program is designed to empower everyday Americans to "share a piece of home" with our service men and women as a way of thanking them for their sacrifice.

The American Red Cross of Central Texas is inviting the community to participate in Holiday Mail for Heroes. From now until December 9 the public is invited to send cards encouragement and thanks to our service members, veterans and their families. Please send all mail to:

Holiday Mail For Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

This year the American Red Cross is partnering with Simon Malls once again. Cards for soldiers can be dropped of at any of these Simon Mall Austin locations:

Barton Creek Square Mall- 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.
Lakeline Mall- 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive
The Domain- 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Suite 210

For more information about Holiday Mail for Heroes and specific guidelines please visit www.redcross/holidaymail.com

You can also connect with other card-senders by using the Twitter http://www.twitter.com/centexredcross hashtag #holidaymail.

Service to the Armed Forces

2011-11-07T14:33:00.000-06:00

With Veterans' Day this Friday, we would like to remind our community about some of the services the American Red Cross offers to the U.S. Armed Forces.

A great part of the American Red Cross is to provide emergency-related services to our military, veterans and their families. One of the services we offer is emergency communications service. This allows our deployed men and women to have a way of communicating with their families and loved ones at any time. This can be extremely valuable especially if someone in the family is ill or expecting a baby. The service is reliable and all information is kept confidential and verified. The information provided also helps military authorities process emergency leaves or extensions.

Financial Aid/General Service members and their families can experience unique financial problems. These may include a delayed pay allotment, financial neglect of family members or emergency travel expenses. The American Red Cross can help to resolve these problems through referrals to other appropriate resources and coordinating loans from military aid societies.

To request help, you can call (512) 928-4271 and request to speak with our SAF Caseworker.

Please be prepared to provide the service member's:

Full Name
Social Security Number
Branch of Service
Rank
Military Unit

For more information please visit the American Red Cross of Central Texas.

Girl Scouts Make Thank You Cards For Our Veterans

2011-11-04T14:28:00.000-05:00

Volunteers and various organizations have been taking time to show their appreciation by making thank you cards to the many veterans who have dedicated themselves to keeping us safe. Last Friday, a group of girl scouts were in our office making cards and writing thank you notes for our veterans. This is a great example of how everyone can volunteer and do their part in thanking our veterans for all that they have done.

These cards will be distributed during the Veterans' Day Parade on November 11.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who have helped make this a memoral day for our veterans.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T13:11:00.000-05:00

The American Red Cross of Central Texas would like to wish you a safe and fun Halloween. Make sure to take a look at our Lucky 13 Tips for Halloween!

Shoo Flu Don't Bother Me!

2011-10-28T14:22:00.001-05:00

It's cold out there! Our new fall weather really brings it home that winter is coming and flu season is here. If you haven't thought about the flu yet this year, now is the time to get active about staying well this flu season.

What is the flu?

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by various strains of viruses. Flu season in the United States starts every fall and ends in the spring. This type of flu is also known as the seasonal flu and affects 5 to 20 percent of Americans every year. Influenza as harmless at may seem can be very dangerous if not taken care of properly. About 23,600 deaths occur each year in the United States because of flu-related causes.

Flu Symptoms

High fever
Headaches
Severe body aches
Extreme tiredness
Sore throat
Cough
Runny or stuffy nose
Vomiting and/or diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
NOTE: Having all of these symptoms does not neccessarily mean you have the flu. Many different illnesses have similar symptoms, so it is best to visit your healthcare provider who can provide a better diagnostic.

How Can I avoid the flu?

The flu vaccine is the best way of preventing the flu and is available every year in the United States. For a better chance of protection, make sure to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible. Here are a few locations offering the flu vaccine in the area:

For students: The University of Texas and ACC will be offering flu vaccines for students and faculty.
For more locations near you, you can visit the American Lung Association

Practice good health habits like eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, drinking enough fluids and excercising. This will help maintain your body's resistence to infections.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Avoid or minimize contact with sick people that can spread the flu.

Go get your flu shot!

Luncheon with "Miracle on the Hudson" survivor, Dave Sanders, tomorrow

2011-10-26T14:58:00.001-05:00

Join us tomorrow for the 2011 Bravo for Bravery Luncheon to hear Dave Sanders, survivor of US Airways Flight 1549, tell his inspiring story and explain how the American Red Cross helped him through this time.

Luncehon will be tomorrow October 27, 2011 from 11:30-1:30. Complimentary lunch will be provided. We ask you please wear business attire.

If you have any questions or to RSVP, please contact Development Associate Jessica Levine at jlevine@centex.redcross.org.

On the Trick-or-Treat Trail: Halloween Night Safety Tips

2011-10-24T14:22:00.000-05:00

Halloween is only a week awa! And there is plenty for you and your family to do in Austin, from festivals to Halloween parties. All of this can be fun, but also a little worrisome for parents. So before you head out the door to enjoy your Halloween festivities take a look at some of our safety tips to help make this an enjoyable Halloween for you and your family:

Safety in numbers: Have a trusted adult with your children at all times. If they are older and are going with friends, know what route they will be taking and have their contact information in case of an emergency. Also, see that at least one person in the group has a charged cell phone that they can use.

Other safety tips:

Stay in well lit areas and use sidewalks. Do not take shortcuts across yards or allys.
Never go into a stranger's home.
Pedestrian injuries are the most common so make sure to communicate where you are going if your group is split up.
Stay in well lit areas and use sidewalks if available.
If there is no sidewalk, walk on the far edge of the road facing traffic.
Although cold weather in Austin is still a few weeks away, make sure to take a light sweater for you and your kids to help prevent getting sick.

For more Halloween Safety Tips, visit the American Red Cross.

Halloween Costume Safety Tips

2011-10-21T14:50:00.000-05:00

For kids, Halloween means they can dress up as anything they want for a night. Whether they may want to be a scary vampire or pretty princess, there are some things to take into consideration while shopping for your child's costume:

Make sure children wear bright colors. Bright colors are much more noticeable to drivers at night. If your child's costume is a dark color, adding reflective tape or safety light to their costumes can help them be more visible at night.
Also, wearing well-fitted costumes and comfortable shoes will help prevent falls or trips that can be caused by long hemlines.
Opt for makeup instead of a mask. Masks can make it hard to hear and block your child's peripheral view.
Make sure to test makeup in a small area first and to take off before bedtime to prevent irritation.
Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.

For more Halloween Safety Tips, visit the American Red Cross.

"Hams" Test Emergency Communications Teams Up with the American Red Cross of Central Texas

2011-10-19T14:55:00.000-05:00

American Red Cross volunteer learns the importance of ham radios.

The American Red Cross of Central Texas and Travis County Amateur Radio will partner to replicate a disaster scenario on Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center and the American Red Cross of Central Texas offices. The purpose is to practice response and support capacity with the use of area Amateur Radio operators, also known as "hams".

Using emergency powered radios and working with local agencies, the hams will have only a few hours to create extensive radio communication networks which can be used should there be a failure or overload of normal services. The hams' ability to get back "on the air" quickly is critical following major incidents. In addition, the ham radio operators provide "interoperability". This means they can pass information between the many government and volunteer agencies which are needed in disasters but often have incompatible communication systems.

Amateur Radio volunteer operators around the country respond to many calls for aid every year. They provide their services and equipment free of charge to their communities, saving both lives and thousands of dollars for neighbors. During Hurricane Irene, the hams were critical in providing immediate, ground-level reports to the National Weather Service. After the storm, hams continued to provide help in the many flooded communities and areas that lost electric power.

There is no doubt that these operators take their work very seriously. They are "Amateurs" only in that they are not paid, but their service in a disaster can be priceless.

The Amateur Radio Services is a national partner of the American Red Cross. We are excited to be a part of their annual simulated emergency test, and feel that this will help us communicate and respond more efficiently the next time there is a disaster or emergency in our area. Thank you Amateur Radio Services for all of your help!

Fire Extinguishers and Smoke Alarms

2011-10-14T17:39:00.000-05:00

Ok, so perhaps this post I mostly did for my benefit, but maybe a lot of you are in the same boat as me and this will be beneficial to you as well. Of course, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are vital when it comes to home fires, but they are not things that we think about on a daily basis, at least for me.

It's not until I started interning with the American Red Cross and the recent wildfires in Central Texas, that I realized how prevalent house fires are and how much of a disaster they can cause. Being Fire Prevention Week, I thought it would be a good idea to learn more about the proper care of smoke alarms and use of fire extinguishers and share this information on here.

Fire Extinguishers

Make sure you are trained by your local fire department before using a fire extinguisher.
Only use a fire extinguisher if it is a small fire that has been contained and fire department has been called.
Make sure everyone in the home has evacuated before using.
Remember the word PASS:

Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and others.
Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Step 3: Be Informed

2011-10-13T19:08:00.000-05:00

The last step is to be informed. Learn about what the most prevalent disasters and emergencies are in your area. These can range from personal emergencies that only affect you and your family to natural disasters that can affect your entire community.

Know the different weather alerts and their meanings such as "warning" and "watch" and the actions you must take for each. A "watch" means that conditions are right for dangerous weather. In other words, to "watch" for potential dangerous weather in your area. For short-term weather events, like tornadoes, this means that the current weather conditions may cause a tornado to form. In longer-lived events, like hurricanes, a "watch" means that there is no immediate threat yet. A "warning" on the other hand means that dangerous weather is in the area.
Know what actions you should take in new areas, for example, if you are traveling or just recently moved locations.
Make sure at least one family member is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how to use a automted external defibrilator (AED).
Encourage family and friends to be informed and share what you have learned with them.

Step 2: Make a Plan

2011-10-12T13:06:00.000-05:00

Step two is in preparedness is to make a plan. Meet with your family or household members to discuss how to prepare and respond to disasters that are most likely to happen where you are whether you are at home, school, or work. As a way to get everyone involved, assign a specific task to everyone in the household and work as a team. This way everyone has a better idea of what to do.

Map out and practice an evacuation from your home in case of a fire or any other emergency. Have a plan of where you would go whether it is a hotel/motel or a friend's home in a safe location. Practice your evacuation plan at least twice a year and plan alternate routes in case roads may be blocked. Also, don't forget about your furry friends, and have contact information on pet friendly hotels/ motels and animal shelters that are nearby.

In case your family is separated have a plan of how to contact each other. Plan to meet outside the home in case of a fire our outside of your community in case you are unable to go back home. Also, it important to have a person of contact who is not in the same household that you can get in touch with to inform family and friends you are safe and well. Make sure that your emergency contact is aware that he or she is your household's contact and that everyone has this contact information with them.

For more information about fire prevention and safety, visit here.

Be Red Cross Ready: Step 1 Get a Kit

2011-10-10T13:12:00.000-05:00

Disasters can happen anywhere and come without warning. These three steps can help you be prepared: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed.

Get a Kit

It is important to keep an emergency kit in your home with the essential supplies you and your family may need in case of a disaster or any other emergency. Make sure that the kit is easy to carry in case you must evacuate your home. Here are some basic supplies to start your kit:

Water: One gallon per person, per day ( 3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Food: non-parishable ( 3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Flashlight
Battery-powered radio
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7-day supply)
Multi-purpose tool
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/ lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Map(s) of the area

You may also want to add other items to your kit based on your family members' needs like specific medical supplies, baby supplies or pet supplies.

For the complete list of suggested supplies visit here.

Stay tuned for the next two steps you can take to be Red Cross Ready.

Social Media in Disasters

2011-10-07T13:34:00.000-05:00

With Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Google+... the list goes on and on. Social media has grown tremendously over the last few years. We are no longer only using these social tools to expand our social circle. Because of its fast pace, many people are turning to the various social tools to give and receive information during disasters or emergencies. I think it is a great way to communicate information rapidly, but what happens when it's not the right information?

Although there are many great examples of social media gone right, people can also be misinformed. Many state, government, and local organizations have used social media as a way to disseminate important information regarding emergencies or disasters happening in the area, but sometimes outside sources may misinform the public in their attempt to help. During disaster response and emergencies things can happen so quickly and drastically that this may cause this misinformation.

Make sure to always call or check the website to stay informed about disasters or emergencies.

Want a creative way to donate to the American Red Cross?

2011-10-05T13:30:00.000-05:00

During the month of August Threadless challenged artistic minds to create a t-shirt design with the theme of "Everyday Heroes" in mind. The challenge was a way to celebrate those people who help out their communities whether it is by donating blood or preparing meals for others. Each year the American Red Cross responds to about 700,000 disasters across the country and owes much of this to the many volunteers who shape the Red Cross.

The winning design is now available on Threadless and 25% of each t-shirt sale will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Click here to find out about other ways to help the American Red Cross.

October 9-15 is Fire Prevention Week

2011-10-03T12:51:00.001-05:00

American Red Cross volunteer inspects the damage of a house fire in Central Texas.

Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, and the American Red Cross encourages families to learn more about fire prevention and what to do in case of a fire.

House fires are the number one disaster that Americans face, and as the holidays and cold weather approach, house fires tend to increase. Locally, the American Red Cross of Central Texas alone responds to an average of one house fire every two days.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your home safe:

Make sure there is a working smoke alarm in every level of your home. Batteries should be replaced every year for most standard alarms.
Develop an escape plan. It is important that everyone in your home to have an immediate escape plan in case of a fire.
Keep matches and other fire related items away from children.
Keep anything that can catch on fire like dish towels and plastic away from stove when cooking .

In the coming weeks we will have more information on how to keep your home safe during the holiday season.

Tips to Stay Well after a Disaster

2011-09-30T13:52:00.001-05:00

Red Cross volunteer Felicia Adams of Austin talks to Shannon Shine, a woman from Bastrop who came to the Red Cross shelter overwhelmed and looking for help after losing her house in the wildfires.

Natural disasters can cause severe material damage and can also bring about a lot of stress. Disasters affect not only those people who may have lost their homes, but also volunteers or workers helping those affected.

During the recent wildfires in Central Texas, not only was the American Red Cross involved in making sure residents had the shelter, food, and medical care they needed after being evacuated from their homes, but also that emotional support was given. American Red Cross counselors provided this support by visiting Red Cross shelters and the communities affected by the wildfires to provide counseling to residents in the area.

Disasters like the recent wildfires affect all of us in some way. It's important that we all take time to take care of ourselves and each other.

Here are a few tips to help stay well:

Take care of your safety. One of the first steps to take is to make sure that you and your family have safe place to stay and that all medical necessities are being met.
Eat healthy. It is important to drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet during time of stress.
Get some rest. Getting sleep will help you cope better and relieve some of the stress you may be experiencing.
Stay connected with family and friends. The Red Cross offers a way of helping you get in contact with family and friends to let them know you are safe and well. Staying connected and having emotional support from loved ones as well as giving is one of the most important things to do during this time.
Set priorities. It is important to tackle things in small steps and not attempt to do everything at once so that you do not feel overwhelmed with so much to do.
Gather information about assistance and resources to help you and your family on how to proceed after the disaster.
Stay positive. Remember how you have gotten through stressful situations in the past and that there are many resources available that will also help through this situation.

For these and other helpful tips about taking care of your emotional needs after a disaster you can visit this page.

Home Depot Lends a Helping Hand

2011-09-28T14:01:00.000-05:00

American Red Cross volunteers Conrado and Alicia Soto prepare Home Depot buckets with cleaning supplies for Bastrop residents.

Soon after the Central Texas wildfires broke out, the Home Depot was quick to offer a helping hand. As a member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, the Home Depot plays a crucial role helping the American Red Cross in disaster relief efforts.

The American Red Cross was able to set up a bulk distribution center at the Bastrop Home Depot where Red Cross volunteers passed out essential necessities, like cleaning supplies, sifters, and shovels, to Bastrop residents affected by the wildfires.

The shovels, cleaning supplies, and material for the sifters were purchased by the American Red Cross, but we could have not done it without the Home Depot. Not only did the Home Depot allow us to set up a distribution center at their Bastrop location, but many of their employees volunteered their time to build the sifters that were handed out to the residents.

Volunteer Conrado Soto helps Bastrop resident, Humberto Castelan, sift through the ashes of what once used to be his home.

As simple as these sifters may seem, they can help residents look for lost valuables and family heirlooms they may have thought were lost in the fires. To learn more about how these sifters helped area residents cope with the wildfires you can visit: Sifting Through the Ashes

Music for a Good Cause

2011-09-26T14:32:00.000-05:00

As an intern for the Red Cross I got the great opportunity to attend one of the many Red Cross fundraisers being held in the Austin area. Being a music lover I jumped at the opportunity to check out some local bands that wanted to do something for their community.

Local Austinites, Amarah Ulghani and Talib Abdullahi, wanted to do something to help their community and those affected by the recent wildfires in central Texas, so in a week they called their friends and came up with Music for Bastrop, which was held Thursday, September 15 at the Spider House Ballroom.

Music for Bastrop featured Amarah’s band, The Sour Notes, and 7 other bands. When talking to Amarah I could tell how much she wanted to help the Bastrop community and how close she felt to the American Red Cross.

“We wanted to do something to help the community and we wanted the money to go towards an organization that we felt would do a great job. Having volunteered with the Red Cross before, I felt that this would be a great organization to donate to.”

All night the bands were taking clothing and food donations as well as other necessities to be donated to the Central Texas Food Bank. All cover proceeds were donated to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund as well as with other monetary donations collected. In total, this amazing benefit concert raised over $2,000.

Overall, this was such a fun experience. It was awesome to see how motivated young people were to help out our community, and I got to hear a lot of new bands that I can't wait to see again. Definitely a successful night!

Nana's Garden

2011-09-20T13:12:00.000-05:00

“This is it,” said Shirley Ellett. “This is all that’s left of ‘Nana’s Garden.’”

The Texas grandmother of two points to the only stone on her scorched land that appears to be untouched by recent wildfires.

“My granddaughters painted this rock for me,” explained Ellett as she struggled to lift the heavy stone. “And when we came home we saw we had lost everything. Everything, but this.”

Ellett is surrounded by family, including her grandkids, and she’s covered in a blanket she received from the American Red Cross. She’s using the blanket to keep herself dry from an afternoon storm that rolled into Bastrop County this weekend.

“The rain would have been nice a week ago,” she said. Thankfully I had this blanket inside my kit.” Also in the Red Cross backpack is a flashlight that can also charge a cell phone, a first aid kit and gloves.

“This has been wonderful,” said Ellett standing next to her daughter. “Yesterday we were able to get a sifter, trash bags and snacks at the Red Cross station down the street. Thank you so much.”

Wildfires across Texas have destroyed more than 1,500 homes and left many wondering where they’ll go from here. That’s why more than 340 volunteers and staff with the American Red Cross have spread across the Lone Star State handing out comfort kits, feeding affected families and supporting overnight shelters.

In addition to providing counseling to those who have been affected by the fires, Red Cross volunteers have teamed up with the Southern Baptist Convention to serve more than 6,000 meals in Bastrop County alone.

Ellett says this is home and she plans to rebuild on her land here in the Paige community.

“I have my family. We’re strong. We’ll be fine”, she said.

Join Lindsey and Avery, Make a Difference for Your Community

2011-09-15T10:00:00.001-05:00

Lindsey and Avery Colgin (ages 8 and 10) are a great example this week of how we can all do our part for families affected by disaster. Lindsey and Avery wanted to do something for all the families recovering from the recent wildfires, so they held a lemonade stand to raise money. Their mom suggested that they also accept donations as well, and Lindsey and Avery ended up raising over $100 for American Red Cross disaster relief!

Here's a photo of Avery and Lindsey at work raising money for families in need:

And here they are donating $122 for disaster relief at the American Red Cross of Central Texas:

Great work Avery and Lindsey! We hope that you'll get involved in your community just like they did by volunteering or donating today.

Astoria Entertainment Joins Us for Bulk Distribution and to Encourage Community Involvement

2011-09-13T14:56:00.000-05:00

Early last week I received a call from Charlie Bewley asking how he, Matt Dallas, Steven Grayhm, and Jupiter Baudot with the documentary project Into the Heart of America: A Soldier's Story and Astoria Entertainment could get involved in our response to the devastating fires in our area while they were in Austin. Charlie was adamant that they wanted to work and raise awareness about Red Cross disaster response.

On Saturday, September 10th, I was able to take them out to our bulk distribution site at The Home Depot in Bastrop and put them to work handing out cleaning supplies, shovels, gloves, masks, and sifters to help affected families.

Here are Charlie Bewley, Jupiter Baudot, George Rice, myself, Steven Grayhm, and Matt Dallas at our bulk distribution site preparing to help Central Texans in need.

Matt and Steven directed traffic through our drive-through bulk distribution center so that our volunteers (including Charlie and George) could put the clean up supplies and equipment right into their cars and trucks. They talked with disaster victims and did a great job helping our clients feel heard and cared for during this difficult time.

All of the guys worked hard and made our clients and volunteers smile while really helping us achieve our mission and be there for families in need.

I hope that you'll join our famous friends and volunteer to be there the next time disaster strikes

Photos of Central Texas Fire Shelter Workers and Evacuees

2011-09-07T18:16:00.000-05:00

Check out these great pictures of your American Red Cross at work helping our neighbors affected by wildfires in Bastrop! Shelters are still open for families in need, and we will continue to be there for our community because of your generosity.

We hope that you'll join us today and help us respond whenever disaster strikes.

Smart Giving Tips for Disasters

2011-08-26T10:24:00.000-05:00

Donate cash to an established disaster relief organization, like the American Red Cross. It’s the fastest way to get help to those who need it most.

If you’d like to donate used or new products, contact an established disaster relief organization that is serving the affected area determine whether there is a specific need for what you’d like to donate.

Work with organizations when donating needed bulk product or food items, which can help large numbers of people in the affected community.

Prior to delivering items to an established relief organization, call to determine appropriate location and time for drop-off, as many have specific collection points.

If you would like to organize a food or clothing drive, contact an established disaster relief organization to determine what is most needed in the affected community and how to ensure the donations are properly collected.

Ask if what you’d like to donate is needed, culturally appropriate and if relief organizations can manage the collection effectively. Some well-intentioned yet inappropriate product, food or used clothing donations can actually divert the attention of disaster relief organizations and local governments away from the task at hand by requiring them spend time sorting and storing unneeded items.

Consider selling your product on eBay Giving Works, or another site and donate the proceeds to an established disaster relief organization serving the affected area.

From the Interns' Desk: The Manikin Room

2011-08-24T14:39:00.000-05:00

There are a lot of volunteers out in the field preparing for disasters like Hurricane Irene and yesterday's earthquake, but there are also volunteers in classrooms and offices around the country making sure that we can still offer the services and classes we provide no matter what happens.

As interns this summer, Taylor and I got to learn a lot from and work with the volunteers that make services possible every day.

Before I came to the American Red Cross, I never really thought about CPR training manikins, but now I know how important they are and how much time volunteers and staff spend with them to make sure they're ready for each and every class.

Students need the hands-on experience working with the manikins in our classes to really get comfortable practicing the skills that save lives. Each student is given their own "manikin face" at the start of class, so that everyone gets the chance to practice on their own clean manikin. After each class, each manikin and manikin face goes through a thorough cleaning and sanitation process to ensure that they are safe to use for the next round of students. All the manikin faces are washed, then washed again with bleach, then air-dried, and finally wrapped in plastic wrap to be stored until they are needed for the next class. The manikins themselves are bathed with antibacterial wipes until they are squeaky-clean and germ-free. Here's a picture of manikin faces drying in the Manikin Room

Taking care of the manikins is a lot of work, and it's important to keep our students safe. The next time you take a CPR class, remember that a volunteer cleaned that manikin just for you :)

The Drought in Pictures

2011-08-18T13:18:00.000-05:00

Check out this amazing photo essay from the TIME LightBox photo blog. Many of the pictures of from Central Texas, and it really provides perspective on the scope and severity of this drought.

The drought also puts our community at greater risk for fire, so please be careful, and get more information about Wildfires and Home Fire Prevention. Awareness makes our community safer and better prepared.

From the Interns' Desk: Ashton's Story

2011-08-17T12:11:00.000-05:00

My name is Ashton Hutches, and I was the Development and Communications Intern for this past summer. As a 2^nd year graduate student in public health at Texas A&M Health Science Center, I believe that interning with the American Red Cross of Central Texas was an excellent opportunity for me to further develop my knowledge and skills set.

While working closely with the Chief Development Officer and the Development and Communications team, I gained valuable experience collaborating on a variety of different development and fundraising projects. I have always felt passionately about the role that non-profit organizations have in their community, and throughout the internship, I became more aware of the contribution that the Red Cross makes to the health and needs of people within the Austin area. Overall, it was a very rewarding experience to be a part of a humanitarian organization that has such a profound impact on the lives of people throughout the world. Even though my internship is over, you will find me still volunteering with my local Red Cross!

We (the staff in Central Texas) would like to thank Ashton for her great work this summer. Would you like to join us as an intern? Check out all of our Internship Opportunities

Calling for Volunteers! Red Cross Launches Operation Outreach

2011-08-15T16:40:00.000-05:00

The American Red Cross of Central Texas is proud to announce the launch of Operation Outreach, in partnership with Serve Austin.

Operation Outreach is one of Serve Austin’s five new initiatives, designed to meet an urgent community need in a way it hasn't been before. Women military veterans often have a difficult time reintegrating into civil society upon their return from service. Not only must they deal with the challenges that all veterans face, but also additional stresses and hardships that their male counterparts do not. Government studies have shown that female service members have a three times higher rate of failed marriages than male members, they are much more likely than male members to be single parents, and they are four times more likely than non-veteran women to be homeless.

These statistics, coupled with the government estimate that 1 in 3 returning service women have been sexually violated, showcases the pressing need to provide these women with the support and resources to help ease the transition and prevent such statistics from becoming their reality. To undertake such a task, Serve Austin has partnered the American Red Cross of Central Texas to recruit 100 volunteers who they themselves are women veterans or family members of such. These volunteers will proactively interact with returning service women, actively seeking them out in our community and helping them gain access to basic needs such as housing, employment, medical care, and family support. They will be empowered to direct veterans toward appropriate resources and help them navigate the often confusing red tape that is sometimes involved with contacting support services. With over thirty governmental agencies and private support organizations on board to help the Red Cross develop its volunteer training curriculum and compile a comprehensive repository of all available services, all that remains to set the plan into action is finding our volunteers! If you are interested in helping these brave women, please register for one of our upcoming training sessions by contacting Customer Service Specialist Stephanie Cosmas at 512-929-1225 or scosmas@centex.redcross.org.

Military Veteran Support Orientations are currently scheduled:

Tuesday 9/6, 6-7pm & Thursday 9/8, 6-9pm

Saturday 9/10, 9am – 1pm

Please join us to support our veterans and help our neighbors in need. Your support is vital to the success of this program.

Who Answers When You Call the Red Cross?

2011-08-11T15:33:00.002-05:00

We are all used to our calls being routed to automated answering services and call centers around the world, but when you call our local office, your call is answered by a either a staff member or volunteer right here in our office. Sometimes, that volunteer is Barb Truesdale, who volunteers at our front desk weekly.

Barb had planned on becoming active with the Red Cross after she retired, but was only recently able to join us. She's working on completing her training as a disaster services volunteer, but in the meantime she comes in each week and helps us out, "so that I can contribute somehow," according to Barb. I would like to point out that Barb contributes a lot by being the first contact for many of our clients after they've experienced a disaster. Her kindness and patience make a big difference and we are happy to have her helping us in our office.

I know that being a receptionist isn't glamourus, but it's important and it allows us all to be more efficient and better serve our clients and our community. I hope you'll join me in thanking Barb for her time, effort, and compassion. Thank you Barb!!

If you'd like to join us, you're invited to click here for more information about how to get involved.

Interns in the Field

2011-08-08T13:57:00.001-05:00

By Taylor Reed

In our last post, Narya and I shared our experiences as summer interns in training to be instructors for the American Red Cross of Central Texas. Today, I can cheerfully tell you that I've successfully taught my first class! I've been observing other instructors for a couple of weeks, but this week I decided to throw myself out of the metaphorical nest and teach my own class.

Outside of my work here with the American Red Cross I'm also a nanny, so I jumped at the chance to teach an evening Child & Infant CPR course. These are my favorite areas to teach not only because the information is so essential for my work as a nanny, but because I feel like I can really relate to the people who sign up for this particular course. It's usually filled with moms, dads, grandparents, brand new babysitters, and college-age nannies like myself.

Before my class began, I was asked if we would actually get to practice CPR on a manikin in the course. My first reaction was confusion. My only experience with CPR training has been with the American Red Cross, and I really feel that the emphasis on practice is what makes our training great. I had no idea that CPR training is completely unregulated in the state of Texas, and I honestly never thought CPR could be taught without practice! I realize that there are lots of different ways that people can learn, but I'm glad that my students agreed with me that practice makes perfect. I could see each of them grow in confidence as we practiced the skills throughout the course. I was really proud that all of the participants were successful and confident of their ability to perform CPR by the end of the course.

As I left the chapter that night, I thought of how thankful I was to be able to teach an effective class and that the American Red Cross had equipped me with the skills to save a life. I hope that no one from my class ever needs to use their training, but if they do, I'll be right there with them because of the class we shared.

Register Now to take a CPR class with an instructor like me and make your community safer!

Red Cross Offers Tips to Keep Athletes Safe in Extreme Heat

2011-08-05T16:42:00.000-05:00

In the wake of recent student athlete deaths due to excessive heat, the American Red Cross recommends team officials, coaches and parents take steps to help ensure the safety of their players during extreme heat.

“Keeping athletes safe is crucial,” said Regional CEO Marty McKellips. “Make sure athletes stay hydrated. Have everyone drink plenty of fluids like water or sports drinks with electrolytes before, during and after activities. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.”

During the hot weather, team practices should be scheduled for early in the day and later in the evening to avoid exposing players to the hottest times of the day. Other steps teams, schools and parents should take to protect their athletes include:

Allow athletes to get acclimated to the heat by reducing the intensity of practice until they are more accustomed to it.
Make frequent, longer breaks a regular part of practice. About every 20 minutes stop for fluids and try to keep the athletes in the shade if possible.
Reduce the amount of heavy equipment—like football pads—athletes wear in extremely hot, humid weather.
Dress athletes, when appropriate, in net-type jerseys or light-weight, light-colored, cotton T-shirts and shorts.
Know the signs of heat-related emergencies and monitor athletes closely.

“Knowing the signs of heat-related emergencies and how to help someone who is suffering from the heat is vital,” McKellips stressed. “Coaches and parents need to be vigilant in watching for signs of heat-related emergencies. Athletes should inform their coaches, teachers or parents if they are not feeling well.”

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur 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. If someone is experiencing heat cramps:

Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Stretching, massaging and icing the affected muscle may help.
Give a half glass of cool water or a sports drink with electrolytes every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

Heat exhaustion is caused by a combination of exercise induced heat and fluid and electrolyte loss from sweating. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion. To help someone with these symptoms:

Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing. Spray him or her with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water cool water or a sports drink with electrolytes to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in his or her condition.
If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) 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 those of heat exhaustion and hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; change or loss of consciousness; seizures; 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 immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. If unable to immerse them, continue rapid cooling by applying bags of ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits, spraying with water and/or fanning.

Learn how to prevent and respond to heat-related and other emergencies by taking a First Aid/CPR/AED course. Contact the American Red Cross of Central Texas at 512-928-4271 or visit redcross.org/training to register.

From the Interns' Desk

2011-08-03T13:13:00.001-05:00

By Narya Nosrati and Taylor Reed

Being a summer intern at the American Red Cross has lots of perks, and one of them is getting to hang out with these guys. We've spent a lot of time cleaning and caring for our manikin friends, but after wrapping up our First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Training we thought they needed a coffee break. Throughout the training course they, along with our wonderful instructor Fred, prepared us with the skills and materials we needed to become certified instructors.

When we finished Instructor Training, we knew our work as interns at the Red Cross would never be the same. In addition to working in the office, we are now armed with the tools necessary to make a real impact in our community. Aside from refining our basic First Aid and CPR skills, we had the opportunity to grow as leaders. With this new found confidence, we are more determined and able than ever to carry out the mission of the American Red Cross. The information we will be teaching in our CPR/First Aid/AED classes is invaluable, and the more people we can reach out to the better our community as a whole will be able to prevent, prepare for and respond to an emergency. This fact alone makes all of our studying and work well worth it. We hope that with each class we teach, we can give a few more Austinites the knowledge and confidence to tackle whatever situation life may throw their way.

Signup for a class today so we can share these life-saving skills with you! Besides, who wouldn’t want to get up close and personal with these guys?

Help Out While You Rock Out!

2011-07-21T11:36:00.001-05:00

If there’s one thing Austinites know how to do well it’s having a good time for a good cause. This Friday come on by Stubbs starting at 4 pm for some great live music hosted by our friends at Rock Raizer. Rock Raizer is a nonprofit organization that provides music scholarships for underprivileged kids in the Austin area and they’ve recently partner up with the American Red Cross of Central Texas to create a fund to replace instruments for children who have lost theirs in a disaster. Tickets are by donation—so you choose the price!

This Friday’s lineup includes:

Prodroma

Gorehound

A city for the taking

Fresh Nectar

Distant lights

To learn more about the event and get tickets visit: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193424857372143

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/830565243/efbevent

To learn more about Rock Raizer and all the awesome things they’re doing in the Austin area check out their website: http://rockraizer.org

I Can Has Preparednez!

2011-07-20T11:20:00.001-05:00

While we want you to take preparedness seriously, sometimes we all need a good laugh. Here are some joyful reminders about playing it safe from around the interwebs:

Is your CPR Training up to date? If not, you can register for a class at www.redcross.org/takeaclass.

Or...

Maybe the big question is when was the last time you looked at your First Aid Kit?

Of course I'm sure I don't need to remind you,

Disaster Prepaedness is everyone's responsibility!

NOTES FROM JOPLIN: A DEPLOYED VOLUNTEER WRITES HOME

2011-06-08T14:05:00.002-05:00

A message from Quinn, a Red Cross logistics services volunteer on deployment in Joplin, MO for the last 10 days

I have 4 and a wake up (4 full days then one more night), then I fly home to Austin. Once I get there, the two weeks I have spent on assignment with the Red Cross will slowly begin to filter through the layers of my psyche, and I will experience the sights, sounds and feelings all over again. The horizonless devestation. The hundreds of family pets that live in kennels anxiously waiting for a beloved owner to claim them. The obituaries. "Beloved sister, husband, wife, son ... died of injuries sustained in the tornado." I am hopeful that those memories will fade. I would prefer that when I think of Joplin, I remember the local Red Cross volunteer, who after her home was utterly destroyed, showed up at headquarters, starting working and is still here. I want to remember the hundreds of law enforcement officers and firefighters who came from all over four states to help keep vulnerable people safe. I know that my memory of the many, hundreds even, of people I saw every day who in spite of whatever level of damage they suffered, were kind, generous and eager to help, will never fade.

CLUB RED TO HOST HURRICANE PARTY THIS SATURDAY

2011-06-07T14:52:00.001-05:00

Click Here to Purchase Your Ticket

Join Club Red this Saturday, June 11th as we kick-off summer with the annual Club Red Hurricane Party. June marks the start of hurricane season which affects thousands of North and Central Americans every year. At this event, we’ll raise awareness of the importance of emergency preparation and volunteerism. At the same time, we’ll provide a fun and relaxing environment for young professionals, equipped with a Cajun meal and cocktails.

Saturday, June 11, 2011
1 – 4PM
Star Bar
600 W 6th St
Austin, TX 78701
Tickets
$20 non-members, $15 members
Includes food, 1 drink ticket

A special thank you to our sponsors:
Austin Yellow Cab
Terri & Lemuel Williams
Payton Bridges at Nox Creative
Key Staffing, Inc.
Evie Evan
Austin Java
Tiff’s Treats
Embellish Nails
Perry’s
Body Business
Uncle Billy’s
Ski Shores

MOONSHINE GRILL RAISES $3,800 FOR JOPLIN RELIEF

2011-06-03T09:27:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday night, the wonderful folks at Moonshine Grill hosted a cool (in spite of the heat) fundraiser for the Red Cross relief efforts in Joplin, MO. The owner of Moonshine Grill has ties to the Joplin area and wanted to help those that had been affected by the devastating tornado that hit Joplin on May 22^nd. He talked to friends in Joplin and told them he wanted to help families there. His friends told him to give to the Red Cross because the Red Cross was there from the beginning with assistance.

Moonshine Grill provided appetizers, drinks, live music, a raffle and an intimate patio area for all the fun. The band Jitterbug Vipers played – they are a really hip jazz swing band – and occasionally had a hip 2 year old sing with them!

Some local restaurants provided really generous gift certificates for the raffle: ZTejas, Uchi, Fleming’s Steak House, Parkside and Hopdoddy Burger Bar just to name a few. This fun event raised $3,800 for disaster relief efforts in Joplin, MO. This was such a terrific effort on the part of Moonshine Grill and their guests. We cannot thank them enough. Great community partners like this allow us to provide our services for free. We couldn’t do it without them. Thank you Moonshine Grill!!

World's Largest Swim Lesson

2011-05-18T16:16:00.001-05:00

Join the 2011 World's Largest Swim Lesson Team, become a Guinness World Record™ holder & encourage water safety!

WLSL 2011 takes place Tuesday, June 14th at 11 am, CST.

REGISTER NOW!

Take a swim lesson during the WLSL event on June 14th by finding one of the local WLSL locations.

Become a WLSL Host Facility & teach a swim lesson!

COMMODORE WILBERT E. LONGFELLOW (1881-1947)

2011-05-12T10:10:00.000-05:00

Fondly called "the Amiable Whale"

Wilbert E. Longfellow, a writer for the Providence (RI) Telegram, was inspired to reverse the nation's alarming drowning rate, which, unless curbed, would assume the proportions of a national tragedy. Longfellow proposed a radical change to contemporary practice--teach water safety in water instead of on land. Practicing what he preached, he traveled around the nation teaching policemen, boy scouts and YMCA groups.

In 1905, the U.S. Volunteer Life Savings Corps recognized his work by awarding him the title of "Commodore" and, in 1910, following a remarkable recovery from tuberculosis of the spine, he was appointed to a salaried post, Commodore-in-Chief of the U.S. Volunteer Life Saving Corps.

In 1912, he presented a plan to the American Red Cross to "waterproof America." The organization adopted the plan in 1914 and proceeded to pioneer a new service entitled "water first aid." Although the American National Red Cross' Life Saving Corps was part of the First Aid Department, it was years before the Commodore earned a first-aid certificate because the doctors teaching first aid "were so busy with their program and I with mine that our paths seldom crossed."

Longfellow died on March 18, 1947, three months after his retirement. To the end, his slogan remained: "Every American a swimmer, every swimmer a lifesaver!"