American Red Cross Kern Chapter

American Red Cross Kern Chapter

Japan and Pacific Tsunamis Update

Bakersfield, CA, March 11, 2011 � The American Red Cross stands ready and willing to assist following a magnitude 8.9 earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami that affected other countries in the Pacific region.

The Japanese Red Cross Society has extraordinary disaster response capabilities, and has mobilized eleven teams to heavily-damaged communities to provide assessments and first aid and prepare to supply emotional support and relief. The American Red Cross is in communication through its global partners with the Pacific nations that sustained the most damage, and stands ready to provide assistance as needed. To date, the Red Cross has not received any requests for blood from the Japanese Red Cross, the Japanese government of the United States State Department.

With potential danger headed to the west coast of the United States, Red Cross chapters are on alert and stand ready to provide assistance as needed in their communities in coordination with local and federal response partners. Red Cross warehouses in Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), California, Washington and Hawaii are mobilizing resources; and approximately 100 mobile feeding vehicles are on standby. Evacuation shelters are open with additional locations on standby in Oregon, Washington and California.

The best way to contact or locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan is to contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or (202) 647-5225. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has offered to assist Japan with restoring family links.

In addition, with ongoing evacuations in the United States, the Red Cross Safe and Well website is a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies like tsunamis. There are several easy ways to register yourself or search for a loved one on the Safe and Well website: from a computer, visit www.redcross.org, from a smartphone visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell or from any phone, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for help registering.

Help turn Heartbreak into Hope

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Help the victims of Disasters by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Kern Chapter, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need.

To make a donation:

•          Call 661-324-6427

•          Send a contribution to the American Red Cross Kern Chapter

                        P.O. Box 1226/5035 Gilmore Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93302-1226

•          Online at www.KernRedCross.org

•          Mobile Giving: Text to 90999 the word “REDCROSS” to make a $10 donation

About the American Red Cross:

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.KernRedCross.org or www.RedCross.org.

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American Red Cross Kern Chapter

Bakersfield, CA, March 11, 2011 � The American Red Cross Kern Chapter has been very busy this morning putting volunteers on Standby to deploy for work in Evacuation Centers if needed. At this time there are Evacuation Shelters already open along the California Coast.

Kern Chapter Responds to a Fire Call Today

Friday, March 11, 2011

This morning, the Kern Chapter Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to a Fire Call. The fire occurred on 500 Block of WhiteLane in Bakersfield and the team provided Food, Shelter, Comfort Kits, and Referrals to the family of Four (4) Adults one of whom is disabled.

This marks the 13^th home fire the chapter has responded to this year with a total of 63 (31 Adults and 32 Children) people receiving Kern Chapter Red Cross Assistance.

Home fires can strike quickly and without warning, and are devastating to those affected. Thankfully, there are things we can all do to help:

1. Prevent. Take action to reduce your risk of home fires by reviewing our Fire Prevention and Safety Checklist. Share these tips with your loved ones.

2. Donate. Help your neighbors recover from disasters like home fires by making tax-deductible donation to the Kern Chapter. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free to those in need, because of generous donations from people like you.

3. Volunteer. Become a volunteer Red Cross disaster responder. Contact the Kern Chapter to find out about available disaster response training.
When you take action to help others, you can change lives, including your own.

Thank you for your time and support.

Bakersfield, CA, March 11, 2011 � The American Red Cross Kern Chapter has been very busy this morning putting volunteers on Standby to work in evacuation centers if needed. At this time there are 10 evacuation shelters already open along the Central Coast of California.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 hit Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, at 4:50 a.m. on Friday, September 26. According to the Asian Disaster Reduction Center, 237 people were injured. The quake caused power outages, a fire at an oil refinery, a train derailment and the closing of the Kushiro Airport after the ceiling of its control tower collapsed. The Japan Times reported one person killed after being struck by a car while cleaning up debris after the quake. Residents were warned to stay away from the coastal areas where some 10,000 families were evacuated.

Another powerful aftershock of magnitude 7.0 came within two hours of the initial earthquake, and at least three more aftershocks measuring between 4.9 and 5.6 followed, according to the National Earthquake Information Center.

While the earthquake generated a small tsunami, warnings for subsequent, and larger, tsunamis for Japan, Russia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Wake Island, and coastal areas in eastern and central Hokkaido have been cancelled. Rail services and electric power that were halted, for the most part, have been restored.

Red Cross Response
The local Hokkaido Chapter of the Japanese Red Cross Society responded immediately following the earthquake, coordinating relief. Because Japan lies in one of the most earthquake active regions of the world, its Red Cross Society has experience responding to natural disasters and a well-organized disaster response plan with hundreds of response teams throughout the country. So far, no major damages have been reported.

The American Red Cross is closely monitoring developments and our International Disaster Response Unit is in contact with the Japanese Red Cross Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Geneva. Although no international assistance has been requested by the Japanese Red Cross, the American Red Cross is ready to provide support and our International Response Team members are on call.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is monitoring the situation and remains in communication with the Japanese Red Cross.

Wednesday, March 2^nd, 2011 � March is Red Cross Month, and the American Red Cross is asking people to join them in helping those in need by volunteering their time, making a donation, taking a class, or giving blood.

“When someone provides a hot meal to a disaster victim, takes a first aid class, or helps someone in the military, they join the Red Cross,” said Holly Arnold, Chief Executive Officer. “We want to say ‘thank you’ to all who support us. That support enables us to provide help and hope to those who need our assistance.”

For nearly 100 years, U.S. Presidents have called on people to support the American Red Cross and its humanitarian mission. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first to proclaim March as Red Cross Month in 1943. Since that time, President Obama and every president since have issued proclamations designating March as Red Cross Month.

The Red Cross has been helping people for 130 years, responding to disasters, assisting members of the military and teaching lifesaving skills.

Nationally, the Red Cross responds to an average of nearly 200 disasters every day. The organization provides a round-the-clock link between those in the military and their families, and supplies blood and blood products to approximately 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.

The Kern Chapter responded and provided assistance in 121 local disasters last year. The chapter processed 330 emergency military calls, and conducted 10,523 first aid and water safety classes.

“We work very diligently to help those in need,” Jennifer Perfect, Public Support Officer said. “Whether out on a disaster, alongside our troops, or in a first aid class, Red Cross workers touch the lives of millions of people every year.”

The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time and money to do its work.

“When people join the Red Cross by volunteering, taking a course or making a contribution, they enable us to continue our work, both here at home, and around the world,” Jennifer Perfect said.

In recognition of Red Cross Month the Kern Chapter is offering $10 off the purchase of an American Red Cross Kern Chapter CPR and First Aid Combo Course valued at $55. The Combo Community Course includes: Adult, Child CPR/AED, and Infant CPR and Standard First Aid with a Certificate valid for 2 years!! Just present the attached coupon or mention Red Cross Month!

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.KernRedCross.org or www.RedCross.org.

Bakersfield, CA October 4, 2010 �As the country marks National Fire Prevention Week October 3 - 9 the American Red Cross Kern Chapter is urging everyone to help save lives by making sure their home is protected by smoke alarms.

“The largest percentage of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or alarms that don’t work,” said Jennifer Perfect, Public Support Officer, American Red Cross Kern Chapter “Smoke alarms provide a few minutes of advance warning in the event of a home fire, and that extra time can save lives.”

People who do not have smoke alarms in their home should have them installed, and those with smoke alarms should make sure they have been properly maintained and updated.

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, as well as inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas of the home. People should test their smoke alarms once a month by pushing the test button, and replace alarm batteries at least once a year. Other smoke alarm safety recommendations include:

Installing a new smoke alarm battery immediately if an alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low.
Teaching children what the smoke alarm sounds like, and what they should do when they hear it.
Keeping the alarm clean by vacuuming over and around it regularly. Dust and debris can interfere with the alarm’s operation. Do not paint over the smoke alarm.
Moving the alarm farther away from the kitchen or bathroom if the device is sounding nuisance alarms. Never disable a smoke alarm.

The Red Cross also recommends that families create and practice a home fire escape plan, which should include at least two escape routes for every room in the home. Families should choose a convenient meeting place outside of the home and practice their escape plan at least twice a year with all family members.

Nationally, the Red Cross responds to thousands of local fires throughout the country every year. Last year, Kern Chapter responded to over 150 families and they ensured that the affected families had a safe place to stay, food, clothing, and health/mental health assistance for all their disaster caused needs.

The Red Cross reminds people of the following fire safety tips they should take:

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Help the victims of Disasters by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Kern Chapter, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need.