LONG WEEK AT YOUR AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CENTRAL TEXAS

It has been a very long week for your American Red Cross! All week Jose Dominguez, Thad Rosenfeld, and Lane Pearson, have been dealing with the logistics and actual deployment of six volunteers to San Antonio, Laredo and Harlingen. In the meantime Emergency Services responded to and assisted victims of three house fires. We continue to offer financial and other assistance to four to six military families every day.

Your local Red Cross is also preparing for Mass Care Boot Camp this Saturday! It will give people the opportunity to fulfill all the prerequisites to becoming a shelter manager in one day. All week we have also been making sure that Sunday’s Volunteer Recognition at the Dell Diamond will go on without a hitch. It is an opportunity for us to say a big THANK YOU to all the people that make what we do possible.

It never ceases to amazes me the great work that my fellow Red Crossers do every day!

MEET THE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION RESPONSE VEHICLE

From Kevin McCoy, Emergency Services Volunteer

Most of the time American Red Cross of Central Texas volunteers focus on helping our own community respond to disasters.  Many of us are also in the Disaster Services Human Resource system, or DSHR.  The DSHR system records the capabilities of volunteers across the nation so that the American Red Cross can scale up nationwide to handle larger emergencies such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. 

     

Some of these disasters can be so devastating that power and phones are knocked out.  Establishing headquarters close to the disaster site has a lot of advantages, but this can only be done if communication and computing resources can be delivered.  One resource that helps ensure that crucial communication and other technology lines remain open and functioning during a disaster is the Emergency Communications Response Vehicle. 

Recently I traveled to the Greater Houston Area Chapter with fellow Volunteers Fred and Marcia Marks to learn to use and deploy the Emergency Communications Response Vehicle.  This could be locally for Central Texas chapter needs, or in a National Level Disaster.  

To overcome the effects of a disaster, the vehicle has its own power source, two satellite dishes, numerous radios, wired and wireless routers, laptops, Internet telephones, satellite phones, and patch equipment to join radio systems into networks.

 Marcia and Fred Marks with the ECRV

          

I got to take the class with good friends Fred and Marcia Marks who are also in the Austin Area.  I have worked together with them responding to  Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Ike, and on the ARC of Central Texas Mass Care Action Team or MCAT.  MCATs respond to Shelter, Feeding, and Distribution needs caused mostly by weather and fire based emergencies.

 The ECRV mast fully extended

The ECRV satellite dish

ARC OF CENTRAL TEXAS CANTEENING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

In the early morning hours yesterday, our Director of Disaster Services was called because our services were needed in Spicewood, Texas. An off duty Department of Public Safety trooper had gone missing on Lake Travis and the search was underway to find him. Volunteers were deployed within hours of getting the call.

I still marvel at how quickly we notify our volunteers, pack up our Emergency Response Vehicle and get on our way. By 7:30 yesterday morning hot breakfasts and coffee were being served to the rescue teams. Our volunteers stayed the whole day and provided lunch and dinner. They were deployed again this morning and will stay through lunch.

A big thank you to Opie's Barbecue for providing the first responders with lunch AND dinner! 

HEALTH SERVICES RESPONSE COURSE FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ADDED FOR MAY

The Emergency Services depatment is offering a Health Services Response Workshop in May.



This workshop is designed to orient licensed or certified health professionals to the roles and responsibilities of a Health Services Associate when working on behalf of the American Red Cross to meet the disaster-related health needs of clients.


Prerequisite: RN, LVN, MD, other licensed healthcare credentials.


LMS ID:  2981554
Length: 8 hours.
Date: May 12th & 13th
Time: 6:00PM - 9:30PM

Please visit our website for more information or contact Melissa Payne to sign up at 512.929.1294 or mpayne@centex.redcross.org. 

RED CROSS RESPONDS TO EARLY MORNING FIRE AT ANDERSON OAKS APARTMENTS

From Volunteer Responder Tom Davis

Early in the morning of Thursday, March 4, a major fire gutted one building of the Anderson Oaks Apartments at 9219 Anderson Mill Road in Austin.  All 24 units in that building were heavily damaged, and some were completely destroyed.  Approximately 40 persons were displaced.  In addition, all the residents of an adjoining building were evacuated for safety, but they were allowed back into their homes when the Austin Fire Department finished putting out the fire.

 
A Disaster Action Team (DAT) under the leadership of Carol Leandra responded and set up in the complex's office to screen tenants and determine their needs.  They passed out blankets and comfort kits to the residents who had not left to stay with friends.  There were enough empty units in the complex and the adjoining complex that we could give all residents a place for the night, a shelter was not opened.  The Team also distributed Client Assistance Cards to pay for food, clothing, and temporary shelter for the displaced residents.
 

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS ON THE SCENE AT ECHELON PLANE CRASH

From Kevin & Sandy McCoy, Disaster Volunteers

February 18 & 19, 2010 – Echelon Plane Crash and Fire

Today Sandy and I received a ping from Fred and Marcia Marks that there was an airplane that had flown into a building on Research Boulevard.  It made the national news and left the city stunned.

The on-call Mass Care Action Team - Bill Saul, Derek Clarkson, Marcia and Fred Marks arrived on scene with the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and a pickup at 12:45 PM. We began serving snacks and water to all of the first responders. In addition to Fire, Police and EMS, federal agencies such as the FBI and NTSB were there as well as Travis County Emergency Services.

Incident Command ordered 100 pizzas which were delivered at about 3:30pm and distributed out of the ERV. Bill and Derek used the pickup to gather feeding materials that we found that we needed which were donated by a local Walgreens. In addition, Bill and Jose visited Sam's, Krispy Kreme and Plucker's to pick up dinner and coffee for this evening.  

Incident Command ordered Jason's Deli sandwich boxes which were delivered at 6:30 and distributed out of the ERV.

Kevin and Sandy McCoy and Tim Garland relieved us at 7 PM and will cover things tonight. 

 Tim Garland serves Pizza from the ERV

Until about midnight, Firefighters were still crawling through the building in search of a missing person (IRS employee Mr. Vernon Hunter, 68, later found deceased). The Firefighters were kind enough to stop by and say thanks as they left the scene.

Sandy and Tim get a Hot Wings delivery ready to serve.

It's after midnight and we are still getting traffic from responders (Fire, APD, AFD, FBI) at this time. 

Fred and Marcia should be back to relieve us at 7AM, while another team works to get breakfast ready.

Stay Safe,

Kevin & Sandy

The American Red Cross of Central Texas would like to thank all our volunteers who worked this disaster for their dedication.  We would also like to thank the following restaurants for their donations of food and beverages for First Responders, allowing them to work around the clock securing the scene:

Pluckers Wing Bar

Schlotzsky's

Thundercloud Subs

Krispy Kreme

Starbucks

Taco Cabana

Whataburger 

Walgreens

FIRES MAR HOLIDAY SEASON FOR LOCAL FAMILIES

Red Cross seeking Financial Support from the Community

Since December 1st, the American Red Cross of Central Texas has provided assistance to 18 families after their home was damaged or destroyed by a fire. A total of 39 children have seen their holidays spoiled by these events. In each instance the Red Cross has responded with emergency help in the form of shelter, food, clothing, toys, emergency medications and guidance on disaster recovery.

“Traditionally this is a very busy time of the year for the Red Cross. The holidays are fire season and we expect an increase in the need for our services. This year it has been especially worrisome. Our budget has taken something of a hit from the economy and the number of people who need assistance is on the rise. We are not a government agency and rely solely on the generosity of our neighbors. We are counting on them to come through as they always have,” said Elaine Acker, CEO of the Central Texas Red Cross.

Most Red Cross aid comes in the form of debit cards that can be used to purchase new items that are in appropriate sizes and conform to dietary restrictions of the individuals involved. This allows families to take charge of their own recovery and feel a much needed sense of empowerment during a period of trauma. For this and other reasons the Red Cross does not accept donations of items such as clothing and food.

95% of the work of the Red Cross is performed by volunteers. Training to become a Red Cross disaster volunteer is another way members of the community can help. To donate to the fund that helps the victims of all local disasters or to get information about becoming a Red Cross volunteer people can call 512.928.4271 or visit www.centex.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

RED CROSS RESPONDS TO TRAGIC FIRE IN EAST AUSTIN

From Marty McKellips, Chief Marketing Officer

It was pouring rain when I arrived at the fire scene on Knight’s Circle in East Austin Friday Morning.  Steve Hailey, our Emergency Services Director, and one volunteer were already there.  Steve briefed me on the tragic news that although six people were safe, one young man did not make it out alive.  He was 28.  His friends were gathered under the carport of the house next door where a number of them live.  I learned they were mostly young musicians in a band called Bankrupt and the Borrowers.  They lived and worked together, as a very close family would, and this was certainly a very difficult time for them.  

Just a few minutes later, our Disaster Action Team Captain Carole Leandra arrived and began talking to the clients about their immediate needs. Most of the residents had escaped the fire in only what they wore to bed the night before and the cold front combined with the rain was making everyone shiver.  Luckily, Jose Dominguez arrived quickly with blankets from the chapter.  I looked at those young faces and could not imagine how they were feeling.  The trauma of a fire is bad enough, but losing a dear friend is unimaginable.

We were all very relieved to see our fabulous mental health volunteer Pat Grajkowsky. Steve briefed her and she went into the house to talk to those grieving. 

Fire trucks came and went in shifts as the firefighters put out hot spots and began the investigation into the cause.  They were asking the survivors where any important and valuable items might be located.  Some instruments and amplifiers were retrieved but their cases were charred and I have no idea if they would still work.  The band had a sold out show scheduled for that evening and I wondered about the mood in the club when the news spread about this tragedy.

The news media were lined up across the street and I begin filling them in on what the Red Cross was providing.  My main message was that these services were being delivered by volunteers and we need more people to step up and help us help our neighbors. 

One young man stepped up to me and said, “I want to thank the Red Cross for everything.  I worked for the Red Cross during Katrina so I already knew how great you guys are.”  All I could say was how sorry we were for their loss.

Although this is a sad way to begin a Friday morning, I am glad I could be there.  It reminds me again of just how important the Red Cross is and why I am so lucky to be part of something that helps people everyday.

For more information about the fire and a memorial for Jon Pettis, please click here.

Marty

BEHIND THE SCENES AT RED CROSS

From Kevin and Sandy McCoy, Volunteers

In these journals I have written about how we work on fires, hurricanes, and other events. But I thought I would take some time and give a peek behind the scenes on getting ready. and making sure that the Red Cross is ready to respond in disasters. That takes a lot of education and preparation.

This week we helped in two ways. First, we took a course at the Austin EOC to get certified and badged so that we can work at the EOC when an event occurs. Second we helped to Inventory the National Assets stored to help out in disasters across the country.

National Inventory
Sandy and I worked on a team of volunteers that came in from all over the country to help out in doing and inventory at one of the few National Warehouses. This one happens to be in our home town of Austin, and is located close to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The Warehouse is called the Disaster Services Maintenance Center. Here are a couple of Red Cross Workers (Randall Rieffel & Gary Thompson) in process of inventorying radios.

This entire deployable inventory is stored in Pelican Cases. These are water tight cases that can survive flood and other severe conditions. That protects the assets that are sent in harms way, and make sure it is usable for the next disaster.

We had a production line to inventory more than 2000 cell phone.  Here is Sandy managing the numbers: Gary Thompson, Randall Reiffel, and Kevin’s coffee mug on the "assembly line."

Mobile Satellite dishes for voice and data communication are in these kits.  Gary is opening a Satellite Disk container.  This was tiring and meticulous work.  Even with fork lifts and pallet jacks, there was a lot of lifting to do.  So it was tiring and time consuming.

What Sandy and I wanted to get out of this to understand the range of national assets that could be drawn out for a disaster.  Counting these items may have been the hard way to do this, but it worked and we have a good idea of what is there (and how much!)

EOC Class
We took a break from the inventory assignment to get oriented to work in the EOC. That requires getting another background check, more fingerprints and a new ID.

All the resources – Red Cross, Salvation Army, FEMA, Law enforcement, Fire, all have seats at the table.

To use this system we have phones, Web based tool for facilitating Emergency Operations Center Communications – (Web EOC). In previous disasters we have worked out of the center to manage shelter operations, and coordinate with other groups.

That is all the news that is fit to click.

Kevin & Sandy

CEO UPDATE FROM ELAINE ACKER

President of Humanitarian Services for the National American Red Cross visits Austin
Jerry DeFrancisco, President of Humanitarian Services for NHQ will be in Austin and will visit our Chapter next Wednesday, November 4. He REALLY wants to meet our staff and board members and we are looking forward to spending time with him during his visit!

Good News in Development!
We’ve had some good news on the Development front lately. We received a $5,000 grant from Temple Inland and a $79,000 grant from NHQ in support of Services to Armed Forces. Also, the IBM Race was October 19, and we received a $30,000 grant from the proceeds of the race. Thanks again to Sally Aiello and Wal-Mart for their additional $10,000 sponsorship!

Schlotzky’s and the Red Cross
Also, the Schlotzky’s promotion is still ongoing, so if anyone goes out for fast food, try to stop by Schlotzky’s and mention Red Cross so we’ll get a portion of the proceeds! Here’s a link with all the dates and locations.

Education & Training
The Education & Training team has been busy working on new marketing strategies for products, as well as our CPR, First Aid, and other courses. The latest accomplishment is a new online clothing store. If you want to check out a great selection of shirts, hats, fleece, and other items, click here!

Emergency Services
On the Emergency Services side, we’ve been busy as well. I’m dropping in the latest statistics below, but the statistics don’t really tell the story of the wonderful volunteers who are in the office or on the scene of emergencies almost every day. Sadly, a young musician died in one of the recent house fires, which you may have seen on the news. In addition to our Disaster Response Team, the Public information support was critical on this scene, because the other band members, who were also in the house at the time, desperately needed a buffer from the intense media attention. We were able to protect them and offer them the support they needed on what was undoubtedly one of the most difficult days of their young lives.

By the Numbers:

September Stats:
Single Family – 15
Multi Family – 3
59 people were displaced

Approx. $8311 client financial assistance

2 incidents in Bastrop County
8 incidents in Travis County
2 incidents in Burnett County
1 incident in Caldwell County
2 incidents in Milam County
2 incidents in Hays County

October Stats:
Single Family – 3
Multi Family – 3
25 people were displaced

Approx. $5019.55 client financial assistance

1 incident in Bastrop County
3 incidents in Travis County
1 incident in Burnett County

So that’s the latest! As always, send me anything you’d like to share and I’ll pass the word! - Elaine Acker, CEO

FOLLOW UP FROM SUNDAY'S EDGE CREEK APARTMENT FIRE

From CEO Elaine Acker

 
The chapter responded to a multiple unit fire on Sunday morning at the Edge Creek Apartments. There were 48 units affected, and it looks like 24 have been completely destroyed. We’ve opened about 18 cases so far to assist clients. Marty McKellips was among the first on the scene, and she described it this way:

"I arrived on the scene about 8:15 am and some of our casework volunteers were already present and working with clients.  Many people were wearing only pajamas; some people were crying and all were very stressed. I requested mental health support and a volunteer arrived to offer that type of assistance. As the morning wore on, the number of volunteers grew and we were able to assist everyone waiting by about 12:30. Those in pajamas could now get a change of clothes, food, and knew they would have a place to stay tonight. It was a great tribute to our volunteers.

I want to commend Emergency Services Director Steve Hailey and all of our amazing volunteers and staff for a job well done. This was Steve’s first response with our Chapter."

Details From Emergency Services Director Steve Hailey's Initial Incident Report:

The American Red Cross of Central Texas provided:
10 Cases of Water
5 Boxes of Snacks
100 Comfort Kits

Eighteen client cases were opened while on-site. Five families were put up in hotels for three nights each and more casework will be conducted with residents throughout the week.

Thank you to Starbucks for their coffee donation.

More news coverage:
Statesman:

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/2009/07/20/0720fire.html

News 8:

http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=246880

STEVE HAILEY NAMED NEW DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

Welcome Steve J. Hailey! In Mr. Hailey's role as Director of Emergency Services, he is responsible for carrying out the mission of the Red Cross to provide relief to victims of disaster and to help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Mr. Hailey has over 20+ years of progressive experience in the public safety and disaster recovery arena. 

After beginning his career as a flight medic and eventually becoming a firefighter he most recently consulted for multiple federal, state, and local public safety agencies and organizations. His prior experience includes working for Avaya, Inc. as the Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response. Prior to joining Avaya, Mr. Hailey held information technology and disaster technology management positions with the American Red Cross national headquarters. 

Mr. Hailey has been on-site on over 50 domestic disasters to include Hurricane Andrew, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and multiple airplane crashes. In addition, he has a few international assignments to his credit to include Hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua and Typhoon Reming in the Philippines as part of the IFRC (International Federation Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) Emergency Response Unit. 

He is published in 911 Magazine, Mission Critical Communications, and served as a subject matter expert for the “Business Continuity for Dummies” guidebook. Please help us in welcoming Mr. Hailey and his family to Austin, Texas.

RIVERSIDE APARTMENT FIRE

News 8 Story

 
From Volunteer Tom Davis

The fire itself was in Building 4 of the 4-building Riverside Square complex (Blg. 4 has 10 units/floor and 3 floors). The fire started in, and spread through, the west 3/4 of the 3rd floor. Good news/bad news: the building's structure was sound (except for the totaled units on the 3rd floor), but there was water damage everywhere on the 1st and 2nd floors. They had to turn off power to the whole complex and call in an electrician to separate the power for Blg. 4 from the others before they could turn power back on for blgs. 1-3 and let their residents back in.

Building 4 was declared uninhabitable until it can be repaired or rebuilt.  Austin Fire Chief Kusey assigned an AFD team to talk to Blg. 4's residents, find out what they needed out of their apartments immediately, and go retrieve that. He said everyone would be able to go in and retrieve other belongings later today or tomorrow.

The ARCCT team set up in the office of Riverside Place. There were 11 empty units in Riverside Place, and the management put the people who had pets into them; Carol [Volunteer] said she'd open a shelter for the rest of the Blg. 4 residents who didn't have a place to go.

There were no injuries - to people or pets; only one pet (a dog) didn't make it out with her owner, and a fire fighter went in and got her out from under the bed where she was hiding. 

 

 

 

Tom Davis

SANDPIPER STUDENT HOUSING FIRE

From Kevin & Sandy McCoy, Volunteers

It is just not meant to be. We were about to start our afternoon walk when Mario [Chapa, Staff Emergency Services Specialist] called. “We have another UT Student housing fire.”  

Mario and Worth [Haggerton, Staff partner Services & Planning Specialist] had meetings and wanted to know if we could be downtown by 3:30 in order to wait for students returning from work or school.   

 

We loaded up the Jeep with our gear and were on our way. The fire was at 2810 Rio Grande – only two blocks from the Student Housing Fire 4 days ago! This fire started at the join where two buildings had been built side by side. That created a thin void, and it was in this void where the fire started. The building was quite old but had been remodeled several times. A few apartments were damaged badly, and several others had water damage. Some vehicles were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and were also damaged.

By the time we arrived Mario had a damage assessment done and many of the students had been worked with. The Dean of Students at the university was very helpful in arranging for alternative housing, excuses for late assignments, etc. The housing complex was working very quickly as well to clear up the damage and start repairs.

Worth was there with the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and students and firefighters stopped by for water and a snack. Only a few apartments had been badly damaged and we helped those folks as best we could. By the end of the day the Red Cross Team had worked with 22 students. Everyone had a place to stay and their next few days of food and shelter arranged. We only had to help out in a few special cases due to the resourcefulness of the students and the help of the Dean.

The students spoke highly of the fire department for saving as much as they could and for how quickly they were able to get the fire under control. The fire department also had community support person at the scene. Some students were at school, and others were at work. So we stayed until students had been notified, and had time to make it back. They were allowed into the building to get their possessions, and we assisted the late arrivals that needed it.

Jaylie Mecray and her dad Jay Mecray live on Rio Grande Drive. They came by to see the fire trucks and we inducted Jaylie as our youngest volunteer and gave her a very official Red Cross Disaster Services Vest.

A job well done, and with all the student issues met, we closed the scene. Sandy and I are very grateful that no one has been injured in the two fires we have worked on this week. The students are very resourceful in making their own arrangements, and grateful for the assistance they receive.

VOLUNTEERS KEVIN AND SANDY MCCOY IN ACTION

Sandy and I went for a walk this afternoon. It is about a three mile walk to a favorite coffee place, and we had taken all the dogs with us - the sun shining and the weather gorgeous after our brief cold snap. We were just heading home when we got the call that we were needed at a University of Texas housing fire. Well, we picked up the pace and were home in a flash.

We then received a call from our Disaster Action Team captain – Bill Dorman, asking how many comfort kits and Client Assistance Cards we had on hand. Shortly thereafter we had loaded the jeep and were on our way. The reason he was asking was that it looked as if there might be as many as 27 students/coop residents in the coop house that was damaged by the fire.  He also asked us to redirect to another coop property – Whitehall on Nueces Street. The fire itself was on Rio Grande Street about two blocks from where our daughter Mandy works.

We arrived at the Whitehall Coop residence which was to serve as our client services base of operation. We arrived just as a long line of students wound their way there from the site of the fire. It was a curious procession especially as one of the students was carrying a full scale Paper Mache Narwhal! 

We set up shop and started talking to the folks most impacted by the fire, who lived on the third floor. Next we interviewed the students on the second floor that had water damage.  The remainders of the students suffered no damage, but were displaced since the electricity and utilities were shut off until repairs can be made. Bill Dorman - our DAT (Disaster Action Team) captain - had provided us with a damage assessment that was helpful.

We also met a representative from the CO-OP and she was able to arrange for housing, food, and transportation to the new housing for all the coop residents! That meant that we only had to worry about the smaller number of students who lost their clothing, bedding, and personal food in the fire.

The casework plan in place we interviewed the students and offered them Client Assistance Cards where appropriate (based on the interview and damage assessment).

The fire was caused by a glue gun that had been left on after working on a student project. They had a party to complete the project and unfortunately it lasted until dawn, and it looks like the clean up was less than effective. They slept, and then left for sailing, and sometime during the day the glue gun caught the cardboard on fire.  The Dean of Students came in to offer assistance to the students.

Lonnie Williams came and supervised the client case work. Worth stopped by with the ERV, and we got additional comfort kits from him. Sue Gaines was our CAC (Client Assistance Card) activator. By 8:30 we had done all the work with the students that needed assistance, and all the students had shelter, food, and immediate needs of clothing and bedding handled. We could not have done it that quickly except for the cooperation that we received from the CO-OP. They were fantastic.

Most of the fires we respond to are single family dwellings, so this was a bit of a change of pace for us. The students were very appreciative of the help they received, and the CO-OP really stood by them.

Kevin McCoy