As Hurricane Earl draws closer to the U.S. coast, the American Red Cross today marked the start of National Preparedness Month by urging people across the country to become better prepared.
This message comes at a time when the Red Cross and the entire East Coast is making preparations for possible landfall of Hurricane Earl, with the possibility of Tropical Storm Fiona to follow. The National Hurricane Center has urged people from the Carolinas to New England to closely monitor the storm as it makes its way toward the United States. The size of the storm could cause flooding and high winds to areas inland as well as along the coastline. .
“Disaster response has taught us that the combined resources of the government, community organizations and the Red Cross will never be big enough to do it all in every disaster,” said Joe Becker, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services. “Every person, business, school and house of worship must be prepared to take care of themselves and their neighbors in an emergency.”
The three keys to preparedness are to build a kit, make a plan, and be informed.
An emergency preparedness kit should include enough supplies for at least three days. Supplies should include water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home.
All members of the household should work together on an emergency plan. Each person should know how to reach other members of the household. The plan should also include an out-of-area emergency contact person, and where everyone should meet if they can’t go home.
People should be informed about what types of disasters are most likely to occur where they live. It is also important to take a first aid and CPR/AED course—a vital component of disaster preparedness in case emergency help is delayed.
Making an investment today in being prepared can save lives and livelihoods when disaster strikes. Contact your local Red Cross chapter or visit www.redcross.org to learn what steps you should take to be ready when an emergency strikes. Visit the Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter Web site at www.clearfieldjeffersonredcross.org for all the local Red Cross news or visit us on FaceBook
Multiphasic Blood Screening
There will be a Multiphasic Blood screening at the Clearfield Red Cross Office on Sept. 11. The blood screening covers thirty-five tests for a fee. Other tests available are Prostate and Thyroid for an additional fee. Free blood pressure and oximeter screening will also be available. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 765-5516 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Emergency Response Vehicle Training
Sept. 10, 2010 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Brookville Red Cross Office Call 849-2712 register.
Health & Safety Classes
Adult CPR
Clearfield –September 15, 2010
Brookville – September 21, 2010
First Aid
Clearfield – September 16, 2010
Brookville – September 23, 2010
CPR for the Professional Rescuer
Clearfield- September 7 and 9, 2010
Pediatric First Aid and Infant and Child CPR for Child care providers is scheduled for September 22 and 29 from 6-9 p.m. at the Red Cross office in Clearfield. To register go to the PA Keys website at www.pakeys.org. Please mail $20.00 registration fee to the American Red Cross in advance at 1100 S. Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830
Call 765-5516 in Clearfield or 849-2712 in Brookville to register for classes or place an order.
Blood Drives
Clearfield Bloodmobile Schedule
Friday Sept. 3 Fixed Site 440 Front Place 12:00-6:00
Monday Sept. 6 Fixed Site 440 Front Place 8:15-2:00
Monday Sept. 13 Knights of Columbus-Clearfield 12:00-6:00
Friday Sept. 17 Fixed Site 440 Front Place 12:00-6:00
Friday Sept. 24 CCCTC-By Appointment 8:30-2:00
Saturday Sept. 25 Curwensville Moose 9:00-2:00
Jefferson County Bloodmobile Schedule
| Friday, Sept. 3 | First Church of God – Punxsutawney | 12-6 |
| Tuesday, Sept. 7 | Brockwayville Depot – Brockway | 12-6 |
| Friday, Sept. 10 | Big Run War Memorial – Big Run | 12:30-6 |
| Friday, Sept 17 | Sykesville – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin | 12-6 |
| Friday, Sept 17 | Brookville – Church of God | 12-6 |
| Tuesday, Sept 21 | Reynoldsville – American Legion | 1-7 |
Red Cross is a United Way and United Fund Participating Agency and RSVP Station.
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. Support your 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.