Polk Red Cross helps Ft. Meade woman after windstorm damage

FT. MEADE, FL (Aug. 29, 2008) — Red Cross volunteers helped a Fort Meade woman after heavy winds on Thursday night dropped a tree onto her home.

On Friday afternoon, volunteers responded to Eighth Street NE in Ft. Meade. The tree had left a hole in her roof, so volunteers were able to provide her with temporary shelter.

Your local Red Cross volunteers stay ready at all times to help. The Red Cross is not a government agency, and each Red Cross chapter depends on the generosity the community it serves to do its work.

To volunteer, take classes, or donate to the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter, visit the chapter at 147 Avenue A, NW in Winter Haven; visit online at http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org; e-mail us at polkcofl@polkredcross.org; or call (863) 294-5941.

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All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter helped 209 families affected by local disasters in Polk County. Almost all were home fires. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it is funded directly by donations. You can help victims of local disasters by making a financial gift to your local American Red Cross chapter. The Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish your donation to assist with a specific disaster, please indicate that when you make your donation. Contributions may be sent to the Polk County Chapter at 147 Avenue A, NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 or by calling (863) 294-5941.

Polk Red Cross drivers deploy to Mississippi for Gustav

Local volunteer Emergency Response Vehicle drivers finish first week of response to Tropical Storm Fay

Red Cross ERV driver Russ Miller steps out of a nationally-maintained Emergency Response Vehicle stationed at the Polk County Chapter in Florida. Right now, he and fellow Polk County resident Ken Shelton are driving a different national ERV to Hattiesburg, Miss., to wait and respond if Tropical Storm Gustav hits the northern Gulf Coast.

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 — Two Polk County Red Cross volunteers have finished their first week assisting with recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Fay. Now on Interstate 10, they are driving an Emergency Response Vehicle en route to Hattiesburg, Miss., to await possible arrival of Tropical Storm Gustav.

For Russell Miller, it’s a bit like a homecoming. He was in the Biloxi and Gulf Port area three years ago, after Hurricane Katrina.

“It was heart-wrenching then,” he said. Just talking about stories of last words between loved ones, lost in a flood, “still brings tears to my eyes.”

While Miller looks forward to finding out how people are doing in southern Mississippi now, he said Tropical Storm Fay, despite the damage and losses, was easier on the heart because few people died.

He and fellow ERV driver Ken Shelton left Polk County on Friday, Aug. 22, picked up a new ERV from the manufacturer in Orlando, and spent a week bringing relief to people in Ft. Pierce. They then went on to Tallahassee, in Leon County.

ERV drivers bring refreshment (water, snacks, and meals), clean-up supplies (Clorox, gloves, tarps, yard tools, garbage bags), and encouragement to people they meet. What they take with them is hugs of thanks from the residents and extra information for the Red Cross on how many people are affected and where they are.

One remote flooded area in Leon County had 25 families – about 100 people. Everyone was fine, but many were stranded and needed supplies, especially baby formula. Miller and Shelton made sure to get formula and diapers out to the families right away.

In Tallahassee, they went street by street, until police, postal workers, and residents provided them information, and helped direct them to their neighbors who were most in need. “That was pretty cool,” Miller said.

Shelton, who used to drive trucks for a living, said it was like trucking again, especially since each ERV has a short-wave radio that keeps all the drivers in contact with 15-20 other Emergency Response Vehicles at a time. The drivers operating out of a specific chapter on any given disaster get to be really close. It’s camaraderie among people who share a common goal: Helping people.

“When (people) give a hug and say thanks,” Miller said, “That’s all the thanks I need.”

For more information about the American Red Cross response to Tropical Storm Fay, visit the online newsroom at http://hurricanefay.wordpress.com/. For information on how to prepare for a tropical storm or hurricane, please visit www.redcross.org. En Español: www.cruzrojaamericana.org.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross is not a government agency, and is funded directly by donations. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Polk Red Cross volunteers return to help in Brevard County

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 — Four Red Cross workers from the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter left early Thursday morning to continue helping the Tropical Storm Fay relief effort in Brevard County.

They will be joined by another four Polk County volunteers who will leave Friday night. Both teams will help provide assistance to people affected by the storm, including doing outreach to the affected communities. Other Polk County volunteers are still deployed, delivering Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles from the plant in Orlando to other chapters across the country.

Volunteers from the Polk County Chapter can help surrounding chapters because Tropical Storm Fay spared Polk County residents from her worst weather. With hurricane season far from over, and storm systems still active off-shore, the Red Cross asks everyone to maintain supplies, practice plans, and keep informed on active storms.

Being prepared is critical. Some families have arrived at Red Cross shelters soaking wet with nothing but the clothing they are wearing. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information. Pack a bag and be ready. Include prescription medications and dentures; flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water, change of clothes and bedding for each household member and your car keys.

If you have time, bring things indoors that could cause damage to your home, such as outdoor furniture. Turn off electricity, water, and propane gas service. Leave natural gas on. Cover your windows if high winds are expected. Make a visual or written record of all of your household possessions. Gather essential supplies and important papers. Fill your vehicle’s gas tank. Recheck manufactured home tie-downs. Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.

Register Yourself as Safe and Well: People can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website through www.redcross.org. This website allows those who are affected by Tropical Storm Fay, or any disaster, to let loved ones know of their well-being. People within a disaster-affected area can select and post standard “safe and well” messages. For those that do not have internet access, 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) has representatives available to help to register people.

Follow the prompts for disaster information. Concerned family members who know the person’s phone number (home, cell or work) or a complete home address can search for the messages posted by those who self-register.

For more information about the American Red Cross response to Tropical Storm Fay, visit the online newsroom at http://hurricanefay.wordpress.com/. Those seeking more information about assistance or shelter locations should call their local Red Cross chapter or call toll free at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross is not a government agency, and is funded directly by donations. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Polk Red Cross volunteers still helping in flooded areas

Red Cross volunteer case worker, Bettye Wilson, compassionately listens to a local resident of Cocoa Florida in need of disaster assistance following Tropical Storm Fay.

Use caution if dealing with the aftermath of a flood

Monday, Aug. 25, 2008 — Volunteers from the American Red Cross from Polk County have nearly finished their part of helping the American Red Cross Tropical Storm Fay relief effort.

On Saturday, Aug. 23, approximately 19 volunteers deployed to Brevard, St. Lucie and Alachua counties to assist in doing damage assessment and helping provide assistance to people affected by the storm. Another three more Polk County volunteers deployed over the weekend as Emergency Response Vehicle drivers to deliver the Red Cross response vehicles from the plant in Orlando to other chapters in the country.

The Polk County Chapter has been able to help surrounding chapters because people in Polk County were among those spared the brunt of this storm. Still, the hurricane season is far from over. Red Cross volunteers ask all people to please remain prepared, and to use caution in the aftermath of this disaster, especially in flooded areas.

Flood Waters:

►Do not eat or drink anything that has been contaminated by flood water.

►If an open cut or wound is in contact with flood water, clean it with soap and water and use an antibacterial ointment to lower your risk of infection.

►Wash dishes, linens and clothes contaminated by flood water in hot water and detergent. Run the washing machine or dishwasher trough one full hot water cycle using a disinfectant or sanitizer, before you wash clothes or dishes.

►Do not allow children to play in places or with toys that have been in contact with flood water. Disinfect contaminated toys by cleaning them with a cleaning mixture with one cup of bleach to five gallons of water.

Cleaning and Drying Out Your Home:

► Open doors and windows. Let your home air out for at least 30 minutes, before you stay inside for any length of time. Use fans to dry out your home.

► Remove all items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be cleaned and dried thoroughly.

► Examples of absorbent items that cannot be cleaned are: carpets and carpet padding, upholstery, wall paper, dry wall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation material, clothing, leather, paper, books, wood and food.

► To remove mold from hard surfaces mix 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water and wash with the mixture. Use a stiff brush to scrub rough surfaces and rinse with clean water. Dry the item or leave it out to air dry.

► To prevent mold growth, clean all wet items and surfaces with detergent and water and fix any water problems such as leaks in roofs, walls or plumbing.

► Turning on air conditioners or heaters can spread mold spores and make the problem worse. Clean these before use.

► If you wish to disinfect your home, refer to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) brochure, “A Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture in Your Home” http://www.epa.gov/mold.

For more information about the American Red Cross response to Tropical Storm Fay, visit the online newsroom at http://hurricanefay.wordpress.com/. Those seeking more information about assistance or shelter locations should call their local Red Cross chapter or call toll free at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Polk Red Cross sends help to East Coast

Friday, Aug. 22, 2008 – American Red Cross volunteers from Polk County are heading over to Florida’s East Coast to assist chapters there in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fay.

Four volunteers will deploy to the Fort Pierce in St. Lucie County. Another nine – including Programs and Services Director Linda Scialo – will go to Rockledge in Brevard County, one of the areas hit hardest by flooding. Volunteers will help assess damage and provide casework to help affected families.

Three more Polk County volunteers were deployed as Emergency Response Vehicle drivers to deliver the Red Cross response vehicles from the plant in Orlando to other chapters in the country.

The Polk County Chapter has been able to help surrounding chapters because people in Polk County were among those spared the brunt of this storm. Still, the hurricane season is far from over. Red Cross volunteers ask all people to please remain prepared, and to use caution in the aftermath of this disaster.

• Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
• If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
• In case of a power outage, use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.
• In case of a power outage, do not open the refrigerator or freezer. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for a couple of hours at least. A half-full freezer will hold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours.
• If you are using a generator, do not use it indoors, including a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or other enclosed area, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. Be sure to place the generator away from open windows, doors, or vents leading into your home. Install battery-operated CO alarms in your home. Keep the generator dry. Be sure to turn the generator off and allow it to cool before refueling. Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord.

For more information about the American Red Cross response to Tropical Storm Fay, visit the online newsroom at http://hurricanefay.wordpress.com/. Those seeking more information about assistance or shelter locations should call their local Red Cross chapter or call toll free at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Preparation and Patience get Polk Volunteers set for Storm

POLK COUNTY, FL (Aug. 21, 2008 ) – Like many people in west-central Florida, Red Cross volunteers in Polk County waited four days for Tropical Storm Fay, and then waited longer to see what the storm would do.

During those days before Tropical Storm Fay arrived, American Red Cross Polk County Chapter volunteers were getting ready, calling people in, checking supplies and equipment, and gearing up to shelter people from what looked like it would be the first hurricane to hit Florida this year.

Tania Ruiz, Red Cross volunteer, reported to the chapter on Saturday, Aug. 16. She spent four hours each day from Saturday through Monday, then 15 hours straight on Tuesday, Aug. 19, while the storm passed through the state.

Ruiz has volunteered the last three years with the Polk County Chapter, on both large disaster responses and on the local Disaster Action Team responding to neighborhood disasters – mostly house fires. She is married and works full-time, but volunteers with the Red Cross to help people.

“That’s what it boils down to,” she said. “I’ve been blessed in so many ways; I want to give back to other people.”

She tells herself to be prepared for whatever may happen. If she and other volunteers are prepared for the worst, then they can respond. She’s happy when the Red Cross can help, but more so when no one is affected.

How does it feel to stand by – waiting – to see what a storm will do, even after it has passed Polk County?

“We don’t want to get complacent or write it off too early,” she said. “It’s mostly just patience.”

And how does she hope other Floridians are dealing with their first big storm of the season?

“I guess my biggest concern is that very few people have the patience to wait anything out,” she said. “They might say, ‘OK, This is done,’ instead of staying prepared.”

She doesn’t want anyone caught off their guard, and for her, it always helps to know she and her family are ready.

“One thing that relieves my stress is that I’ve done what I can do,” she said.

Polk Red Cross helps Winter Haven couple after fire

WINTER HAVEN, FL (Aug. 22, 2008) – A fire that started early Friday morning put a Winter Haven couple out of their home.

Shortly after 8:30 a.m., however, American Red Cross volunteers arrived at the home on Winter Ridge Boulevard and provided the couple with temporary shelter, personal hygiene kits, emergency assistance for groceries, odor-control concentrated cleaner to help salvage items from the home, and a Mickey Mouse stuffed toy to help comfort them.

Your local Red Cross volunteers stay ready at all times to help. The Red Cross is not a government agency, and each Red Cross chapter depends on the generosity the community it serves to do its work.

To volunteer, take classes, or donate to the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter, visit the chapter at 147 Avenue A, NW in Winter Haven; visit online at http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org; e-mail us at polkcofl@polkredcross.org; or call (863) 294-5941.

Highlands Red Cross helps fire victim after storm

LORIDA, FL (Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008 ) — A man’s house caught fire Tuesday in Lorida, a small community east of Sebring, Fla., but Tropical Storm Fay kept fire crews from reaching him in time.

By the time local fire crews reached the man’s mobile home, fire had destroyed it. Fortunately, the man wasn’t at home, but was sheltering with others during the storm.

On Wednesday, after the storm, the American Red Cross in Highlands County was notified and drove out to offer assistance. American Red Cross volunteers met with the man in Lake Placid. He was staying with family and declined temporary shelter assistance, but accepted emergency assistance for food and clothing, a comfort kit (personal hygiene kit), and landlord verification forms to assist in relocation.

Home fires are still the most common local disaster for Red Cross responders, even in the aftermath of a severe storm. The American Red Cross will respond to help people affected by disaster, whether that disaster is a severe storm, flood, tornado, or house fire. For information on preventing house fire or preparing for severe weather, please visit http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org, visit the Highlands Red Cross office at 106 Medical Center Ave. in Sebring, call (863) 386-4440, or e-mail hcarc@vistanet.net.