RED CROSS SAYS BE PREPARED AND STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER

WEEKEND BLAZES SPOTLIGHT NEED FOR SAFETY

The American Red Cross of Central Texas has the tips and first aid courses available to keep Central Texans safe this summer—whether through grilling and fireworks safety, or first aid and heat safety education to prevent serious injury. After a spate of home fires over the July 4 holiday weekend, summer safety has never been more important.

The American Red Cross of Central provided immediate disaster response to four families affected in 2 separate home and mobile home fires in Travis County over the weekend. Assistance included hotel stays, food, clothing, comfort kits, diapers and stuffed animals. The Red Cross is also currently in the process of providing disaster relief and assistance to a Bastrop family also affected by a weekend fire.

“Luckily these families escaped safely, but a precious member of one family, a dog, was lost, along with medications and a wheelchair,” said CEO Elaine Acker. “We urge Central Texans to go onto our website to learn how to stay safe this summer, keep your pets safe and to get trained in CPR and First Aid. That way your whole family can be prepared for any situation.”

The Red Cross advises all citizens to “Be Red Cross Ready” in 3 easy steps: Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed. Disaster Supply Kits can be purchased directly from the Red Cross website or be built using a brochure guide also found online. A Family Disaster Plan is an essential component of preparedness, and the tips to create one can also be found online. Finally, families should stay informed of changing conditions and advisories with an emergency radio or through a live weather map on the Red Cross website, through Red Cross brochures or web materials.

To read the full range of safety tips for any situation or disaster, go online to http://www.centex.redcross.org/ourservices/prepare.php. Safety tips are downloadable and are written in clear, easy-to-read language. Many brochures are also available in Spanish.

To view the full range of health and safety courses, go to http://www.centex.redcross.org/classes/index.php. Classes are affordable and open to all ages and levels of experience.