Are you 'Tech Ready' for a disaster?

In our increasingly technologically reliant society, people are finding new ways to communicate during and after a disaster. For example, during the Japanese crisis and East Coast earthquake people went for their mobile phones and computers to tell their family and friends what was going on. More Americans are using social media and technology in emergencies, and to help people understand and prepare the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) joined together to present a new tip list for How to Communicate Before, During and After a Major Disaster.

The list contains some key information for us to remember as we keep upgrading, and I've listed a few of the major tips below...

Does your household rely on cordless phones for your landline? Cordless phones require power both at the handheld units and the base station, which will likely be unavailable during a major disaster. It is recommended that you keep at least one traditional cord-based phone around the house.

Keep emergency contact information in your cell phone, and subscribe to text alert systems that many state and local governments are starting to offer.

After a disaster hits, if you lose power try to keep your cell phone charged. You can reduce the brightness settings, close apps, and put the phone in airplane mode to conserve power. Keep a car charger handy to recharge it if needed.

With a smart phone or other mobile device using a cell network, a natural reaction can be to go online and watch streaming media to find out what is going on. Resist the urge as it can add to network congestion that can hinder emergency response. Keep a battery powered or hand cranked radio handy instead.

For non-emergency communications use text messaging, e-mail, and social media. In addition, they suggest using the American Red Cross Safe and Well website. If you do need to make a phone call, try to keep it brief.

For more tips, visit the How to Communicate Before, During and After a Major Disaster and Ready.gov's Get A Kit - Get Tech Ready websites.

Photo: CNN

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...

PAKISTAN: In response to some of the worst floods on record, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) deployed volunteers trained to operate water treatment plants, pump accumulated water, and turn it into safe drinkable water. They have so far reached over 127,000 people with 638,700 litres of safe drinking water. Over 39,000 water purification tablets or sachets have been distributed to more than 6,200 people.

PHILIPPINES: Two years after two typhoons devastated the island of Luzon, the IFRC and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has ensured that more than 3,500 displaced individuals have homes. The PRC has installed 21 communal water supply points, and constructed or rehabilitated water and sanitation facilities for 30 schools that were affected by the typhoons.

NEPAL: Red Cross National Societies from three countries have joined emergency relief efforts to bring aid and medical care to the survivors of the deadly earthquake that struck the Himalayan region bordering north India and Nepal on September 18.

TUNISIA: The ICRC is helping to meet the needs of people fleeing the conflict in Libya and of the local population. Work is under way that will result in a considerable increase in the volume of water supplied to some 100,000 people.

GLOSSARY:

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

Good to Give, Good to Go! Don't Miss Out!

Help Fuel the Blood Supply and Get a Chance to Win a $100 Gas Card!

Red Cross to Hold $100 Gas Card Drawings Daily until September 30

The American Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region will be giving away a $100 gas card EVERY DAY through the rest of the month--that’s $1,000 in free gas.

The promotion ends on September 30, 2011, so there's still time to participate in this awesome deal! All blood and platelet donors who present to donate at any American Red Cross donor center or mobile blood drive throughout Oregon and Washington will be entered in a daily drawing for a $100 gas card.*

“At a time when gas prices are nearly $4.00 a gallon, we’re pleased to reward donors with a chance to win a gas card and fill their tank on us,” said region CEO Steve Stegeman.

For more information, or to schedule your donation, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org

* Must be 18 years of age to participate in drawings.

Prepare-aphernalia: Video Game Armor

We often talk about preparedness and readiness around here, with the realistic (earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes) and the not-so-realistic (zombies, vampires, velociraptors). The idea is if you are prepared for something out of fantasy and fiction, you will also be ready for reality. ... but... what if you are a video game space marine dropped behind enemy lines, planets away from resupply and reinforcements? This is a popular scenario behind such games as Halo, Gears of War, Metroid, Borderlands, Mass Effect... (and a list that could easily fill this entire post).

Increasingly these characters are being portrayed with massive battle armor, yet no backpacks or supply kits. Where do they store their food and other survival essentials? Dorkly has taken on the challenge of imagining what might be inside of the hulking armor featured in the newly released Gears of War 3;


What would you keep in your armor? Personally, medkits are great and all but I prefer the armor in Halo and Fallout that provide motivational conversation within post-apocalyptic landscapes.

Surviving An Emergency that Required No Toilet Paper

My Emergency Prep. Kit: Made out of a Widmer Beer box. Ready to help you calm down.

On a recent sabbatical, I experienced the kind of family emergency that requires no canned foods, protein bars or radio.  As a result, I reached into my emotional emergency preparedness kit which is based on: (1) Lifeguard training, (2) a false alarm in a hotel throughout which I screamed "I'm too young to die," and (3) a Fireman's advice.

The first, Lifeguard training, propelled me to isolate the victim's movement and call 911.

The second and third are closely related through a thread of panic.
As an 8 year old, I responded to the supposed fire with a natural, albeit highly unhelpful panic reaction.  Panic fuels the fire of an emergency.  Luckily, it was the advice of a Fireman (AKA my Grandpa Al) that ultimately made me a helpful partner in the emergency at hand.

The Advice? 

"You are going to Panic, Decide to Panic Later."

The goal of this message is to get you to stop reacting, and start acting (Roddey, 2011).
The goal is to help you focus on the task at hand AND the next step towards your safety.

"Panic Later" became my mantra I yelled at myself over and over as I followed the ambulance to the hospital.  My only job was to arrive safely to accompany my family through the scary ER and what turned out to be a successful recovery.

"I Want to Panic, But I'm Going to Panic Later." This should be your mantra during an emergency.
Repeat it, and teach it to your kids and friends.

I suggest placing the phrase "Panic Later" on the inside of your emergency pack and repeating it when you are inevitably scared and upset as an emergency rears its ugly head.
 

Are your kids and pets prepared?

We are well into National Preparedness Month and also halfway through our annual #just1thing contest. We want to help you prepared and thanks to our great partners at the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program at the Oregon Health Authority we still have two great preparedness kits to give away to lucky winners. To enter send a tweet to @RedCrossPDX with whatever you're doing to get prepared and use the hashtag #just1thing or visit RedCrossPDX on Facebook and post your #just1thing on our wall. You'll then be entered in a drawing to win one of the follow kits:

Sept. 22-28: Kid Kit
Sept. 29-Oct 5: Pet Kit

Need help with ideas? Check out our Be Red Cross Ready Online Training.

All participants are welcome, however only Oregon residents are eligible for prizes, to be awarded via random drawing. Sorry to our friends across the country and around the world, but this is one of the stipulations since we're partnering with the State of Oregon. The contest is free and there are no requirements to purchase anything to participate.

*photo courtesy of Film-Exposed

Shelter Operations Training Opportunity - Sandy, OR

The Sandy Area Community Organizations Active in Disaster identified the need for a Shelter Operations Training and Red Cross responded! "We really need individuals from the local area to be part of our Shelter Operations Team", said Alice Busch, Sandy Fire District "Red Cross is willing to share their expertise in this area and we are fortunate to host their training in Sandy".

On Saturday, October 1st from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (Sandy Grange, 34705 SE Kelso Rd Sandy, OR 97055) Red Cross will teach two classes, a Shelter Operations class and a Shelter Simulation class.

Registration is as simple as emailing your name and phone number (with ‘Oct 1st Shelter Class' in the subject line) to: Curtis Peetz at peetc@oregonredcross.org

Both classes are free and are open to the public.

"I think most people are so accustomed to Red Cross being there, they may forget that Red Cross is made up of, in many cases, local volunteers who took the time to get trained so they would be able to lend a hand to their neighbors if ever the need arose. Without this valuable training and others like it, the effects of a disaster can become exagerated, placing needless hardship on those who are already suffering. I am proud of our community for requesting this training and thankful for our partners in Red Cross for providing it" said Busch.

Descriptions of the classes are below. Students are encouraged to attend both classes.

SHELTER OPERATIONS (3 hours) is an instructor-led, basic level course designed to give participants an overview of the American Red Cross policies and procedures for setting up, running and closing a shelter during a disaster. The course includes lecture and group exercises. Its purpose is to prepare volunteers to manage shelter operations effectively and sensitively as a team while meeting the needs of people displaced as a result of a disaster.

SHELTER SIMULATION (3 hours) builds on the information presented in the Shelter Operations course and provides participants an opportunity to practice working with procedures for setting up, running and closing a shelter during a disaster. It provides participants with an opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities required to operate a successful shelter.


If you can't make this training or are just interested in doing more. Consider becoming a Red Cross Volunteer.

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...

KENYA: The ICRC has setup phone service in Dadaab, for the many thousands of refugees fleeing the conflict and drought in Somalia. This allows refugees the opportunity to make a phone call to an immediate family member or other close relative anywhere in the world. More than 7,200 have taken advantage of the service.

LIBYA: Over the past week the ICRC has been providing medical supplies along the front lines of four disputed areas. The supplies are being staged for use at hospitals to help increase their capacities and capabilities. Additionally, continued support is being made available to those displaced by the ongoing conflict.

YEMEN: The ICRC is currently monitoring the situation in the capital of Sana’a, where a ceasefire has been agreed upon for the conflict between Government forces and protestors.

HUNGARY: Earlier this week the IFRC and the United Nations Volunteers program co-hosted more than 200 volunteer organizations from across the world in adopting a Declaration determined to value, recognize and encourage volunteering’s contribution to people, their communities and our planet.

RUSSIA: The IFRC is delivering immediate assistance in the Russian Federation to 1,800 families in the Krasnodarskiy Kray (region) and the Republic of Adygeya, in response to flooding caused by heavy rains.


GLOSSARY:

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

It’s Hard to Keep a Good Man Down

At age 98, the nation’s oldest American Red Cross blood donor plans his next donation for Thursday, September 22, 2011

In the last 100 years, the world has seen a man walk on the moon, two world wars transpire, the formation of the United Nations and the introduction of LifeSavers candy. While these historical benchmarks are well publicized, another significant event of a “true lifesaver” deserves honor and recognition.

On February 17, 1913, Willard M. Hayne, the nation’s oldest American Red Cross blood donor, was born in Gresham, Oregon. Currently 98 years old, Willard began donating in 1949, just one year after Dr. Carl Walter, a trained surgeon, developed a plastic bag for the collection of blood in place of glass bottles.

“Any chance I can encourage people to donate, I will,” Willard exclaimed. Even later in life, when blood donor regulations limited the upper age limit, Willard returned as a regular donor once the limitation was lifted.

Willard has successfully donated 138 units, eight of which occurred in the last 24 months. Not content to stop at 138 donations, Willard last attempted to give blood in August 2011 and will make another attempt on September 22nd in the Coos Bay area, where he’s been retired (and donating) for the last 18 years.

Willard comes from a history of gratitude and hard work, which is instrumental in his philosophy of blood donation. After retiring from the banking industry, Willard states that he “started from the bottom as a bookkeeper and worked my way up to manager.” He finished his career as bank manager at First National Bank of Oregon in Silverton, which is now a Wells Fargo.

Passing on his donation practice to those around him, Willard has instilled the habit of giving blood in his three children, including a son who has provided directed donations in Minnesota due to his rare blood type. Now that Willard is retired, he’s found friends in fellow blood donors in his retirement community. “I feel grateful that I’m healthy enough to donate. It’s been a blessing to me.”

Beyond donating blood, Willard has also made financial donations to the Red Cross after witnessing how the organization provided emergency services during disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. Although Willard has lived an incredible life of generosity, he is humble when informed of his status as the nation’s oldest American Red Cross blood donor.

“It feels so good to be honored as a donor. I’ve never expected anything in return. You hear about people who need blood and just being able to donate is a gift enough.”

Young Worker Video Contest

Ready for those flashing lights? Well, you better be because it’s that time of the year for Young Worker Video Contest, hosted by the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition ( O[yes]).

Oregon high school students are invited to create a 45 second public service announcement that educates other young workers about how to stay safe in the workplace. The overall theme of the video is “Save a Friend. Work Safe”, and should also incorporate how important it is to “Speak Up” in order to protect the health of one’s self and others.

Contest rules, judging criteria, entry forms, resources, and other general information can be viewed on their contest page. Students are encouraged to create a slogan, put on their creative hats, and most importantly, have fun!

The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2012. The top three winners will receive cash prizes ($300-$500), and winning schools will receive a matching donation. Winners will be notified in April 2012, and will have their video posted on Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division and distributed to public media. Good luck and get those cameras rolling soon!

Sponsors of this contest are the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition, American Society of Safety Engineers, Oregon Health and Science University, Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Liberty Northwest, Greater Portland Construction Partnership, SAIF Corporation, and Oregon OSHA.

The American Red Cross is also committed to safety in the workplace, as there are many classes and seminars offered geared towards the health and safety of employees. Here you can find information about the kind of preparedness training offered and how to contact your local Red Cross chapter if you are interested in the programs. Youth programs are also offered, and are geared towards emergency preparedness, Basic First Aid, and Babysitter’s Training.

Photo Courtesy of Greater Akron Homes

Good to Give, Good to Go!

Help Fuel the Blood Supply and Get a Chance to Win a $100 Gas Card!

Red Cross to Hold $100 Gas Card Drawings Daily from September 20 to September 30

Beginning today, the American Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region will be giving away a $100 gas card EVERY DAY through the rest of the month--that’s $1,000 in free gas.

From September 20 through September 30, 2011, all blood and platelet donors who present to donate at any American Red Cross donor center or mobile blood drive throughout Oregon and Washington will be entered in a daily drawing for a $100 gas card.*

“At a time when gas prices are nearly $4.00 a gallon, we’re pleased to reward donors with a chance to win a gas card and fill their tank on us,” said region CEO Steve Stegeman.

For more information, or to schedule your donation, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org

* Must be 18 years of age to participate in drawings.

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...


PAKISTAN: Today the IFRC launched a preliminary emergency appeal for $12 million to provide urgent relief and medical support to 105,000 people affected by the devastating floods that have once again struck Pakistan.

JAPAN: The Japanese Red Cross has played a key role in tsunami and nuclear disaster emergency response and recovery efforts. 800 medical teams were deployed immediately after the disaster to run mobile clinics for survivors. With donations totalling $510 million received (of a total $51 billion pledged) by Red Cross Red Crescent societies abroad, another key part of the Japanese Red Cross reconstruction plan is to support the building of temporary hospitals.

KENYA: A leaking gasoline pipeline in Kenya's capital exploded on Monday, turning part of a slum into an inferno in which at least 75 people were killed and more than 100 hurt. Red Cross official Pamela Indiaka said the Red Cross is providing body bags and has dealt with 75 bodies so far. The death toll from the blast may still rise.

ITALY: The 34th Round Table on current issues of international humanitarian law (IHL) recently took place in San Remo, from September 8-10, 2011. Conclusions were made by Dr Philip Spoerri, Director for International Law and Cooperation, ICRC, regarding new weapon technologies and IHL.


GLOSSARY:

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

Be a good cookie. Get a good cookie.

It might not be the holiday season quite yet, however if you see new messages from elves it is worth while to heed what they have to say! That is because the Keebler elves have come out to remind you to donate blood, a message you will likely see on select packages at retailers.

Keebler and the American Red Cross have teamed up to make sure the good deed of donating blood doesn't go unappreciated. When you are a good cookie and give blood with the American Red Cross, you'll be recognized with a Keebler cookie. After all, one good cookie deserves another!

This is incredibly good news if, like me, this time of year puts you in Girl Scout Cookie withdrawal. Keebler is part of Kelloggs baking unit, which also provides the Western United States troops with their cookies. That means your donation could lead to a Grasshopper (similar to a Thin Mint), Coconut Dream (similar to a Samoa), or any of the other amazing Keebler creations! In case of an extreme emergency, I do keep frozen Girl Scout cookies at the back of my freezer just in case (be prepared!).

Arm To Arm

Heroic blood donors: do you know the path your donation takes "from arm to arm?" Discover the lifesaving journey of a Red Cross blood donation with this great video!

Earthquake Fish

Throw it Back! (http://ht.ly/6pwLu)

Here at the Red Cross we've always been interested in Busting Myths but today, I'm just interested in some excellent, highly cultural myths to sink my teeth into.

While scanning the Field Guide to Tokyo's Top 10 Mythical Beasts, I ran into the "Cat Fish God" or Namazu, once thought to be the cause of earthquakes in Japan.  The thought was that these fish were thrashing deep beneath the surface of the earth.  And then my thought was: Show and Tell, 4th grade!

I remembered that I own a netsuke of an "earthquake fish" when I was a little kid and so I started Googling "earthquake fish." And guess what? MORE earthquake fish!

In Taiwan, another earthquake fish title was given to the species called Trachipterus ishikawae, or, "ribbon fish."  These achieved this rank as they appeared following major earthquake events [Hengchun (2006) and Taidon (2007)].  Biologically, it turns out that this may be because they are highly sensitive to disturbances on the ocean floor which is frankly where I believe you should keep ribbon fish because they are ugly.

Thursday night, September 22, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the King City Civic Association Clubhouse, The King City Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in partnership with the Oregon Red Cross and Horizon Restoration present:

ARE YOU READY FOR THE BIG ONE?

Could what happened in Japan happen here? What will our neighborhoods look like when the shaking stops? What about roads, power, schools and hospitals? How long will it take for help to arrive? What can you do to prepare?

Join earthquake and tsunami guru James Roddey from the Oregon Red Cross for an eye-opening presentation all about getting ready for "The Big One!" From Native American myths to ghost forests and surfing elephants, you’ll learn the latest science and more on our chances of getting a mega-quake in Oregon. Learn about Red Cross resources you can use to help get prepared!

22 September 2011 at 7:00 PM at the King City Civic Association clubhouse located at15245 SW 116th Ave. King City (near Tigard in the Portland metro area). Mark your calendar and bring a neighbor or a friend to this informative and free presentation. All public is invited.

For information or questions contact either King City Chief of Police Chuck Fessler at (503) 620-8851/ cfessler@ci.king-city.or.us , Sam at King City Hall at 503 639-4082, or James Roddey at (503) 867-4699 or roddeyj@oregonredcross.org.

The #just1thing You Can Do To Be Prepared Contest!

In honor of National Preparedness Month, we're bringing back our incredibly awesome Twitter and Facebook contest!

The Oregon Red Cross and Oregon Public Health Emergency Preparedness are teaming up during National Preparedness Month to offer you a chance to win cool emergency gear by showing off how you are preparing your business, family, children, or pets (Fluffy in a life vest!) for an emergency.

Post or tweet just one thing you can do to be more prepared and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win preparedness kits valued at more than $100 each. For more details, see the #just1thing contest stuff on our Facebook page.

Beginning today for a week and the next 4 weeks in September and into October there will have a special #just1thing theme and corresponding cool prize:

Sept. 8-14: The Workplace

Sept. 15-21: Families

Sept. 22-28: Kids

Sept. 29- October 5: Pets

All participants are welcome, however only Oregon residents are eligible for prizes, to be awarded via random drawing. Sorry to our friends across the country and around the world, but this is one of the stipulations since we're partnering with the State of Oregon. The contest is free and there are no requirements to purchase anything to participate.

To participate, send a tweet to @RedCrossPDX with whatever you're doing to get prepared and use the hashtag #just1thing... or go to www.facebook.com/RedCrossPDX and post your #just1thing on the wall.

That's it! Now go forth, prepare and WIN!

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...


WORLDWIDE: Each year, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world observe World First Aid Day. The day is marked on the second Saturday of September and communities are preparing for it around the globe.

COLOMBIA: On Monday, September 5, 2011, ICRC and Ministry of Social Protection presented a guide in Bogotá for improving treatment for casualties of armed conflict. The victims of armed conflict include people wounded by improvised explosive devices and explosive remnants of war, and also the victims of firearms and other devices.

YEMEN: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Yemen Red Crescent Society have distributed food rations to over 17,000 displaced people and residents in the areas of Zinjibar, Ja'ar, al-Bateis and al-Husn in Abyan governorate. Armed confrontations have forced tens of thousands of people to hastily leave their homes in search of safer places.

SOUTH KOREA: The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement was well represented at the recent 10th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) held in Busan, the Republic of Korea. IFRC used the conference as an opportunity to call upon governments in Asia and the Pacific to provide universal, non-politicized and anonymous access to HIV testing as a key step towards the United Nation’s ‘Getting to Zero’ strategy.


GLOSSARY:

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

Pint For Pint Blood Drives - Final Chance!

Looking for a cool deal that makes a real difference? Today is the last day to help save lives AND get a sweet treat from Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream during the Pint for Pint Blood Drives! All American Red Cross blood and platelet donors in Washington and Oregon who make a donation appointment between September 1 and September 7, 2011 will receive a coupon for a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream when they check-in to donate*.

The ice cream coupon can be presented at any participating grocery store or Ben & Jerry’s participating store. This is a sweet deal because you can help save a life and try one of Ben & Jerry’s well-known flavors like Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia or Chubby Hubby.

A quick reminder - making a donation appointment is necessary to receive a coupon for a pint of ice cream. Coupons are subject to availability and must fall within the dates of September 1 and September 7, 2011, so call to make your appointment today!

*(While supplies last. Coupons can be redeemed at participating Ben & Jerry’s stores or participating grocery stores.)

Hot, Windy, and Dry Conditions Raises the Risk of Wildfires

If the smoke in the Willamette Valley or the shocking images from Texas haven't been warning enough, it is wildfire season. With this week expected to be the warmest of the year with dry conditions and significant winds, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning across much of the Eastern Willamette Valley (including parts of Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion, Linn, and Lane counties). This means a small spark could easily lead to a wildfire. In addition, there are several high profile fires already active in Oregon that are likely to spread.


The Oregon Red Cross has a variety of helpful tips available for dealing with wildfires:

A list of supplies to take with you if you need to evacuate

How to prepare for a wildfire

What you should do when there are reports of wildfires in your area

Tips for dealing with the aftermath of a wildfire

If you want to learn more, here are additional helpful resources:
-National Weather Service Portland Forecast Office (with Red Flag map)
-Oregon Department of Forestry Industrial Precaution Levels
-Fire Tips from the Oregon Red Cross
-Portland Fire & Rescue: Emergency Preparedness

Photo: KGW

A Lady Always Prepares...

All rights reserved by bluepoolimages

Women are generally the most prepared people I know.
You're hungry? She's got a snack.
You're cranky? She's got a toy.
You broke your leg? 
She's an Orthopedic Surgeon, MD.

Preparedness is not equal for everyone: Men need razors, Babies need formula, and Women need something more (as we usually do).

For the Ladies, here are some simple additions to your Emergency Prep Kit that will keep you safe and comfortable during an emergency.

1.  A Sports Bra
If you're jumping up in the middle of the night, grabbing your kids, and running to safety, this will be something you'll want to have eventually (you don't know when you'll be home next).   

2. Hair-Elastics (3-5)
Long hair + Emergency = Ponytail.  Not only are hairbands smart for keeping your hair out of your face, they're also useful for keeping plastic wrap on cans and rolling up long sleeves. I suggest rigging these to your emergency bra so they're always on hand. 

3.  Excedrin
If you love drinking coffee in the morning or if you are prone to migraines I  suggest adding a bottle of Excedrin to your bag.  This is for men and women. On those days you can't get to coffee, you're going to want these by your side. 

4. Bobby pins (5)
Although a hair accessory, I'm not including it to maintain your "do."  Bobby pins are great for rigging or opening things, getting into small crevices. (Here are 50 uses for bobby pins) 

5.  Tampons and Sanitary Napkins (Week's worth)
Not only are these practical for "feminine emergencies" during hurricanes and earthquakes, these items with indefinite shelf life have actually been used in the military as a method of dressing wounds in an emergency. Check out snopes for verification.

So there you have it, you are now a Ready-Diva.  I suggest you throw these things in your emergency pack today because I know you have them in the house.


Do you have any more woman-centric ideas for an emergency pack? Submit them in the comments.
-Kate

Friday Final Cut

It has been a busy week in this post-Hurricane, post-Earthquake, pre-Velociraptor society, with a plethora of stories we weren't able to blog. So here's your final cut... everything that we wanted to share, but don't have time to blog.

Hurricane Irene
Before/After Pics from Irene -- Buzzfeed

Using a Jet Ski to traverse a flooded Oceanside, New York -- Buzzfeed

In the wake of Irene, a blood drive in New Hampshire set the new national record for single-day donations at a drive (nearly 2k!) -- The Union Leader (Donors are still needed!)

Earthquakes
Satirical tips for Earthquake Preparedness -- The Onion (For real tips, click here)

6.8 Alaska quake prompts brief tsunami warning in remote areas -- KGW

Other/Local
Red Cross responds to Warm Springs wildfire -- KBND

Study finds Eugene having some of the best drivers in the country/ Western Washington having many of the worst -- KGW

And finally, here are some great Red Cross tips for the Labor Day weekend! Have a great weekend!

PHOTO: American Red Cross Shelter in Nassau Community College, Long Island, New York (Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross)

Free Chipotle Burrito? Just Roll Up Your Sleeve!

Hungry? On Tuesday, September 6th, the Red Cross and Chipotle want to satisfy your hunger and your appetite for helping others. Our Chipotle Blood Drive is returning to offer your choice of a free burrito, bowl, order of tacos or salad to every presenting donor!

This event will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. at Chipotle Mexican Grill in Portland, located at 710 NE Weidler Street.

To participate, call (503) 528-5603 to register as a blood donor for the “Chipotle” drive. Donor appointments are not required, but are preferred. All interested participants can also register online at this link: http://bit.ly/aWplU3

Chipotle image courtesy of chipotle.com

September is National Velociraptor Awareness Month!

Jim was glad he'd taken the Red Cross Velocireadiness Class

My good friends, I believe it is important to acknowledge the potential for disasters every day and prepare for them accordingly.
A hurricane? Sure.
An earthquake? Certainly.
Velociraptors? INEVITABLE.

September is National Velociraptor Awareness Month and "Velocireadiness" is imperative to the survival of our species in the face of the egg-eating, pack-hunting, tricky wood-chipper of a dinosaur: The Velociraptor.

I answer your questions below based my own expertise and the FAQs from Velociready.org, a fine non-profit dedicated to increasing awareness of Velociraptors and their eating habits...mostly...you.

Dear Kate,
In the event of a velociraptor attack, do you recommend standing in a doorway? Thanks, Eden
Dear Eaten,
First of all, we don't even recommend doorways for earthquakes.
Second of all, if you see a raptor approaching and you're standing in a doorway, I GUARANTEE, you've already been eaten by the one you didn't know was there. Drop, cover, and holding under strong furniture is pretty standard procedure for both earthquakes and raptor attacks.

Is there a preparedness guide for velociraptor attacks?
Yes, it's called "Jurassic Park," you will be amazed how quickly your kids get prepared. For everything else there's Red Cross Fast Tips

How do I make my home Raptor-Ready?
Making a plan is key: make sure everyone knows where to meet outside in case of velociraptors (or fires). Also, practice evacuating your home twice a year. For authenticity, we recommend dressing like a bipedal carnivore and sneaking into your husband's office at night. Remember preparedness can be fun!

Aren't Velociraptors extinct?
No, they just went underground, they're very Portland.

For more information on preparing yourself for Raptor attacks see:
http://velociready.org/site/faq/
http://www.velociraptors.info/

Hurricane Irene Impacts Blood Supply

The American Red Cross is moving blood products to the areas most likely to be affected by Hurricane Irene so that these products will be available during and after the storm.

It’s the blood that is already on the shelves that helps save lives before, during and after a disaster, so the Red Cross is urging immediate blood and platelet donations in areas unaffected by this storm. We are also asking that community members consider donating blood in affected areas once the storm passes through and it’s safe to do so.

Since platelets have a shelf-life of just five days, it is imperative that there are enough platelets on hand to meet the needs of patients across the country and those in the path of the storm.

The Red Cross has already had to cancel more than 60 blood drives along the East Coast due to Hurricane Irene, resulting in the shortfall of more than 1,500 units of blood. It is expected that additional blood drives will be postponed in the coming days due to storm damage.

Nationwide, around 44,000 blood donations are needed each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. These patients and others rely on blood products during their treatment. If blood collections are negatively impacted by a disaster, the long-term care needs of these patients could also be affected.

When disaster strikes, this need does not diminish, even though blood donors may find it difficult or impossible to get to a convenient donation opportunity. If people will make an appointment to donate blood in the upcoming days and weeks ahead, blood will be available in the aftermath should conditions prohibit people in some parts of the country from traveling or coming to blood drives.

Please help now. Make a blood donation appointment online or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Please be aware the Red Cross anticipates unusually high call volume over the next several days from those directly affected by the hurricane and you may experience long delays.



Original post from www.redcrossblood.org/irene

Finding Faults...on Mt. Hood

Ian Madin and his team have found a previously undetected seismic fault that appears to be both active and dangerous on the northern flank of Mount Hood.

Madin, the chief scientist with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, and his team recently found the fault using lidar, "a system that bounces laser flashes off the ground, to search for hidden seismic faults." This method has been used to find dozens of shallow crustal faults including others near Mount Hood and several in Deschutes County, Klamath County, and near the coast between Bandon and Coos Bay.

Last time the fault ruptured, "opposing sections of the earth's crust jolted 6 feet apart vertically, leaving a miles-long raised edge, or scarp." Madin postulates that it was an earthquake with a magnitude of 6 or 7 that could have been felt in Hood River and possibly "damage[d] Hood Rivery valley communities."

The team is working to determine the hazard associated with the fault. How it could hurt people, buildings and infrastructure such as bridges, dams, and electric power lines.

Finding faults throughout Oregon is important: (1) They don't know where all of the seismic faults are and (2) They don't know how often they cause earthquakes. This creates difficulty when designing buildings that we hope are resistant to earthquake damage.

Source: http://ht.ly/6i4UU