June 5 Clearfield-Jefferson ARC Notes

The 2010 Annual Meeting for Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter Red Cross is scheduled for June 15.  The meeting will be held at the Clearfield Red Cross office, 1100 S. Second St, Clearfield, PA 16830 at 5 p.m. and is open to the public.

A recent American Red Cross survey* shows that almost half the adults surveyed on water safety say they’ve had an experience where they nearly drowned, and one in four know someone who has drowned.  While over 90% of families with young children will be in the water at some point this summer, almost half (48%) plan to swim in a place with no lifeguard.

With so many planning to be in, on or near the water, it is important to follow the basics of water safety, maintain constant supervision of children and to get trained!

PRACTICE WATER SAFETY

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.

• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.

• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

MAINTAIN CONSTANT SUPERVISION

• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers—many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than 5 minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.

• Actively supervise children whenever around water—even if lifeguards are present. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children.

• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

KNOW HOW TO RESPOND TO AN AQUATIC EMERGENCY

• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.

• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

• Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first aid and CPR courses to learn how to respond.

• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

The 2010 American Red Cross Volunteer luncheon is scheduled for June 17 at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S. Second St. in Clearfield.  Active volunteers; who have volunteered in the past year, are invited to attend. Call the office to register.

Earthquakes, flooding, severe winter storms and tornados.

The past year is a testament to the people of the United States and the world. They worked shoulder-to-shoulder, implemented plans under pressure and managed critical resources. Their experiences were forged by fortitude and, often, washed by tears.

All of you, whose fund drives, phone calls and efforts translated into relief for others…you made a difference. Our cadre of employees and volunteers provided relief one person at a time—through time, talent and perseverance. Our generous donors, whose dedication to the Red Cross mission made it possible to fulfill the emergency and longer-term needs of children, individuals, parents and grandparents they might never meet. Our partners, new and existing, who provided vital management expertise and resources that changed the way in which the Red Cross was able to provide relief.

Each act of kindness is like a brushstroke on a canvas. The brushstrokes combine to paint a complete picture of relief. Any missing

wisp of paint or helping hand—diminishes the entire image. The American Red Cross required many hands to provide hope, especially this year.  The earthquakes, floods, tornados, and severe winter storms of the past year have been overwhelming and you all helped in your own way.

We could not have done it without you! Thank you for your support.

Our chapter is seeking volunteers interested in helping with our Service to the Armed Forces department. Duties would include receiving phone calls after office hours, verifying information and then relaying the messages to our Military installations. If you would be interested in helping to provide this service, please call 765-5516 and ask for Janet. A training session will be announced in the near future.

Health & Safety Classes:

Adult CPR– Clearfield –June 16

                      Brookville – June 15

                      Punxsutawney – June 7

Infant Child CPR/AED– Clearfield – July 3

First Aid – Clearfield – June 17

                  Brookville – June 17

                  Punxsutawney – June 8

Call 765-5516 in Clearfield or 849-2712 in Brookville & Punxsutawney to register for classes or place an order.

Visit the Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter Web site for all the local Red Cross news.

Clearfield Bloodmobile Schedule

June 12    Clearfield Starz Gym                                                           9:00-3:00

June 12    Goshen United Methodist Church                                       9:00-2:00

June 16    St Mary’s Catholic Church – Frenchville                             1:00-7:00

Jefferson County Bloodmobile Schedule 

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. Won’t you help provide out services through your donation to your local American Red Cross? Checks may be sent to Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter, 1100 S. Second St. Suite 2, Clearfield, Pa 16830, or Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter, 18 Western Ave, Brookville, Pa 15825.  VISA and MasterCard are accepted.              

                   Red Cross is a United Way and United Fund Participating Agency and RSVP Station.