Highlands Red Cross helps Sebring family of five after Christmas fire

SEBRING, FL (Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008) — Red Cross volunteers have helped a family of five who lost their home to fire on Christmas Eve.

A Sebring couple and their three daughters were away from their home on Seventh Street in East Sebring on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 24, when their home caught fire. No one was hurt and no pets were injured in the fire. A neighbor was able to rescue the family’s Christmas gifts from the flames.

The house was destroyed, according to Highlands Red Cross Director Art Harriman. Reportedly, the fire started from an electrical short in a space heater that wasn’t on, but was plugged in.

Fortunately, the family has a place to stay the night. Local Red Cross volunteers have provided immediate emergency assistance for groceries and clothing, as well as comfort kits (personal hygiene kits) and teddy bears to comfort the children.

Home fires are still the most common local disaster for Red Cross volunteers, and are expected to increase as weather turns colder and people begin using alternative forms of heat. The American Red Cross asks every family to use all precaution with space heaters, to check smoke detector batteries, and include fire prevention as part of their disaster planning during this season. Information on preventing home fires is online at http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org or at the Highlands County office at 106 Medical Center Avenue in Sebring by calling (863) 386-4440.

The American Red Cross will respond to help people affected by disaster, whether that disaster is a severe storm, flood, tornado, or house fire. Please support your local Red Cross. In Highlands County, please call (863) 386-4440 to support your local Red Cross office, or e-mail hcarc@vistanet.net.

Thanks for taking a ‘Jingle Bell Walk’

By PHIL ATTINGER
Public Relations Director

Holiday parades are a blast!

Where else can you see moving lights and displays, set to music, accompanied by friendly people all passing by right before your eyes?

OK, where can you see that other than Disney?

It was always fun as a kid – bundled and huddled up on the curb, watching floats go by and marveling at the creative use of string lights.

It wasn’t until I started participating in parades as part of the American Red Cross that I understood how much work it is.

Sure, we’ve had a busy year with disasters, and holiday parades usually work out as a fun bit of relief at the end of the year, but they are work.

Take complicated light displays, for example. That takes a lot of patience and electrical knowledge, along with a lot of spare bulbs.

Once you get it figured out, it’s dazzling!

Another bit of wisdom comes from attaching decorations well enough that they don’t get blown away on the drive or plucked like fruit from the vehicle by low-hanging branches.

We had that happen. Guess the tree wanted a candy cane.

Too bad for the tree, it’s plastic.

Then, of course, where would we be without the walkers – cheerful people waving hands, smiling and giving a happy “Merry Christmas” to everyone on the street.

One year, during one parade, we gave out high-fives. We got lots of audience participation on that one.

This year, we had everyone shaking a jingle bell – a true “Jingle Bell Walk.” We had small bells, big bells, bells arranged in circles like wreaths. We also had “jingle straps” – little leather straps on a ring with three bells sewn onto the strap.

We had to reattach the bells after each parade. Our people were really energetic.

I encourage everyone to take a “Jingle Bell Walk” if they ever get the chance.

I have tremendous thanks for the ones who went this time, including Linda H., Cassandra, Tania, Bobbi and Russell, Linda C., Michele and Bob, Libby, Daphne, Karl, Kara G., Bill, Delta and Eric.

Very special thanks also goes to Linda S. and to Lorie for helping gather the walkers for this year’s parades.

If you didn’t walk in a parade this year, don’t worry.

There will be plenty next year. Be there with bells on.

Red Cross volunteers socialize with local morning radio DJs before starting the 2008 Bartow Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 12. From left are Daphne Gray, Karl Katob, Libby King, 97 Country WPCV ‘Breakfast Club’ DJs Roger Todd and Tom O’Brien, Kara Glover, Delta Schmidt, and Eric Schmidt.

Red Cross volunteers take a moment before walking the 2008 Havendale Parade on Friday, Dec. 5, between Winter Haven and Auburndale. From left: Public Relations Director Phil Attinger stands beside the Polk Red Cross’ Emergency Response Vehicle with Red Cross volunteers Cassandra Watson, Tania Ruiz, Bobbi Miller, Linda Haskins, and Russell Miller.

Linda Curtis (from left), Bob Medani, and Michele Medani pose with ‘Mickey’ after decorating up the Polk County Chapter’s Emergency Response Vehicle for the Haines City Christmas Parade on Saturday morning, Dec. 6, 2008.

Cassandra Watson and Linda Haskins jingle all the way down Havendale Boulevard during the 2008 Havendale Parade.

Red Cross helps Haines City man after apartment fire

HAINES CITY, FL (Dec. 21, 2008) – On Sunday night, Red Cross volunteers with the Polk County Chapter helped a Haines City man who had been affected by an apartment fire.

The fire had taken place on Saturday, Dec. 20, in the kitchen of an apartment on West Florida Avenue in Haines City. Fortunately, the landlord had another apartment available for the man immediately after the fire.

When he contacted the American Red Cross at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, two volunteers with the Polk County Chapter immediately rolled out to help him. They provided him with emergency assistance for groceries, odor-control concentrated cleaner to help him salvage items from his old apartment, as well as a personal hygiene kit and a Mickey Mouse stuffed toy to comfort him.

Home fires typically increase during colder months, especially in the holiday season for many reasons, including alternative sources of heat, electrical holiday decorations, candles, or cooking mishaps. Please do whatever you can to prevent a fire in your home. Prevention tips are available from the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter at http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross provides immediate emergency assistance based on need, thanks to donations from individuals and businesses in the local community. Please support your local Red Cross.

Red Cross helps Lakeland man after fire

LAKELAND, FL (Dec. 20, 2008 ) – Red Cross volunteers with the Polk County Chapter rolled out early Saturday morning and helped a Lakeland man after a home fire.

They arrived at 6 a.m. on Angle Road and helped the man whose mobile home had caught fire. They provided him with temporary shelter, emergency assistance for groceries and shoes, a comfort kit (personal hygiene kit), odor-control concentrated cleaner to help salvage items from the home, and landlord verification forms to assist in relocation.

Home fires typically increase during colder months when people use alternative sources of heat, as well as during holidays, from misuse of electrical holiday decorations or candles. Please do whatever you can to prevent home fires. Prevention tips are available from the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter at http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross provides immediate emergency assistance based on need, thanks to donations from individuals and businesses in the local community. Please support your local Red Cross.

Stuck for a gift? Call your local American Red Cross

The WaterBOB is a 10 mil food-grade plastic bathtub liner water reservior that contains a siphon pump and can keep drinking water fresh for up to six weeks. It is available at the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter for $35.

A gift from your Red Cross keeps giving to those who use it.

This season, your Polk County American Red Cross has ideas that can save a life and support local Red Cross Programs and Services.

The following items are available immediately. For prices and more information, call (863) 294-5941 or e-mail either linda@polkredcross.org or dbermudez@polkredcross.org.

Emergency Radios
In any emergency, you need an AM/FM/Weather Band radio, a flashlight, and a cell phone charger. This radio combines all three along with a solar panel and hand crank to keep the device’s battery pack constantly charged. Never be in the dark (literally or figuratively) again.

A Family Guide to First Aid and Emergency Preparedness (w/DVD)
Knowing How to manage medical emergencies and disaster situations is a family affair. A family guide to first aid and emergency preparedness takes a positive approach to learning—-fun interactive activities get the whole family involved, helping children respond to emergencies confidently. Your family can be smarter, better prepared and safer.

WaterBOB™
We all have been told to fill a bathtub with water during a disaster, but only for bathing, Keep drinking water in your tub with the WaterBOB™, a 10 mil food-grade plastic bathtub liner water reservoir.  The WaterBOB™ can keep drinking water fresh for up to six weeks by keeping it enclosed, away from airborne particles and from bathtub soap film. Just insert it in your bathtub, fill it, and draw water using a built-in siphon pump.

First Aid Kits
Various sizes and prices from a portable $20 kit for home, car, office, or boat, to $6 kits for travel, to pocket-size $3 kits for personal emergencies.  Also ask about our $10 Babysitting First Aid kit, which in addition to basic emergency medical supplies includes a penlight, first aid instruction card, and emergency contact notebook and pen.
With an American Red Cross First Aid Kit, you’ll always be prepared for emergencies.

Babysitting guide
For youth ages 11-15.  Our babysitting guide will help direct youth on such skills as safe play, age-appropriate games, and what to do in an emergency.
Give your children the tools they need to be a great babysitter.
(Also ask about our Babysitting Boot Camp, with classes available over Christmas break)

Pet First Aid
Pet First Aid/CPR shows you how to identify symptoms of common ailments and emergencies, gives tips on maintaining pets’ health and well-being, and provides instructions for creating a pet first aid kit.

Red Cross Class Registration or Gift Certificate
Give the gift of life-saving training when you register or give a gift certificate to register for an American Red Cross Health & Safety Class. Contact your local Red Cross for scheduled classes.

By purchasing these items as holiday gifts for your loved ones, you give twice, or more.  You not only give the gift of life-saving techniques and supplies, you support your local Red Cross programs and services that benefit the residents of Polk County, and anyone aided by Red Cross emergency skills training.
Your Red Cross always provides free disaster assistance as a gift to the community, made possible by donations of time and money from the American people, as well as by purchases of Red Cross supplies and emergency skills training.
Give from the Red Cross, a gift that keeps on giving.

American Red Cross Wants Your Family to Have a Safe Holiday

December 2008 — The holiday season is upon us, and colder weather along with it. The American Red Cross offers some safety tips to prepare you and your family for a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Holiday traveling and winter can be a dangerous combination. Allow extra time when traveling. Monitor weather conditions carefully and adhere to travel advisories, no matter where you travel.

Keep a winter storm survival kit in your car. This should include blankets, food, flares, chains, gloves and first aid supplies.

Designate a driver. When attending a party, always designate a non-drinking driver. If you are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving.

Buckle up. During the holiday months, people travel more than ever. Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Ensure that all passengers are also wearing safety belts.

Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low. If possible, dress in multiple thin layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.

Always be careful with holiday candles. Avoid using candles during parties. Take special care when burning candles and make sure they are never left unattended. Be sure they are kept away from decorations and other combustible materials. Don’t leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children. Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits.

Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering. If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.

Keep Christmas trees fresh. Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.

Giving the gift of preparedness is a great way to show you care. Purchasing or putting together 3-day Disaster Supply Kits is a wonderful way to help the friend or family member who ‘knows they should’ but never quite gets around to creating one for themselves. Contact your American Red Cross in Polk or Highlands County on registration for training classes, like CPR and first aid, which also make great gifts, especially for expectant parents and babysitters.

For more information, contact your local American Red Cross office or visit www.redcross.org.

Red Cross helps family displaced by fire

LAKELAND, FL (Dec. 15, 2008) — On Monday, Dec. 15, Red Cross volunteers helped a family of five displaced when a fire broke out in their trailer home on U.S. 98 in north Lakeland.

The mother was taken to the hospital, but fortunately, no one else was injured. They had arranged to stay with family, but volunteers were able to provide her, the father, and the three children with emergency assistance for clothing and groceries, comfort kits (personal hygiene supplies), odor-control concentrated cleaner to help salvage items from the home, landlord verification forms to assist in relocation, and three teddy bears to comfort the children.

Last month, the Polk Red Cross helped an average of a family every two days that had been displaced by house fire. Red Cross volunteers have, on many occasions, helped more than one family in a 24-hour period, and back-to-back fires are all too common

Home fires typically increase during colder months when people use alternative sources of heat, as well as during holidays, from misuse of electrical holiday decorations or candles. Please do whatever you can to prevent home fires. Prevention tips are available from the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter at http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross provides immediate emergency assistance based on need, thanks to donations from individuals and businesses in the local community. Please support your local Red Cross.

Red Cross provides feeding at south Polk wildfire

Volunteers feed 50 emergency personnel at site of rural brush fire

MULBERRY, FL (Dec. 11, 2008) – On Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 10, Red Cross volunteers feed 50 emergency personnel called out to contain a wildfire at Bradley Junction – the junction of State Road 37 and State Road 630 West – near the Polk/Hardee County line south of Mulberry, Fla.

At 2 p.m., volunteers with the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter responded to the fire and provided hot meals and drinks to firefighters from both Polk and Hardee Counties who had been battling the blaze.

Florida is prone to wildfires, especially in winter and spring before summer rains replenish ground water. While home fires still top the list as the most common American Red Cross disaster response, wildfires become far more common at this time of year as vegetation dries out. The Red Cross urges every person to follow all fire safety precautions, indoors or outdoors, and to make and practice a family fire escape plan, especially from wildfire.

For more information on how to protect yourself from wildfire, contact your local American Red Cross Polk County Chapter at (863) 294-5941 or visit http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org/WildfireSafetyTips.htm.

The American Red Cross provides immediate emergency assistance during disasters, based on need, thanks to donations from individuals and businesses in the local community. Please support your local Red Cross.