Red Cross Volunteers Respond to Fire in Brady Township
Red Cross volunteers were on the scene of a fire on Donahue Road in Brady Township, Clearfield County, on Wednesday, November 2. Disaster Volunteers provided emergency need for a family of five that was displaced by the fire.
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Disaster Services
Volunteers from across the four counties continue to provide disaster services to those in need.
Monthly disaster team meetings allow for volunteers to gather to discuss recent disaster responses, learn new disaster operation techniques or practice on current ones, find out about other Red Cross volunteer opportunities and network with other volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Red Cross disaster volunteer, you are invited to attend a Disaster team meeting in your area or contact the chapter office for more information. All meetings start at 6:00 PM.
Tuesday, November 8 Brookville Presbyterian Church Brookville
Tuesday, November 15 Glad Tidings Church Clearfield
Tuesday, November 22 Chapter office DuBois
Tuesday, December 6 American Legion, 168 Center St. St. Marys
Schedule is subject to change.
Flu Season Gets Early Start This Year
Flu season is just around the corner and the American Red Cross wants everyone to know that the best way to be protected against influenza is to get a flu vaccine. It takes approximately two weeks to have maximal protection, so get your vaccine early to be protected throughout the season.
The highest number of flu cases is usually reported in January or February, but doctors can begin to see cases this early in the season. Flu vaccine supplies are plentiful and available in many locations such as your doctor’s office, pharmacies, grocery stores and health departments.
“The best way to help avoid getting the flu is to get a flu vaccine,” said Dr. David Markenson, chair of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and pediatric expert. “Everyone six months of age or older should get a flu vaccine, especially pregnant women, those younger than five and age 50 or older, those with certain chronic medical conditions, people in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, health care workers and teachers. Those who care for or are in contact with children less than six months of age should also be vaccinated.”
In addition to getting vaccinated, the Red Cross has some simple steps people can take to help prevent the spread of the flu. Parents can also practice these things with their kids to help keep them well as they settle into the new school year:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand-rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you’re sick.
If you think you have the flu, your health-care provider should be consulted. Seek medical care immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Fast breathing, trouble breathing or bluish skin color.
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen (adults).
- Confusion or sudden dizziness.
- Not drinking enough fluids, not being able to eat, or severe or persistent vomiting.
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
- Not waking up, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held or not interacting (children).
- Fever with a rash (children).
- No tears when crying or significantly fewer wet diapers than normal (children).
Businesses can learn how to prepare for potential flu outbreaks by becoming members of the Red Cross Ready Rating™ Program at www.readyrating.org. This free, web-based program helps businesses, schools and organizations measure how ready they are to deal with various emergencies and gives customized feedback on how they can improve their efforts.
Blood Services
Clearfield County Bloodmobile Schedule
11/10 Treasure Lake Church 1 pm – 7 pm
11/11 DuBois First United Methodist Church 1 pm – 7 pm
11/18 440 Front St. Clear field Fixed Site Noon – 6 pm
11/25 440 Front St. Clear field Fixed Site Noon – 6 pm
Jefferson County Bloodmobile Schedule
11/18 Sykesville Grace UMC Noon – 6 pm
11/22 Brockway St. Tobias Church Noon – 6 pm
11/25 Brookville Calvary Church of the Nazarene Noon – 6 pm
11/28 Punxsutawney First UMC 11 am – 5 pm
11/29 Reynoldsville Eagles 1 pm – 7 pm
Elk and Cameron Counties Bloodmobile Schedule
11/8 Fox Township (Kersey) Senior Center 2 pm – 6:30 pm
11/9 St. Mary’s Moose Club 10 am – 4 pm
11/10 Weedville American Legion 1 pm – 6 pm
11/11 Ridgway Central Hose Company 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
Schedule is subject to change.
Call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule appointments or visit the
E-donor site at www.redcrossblood.org. Call 1-866-236-3276 to ask questions about donating blood.
Health & Safety Class Schedule:
Evening classes run 6:00 pm till 9:30pm and daytime classes run 9:00 am till 3:30 pm unless otherwise noted.
Adult CPR/Infant Child CPR/AED/First Aid Saturday, Nov 12 (Day) Chapter Classroom
Adult CPR/Infant Child CPR/AED/First Aid Saturday, Dec 10 (Day) Chapter Classroom
Schedule is subject to change.
Visit www.redcross.org to see a complete schedule of classes, pricing and to register for classes or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Pre-registration for community classes is required. Minimum registration requirements for classes will be followed. Options for on-line “Blended” classes are available.
The PA Heartland Chapter is part of the Northwestern PA Region of the American Red Cross. With the Greater Erie County Chapter as the lead, the Corry, Warren County, Allegheny Region, ARC of McKean and Potter and the PA Heartland work together to ensure that Red Cross services are available in the most efficient and caring way possible.
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 the American Red Cross! Checks may be sent to PA Heartland Chapter, 109 N Brady Street, Suite 2, DuBois, PA 15801.
Contact the Chapter office at info@arcpaheartland.org or by calling 371-2750 or 1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767) opt 6.
Follow us on Twitter @ARC_PAHeartland and Facebook at “ARC of the PA Heartland” Facebook Page.