Upstate Red Cross Assisting a Record Number of Disaster Victims

The American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina has responded to 20 incidents in a little over a week’s time. Last night, December 9th, 22 families were plunged into the darkness and cold as their apartment at Asheton Woods burned. Twenty-nine people sought Red Cross assistance in the middle of the night. A shelter is open at Shannon Forest Presbyterian Church on Garlington Road. Three residents stayed overnight. The shelter will remain open until all families are secure in safe and warm lodging. 14 Red Cross volunteers responded to the scene just after midnight and continue to work with the families to help them begin their recovery. Red Cross will remain on the scene throughout the day to meet with families and provide assistance and comfort.

Watch WYFF's video of the apartment fire

The Red Cross continues to assist the victims of 19 other incidents that have occurred over the past week, including two other apartment fires. Over $25,000 in direct assistance to over 80 local disaster victims has been provided.

Please consider making a donation to the Upstate Red Cross to assist people affected by these incidents during the Holiday Season.

Donate to help Upstate residents affected by recent disasters

Through the generous donations of individuals and businesses across the Upstate, the American Red Cross is able to meet the immediate disaster-caused needs of the victims, which include food, clothing, lodging, medications, and bedding. Since July of this year, the American Red Cross of the Upstate has delivered over $130,000 in direct assistance to disaster victims right here at home.

Disasters occur somewhere in the Upstate on the average of twice a day. The best way to help the Red Cross help these disaster victims is through a financial contribution. Please call 271-8222, or visit our website at www.upstateredcross.org to make a gift. Since the American Red Cross is a non-governmental organization, it receives no funding or personnel from the federal government in order to fulfill its mission. It is funded and staffed largely by the generosity of Upstate residents and businesses who donate both time and money.

Tornados, Cold Weather, and Fires, Oh My!!

Around 8 pm on Tuesday, November 30th, Easley resident Brian James and his fiancé went next door to his mother's mobile home to watch a movie. A few moments later, the lights flickered and the trailer moved. The next seconds were a blur. Upon attempting to exit the home, the door would not open. The trailer and porch had shifted causing the door to be blocked. When they were finally able to exit his mother's mobile home, they viewed the devastation outside. His home, which had been just a few feet away, lay nearby in a field, mangled and destroyed.

See some pics of the Easley tornado damage

This is just one of the many stories relayed to our caseworkers as they were meeting with families whose homes have been damaged - and in two cases - completely destroyed. Since that Tuesday evening 11 Red Cross volunteers and 3 Red Cross staff have provided shelter, food, clothing, other disaster relief assistance, comfort and hope to those we are serving.

The American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina also is currently assisting the 11 victims December 5th’s Springwood Apartments fire in Berea, in addition to 55 other victims of fire from cities across the upstate that have suffered the loss of their homes and belongings in the past week.

Through the generous donations of individuals and businesses across the Upstate, the American Red Cross is able to meet the immediate disaster-caused needs of the victims, which include food, clothing, lodging, medications, and bedding. Since July of this year, the American Red Cross of the Upstate has delivered over $102,000 in direct assistance to disaster victims right here at home.

Disasters occur somewhere in the Upstate on the average of twice a day. It’s not only fires that the Red Cross of the Upstate responds to. In fact, the Red Cross was on the scene of last week’s tornado touch downs in Easley and Gray Court. With cold air moving in for the season, we must be ready for severe weather and weather related fires. It is with the help of an active corps of Red Cross volunteers that the chapter is able to respond seven days a week, around the clock, no matter the weather. Six volunteer caseworkers continue to work with the families who suffered substantial losses in the last 24 hours.

Since the American Red Cross is a non-governmental organization, it receives no funding or personnel from the federal government in order to fulfill its mission. It is funded and staffed largely by the generosity of Upstate residents and businesses who donate both time and money.

We have received a challenge from some donors in the Upstate of South Carolina. All gifts up to $138,000 will be matched if received before December 31, 2010. So please consider a gift today to bring hope and comfort to our neighbors during their time of need.

Because the needs of disaster victims are great, so are the needs of the American Red Cross. If you would like to assist your neighbors in need this season, please contact the American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina to donate either time or money.

DONATE NOW!

American Red Cross Presents Lifesaving Awards to Cliffs Communities Personnel

The American Red Cross presented three of its top lifesaving awards to employees of the Cliffs Communities in Travelers Rest Thursday, October 21.

On November 16, 2009, Vance Ferrigno, trained in American Red Cross CPR/AED-Adult, helped save the life of Donald C. Brown. While exercising, Donald Brown collapsed and fell between two treadmills at the Cliffs Valley Wellness Center. Vance Ferrigno heard his name being called by Carol Barre when she realized that Mr. Brown had fallen. Upon finding Mr. Brown, Vance and another member moved him from between the treadmills. Finding no signs of life, Vance called for someone to get the AED and started CPR. Carol called 9-1-1 and asked another member to get Lisa Davis, another staff member, out of her class. Carol gave Lisa the AED and directed her to the fitness room. When Lisa entered the room, she opened the AED and handed the pads to Vance. After they were attached, he requested a breathing barrier from Lisa. She left the fitness room to get the mask and when she returned the AED was analyzing. A shock was advised and Vance pushed the button to deliver the shock after making sure everyone was clear. After the shock, Vance could feel Mr. Brown's pulse slowly coming back but his breathing was still very shallow so he administered another breath which seemed to get his breathing back in rhythm. Lisa and Vance continued to monitor breathing and pulse until EMS arrived and took over. Without a doubt, the skills learned in the American Red Cross Health & Safety Services course and used by Vance Ferrigno contributed to saving Donald C. Brown's life.
This action exemplifies the highest degree of concern of one human being for another who is in distress.

Vance Ferrigno, Noland Meyers, Ann Wright, Donald Brown, Lisa Davis, Carol Barre

Awards presented include:
Letter of Commendation – Carol Barre
Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action – Lisa Davis
Lifesaving Award for the Professional Responder – Vance Ferrigno

These awards recognize individuals or teams of individuals who help save or sustain a person’s life. The Lifesaving Award for the Professional Responder is one of the highest awards given by the American Red Cross.

Nearly 300,000 lives are lost each year to sudden cardiac arrest; 94,000 people die annually from fatal trauma injuries; 7,000 people drown each year. American Red Cross Health & Safety training gives individuals the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, respond to, and reduce suffering caused by sudden cardiac arrest and injury. Individuals can register for Red Cross training by contacting their local Red Cross Chapter.

Donate Now!

Upstate Red Cross to Offer 2-for-1 CPR, First Aid Classes Through August

Training Twosomes – For the months of July & August, the Upstate Region of American Red Cross will be promoting “Training Twosomes”.

For one price, $65.00, 2 people may register for the following Classes: CPR-Adult, child & Infant; CPR/AED-Adult; CPR-Infant; and Standard First Aid.

Please call your local American Red Cross to register:

Anderson County: 225-8666
Cherokee County: 489-6066
Greenville County: 271-8222
Greenwood County: 229-3102
Oconee County: 638-5619
Pickens County: 878-0131
Spartanburg County: 585-8000
Union County: 429-7954

This is a good way to make sure your best friend will be able to save you while you're hanging out together!

The American Red Cross touches millions of lives each year. American Red Cross employees and volunteers help keep the public prepared to respond to disasters and personal emergencies. The Red Cross provides training in lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid, collects and distributes half the nation's blood supply, and helps victims of more than 67,000 disasters annually.

Volunteer Donate Prepare

ARC Learn-to-Swim Program Teaches Upstate Children Water Skills and Safety

The mercury is rising, the smell of grilled burgers hangs in the air, and the sound of splashing water can be heard everywhere from Myrtle Beach to Lake Hartwell. Welcome to summer! Many Upstate residents enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities available this time of year; however these outdoor activities hold special health and safety risks, especially for children.

One of the top areas of concern is water safety. According to the CDC, there are nearly 3,500 drowning deaths in the US each year, and one in five drowning victims is a child. In fact, drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death for children. So as many families flock to pools, lakes, and beaches in an attempt to beat the summer heat, it is important that parents take the time to ensure their child’s safety in and around the water. One of the best ways to do this is to enroll them in a water safety course taught by a certified Water Safety Instructor.

The Kiwanis/ Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program is a great option for Greenville families offered free-of-charge by the American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina. An eight-day course, Learn-to-Swim teaches children how to be safe in, on, and around the water. The program is geared to children Grades 3-5 who cannot swim. The program teaches fundamental water skills, such as safely entering and exiting the water, basic swimming strokes, submerging and holding breathe, and floating. It also covers safety topics, including safety around aquatic environments, the importance of lifejackets, how to call for help, and safety in the sun.

The Learn-to-Swim program is conducted by certified Water Safety Instructors, who have been trained by the American Red Cross. The instructors use fun activities, drills, and games to teach water skills. Ruth Reid, who has been a volunteer with the Red Cross for nearly 70 years, serves as a Water Safety Instructor for the Learn-to-Swim program. Reid feels the program is vital because it is more than just a swimming lesson. “Water safety is about more than just learning how to swim. Water safety is an attitude.” said Reid.

Since 1984, the program has helped over 8,000 Upstate children learn the importance of water safety, as well as develop fundamental swimming skills. This summer, nearly 50 volunteers from the American Red Cross of the Upstate and over 300 children were involved in the program. Sandra Coleman, of Greenville, enrolled her daughter Shawndra in the Learn-to-Swim program so that Shawndra could safely enjoy the family’s new pool. Shawndra said she had fun swimming with the other children, and “liked learning how to do the backstroke.” Sandra Coleman also volunteered with the program this summer. “Because the Red Cross offered the program for free, I thought it was important to give back,” said Coleman.

The program is typically offered at several locations across Greenville during the summer. This year, Kiwanis/ Red Cross Learn-to-Swim sites were the Life Center Health and Conditioning Club, Lakeside Park, and Westside Park. The courses took place June 7-14. The Kiwanis Club of Greenville and the Greenville Hospital System sponsored the program.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina touches thousands of lives every year.

Upstate Red Cross Responds to Train Derailment and Two House Fires in 12 Hours

Twenty Trained volunteers and staff with the American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina responded to a train derailment around 5:00 PM Thursday evening, June 10 near Liberty, South Carolina. Red Cross provided food, snacks and meals for response workers and evacuees from the surrounding area. A shelter was set up at Eastside Baptist Church in Liberty, South Carolina to shelter evacuees overnight.

The shelter was closed Friday morning, but reopened later that evening. The shelter finally closed Saturday as all evacuees have been allowed to go back to their homes. The American Red Cross will provide snacks, meals and beverages to emergency workers while the relief and clean-up efforts continue, probably through Wednesday.

A resident nearby the accident stated online that she knew it could happen, but did not think it would happen to her and her family. This incident reminds us all that we need to be prepared at home, at work and at school for disasters - they do strike at home. No one ever thinks it will happen to them.

What can you do to be better prepared at home, work, church or school? Sign up your group or family to take a FREE 1 hour Be Ready class that helps to prepare you and your family for disasters that are likely to happen here.

In addition to responding to the train derailment, there 2 house fires last Thursday night in Pickens County. The Red Cross provided over $1500 in emergency assistance to those families. As we continue to work with the fire clients over the coming days to determine their ongoing needs, that amount will increase.

Without the community's generous support, we would not be able to train our volunteers and staff to rise to the occasion during times of disaster. We are supported 100% by the communities we serve. Please consider a gift to help the families that lost their home to a fire or help us train our volunteers today.

12th Annual ARC Pickens County Golf Tourney Raises Over $10K

Wednesday, March 31st, the American Red Cross in Pickens County hosted its 12th annual golf tournament at Smithfields Country Club in Easley. The tournament netted over $10,200.

“We are especially appreciative of everyone who supported this year’s tournament. Times are tough and it is inspiring to see so many individuals and organizations give generously of their time and financial resources to help our neighbors during their time of need,” states Sarah Dow, Director Pickens County Red Cross.

Rex Rice gave the opening remarks. John Rasmussen, whose daughter lost her home in a fire in February, shared his family’s Red Cross story. Miss Easley, Miss Teen Easley and Miss Pickens Teen attended the event, served snacks and drinks to the players and were available for team photographs.

In first place for the men’s teams were Kyle Thompson, Chad Sexton and Matt Porter with Poinsett Cleaners. The team won 4 rounds of golf at each of the following courses: Pickens Country Club, Falcon’s Lair, Boscobel and Cobb’s Glen golf courses. Tommy Miller won the putting contest and took home a 4 day 3 night trip for four to Gatlinburg with amenities.

The Sheriff Team: Ron Alexander, Captain Dewey Smith, Sheriff C. David Stone

Karla's Team: Karla Kelley, Steven Stadtmiller, Trey MacDonald

The Red Cross of Pickens County would like to thank the our presenting sponsor – Modern Woodmen of America – and our sponsors: Servpro of Southern Greenville County and Pickens County, Easley Combined Utilities, TaylorMade, Walmart, Budweiser of Greenville, Coca-Cola, WCCP and the Easley Junior Women’s Club for their generous donations and support.

Red Cross Sunday Participation is Urged for Churches in Pickens County

March 14 is Red Cross Sunday

Karen and Adam Chastain arrived home the night of July 31, 2009 with their two sons to find their home destroyed by a fire. They thought they had lost everything they worked for – even though they were thankful no one was hurt. They were unable to afford insurance. That night they did not know what they were going to do. The Chastain’s discovered that more people cared about them than they ever could have imagined. In addition to the clothing, food, shelter, first months lot rent and other items received from the American Red Cross, the Dacusville Fire Department, family, friends and the community helped them get back on their feet. Karen states that, “we will always be grateful to everyone who made it possible for us to get back to normal in just a few months. God bless you all.”

Fires and other disasters can happen to anyone. By teaming up with the American Red Cross for Red Cross Sunday on March 14th, you can help our neighbors like the Chastains after a house fire, become better prepared in your own home or help the Red Cross be fully stocked to support those in need.

“The goal of Red Cross Sunday is to build awareness and support of the local services of the American Red Cross here in Pickens County,” states Sarah Dow, Director of the American Red Cross of Pickens County. “We are very excited about this campaign and the churches that have signed up to support us in this endeavor.”

Right now the following churches have agreed to participate in Red Cross Sunday: Crosspoint Church, Faith Lutheran Chapel, Easley Presbyterian Church, Gap Hill Baptist Church, Griffin Ebenezer Baptist Church, Keowee Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church in Clemson, Oolenoy Baptist Church, Pickens Church of God, Pickens First Baptist Church, Pickens View Wesleyan Church, Ridgeland Drive Baptist Church, St. Andrew United Methodist Church, St. Giles Presbyterian Church and Trinity Point Church.

To join these churches in Red Cross Sunday you simply need to contact the office at 878-0131 or email Sarah at DowS@usa.redcross.org and sign up for one of the following:
· Wear Red to church
· Have a love offering for the Red Cross and the fire clients we help
· Have a collection of new towels and sheets to be shared with fire clients
· Host a free one hour Be Ready presentation to help members be better prepared when facing disasters
· Sign up to be on the list of potential shelter locations during a disaster
· Sign up to prepare and cook hot meals to be distributed in times of disaster
· Place Red Cross Seasonal Preparedness Tips, or other information about Red Cross in your bulletin
· Offer American Red Cross Adult, Infant/Child CPR or First Aid to your congregation during the next 11 months

All participating churches will be featured in the Pickens County Courier, our April update to donors and on the American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina social network sites.
Help our neighbors, like the Chastain’s, by getting involved today.

Volunteer. Share Our Story. Donate.

Greenville's Vulnerability to Disaster

Disasters are not limited to catastrophic events like hurricanes and tornadoes. While Greenville is at risk for these large-scale events as well as hazardous materials spills and flooding, residents suffer daily from the devastating effects of single family fires. On average, we respond to 100-130 structure fires annually. In the past ten years, we have seen a 34% increase in the number of disaster incidents and a 41% increase in the number of disaster victims served. The total direct financial assistance provided to clients in 2009 is 74% higher than the direct financial assistance provided to those served in 1999. Many people are lulled into thinking that a large disaster just isn’t likely to strike our hometown. However, Greenville is vulnerable to a wide range of devastating disasters.

According to the SC Hazards Assessment:

We rank first in South Carolina for vulnerability to floods, flash floods, and ice storms.

We have the largest concentration of hazardous materials storage facilities in the state.

We rank second for vulnerability to hazardous materials incidents, particularly due to the transport of hazardous substance on area highways. Donaldson Center Industrial Complex is a primary concern as it is home to many chemical manufacturing and distribution companies and has a public airport.

The demand for disaster relief is expected to steadily increase. This trend is affected by aging structures and increasing population. Economic hardships increase both the need for assistance and the relief provided.

Over the past decade, there has been a 35% increase in incidents and a 185% increase in the dollars committed for disaster relief

Overall Goal:

The overall goal of our disaster program is three-fold: to meet the immediate emergency needs of disaster victims so that they can begin long term recovery; to ensure organizational readiness and to build capacity for response to disasters of varying size and scope through volunteer training, mentoring, and leadership development, drill exercises, and supply acquisition/maintenance; and to minimize loss of life and property through the coordination and training of community organizations active in disaster as well as educational programs designed to teach disaster causation, prevention, and preparedness to children and adults.

Our relief services are available at no charge to individuals throughout the Upstate who have verified disaster-caused needs. We do not know where disaster will strike and our target population is constantly changing. However, a profile of our clients shows that the majority of people we serve have an annual income below $20,000 and are uninsured fire victims. Many of these fires involve single families; however, we are seeing an increasing number of clients who share housing with extended family due to the difficult economic climate. We target both school age children and adult audiences with our preparedness information.

Down the Street. Across the Country. Around the World. Your Red Cross.

Please Donate Now

Marking 100 Years of First Aid Training

History of First Aid

Clara Barton herself was alarmed by the rise in injuries from industrial accidents and initiated the first Red Cross first aid program in 1903. By 1910, we had adopted first aid as a national program and partnered with the Pullman Co. to tour the country by train, teaching industrial workers first aid. Here in Greenville, a group of Red Cross volunteers designed their own first aid training under the direction of local doctors. At first, only physicians taught first aid. Red Cross recognized the need for more instructors and in 1925 launched its First Aid Lay Instructor program, allowing people who were not physicians to become certified first aid instructors. The results from this training were never more dramatically demonstrated than following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Knowing that war was spreading across the Pacific, volunteers organized by the Red Cross had practiced for months beforehand, carrying out air raid drills, learning first aid and preparing emergency medical facilities. When the attacks began, Red Cross volunteers from all walks of life were ready. Red Cross nurses and several thousand first aid-trained volunteers saved a great number of injured who were cut off from physicians by raging fires.

Over the years, the Red Cross has helped develop and incorporate the latest medical advances into its first aid and lifesaving programs. Mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing, CPR, abdominal thrusts for choking victims—often called the “Heimlich Maneuver”— and the use of automated external defibrillators have all been brought to the general public, in large part through the efforts of the Red Cross.

First Aid classes are offerred locally at all of our Upstate locations. For more info, call 271-8222 in Greenville and Laurens counties; 229-3102 in Abbeville, Greenwood and McCormick counties; 225-8666 in Anderson county; and 878-0131 in Pickens county. The investment of a few hours could change someone's life forever.

Down the Street. Across the Country. Around the World. Your American Red Cross.

Celebrating Red Cross Month

March is Red Cross Month, which has its origins over a half century ago.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation in 1943, recognizing the American Red Cross as a true reflection of the humanitarian and volunteer spirit and calling on Americans to “rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.”

Every President since has issued a proclamation about March being Red Cross month, including President Obama: "Our Nation's leadership relies upon our citizens who are motivated to act by our common humanity. This month, let us come together to celebrate the American spirit of generosity, and the dedicated individuals and organizations who keep that spirit alive."

We are very thankful for your generosity -- down the street, across the country, around the world.

Volunteer. Donate. Share Your Story.

www.upstateredcross.org

Paying it Forward

LIBERTY, SC - On December 27, 2007 around 8:30 p.m. Heather Meeks and her family lost many of their belongings to a fire that destroyed their kitchen, attic and caused significant smoke damage throughtout the house. Heather distinctly remembers the American Red Cross volunteer, Linda Raines, arriving on scene and waiting patiently until Heather was ready to discuss how the Red Cross could help and provide guidance on her next steps. That day the American Red Cross provided Heather and her family new clothes, shoes, coats, food, tolietries, blankets and a week in a local hotel. A little over 2 months later, Heather and her daughter were able to move back into their home after extensive remodeling. Heather states that the American Red Cross was “a beacon of light and hope!...I was alone with my daughter and didn’t know what I was going to do, or where we would stay.”

In the summer of 2008, Heather reconnected with the Red Cross. She wanted the students in her summer program at McKissick Elementary to learn more about the services of the American Red Cross in their local community. In that conversation, Heather said, “I want to give back to the Red Cross, but I am not sure how.” From that conversation, a new program was born. Heather’s students would design and make thank you cards to be shared with donors. This year we took it a step further and turned it into an art contest.

Sarah Dow, Director for Pickens County says that “the program not only saves the Red Cross money on purchasing cards for donors but it also provides our supporters with a truly one of a kind thank you. It also allows the children to support the Red Cross in a unique way.”

Students in the Learning Lab Afterschool Program at Liberty Elementary participated in an American Red Cross art contest to design the next “Thank You” card for local supporters. First Place winner was Drayton Riddle and the Peoples Choice Award went to Audrey Reece. Both students were presented with a plaque from the American Red Cross of their original artwork. St. Jude Medical has agreed to print color copies of their artwork to be used as thank you notes during the 2010 calendar year.

Why the Goldfish Never Drowns

by Jill McLane Smith

Why is it that goldfish never drown? I asked myself that the other day when thinking about the large amount of drownings over the summer season 2009. As a Water Safety Instructor for the Red Cross you can’t help but feel a personal attachment when you hear that someone, someplace has drowned. It’s something that you know doesn’t have to happen.

While teaching the kids this year I noticed that more of them seemed afraid and unwilling to connect with the water. I am not sure why that is because usually in any class there are one or two that have trouble letting themselves go into the arms of the water. It could be that there are many more reasons to be fearful or that these particular children had not had any previous experience in the water. Under the best conditions sometimes parents have neither the time nor the extra income to give lessons to their children, and some people simply have no access to a pool.

Nevertheless, living here in the South where there are ample opportunities to swim at the pool, lake, and beach, not to mention our incredible weather, it’s very easy to be able to take advantage of the water for both sport and relaxation. Some of the parents I know often tell me that swimming is fundamental, just like reading, and that it is a necessary part of any child’s tool box to have that information and those skills. Looking back at my own life and the lives of my children I feel like swimming was as much social as anything else we did while growing up. There were many pool parties and trips to the lake, if not with our own family, with friends. Learning to water ski and having that experience of jumping into the water on a hot summer’s day just to cool down and float as if in a space place....I wouldn’t take anything for those times.

This summer season of 2009 was rife with drownings that were very dramatic indeed. One that sticks out in my mind was a family visiting another families’ home. There were two children, one four and the other six. The four year old fell into the deep water end of an inground swimming pool and was unable to swim, so his frightened father jumped in after him, and the father could not swim either, so then the mother who was observing the whole thing jumped in and all three of them drowned. The other child, the 6 year old, watched the whole ordeal. His world certainly will never be the same. The news clip showed three bodies covered on gurneys when the coroner got to the scene.

Another drowning involved a woman about 50 years of age who had gone swimming at her local community pool. There was no one around, either swimming or lifeguarding and she went in to swim at her own risk. Her body was found floating on the bottom of the pool a couple of hours llater by some people who showed up to the pool. They don’t say ‘never swim alone’ for nothing. Even though the signage was posted No Lifeguard on Duty and Swim At Your Own Risk, this tragedy could have been avoided.

There were countless other drownings in the white waters and lakes this year. College age kids that just disappeared under the water. Granted there are many differences when you are being carried by a rip current after falling off a raft or kyack versus swimming in a lake where there is no visibility but bottom line you must remember to ‘go with the flow’ because if you fight the water it will invariably win, sapping your strength, taking your breath, drowning you.

As a water person my whole life I have come to realize that there is great pleasure found in the waves holding you, supporting you, but without the proper respect and knowledge of the water you can have the life taken out of you quickly. So the goldfish does feel at home in the water, going with the flow, keeping a cool head. There is much to be learned from that.

If we keep a cool head in any emergency situation I think the end result can be positive. For instance if someone is having trouble in the water call the professionals, 911, and then try to find something that you can throw them. Improvise if there is no life ring, things that float until the professionals can get there and that way you make a difference rather than becoming another fatality. By using good old ‘common sense’ we can accomplish much. Don’t let a crisis take your brain and scramble it like eggs.

The medium of water is most responsive to ‘going with the flow’. When in a situation where you are being carried just let it happen and try to keep your feet in front of you to push if given the opportunity. The Navy Seals understand how to make the water work for them when taking a beach on a dark moon, by using resting strokes and letting the water carry them. This is very important information when you need to keep your power in the water.

And finally one of the most basic rules of the water is to never swim alone because no matter how good you are there are always things that can happen out of our control. Seizures, head injury, stroke, or just choking for some random reason can take someone down who otherwise has good command of themselves in the water. I am amazed that people will take a chance in a pool or the ocean when they know better. If you have a baby pool party with an inflatable pool remember to turn it upside down afterwards so not to tempt a child later to fall into it alone. It takes a small amount of water to be dangerous.

Let’s keep a cool head like the goldfish and be comfortable and safe in the water. That’s the way it was meant to be, fun.

Oh, and with all this talk of goldfish, please don’t go swallowing them!

Local Modern Woodmen Members Honor Hometown Hero

Pickens, SC – Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - On Tuesday, January 26, 2010, Jennifer Zerlaut was honored for countless hours of service to the community by local Modern Woodmen of America members. Jennifer was honored for giving her time to the American Red Cross of Pickens County to help with events, in the office and assist with local. In addition, Jennifer spends hundreds of hours each month volunteering at Gleaning House Ministries, the Pickens food pantry. In recognition of her efforts, members of Modern Woodmen’s camp 17423 presented Jennifer with a certificate and awarded a $100 grant to the American Red Cross of Pickens County.

Jennifer Zerlaut and Debra Blackston

“Improving the quality of life for our members, their families and their communities is Modern Woodmen’s mission,” says Debra Blackston, local Modern Woodmen camp secretary. “The Hometown Heroes Program helps us acknowledge and thank volunteers across the country for doing just that.”

Sarah Dow with the American Red Cross in Pickens County states that, “we are thrilled that Modern Woodmen of America has chosen to recognize one of our volunteers. Jennifer Zerlaut has been a valuable member of the American Red Cross in Pickens County for years. When I see clients she served from year past, they always ask about Jennifer. Jennifer has touched a lot of lives through her work with the Red Cross and Gleaning House Ministries. She is truly one of our Hometown Heroes.”

American Red Cross Releases $1,000,000 in Aid to Help Communities Affected by Earthquake in Haiti

The American Red Cross has pledged an initial $1,000,000 to assist communities impacted by yesterday’s earthquake in Haiti, and is prepared to take further action as local responders assess the situation. “Initial reports indicate widespread damage in Port au Prince, with continuing aftershocks,” says Tracy Reines, director of international disaster response for the American Red Cross. “As with most earthquakes, we expect to see immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.”

The American Red Cross has made available all of the relief supplies from its warehouse in Panama which would provide for basic needs for approximately 5,000 families. In addition, it is deploying a disaster management specialist to Haiti, and has additional disaster specialists on standby if needed.

The American Red Cross has an extensive partnership with the Haitian Red Cross, which is expected to lead the Red Cross response to the earthquake.

The American Red Cross has staff on the ground in Haiti who provide ongoing HIV/AIDS prevention and disaster preparedness programs. At this time, all the three American Red Cross staff in Haiti have all been reported safe.

The Haitian Red Cross was founded in 1932 and is one of the primary organizations in the country responding to disasters. Although earthquakes are less common, Haiti is frequently impacted by hurricanes including those in 2008, and the Haiti Red Cross has developed experience in disaster response due those disasters.

We are not accepting local volunteers to travel to Haiti. We are very careful about getting our volunteers both the training and experience they need before they are assigned to a Disaster Response Operation. We cannot send untrained people into potentially dangerous disaster situations.

If you would like to volunteer for the American Red Cross LOCALLY, please contact Genean Berggrun at the ARC of Upstate South Carolina. The best way to be get involved with helping in a situation like this is to get involved with local Red Cross units and get trained.

The best way YOU can help RIGHT NOW is to donate financially. We are not accepting any items such as clothing or food here locally. We will collect and receive bulk donations of items such as water, non-perishable food, clothing, etc. as close to the affected area as possible to reduce both the cost of shipping and the time it takes to get it to those who need it. Also, we will use cash donations to purchase items in Haiti when possible to help the local economy.

For inquiries about relatives living and who have citizenship in Haiti, please be patient and call repeatedly until the lines clear or contact other family members who live nearby. Telephone, Internet and other communication lines are often disrupted in times of disaster. People trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Haiti should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225.