Run Neal, RUN!

Much like Forrest Gump, Neal Gorman is running. While Forrest just decides to run one day, Neal however, is running for a cause. Not only has he raised over $2400, he's done it through Twitter and Facebook pledges across the web!

Check out Neal's ingenious use of social media called the $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge. As Neal prepares for the NYC Marathon race, send some Red Cross encouragement his way with a tweet or two!

Photo courtesy of aceofcleancarpet.com

Just Treats

Happy (almost) Halloween! Have you decided on your costume yet? Maybe you're skipping the parties and sticking to the treating. In that case, here's a Vampire Blood Lollipop recipe for you to try out. Mmm... sugary bloody goodness.

If you're still looking for something to do this Halloween, I have an idea for you (it's really my only idea I ever have for you): donate blood! Because real blood is way more useful than the fake costume kind.

Photo from curbly.com

A Bit of History...

This morning I met someone who absolutely warmed my heart. Ray Schumacher, 82, drove to the Red Cross Portland Center to deliver a piece of our history: his wife's Red Cross volunteer uniform.

Ray's wife Leona passed away last year. He couldn't remember exactly when Leona volunteered at the Red Cross, but he guessed the late 50s or 60s. She was likely a nurse's assistant or blood donor canteen volunteer.

With a shaky voice and teary eyes, Ray told us that Leona would be very happy to know that her uniform made it back to the Red Cross. We promised him that we would take great care of it for her.

Photo: Red Cross community relations specialist Sandi Lesh holds Leona Schumacher's vintage Red Cross uniform. Ray Schumacher holds the uniform's matching hat.

Worldwide...um, Thursday... Wrap-Up

[Better late than never...]

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Thursday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

INDIA: The heaviest rains in more than a century have inundated parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states in southern India. The Krishna River and its tributaries have flooded surrounding villages, killing 384 people, displacing 674,500 and affecting more than 4.1 million

The Indian Red Cross is responding, providing relief supplies and water sanitation. The American Red Cross is sending $180,000 of relief items.

YEMEN: Aid from the ICRC and the Yemen Red Crescent has reached around 140,000 people over the past three months, but tens of thousands of others trapped in conflict areas or forced to flee must fend for themselves as winter approaches.

PAKISTAN: As thousands flee fighting in the south of Waziristan, the ICRC and Pakistan Red Crescent Society continue to help people displaced in the north of the country over the last six months. Photo gallery.

BURUNDI: A healthy albino baby boy was born last week in a police-protected shelter. A rare happy story in the Ruyigi province where albino people have been the target of occult-based killings.

WORLDWIDE: For more worldwide Red Cross and Red Crescent news, read the latest issue of Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine online.

GLOSSARY:
ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

We're On To You, Dunder Mifflin...

About a week ago, I blogged on virtual world Second Life hosting a Zombiefest fundraiser for the Red Cross...last night I was recovering from the flu monster and caught the latest episode of The Office. Continuing a long streak of nods to our blog, the show was back to making too-relevant-for-coincidence references! I dare you to refute this connection after watching Dwight Schrute's Second Life rant linked here.

Otherwise, speaking of zombies...make sure to pay attention to Ready Radio tomorrow for some special preparedness tips!

Photo courtesy of nbc.com

Prepare-aphernalia: Wondermark Comic's Knit Kit Survival Bag

First it was a comic strip (which we blogged here).

Then, a t-shirt.

Now, a survival kit messenger bag!

You've gotta give props to the folks at Wondermark for creating a functional, fashionable - and funny - disaster "go bag." Though it doesn't come stocked, so you might want to throw in some... oh, ya know... food and water along with your yarn and needles. Just in case.

A Message From Gov. Kulongoski... And Elmo

Elmo has been busy lately recording public service announcements with congressmen and governors all across the country - reminding kids to sneeze into their sleeves and wash their hands during flu season.

Our own Governor Ted Kulongoski got to record a radio message with the Big E. Listen here.

P.S. For the grown-ups, our own Representative David Wu recorded a video PSA covering the same info, sans muppet.

Check out the vast library of flu PSAs at flu.gov/PSA.

Mystery of the Earthquake Swarms Solved!

Remember last year when seismologists reported observing "swarms" of hundreds of small earthquakes in the Pacific ocean just off the Oregon Coast? At the time they weren't sure what was causing them, but now it seems the mystery has been solved!

Oregon State University researchers have discovered a whole new series of faults in the Juan de Fuca plate (as an Oregonian you know what that is) that they previously didn't know existed. Just how could these faults affect us? Could they contribute to triggering quakes closer to land? The scientists aren't quite sure yet.

One thing we do know for sure? How to prepare just in case. www.oregonredcross.org/earthquakes

Hat tip to Audrey for sharing the OSU article.

Samoan Community In Oregon Bands Together To Raise Funds For Relief Efforts

“We want to let the people in Samoa know that the Samoan community in Oregon is keeping them in our thoughts and prayers as they begin a long journey to rebuild their lives.”

Those are the words of Ace Salu, pictured here presenting our grants manager, Darcie Spar, with the results of his incredible fundraising efforts.

In less than two weeks, Ace and his wife, Paula, organized a fundraising dinner at St. Philip Catholic Church to benefit relief efforts in American Samoa. The event, which was supported by the Pacific Island Council of Oregon and Noho Hawaiian Restaurant, raised thousands of dollars to help the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami.

So a big thank you to Ace, Paula, and everyone who contributed to the fundraiser. Simply amazing.

For updates on relief efforts in American Samoa keep an eye on the American Red Cross Online Disaster Newsroom as well as our Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Ups.

Halloween Red Cross Style

About this time each year I start to panic... what am I going to be for Halloween?! Next Friday is the Red Cross staff costume contest and I still have no idea. One year I dressed as a dead drummer from Spinal Tap (complete with skeleton t-shirt, leopard print pants, and crimped hair). I thought it was totally awesome, but nobody else understood it and I couldn't sustain a British accent for the entire night. Costume fail.

If you're also having a hard time figuring out a costume for this year, I've got some inspiration for you. How about showing off your Red Cross knowledge and support by dressing as:

-A giant blood drop (our mascot's name is "Buddy Blood Drop")

-"Disaster Dog" (another Red Cross mascot; see photo above)

-A blood donor (complete with a "Be nice to me, I gave blood today!" sticker, a bandaged arm, a fake bag of blood, and a doughnut in hand)

-A vintage Red Cross nurse

-A Vietnam Donut Dolly

-Dr. Charles Drew (the "father of blood banking")

-American Red Cross founder Clara Barton

-CPR Annie (the dummy)

-A Disaster Relief Volunteer

-A Red Cross Pirate...?!

Whatever you decide to dress as, remember to be safe out there (just like your mom, the Red Cross feels compelled to say this every time we talk with you).

Photo: Costume inspiration! Red Cross mascots Buddy Blood Drop, Disaster Dog and the Vintage Red Cross Gals

Pet First Aid Promo!

So, Anne just posted on pet Pickle's predicament..but after stumbling on this article, it seemed worth sharing more Pet First Aid news with the Red Cross world! Also, make sure to check out our own Dog and Cat First Aid classes right here in Portland.

PS: I found this article through angieslist.com, which I have to say is a pretty great website for keeping businesses in check.

How Many Pints Are in 12 Gallons?

That sounds like an SAT question. I just got kind of nervous.

Steve Stover of Salem, Oregon recently donated his 12th gallon--or 96th pint--of blood. He's been hooked on helping to save lives for the past 42 years after he gave his first donation at age 18.

Steve has potentially helped save hundreds of lives. Would you like to join him? To work towards your 96th pint, find a blood drive near you.

The Key To Volunteering?

Pockets. Lots of pockets.

That's according to Andy, the ex-boyfriend who lives in the pit on NBC's Parks and Recreation.

And, once again, the Red Cross makes an appearance on primetime during the iParticipate campaign.

Here's the quote:

"The key to volunteering? A lot of pockets...for putting all the food in. The Red Cross has amazing cookies. I go there all the time!"

You can see it for yourself on Hulu -- 2:45 into the episode.

P.S. If you want to volunteer (or just want cookies), I'd suggest going here OR signing up to give blood.

Flu Prepare-aphernalia: Musical Hand Wash Timer

According to a CDC survey, about 1 in 5 U.S. children had a flu-like illness earlier this month — and most of those cases likely were swine flu.

As we all know by now, handwashing is one of the best ways to stay safe. And we've shared kid-friendly wash tips on the blog before -- everything from singing the "Happy Birthday" song to introducing you to the Scrub Club.

Now we've got a piece of prepare-aphernalia that makes it easier for children to wash correctly...enter the musical hand wash timer!



Whether you like Disney princesses or talking cars, these toppers can be added to any bottle of liquid soap, making them both re-useable and versatile. I might not be a kid, but I'm tempted to buy one for myself.

Lights, music...wash!

Weebles Wobble But They Don't Fall Down

And neither do these new self-righting buildings designed to withstand earthquakes. Built on a rocking frame that allows the building to safely sway, this design uses a system somewhat similar to the human body. Flexible steel frames dissipate the energy of a quake while steel cable "tendons" stretch vertically and spring back into their original length once the shaking is over, thus pulling the building back upright. In other words, turning the buildings into Weebles.

Check out the video of scientists testing their new structural design on the worlds largest shake table in Japan.

Sing, Dance, Volunteer

Wednesday is my new favorite night. Why Wednesday, you might ask, when it's only half-way to the weekend? Because Wednesday, I might say, is the night I come home from the gym, slap on a face mask, open a bottle of red, and hit the couch to watch my new favorite show Glee!





With stylish, handsome, and hilarious actors, swoon-worthy love stories, witty dialogue and entertaining song and dance scenes, there isn't a whole lot I don't love about Glee. It almost (almost) makes me want to go back to high school to start a glee club. If only I could sing...

Last night's episode of Glee gave me yet another reason to love the show. While characters Rachel and Puckerman flirted their way down the hallways of their high school, I noticed a familiar sign on the wall behind them... a Red Cross volunteer poster! See it in the background of the screen shots? Pretty awesome. Red Cross volunteering must be cool if it's mentioned in Glee.

To find out more about how you can help save lives through volunteer work with the Red Cross, click here. We need your help... and so do the people whose lives you could help touch.

Get your pet out of a "pickle"

So... my cat Pickles got the cat flu recently, sending me into a tizzy about how to prepare for and prevent any more Pickles-related emergencies. If she had needed first aid, would I have known what to do? Looks like I'd better get myself to a Red Cross pet CPR/First Aid class stat! We offer classes in both doggy and kitty first aid, so get signed up and get trained!

Now, Pickles getting the flu may have only seemed disastrous to me; but real disasters do happen - displacing pets from their owners and leaving owners unable to provide well for their scared furry, feathery, or scaly friends! Luckily, our friends at Washington County Small Animal Shelter have some great info available, such as creating a 72-hr kit tailored to your pet's needs!

With all that pet safety help out there, I'm feeling better already.

Blood Recipient Spotlight: Gordon Thornburg

One of the best parts about working for the Red Cross is getting to meet all of the amazing volunteers who dedicate their time, passion, and energy to our life-saving mission. Last week, I had the privilege of meeting with volunteer Gordon Thornburg and his wife Joclyn. They shared with me Gordon's story about how he was inspired to volunteer here....

“Without blood from Red Cross donors, I wouldn’t be here today,” says Gordon Thornburg, a Red Cross volunteer in Portland. “When I was in the hospital, I just kept wondering ‘where are they coming up with all this blood?’” Gordon has received over twenty transfusions of blood in his lifetime, most of which was needed for an emergency surgery in the fall of 2005.

After collapsing on his bathroom floor during the night, Gordon was rushed by ambulance to the emergency room. His body was losing blood at a life-threatening rate: “We found out later that he nearly passed away twice, once in the bathroom and again in the ambulance,” recalls Joclyn, Gordon’s wife of 33 years.

After several emergency hospitalizations, doctors determined that Gordon had a Dieulafoy’s Lesion, an uncommon cause of severe gastrointestinal bleeding. When doctors prepared for surgery to remove the lesion, they realized they did not have a sufficient amount of Gordon’s blood type in stock. The hospital called the Red Cross for an emergency delivery of blood. “That stands out in my mind,” says Gordon, “I don’t remember much, but I remember that call from the hospital to the Red Cross.”

Gordon received a total of 17 units of blood during treatments for his lesion. “Needless to say, I’m very indebted to the Red Cross,” says Gordon, “I feel I could never pay them back. But I try.” Gordon started volunteering for the Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region last year, an activity that he says adds excitement and fulfillment to his life.

You can help save lives by donating blood and volunteering at the Red Cross. To make a blood donation appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit givelife.org. To find out more about Red Cross volunteer opportunities in the Pacific Northwest, call Lauren Grube at 503.528.5414.

Photo: Gordon ready to volunteer in his Red Cross gear!

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

BELGIUM: The ICRC and the College of Europe are bringing together experts from around the world to discuss new forms of violence and how they relate to international humanitarian law.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: The ICRC and Central African Red Cross Society are bringing aid to thousands of civilians displaced by violence - providing water sanitation, supplies for medical centers that have been looted, and reuniting children with their families.

IRAQ: In the four years before the closure of the American detention facility at Camp Bucca, around 30,000 detainees received 146,000 visits from their relatives with ICRC financial support.

SUDAN: Acting as a neutral intermediary, the ICRC transported two released hostages in Darfur last weekend.

INDONESIA: The Indonesian Red Cross Society (Palang Merah Indonesia) and the ICRC are working hand-in-hand to trace people separated from their families by earthquakes that killed more than 1,000 people, destroyed tens of thousands of houses and left hundreds unaccounted for.

AMERICAN SAMOA: In the wake of the tsunami, American Red Cross volunteers are working with grieving families and providing a "safe space" for children to laugh again.

GLOSSARY:
ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Students: Enter The Safety Video Contest!

From Oregon OSHA:

Cue the director; it’s time for high school students across Oregon to create a 45-second public service announcement promoting young worker safety and health. The top three entries will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500 and will earn a matching amount for their school.

The contest is designed to increase awareness about safety on the job for young people, with the theme of “Save a Friend. Work Safe.” Specific video guidelines are outlined in the contest rules. Students are encouraged to develop a slogan, use humor, and get creative while emphasizing ways to protect themselves at work. Submissions will be judged on a specific set of criteria.

Bilingual or multilingual PSAs are welcomed, especially in languages commonly spoken in Oregon (such as Spanish and Russian). The deadline for submissions is Feb. 15, 2010.

Contest winners will be unveiled at a screening event to be announced this spring and winning entries will be posted on YouTube. For detailed contest information including contest tips,
rules, and entry forms, go to www.orosha.org/psacontest/.

The Oregon Young Worker Health and Safety Coalition, Oregon OSHA, SAIF Corporation, American Society of Safety Engineers, and DHS-Public Health Division, Occupational Public Health Program are sponsoring the contest.

Is It Winter Yet?

There are many things I love about winter -- hot chocolate, mittens, flannel jammies and woolly tights, to name but a few.

Well, our friends at NOAA must be looking forward to jammies as well, 'cuz they're already wanting us to think about winter weather, even when it's in the mid-60's outside.

That's right, this is Winter Weather Safety and Awareness Week throughout the NW and there are tips every day to make sure you're prepared when freezing weather strikes.

Want wintery terminology? Need to know the difference between a watch and a warning? Wondering how to tell apart an eastern and western windstorm? NOAA's got it covered.

October 18 : Introduction to Winter Weather and Awareness
October 19 : Winter Weather Safety...Terminology, and Dissemination
October 20 : Winter Weather Outlooks, Watches, Warnings and Advisories
October 21 : Blizzards, Snow & Ice Storms, Wind Chill, and Avalanches
October 22 : Floods
October 23 : Windstorms (east and west of Cascades)
October 24 : Summary of Winter Weather and Awareness

If you want even more winter weather tips, you can always go to our website at:

www.oregonredcross.org/winter

We're with NOAA -- it's never to early to be ready...or throw on flannel jammies!

Photo courtesy of Smaku

Zombiefest: Virtual Gaming For A Cause

So, my twin brother plays Warcraft. Therefore, I know that people have fought demons, forged international alliances and even eloped on virtual landscapes. Much like Warcraft's online world, a sim called Second Life has developed a huge following.

Recently, Second Life came up with a brilliant plan to merge their game with the Red Cross! Zombiefest 2009 offered a chance to support the International Red Cross movement with undead avatars, zombie kissing booths and even a virtual Rob Zombie show.

I've been unable to locate the exact amount, but the Second Life blog reported an expectation of at least three or four thousand US dollars from the event.

Graphic courtesy of shoppingcartdisco.com

The Office Takes On Community Service

Speaking of watching TV, I love this clip of the cast from The Office talking about the importance of community service.

We already know that they host blood drives and are (apparently) big fans of our blog. Now they like to volunteer. Could we possibly love this show any more?

Watching TV Is Good For You

Yeah, I know. Watching TV is bad for your health -- it stops you from getting outdoors and being active and it doesn't challenge your brain.

But if you watch TV this week, it might just move you to take action.

Starting on Oct. 19, network tv shows are incorporating themes about service and encouraging viewers to visit the iParticipate Web Site to find volunteer opportunities. If you're not already familiar, iParticipate is supported by the Entertainment Industry Foundation and mobilizes the entertainment community to inspire a new era of service and volunteerism.

So how will shows work the concept of service into their storylines? Here are just a few examples:

ABC
Desperate Housewives: The women on the block organize a Neighborhood Watch group.
Jimmy Kimmel Live: The late-night host volunteers for Habitat for Humanity.

CBS
CSI: NY: As a volunteer for the fictional Manhattan Parks Volunteer Medical Unit, a member of the crime-scene team treats an injured executive in a park.
Gary Unmarried: The title character's daughter volunteers at an animal shelter and brings home a rescue dog.

Fox
Brothers: The brothers volunteer as assistant coaches for their dad's high-school football team.
'Til Death: A friend of the family frets over whether to accept money from his wealthy father when he would rather do public-service work.

NBC
The Biggest Loser: Contestants volunteer at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Parks and Recreation: Episode involves KaBoom, a real-life charity that builds playgrounds, in the parks department's continuing efforts to turn an abandoned construction pit into a park.

Have you spotted any volunteer references on TV this week? Let us know whether you think this national campaign will have an impact on your interest in giving your time to a worthy organization (hint, hint).

Mommy Questions? We've Got Answers...

If I were a new mom, I'd have lots of questions...

Breastfeeding or formula?

Cloth or disposable diapers? (Or better yet, these!)

And, most important, where do I find the pinkest, poofiest dresses?

I'd also wonder what to do if my baby ever had an emergency. Blue in the face? Dropped by a sibling? Choking on a teeny toy?

So many questions...and so many answers. You can find 'em all at our Infant CPR for New Parents class, coming up at Milagros Boutique.

It's not a CPR certification course, but it is a great way to learn the basics for your child. And, best of all, you'll be able to bring your newborn along, guaranteeing that you won't have to leave their side for an instant.

Thursday, October 29
6-8:30 p.m.
Milagros Boutique, 5433 NE 30th Ave.
Register at www.oregonredcross.org/milagros

Inspirational Shopping

Shopping that inspires good deeds... the best kind of shopping!

The need for volunteer blood donors is constant. Please make an appointment to donate blood. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit givelife.org.

We won't ask you to fill up the entire bag pictured here... we just want a little pint of blood!

Photo from karlaburns blog

Calling All Single Guys!

If you, like Beyonce, have been wondering where to find all the single ladies, I've got the answer...

...they're headed to Singles CPR this Wednesday night!

In all due seriousness, the class is about 80% women, so if you're a single guy, you're almost guaranteed to have great luck landing a date. Who wouldn't want to participate with odds like that?

So sign up now. And, in the interim, enjoy a clip from my favorite guilty pleasure, Glee.

Slideshow: "One Red Cross" Multi-Cultural Event

To remind us that we are part of a local, national and international organization, every year we invite staff to share their backgrounds, experiences and talents and to watch performances from around the globe.

Here's a look at Wednesday's event!

Prepare-aphernalia: Meal In A (Hot) Can

When disaster strikes, you might not have a microwave.

Seems pretty obvious that when the power goes out, so does the potential for hot food. Or does it?

For years, the American Red Cross has used "heater meals," which warm themselves through some mysterious combination of chemicals and black magic. See a heater meal in action.

Across the pond, those wacky Brits have developed their own version of a self-heating meal...enter the Hotcan, which comes in varieties including the intriguing All Day Breakfast, Irish Stew and Vegetable Curry. Read a review of how it works!

Whether you store 'em in your disaster kit (shelf life = 3 years) or stuff 'em in a backpack for camping, no matter where you are or what ensues, you're guaranteed a hot meal.

In Honor Of Halloween And Star Wars: In Concert

Photo courtesy of galacticbinder.com

Star Wars: In Concert information

Wait A Minute...

...does this prove that we really do need to be prepared for anything?

Wishing You An Unhappy (But Healthy!) Birthday

We've mentioned before that a great way to know if you've been washing your hands for 20 seconds is to sing the "Happy Birthday" song while you wash.

Now I've got another germ prevention tip.

If you're a big fan of The Smiths (and, really, who isn't?!), you can ALSO sing the chorus of "UNhappy Birthday" which is just about 20 seconds as well!

This, folks, might be the most awesome scientific breakthrough since the whole BeeGee's "Stayin' Alive" CPR thing.* Pass it on.



* Note that, in this case, the opposite works as well. Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust" provides an equally useful CPR beat!

Fashion Finds: Fall REDecorating

In what seemed like half a second, the summer sun vanished from the Portland sky and the air turned brisk and cool. It's officially fall and I officially love it. The thought of pumpkins and peacoats and molasses and mittens makes me absolutely giddy. Buh-bye tank tops and flip flops. Hellooooo scarves and hats!

Since Cross Blog has given you spring and summer REDecorating tips (in addition to other Red Cross-related style guides), I thought I'd continue this seasonal trend with a fall edition. Here's what's red hot for fall...

This lamp brightens the night with a bit of blood... whose blood? Your blood!

When it gets dark early, all I want to do is nap. This blood cell lounger looks like the perfect place to practice my napping skills.

If you haven't heard, vampires are totally in this year. People want to read about them, watch vampire movies and TV shows, and apparently, they want to decorate their homes in vampire themes. Let's just hope these vinyl bat decals don't turn into blood-sucking vampires during the night (save your sweet sanguinary substance for the Red Cross!).

Make Out With A Real Dummy

Yeah, you've heard the news...Singles CPR is making a triumphant return next Wednesday night!

And there are some new twists on the event this time around. Here's the scoop:

1. We're partnering with the fine folks at PDX.fm. They help us out with Ready Radio and have kindly been running some laugh-out-loud funny ads to promote the event. I highly suggest tuning in just to hear them. Plus, there are lots of other great shows that might be of interest.

2. We're partnering with Singlelicious, which is only the most awesome Portland singles group EVER. They put on some great events and it's really the perfect match for Singles CPR. We can't wait to do more with them in the future.

3. We've started a new "Bring Your Wing!" promotion. We know that no one wants to show up for a singles event all by their lonesome, so bring along a friend and you'll get 50% off their registration. That's the best deal yet.

So pucker up for some serious mouth-to-mouth and mark your calendar for Wednesday night. In the words of Barney, it's going to be...wait for it...LEGENDARY.

Image courtesy of the fabulous Gabriela Camerotti!

This Jeep Drives Into A Stairwell...

Sounds like the makings of a good joke...but it's not.

Last night, our disaster volunteers responded to an unusual call -- a Jeep had been driven right into the stairwell of an apartment building in Oregon City. See the photo here.

While no one was injured, upper floor residents had to be assisted down via their back balcony due to the destruction done to their stairs.

And even though there was no damage to the structure itself, Clackamas firefighter crews worked for several hours to shore up the front of the building until a construction team arrived to rebuild the concrete and steel stairway.

Since the 10 residents (from four apartments) won't have power -- or much in the way of access -- we'll be helping out with food, shelter and clothing in the interim.

How's that for a 3 a.m. adventure?

Volunteer For Our Warming Centers!

We've had really windy weather for the past few days, but it's nothing compared to what we'll probably be seeing come January.

That's why we're planning ahead and recruiting volunteers now for our emergency warming center.

If you've forgotten, you can read more about the project (as of last year). New details will be forthcoming after our 2009-2010 contract with the City of Portland is complete.

In the meantime, consider attending a volunteer orientation and get a head start on your New Year's resolution to make a difference.

Monday, Oct. 19
6-8 p.m.
Oregon Trail Chapter, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.

Tuesday, Oct. 27
4-6 p.m.
Oregon Trail Chapter, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.

Saturday, Nov. 7
TBD

Photo courtesy of Sacred Destinations

Cardiac Arrest? Just Chill Out...

If someone goes into cardiac arrest and there's no help from bystanders, their chance of survival is 3%.

If someone simply steps in to help, that survival rate can go up by 400 to 500%.

This point was driven home while listening to last night's interview with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Fresh Air.

The topic? Medical breakthroughs that have brought life back to people who were considered brain dead, as related to the doctor's new book, "Cheating Death: The Doctors and Medical Miracles that are Saving Lives Against All Odds."

The conversation runs through a variety of topics, but what I found most interesting were Gupta's comments about sudden cardiac arrest (skip to 6:30). Here's just a quick synopsis:

1. He tells a story of a Norweigan woman who died in a frozen stream, but was kept cool and then "re-warmed" several hours later...and survived.

2. He goes on to talk about hypothermia as a therapy for sudden cardiac arrest, right down to paramedics carrying ice-cold saline (as well as AEDs) on their ambulances.

3. He also talks about the effectiveness of "compression-only" CPR and why people hesistate to give mouth-to-mouth to strangers. Gupta's bottom line -- If you come across someone who has suffered from cardiac arrest, "Call 9-1-1, push on their chest 100 times per minute, and don't stop for anything."

It's silly to expect that you'll have chilled saline on hand in an emergency, but you can definitely learn the skills to save a life. Most peoples' hesitation to respond was based on the fact that they didn't know what they were doing when it came to CPR...don't let that be you!

Photo courtesy of Stephen Lovekin/Getty

Are You A "Complete Idiot"?

Time to snuggle up, get cozy, and read all about disasters and how to prepare for them!

No one here is calling you an idiot, but "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Disaster Preparedness" might be just the thing you need to learn about all things preparedness.

As The Oregonians' review of this book points out, it has plenty of examples that come from Oregon disasters - making it relevant to web-footers everywhere. It includes such tasty nuggets as creating a 72 hour kit and getting your business disaster-ready.

Of course the Red Cross has trainings and information available on these same topics, so make sure to hit us up for all your preparedness needs!

Simply Powerful

In the Philappines, floodwaters had still not receded a week after two devastating typhoons. This ad from BBDO Guerrero Proximity Manila reminded people that help was still needed.

Would a simple ad with such a basic message move you to give?

The Price Of Being Unprepared

"The government in Spain’s northwest region of Catalonia says it spends about 3-million dollars a year rescuing ill-prepared hikers from the region’s mountains…but no more. Now it’s charging reckless hikers for their rescues."

That's the synopsis for this radio segment on PRI's The World. Apparently hikers in Catalonia will now have to follow specific rules on proper hiking preparedness to avoid footing the bill for professional rescue services (which can be many thousands of dollars) should they end up needing them.

I think it will be interesting to hear if this prompts more people to actually get prepared before heading out into the wilderness. Will the financial price of unpreparedness be more incentive for people than the physical price?

Photo via Alaskan Dude

Action-Packed Weekend

There's no excuse for saying you're bored this weekend! Here's our list of recommended events:

- Portland Tattoo Expo. We'll be there today letting people know that they CAN still be eligible to give blood after getting a tattoo.

- Portland Fashion Week. Some of our more fashion forward bloggers will be (and have already been) attending various events. And if you use code CROSS when buying your Fashion Week tickets, a portion of proceeds go to support the Red Cross.

- Wordstock Festival. We'll be there, as will Josh Neufeld, the author/artist behind the brilliant graphic novel A.D.: New Orleans After The Deluge. We'll even be raffling off a signed copy of his book.

- Mercy Corps Action Center. We're very excited for our colleagues in humanitarian work. Their amazing new space officially opened today, but tomorrow they'll be hosting a slew of workshops, activities and concerts!

Getting Prepared For A Great Meal

Stop, Drop and (Salad) Rolls.

Preparedness Pineapple Fried Rice.

CPR Calamari.

Molten Volcano Chocolate Cake.

Clever names for items that 1. sound delicious and 2. benefit the Red Cross.

That's right -- next Tuesday (October 13) -- you can head to any of Typhoon!'s Portland locations and enjoy a scrumptiously pun-ny meal while helping out a good cause.

Typhoon! has generously picked out four Portland non-profits for their "Dining For A Cause" promotion, which will run all year long. And now's the time to start marking your calendar for the second Tuesday of every month! See the complete list of dates here.

So join us as we "Thai" the community together around some very important work. Your stomach will totally thank you.

The Name's Flu. Swine Flu.

Hygiene has never looked this hunky... Introducing the new anti-H1N1 suit.

I'm not kidding. Made in Japan, the manufacturer claims that its titanium dioxide coating kills the flu virus upon contact. I'm still not sure how much good this would do you given that it doesn't cover your hands and face, but perhaps the suit's real power is that you look so dashingly James Bond-like that the virus just runs away out of intimidation.

Check Out My Horoscope!

I don't often feel compelled to share my daily horoscope publicly, but I thought this was too apt to skip:

Your horoscope for October 8, 2009

A fit of altruistic impulses, which you may feel today, could change your life forever. At some point you might think in terms of possibly making humanitarian, social or political causes your life's work, Lise, and might even make a few tentative plans. Whether or not these lofty ideals last, of course, depends on your situation. However, whether you go ahead with these plans or not, the feelings experienced should be with you for the rest of your life.

Hmmm...is my life's work with the Red Cross? Given that we're the world's largest humanitarian network, I imagine it might very well be.

Image courtesy of verseguru

Coffee, Tea...or AED?

Roy Harris usually was able to fly straight home to Nashville.

But on a chilly day in late January, Harris, 57, found himself waiting for a connecting flight at Chicago's Midway Airport. He took off his coat. He reached for his BlackBerry.

The next thing Harris remembers, he was lying in a hospital, recovering from a massive heart attack. Sitting beside him was Rachael Jacobs, a flight attendant for Southwest, who, back at Midway, called for the defibrillator that ultimately saved Harris' life.

Read the USA TODAY article, praising the everyday heroism of our nation's flight attendants.

Photo by Jeff Adkins for USA TODAY

SPAM Saves The Day

Have you ever tried SPAM?

I have. In fact, I just ate some on Tuesday night -- green eggs and SPAM, actually.

If you haven't tried it, it's basically an extra-salty version of ham. IMHO, it's a little less dense and a little more spongey, but it fries up nicely overall. Check out all the recipes!

I tell you this because SPAM has a shelf-life (two years, room temperature) that makes it a perfect protein provider in a disaster kit. I also tell you this because Hormel -- the makers of SPAM -- just donated 30,240-pounds of SPAM to the Philippine National Red Cross to help feed those affected by the recent typhoons.

Now I don't know how many cans that translates to, but it sounds like a pretty stunning donation.

So thank you, Hormel, for creating a product that helps both pre- and post-disaster. There's no doubt survivors will appreciate your gift.

TIME magazine SPAM advertisement from Kitkatcrazy's copy of May 14, 1945.

"Start running. Just start running."

It's the personal stories of disaster survival that move us. Here's one from KVAL News that nearly brought me to tears. See for yourself.



The Red Cross is always on the scene to help disaster survivors begin to rebuild their lives; providing shelter, food, clothes and emotional support. Click here for the latest updates on what we're doing in places as varied as American Samoa, Indonesia and Atlanta.

And if you're interested in helping with a gift to support these efforts, you can do that right here.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

SAMOA: In response to the tsunami, the IFRC and Samoan Red Cross have been distributing relief supplies, including - of course - food and water, but also tools for farming and building shelters and women's hygiene supplies. People on the ground have been coming together to support relief efforts. An American Peace Corps volunteer set up the Samoan Red Cross' first ever website. And an independent filmmaker used his talents to document the resilience of the community (featuring Red Crossers among others).

AMERICAN SAMOA: The American Red Cross has sent both volunteers and supplies to the tsunami-stricken region. They're assisting at least 2,000 families who may be out of homes for months and out of electricity for a year or more. Keep up-to-date with re-caps, video and photos from the response on the American Red Cross Disaster Online Newsroom.

INDONESIA: Relief efforts continue in response to the recent earthquake in Sumatra. Red Crossers have had to find ways into remote villages blocked off by landslides. The British Red Cross shares an audio report from the leader of an emergency response unit distributing supplies.

PHILIPPINES: The ICRC is helping to improve hygiene and sanitation in flood-affected prisons.

SOMALIA: "This weekend the Somalia Red Crescent Society sent two war surgeons and an anaesthetist to Kismayo to support the local hospital," says Dr Ahmed M. Hassan, the Somali Red Crescent president. "They took 400 kg of surgical supplies from the ICRC with them which were urgently needed for the treatment of war-wounded patients."

GLOSSARY:
ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Prepare-aphernalia: The Bra That Could Save Your Life

"A brassiere that, in an emergency, can be quickly converted into a pair of protective face masks, one for the brassiere wearer and one to be given to some needy bystander."

Yes, that's the official description of the winner in the Public Health category of this year's Ig Nobel Prizes. The awards, administered by the publishers of the Annals of Improbable Research, are given for "achievements that first make people LAUGH, then make them THINK." And, man, does this invention (technically named the Garment Device Convertible to One or More Facemasks) fit the bill!

I mean at first it seems silly to say, "Hey stranger! Want half of my bra?" But in an emergency (say a volcanic eruption for us Portlanders), you're not worried about looking silly, you're just concerned about being able to breathe. So, hey, let's hope this fashion trend catches on! But can we please rename it something catchier? Like maybe the "Lady Lifesaver."

Read the whole patent. Or check out the synopsis from the awards ceremony.

Inventor, Dr. Elena Bodnar, giving a demonstration with fellow scientists.

Coffee Lover's Prepare-aphernalia: VIA Ready Brew

Unless you happen to live on a remote desert island, you've probably heard about Starbucks' new product -- VIA Ready Brew.

And, if you're anything like me, you've even been handed a few of the little packets to try out after motoring through the mocha drive-thru.

But this particular take on instant coffee got us thinking... Not only can you add hot water for you morning cup of at-work joe, you can also add COLD water and it'll still "brew" up...making VIA just about the perfect item for any coffee lover's disaster kit.

You can also get creative. No clean drinking water? Try adding VIA to your shelf-stable soy milk.

In short, we're saving up all those drive-thru freebies and stuffing them in our ever-expanding kit. And, Starbucks, if you're listening, feel free to send a few more in our direction. A girl can never be too prepared!

P.S. Just a reminder that all our blog posts for prepare-aphernalia are things that we think are cool, NOT that we're paid (or otherwise encouraged) to write about!

"Make Change" Campaign

Here's another creative Red Cross ad campaign, thanks to the fine folks at Wray Ward.


I love that they illustrate how even the smallest donation can make a difference -- providing food, shelter, water and immunizations. Plus, the coin wrapper is immediately recognizable...even though I can't think of the last time I saw one in person.

If anyone from Wray Ward is out there, I'd love to know how this is being used and/or why it was created. Nice!