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Top Tips for Heat Safety

AMERICAN RED CROSS URGES CAUTION DURING HEAT WAVE
The Elderly and the Very Young are the Most Susceptible to Heat Illness

EL PASO, TX – When the dog days of summer deliver hot temperatures and high humidity, the American Red Cross [CHAPTER NAME] urges residents to take precautions against the heat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer’s sweltering heat. In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including tornadoes, floods and hurricanes.

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees; and the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Persons with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

“Our goal is to give people the information they need to protect themselves and their families from heat-related illnesses,” said Mark Matthys, Executive Director for Red Cross El Paso.

Red Cross Heat Wave Safety Tips:

Prepare. Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for what to do if the power goes out.
Dress for the heat. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
Stay hydrated. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m. Take frequent breaks.
Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on family, friends and neighbors who are elderly or ill and those who do not have air conditioning. Check on your animals frequently, too, to make sure they are not suffering from the heat.
Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED.

Know What These Heat-Related Terms Mean:

Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. They are caused by exposure to heat and humidity, and loss of fluids. Heat cramps are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Signals of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
Heat stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature-control system, which produces sweat as a way of cooling the body, stops working. Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing.

General Care for Heat Emergencies:

Heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes, and have the person drink slowly. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. Fan the person. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet towels or sheets around the body. Use a water hose, if available, to cool the victim. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Red Cross training can give you the skills and confidence to act in an emergency. For more information contact the Red Cross El Paso at 915-592-0208 or visit www.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; 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 humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.

Red Cross Assisting Those Reeling from Devastating Tornadoes, Floods & Fires

From the Deep South to the Northeast, the American Red Cross is at work in 11 states to help people devastated by the recent deadly tornadoes and floods.

"The American Red Cross is working night and day in many states across the south to give people what they need in the wake of this devastating series of tornadoes." said Mark Matthys, Executive Director, American Red Cross El Paso. "Right now Red Cross volunteers and disaster relief supplies are being sent to the area from all over the country," he added. "We’ve already deployed volunteers from our community to assist in providing critical relief services, and are providing training for those who might like to join us for future roles."

Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Red Cross Disaster Services, is in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where he witnessed the damage and explained the Red Cross response. "Our hearts go out to those who’ve suffered from this tragic event and to those who’ve lost loved ones," said Shimanski. "You can see the absolutely heart-wrenching damage that’s occurred here. The Red Cross has some key top priorities to meet the essential needs of the victims."

"Our primary goal is to take care of those affected. First, we’re sheltering those whose homes have been destroyed by all this damage," Shimanski continued. "We’re also feeding those who have been displaced—and there are countless displaced because of the extensive damage. And we’re providing emotional support—a major concern because scores of lives have been lost."

Ensuring people have a safe place to stay is a major priority. Red Cross shelters are currently open in Alabama, Georgia, New York, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia.

More than 1,500 people spent the night in a Red Cross shelter Thursday night. In hard-hit Alabama, 12 Red Cross shelters are open across the state. Red Cross disaster workers, relief supplies, blood products and equipment have been sent into Alabama, along with more than 50 emergency response vehicles and 25,000 ready-to-eat meals. Red Cross nurses and mental health workers have also been deployed to help people cope with the aftermath of this disaster.

The Red Cross is working with its partners around the clock to help people in every affected state, and will continue to focus on making sure people have a safe place to stay, food to eat, emotional support, basic health services and relief supplies. The Red Cross will continue to be there in the coming weeks as they help residents get back on their feet.

"The devastation to this area is tragic," Shimanski commented. "I’m humbled to see that Red Cross staff who have damage to their own homes and lives are here volunteering in shelters, helping their neighbors in this great time of need."

For those who are affected by a disaster in the U.S., registering on the Red Cross Safe and Well website is a way for those in the disaster area to let loved ones know they are safe. Friends and family outside the disaster area can also visit the Safe and Well site to search for messages from their loved ones by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address.

There are several ways to register or look for messages from those affected by a disaster:

From a computer, visit www.redcross.org and click on the "List Yourself or Search Registrants" link under "How to Get Help."

From a smart phone, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell.

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register.

April 14, 2011
Help Dozens Displaced by Wildfires

American Red Cross Providing Assistance to Dozens of Families Devastated by Wildfires Across Texas

Requests Financial Support from the Community to Help Neighbors in Need

American Red Cross chapters from Houston to El Paso are responding to devastating fires that have destroyed dozens of homes and displaced hundreds of Texans in the past week. The Red Cross is operating shelters, assisting clients with immediate needs, and providing meals and canteen service to first responders fighting the blazes. Financial contributions are urgently needed across the state to help affected communities respond and recover.

An estimated 300,000 acres have been scorched, making this one of the largest wildfire outbreaks in Texas history. Most of the fires have continued to grow due to severely dry conditions and unrelenting high winds. At least 35 homes have been destroyed in Midland County, and a shelter was open at the Midland College. An estimated 24 homes were destroyed in Fort Davis, and a shelter was open at the Balmorhea ISD gym. The Red Cross is working with local churches, the Salvation Army and the Texas Baptist Men to meet needs for mass care and feeding. Client casework has begun to provide financial assistance to those who have been most affected by the damage.

Ten wildfires are still burning in large areas of Texas. In the Amarillo area, more than 100,000 acres burned. Gratefully, no homes were reported destroyed but the Red Cross was requested to distribute meals and provide canteen service for the fire personnel. A small fire near Lufkin in the Houston region also resulted in requests for Red Cross canteen service.

"Life changes so quickly and devastating losses like this are heart-breaking," said Mark Matthys, Executive Director for American Red Cross El Paso. "Our mission is to turn that heartbreak into hope. Some of these families have lost everything, but it’s up to us to get them back on the path to recovery – so they can return to normal life quickly." Fires are the most common disaster in this area. The Red Cross El Paso provided emergency financial assistance to 1298 people during 199 local disaster incidents last year.

The Red Cross is asking the public to click, call or text to support its mission. This will ensure that every family receives the support they need to begin immediate recovery. Donations can be made by calling the Red Cross El Paso at 915-592-0208, visiting the American Red Cross of Southwest Texas website at www.arcswtx.org or the American Red Cross El Paso website at www.redcrosselpaso.org. You can also send a $10 donation via mobile phone by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. On those rare occasions when donations exceed American Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.

March 28, 2011
Save-a-Life Saturday

Thank You El Paso

Thanks to everyone who attended the CPR and First Aid training on Saturday, March 19, to learn valuable life-saving skills.

We wish to thank all our participants -- people of all ages and walks of life -- who came out to receive free training in essential CPR and first aid skills from our American Red Cross instructors at this special event.

This was a nationwide event honoring Congresswoman Giffords, with more than 100 Red Cross chapters participating. See national web page >>

We have many people to thank for making this happen:

-- Our national sponsors Safeway and Walgreens, whose employees were present at the terrible incident on January 8, and were able to respond swiftly because they were trained in CPR and first aid...

-- Our volunteer instructors and office assistants who helped keep everyone informed and organized.

-- Our media partners who covered the event in detail.

-- Our board chair John Aranda from First Southwest Securities who supported the event and even bought lunch!

March 4, 2011
Save-a-Life Saturday

Red Cross to Offer Free Training on Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday

The American Red Cross El Paso will offer free CPR and first aid training on Saturday, March 19, as part of Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday. Red Cross chapters across the country will hold classes at more than 100 locations to honor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and all those involved in the Tucson tragedy.

Classes will be held at 3620 Admiral Street hourly between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Training will last 45 minutes to one hour, and will include instruction in hands-only CPR, controlling external bleeding and managing shock. A complete list of communities participating in the event found on the event website at www.redcross.org/savealife. The training is free, but space is limited so participants should pre-register for a specific time at www.redcross.org/takeaclass or by calling 915-592-0208.

"The tragedy in Tucson is a reminder of how important it is for everyone to know first aid and CPR," said Mark Matthys, Executive Director. "As this tragic event unfolded, several bystanders knew these vital skills, which helped save the lives of many victims, including Congresswoman Giffords. This inspired us to offer this training right here in our community."

Although most emergencies are not as large as the one in Tucson, it is important for the public to be prepared for ones that can happen at home, the office or at school. In fact, a Red Cross survey given in 2010 found that one in four people (27 percent) have found themselves in a situation where someone needed CPR. Recent research also shows that if more people learned hands-only CPR, we could increase the likelihood of surviving cardiac emergencies that occur outside a hospital by putting more victims within a few steps of lifesaving assistance.

"One of the main reasons Congresswoman Giffords is alive today is because someone knew what to do in an emergency situation," Congressman Reyes said. "We never know if and when we may be called on to help someone in need, and quick action can be the difference between life and death. Everyone should have a basic understanding of what to do in an emergency, so I encourage the community to take advantage of this free class offered by the Red Cross."

The Red Cross is able to provide this free training through the generous support of Walgreens and Safeway.

"Some of our health care professionals saw first-hand during the Tucson tragedy the value of knowing CPR," said Greg Wasson, Walgreens President and CEO. "This is invaluable and important training that we’re proud to help provide in partnership with the American Red Cross and in honor of Rep. Giffords as she continues her recovery. Every person trained is a potential life-saver."

"We can think of no better way to honor Congresswoman Giffords and the other Tucson victims than to equip a greater number of citizens with life savings skills," said Safeway Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Burd. "We are honored to be a partner in this important national endeavor and commend the Red Cross for leading it."

Also on March 19, the Red Cross is premiering a special set of videos to teach CPR and first aid skills. Those unable to attend a Save-a-Life Saturday event can visit http://www.redcross.org/savealifeto see lifesaving skills being taught. The public can also find out when full CPR and first aid classes are offered at other times by going to www.redcross.org or by contacting the American Red Cross El Paso at 915-592-0208.

November 24, 2010
Top Ten List for Holiday Cooking Safety

Red Cross Offers Top Ten List for Holiday Safety

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the American Red Cross El Paso encourages families to prevent kitchen fires by taking some basic safety measures. In the U.S., Thanksgiving is the peak day for cooking fires, 90 percent of which are caused by unattended cooking.

“We all think of Thanksgiving as a time for family, good food and football, but it’s also prime time for cooking fires,” said Mark Matthys, Executive Director at the Red Cross El Paso. “Taking a few simple precautions can help everyone have a safe and happy holiday.”

To keep Thanksgiving fire-free, the public should follow these ten tips:

1. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.

2. If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.

3. Be alert. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.

4. Keep anything that can catch fire—potholders, wooden utensils, food wrappers, towels or curtains—away from your stove top.

5. Make sure your sleeves are out of the way when cooking. Wear tighter fitting clothing with shorter sleeves.

6. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

7. Never hold a child while cooking, drinking or carrying hot foods or liquids.

8. Turn the handles of pots and pans on the stove inward to avoid accidents.

9. Keep pets off cooking surfaces and nearby countertops to prevent them from knocking things onto the burner.

10. Test your smoke alarms by pushing the test button. Replace batteries at least once a year.

Year-round Safety

· In addition to preventing cooking fires, families can stay safe all year by following these additional tips:

· Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.

· Never smoke in bed.

· Talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.

· Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Smoke Alarms

· Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Check monthly that smoke alarms are working properly by pushing the test button.

· At least once a year, replace the batteries in your smoke alarms; every 10 years, replace the entire smoke alarm.

Make a Fire Escape Plan

· Make sure all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home.

· Decide where you will meet outside in case of fire.

· Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.

· Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

Fore more information about fire safety and prevention, contact the American Red Cross El Paso at 915-592-0208 or visit www.redcrosselpaso.org.

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.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

September 13, 2010
Text, Call or Click to Help Fellow Texans

“Text, Call or Click” to Support Disaster Relief and Recovery in Texas

American Red Cross Asks for Help from the Community to Support Disaster Relief Efforts from Tropical Storm Hermine

The American Red Cross is responding to the effects of Tropical Storm Hermine by operating shelters, conducting damage assessment surveys in affected neighborhoods and delivering meals to those in need. Yesterday’s weather in Dallas combined with an extremely active hurricane season can spell disaster if the Red Cross isn’t ready to respond. To respond quickly, we rely on financial contributions from our community to ensure that supplies and people are ready to roll at a moment’s notice.

The Red Cross is asking community members who aren’t affected by the storms to text, call or click to support Red Cross disaster relief. Donations can be made by texting REDCROSS to 9-0-9-9-9 to make a $10 contribution, calling 1-800-REDCROSS, or visiting www.redcross.org.

“Our ability to help restore communities after disasters depends on the amount of financial support we receive,” said Mark Matthys, Executive Director, American Red Cross El Paso. “For example, when you make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999, you help us provide one hot meal to a disaster victim. You can cover the cost to staff a shelter with 10 disaster workers by donating $1,000 over the phone. By visiting us at redcross.org, you can help provide food and shelter to a disaster victim for one day with a donation of $50.”

In the same way that our communities desperately need Red Cross assistance during disasters, we need you to help make that assistance possible. Every contribution helps us get the supplies we need to put items like toothbrushes, blankets and cots in warehouses so that when disaster strikes, we can be ready.

“We’re just now reaching the peak of a very busy hurricane season, and it’s worrisome,” said Matthys.

Contributions for disaster relief will support response to the 70,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to every year, whether they are hurricanes that affect millions of people here or abroad, floods that affect thousands, or a house fire that drives one family from its home.

“The Red Cross spends about $450 million a year responding to nearly 70,000 disasters across the country – floods, wildfires, tornados and home fires,” said Matthys. “Every single donation brings hope to people in need.”

To support Red Cross disaster relief efforts:

TEXT: REDCROSS to 9-0-9-9-9 to make a $10 donation.

CALL: 1-800-REDCROSS

CLICK: www.redcross.org

You can help people affected by disasters like floods, fires, tornadoes and hurricanes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013

June 17, 2010
Red Cross Urges Families to Follow Water Safety Rules

With summer upon us many plan to combat the heat by staying cool in pools, or at water parks, lakes and beaches. It is important however that families make it a priority to observe and follow water safety rules, especially since drowning is found to be the second leading cause of accidental death in children in the United States. "Individuals should learn how to swim and take water safety, first aid and CPR/AED training so they will know what to do in an emergency," said Amanda Pagán, American Red Cross El Paso Manager of Preparedness Health & Safety Services.

4 LIFESAVING STEPS-

Step 1: Wear a Lifejacket: Never go out on a boat, river, stream, or other body of water without a lifejacket. For young children even in a backyard pool, a lifejacket should be used. "Floaties" or "Water Wings" are not sufficient replacements. Look for U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation devices.

Step 2: Watch your Children: Never take your eyes off your children, even if it’s only for a short period of time. Contrary to popular belief children don’t flail and yell for help when trouble occurs. In pools for instance they fall in and silently sink to the bottom. When around water be sure to know exactly where your child is and what they are doing.

Step 3: Know CPR: Ensure that you or whoever is watching your child knows how to properly perform CPR in case of emergencies.

Step 4: Know how to swim: Enroll your child in a Learn to Swim class. Contact the city or your local swimming pool for class schedules. Infants and Adults can enroll in Learn to Swim classes as well.

ADDITIONAL WATER SAFETY TIPS-

• Never Swim Alone. No one should ever swim alone. Adults should practice "reach supervision," which means to be within arm’s length of a child in case an emergency occurs.

• Keep basic lifesaving equipment and know how to use it. A first aid kit, cordless phone, phone list with emergency contact information, and reaching pole or ring buoy with a line attachment are recommended.

• Swim in supervised areas only.

• Obey "No Diving" signs.

• Be aware of the dangerous "too’s." Take a break at the point of being too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too little hydration, receiving too much sun, and participating in too much strenuous activity.

• Don’t mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.

• Pack a "safety bag" for a day at the beach or lake. Water-proof sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher should be applied and water shoes should be worn to protect feet from sharp objects. All containers should be plastic to prevent injuries which may occur due to broke glass. Additionally a hat and sunglasses are suggested for protection against harmful UV rays.

• Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first sign of potential bad weather.

About the American Red Cross:

100-Year Anniversary of Red Cross First Aid Program

When it comes to first aid training, the American Red Cross continues to set the standard for excellence, as it has since 1910. Today, you’ll find the American Red Cross in communities, schools and businesses across the country, teaching every day people to save lives. And that means a safer tomorrow for us all. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org. The American Red Cross El Paso website is at www.redcrosselpaso.org.

June 16, 2010
YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR CHARITY, YOUR CHOICE

Red Cross is a featured non-profit organization in APX Alarm’s ‘The APX Gives Back’ Project, which is supporting the charity of the people’s choice.

Go and log onto, or make, your own account at www.facebook.com to vote for The American Red Cross El Paso Area Chapter to help us continue to give back to our community.

1) Become a fan of APX Alarm at www.facebook.com/apxalarm and watch a featured video of APX’s goal and how it plans to make it there.

2) The Nominees and endorsements for El Paso American red Cross have already been made.

3) Between now and August 21st vote for your favorite charity/non-profit organization. Voting is limited to one vote per day per account. So vote for us every day!

4) The winners of your selection will be announced August 23rd at the voting site: www.facebook.com/apxalarm

*The local charity with the most overall votes will receive $100,000

**The top remaining charities in each region will receive $30,000

Like our volunteers, any and all votes count.

March 6, 2010
Red Cross Assisting 35 Victims of Apartment Fire

Red Cross Providing Assistance to 35 Clients
After Pinon Trail Apartment Fire

Requests Financial Support from the Community

EL PASO, TX – March 6, 2010 -- The American Red Cross El Paso is requesting monetary donations to meet urgent disaster relief needs following a massive fire that destroyed the homes of eight El Paso families – 35 individuals. An estimated $17,000 is needed now.

The Red Cross volunteers and staff responded to Saturday’s fire immediately, providing counseling for the victims as well as mass care for the first responders. Twenty-one fire units responded. Now, the Red Cross is trying to meet all the families’ emergency needs including food, shelter, clothing, winter coats, shoes, bedding, and medications. This assistance is provided in the form of a Client Assistance Card that empowers clients to purchase the specific emergency items they need most. This assistance is made possible through the generosity of the local El Paso community, and the Red Cross is requesting financial support to ensure that every family receives the support they need to begin immediate recovery. Client caseworkers will be available to provide counseling, activate the client assistance cards, and provide referrals to other services that families may need.

“To see the face of despair in the faces of these families is to see why the emergency services we provide are so valuable,” said Mark Matthys, Executive Director for American Red Cross El Paso. “We pick them up, give them a big hug, and tell them we are here to deliver hope. That hope is delivered by our supporters who care deeply; who expect us to turn their compassion into action. These families have lost everything, but it’s up to us to get them back on the path to recovery – to show them that they can return to normal life quickly.”

Help people affected by disasters like this apartment fire by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter at 3620 Admiral Street, El Paso, TX 79925. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org or www.redcrosselpaso.org.

February 23, 2010
Band Aid at Bassett Feb 27

El Paso Entertainers for Haiti Perform Band Aid at Bassett Place
to Benefit Red Cross Relief

WHEN: Saturday, February 27, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Bassett Place Mall, near the Food Court

WHAT: Band Aid at Bassett, a full day of entertainment by people who want to lend a hand to Haiti

WHO: El Paso Entertainers for Haiti: LAT Studios, Silk Flamingo, Jose Luis Quesada, Grupo Skarabajo, Trevesura Musical, Mariachi Orgullo De El Paso, We B Fore, Midnight Mist Band, La Avenida, Chapter 13, Dos Illuciones, River City Band, and more to be announced.

El Paso Entertainers for Haiti announced the first in a Hope for Haiti series of events designed to raise money for the Haiti relief efforts of the American Red Cross. A wide cross-section of family-friendly bands will perform, and volunteers from the Red Cross, area Police Explorers and UTEP will be on hand to accept financial donations. A special Hope for Haiti T-Shirt will be available for a minimum $10.00 donation. Drawings for great prizes will be held regularly throughout the day, and tickets for the drawings may be purchased for $5.00 each. Donation packages including T-Shirt, extra chance tickets and Red Cross lapel pins will also be available.

Sponsors include: CDT Confidential Drug Testing, Images by TARA, Oracle Payment Processing, Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce, Exa 98.3, Magia 100.7, Scorpion Sales, Du Motion Audio-Visual, G&C Productions and Bassett Place.

January 15, 2010
Help Support Red Cross Haiti Response Efforts

The American Red Cross in partnership with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is responding to help meet the needs of earthquake survivors in Haiti who have been dealt a devastating blow by Mother Nature.

People who want to help those affected by the Haitian earthquake can make a donation to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund at Redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. The Red Cross is also receiving money through a third party mobile fundraising effort sponsored by Mobile Accord. Mobile donors can text “ Haiti ” to 90999 to send a ten dollar donation to the Red Cross. The funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti .

The American Red Cross is contributing an initial $1 million from its International Response Fund to support the relief operation. The Red Cross is releasing supplies from our warehouse in Panama that will be able to meet the immediate needs of 5,000 families. Included are traps, mosquito nets and cooking sets. American Red Cross National Headquarters has deployed six disaster management specialists to the disaster zone to help coordinate relief. They join the staff we already have on the ground in Haiti . At this time, we are only deploying Red Cross volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. Please consider supporting our community’s needs by volunteering with our local Red Cross El Paso.

Please forward this to your friends and co-workers to help raise funds to help the survivors of the Haitian earthquake!

January 11, 2010
Staying Warm Under Frigid Temperatures

Bone chilling temperatures have gripped much of the country, and the American Red Cross urges everyone to be safe and prepare as much as possible. Many are looking to cut down on expenses when temperatures drop and home-heating costs rise. “There is usually an increase in home fires at this time of year because of the use of candles and space heaters,” said Scott Conner, Red Cross senior vice president for Preparedness and Health and Safety Services. “We have steps people can follow to reduce their risk of starting a fire in their home, and still cut down on their heating bills.”

January 11, 2010
NIVW: National Influenza Vaccination Week

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond. This year's NIVW (originally scheduled for December 6-10, 2009) is now rescheduled for January 10-16, 2010. Every year, certain days of NIVW are designated to highlight the importance for different groups like health care workers and children to get vaccinated. Visit the NIVW website (http://www.flu.gov/news/nivw.html) for more information and to download resources, including media toolkits, web banners, posters, handouts, and much more.

November 24, 2009
Give the Gift that Saves the Day!

This holiday season, when people really want their gifts to matter, the Red Cross El Paso is kicking off a new holiday campaign that offers a way to give a gift that has real impact. Gifts that Save the Day is a new holiday giving campaign that inspires people to make a gift that can save the day for those in need. Through the online catalog at www.redcross.org/gifts, people can make a donation that could provide food and shelter for a disaster victim for a day; a military comfort kit with a robe, phone card and other supplies for a wounded warrior; or a month of basic necessities for a family in another country who lost everything in a disaster. Click here for more.

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