The American Red Cross of the Tri-States Marks Red Cross Month by
Thanking Supporters and Volunteers

Red Cross is responding to disasters down the street, across the country and around the world.

Dubuque, IA, March 8, 2010— With March proclaimed as Red Cross Month, The American Red Cross of the Tri-States today recognized and thanked the supporters and volunteers whose efforts enable the Red Cross to respond to disasters down the street, across the country and around the world.

“The Red Cross works tirelessly to be there with help and hope when people need it most–and we are grateful for the public support that enables us to continue our work – here at home and abroad,” said Executive Director Sue Olsen Wheaton. “Our community and our nation depend on the Red Cross in times of need, and the Red Cross depends on the support of the American people to achieve its mission.”

“During Red Cross Month, we want to recognize the valuable supporters whose generosity makes the work of the American Red Cross possible,” Sue added. “In addition, Red Cross Month is a great time for people to get involved with the Red Cross, such as donating blood; signing up for a CPR, first aid or another Red Cross course; giving a financial gift that can really save the day when the next disaster strikes, or getting involved as a volunteer.”

The Red Cross provides shelter, food, comfort and hope to survivors of nearly 70,000 disasters each year; helps prepare communities for emergencies; is the largest single provider of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills to more than 5 million people a year; supports military members and their families, and provides international humanitarian aid.

The American Red Cross touches the lives of millions of people every year through its network of 34,000 employees and more than 600,000 volunteers in more than 2,000 locations across the United States and more than 30 countries around the world.

“The Red Cross has responded following the Haiti earthquake in January, working to turn despair into hope,” Sue said. “The Red Cross is in Haiti and Chile now – and we are also here each day in the Tri-States area for families who need us.”

Although major disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires capture national media headlines, the day-to-day work of the Red Cross often takes place in local communities. In the past year, the Tri-States Chapter has responded to 28 families who lost their homes to fires, assisted 199 military families and trained close to 12,000 people in lifesaving skills
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 that time has recognized the work of the Red Cross with a Red Cross Month.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States has activities planned for Red Cross month including an instructor class on March 20,2010.

UPDATE: American Red Cross Responds to Chile Earthquake
Chilean officials report that more than 2 million people have been affected by the earthquake, 500,000 homes have been seriously damaged, and approximately 1.5 million houses may have sustained damage. The American Red Cross is ready to assist the citizens of Chile, and have mobilized additional support including relief supplies, trained personnel, and additional financial assistance for the victims.

In response to the International Federation’s decision to launch a $6.4 million preliminary emergency appeal to Chile, the American Red Cross will now accept contributions designated for victims of the February 27 earthquake. “We waited to accept Chile-designated donations until more was known about the need and there was a specific request for help for the earthquake survivors. Now that the needs are better known and the Federation has made an appeal to assist the Chilean Red Cross, the American Red Cross is accepting Chile-designated donations.” Neal Litvack, Chief Development Officer of the American Red Cross stated.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has launched a Family links Website aimed at helping people in Chile and abroad to register the names of relatives with whom they wish to restore contact. People can register at: https//www.icrc.org/familylinks.

How Our Community Can Help:
Terrible times like these bring out the best in people, and the American Red Cross is grateful for the support being given.

• People who want to help those affected by the Chile earthquake can make a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. People can also call 1-800-257-7575 to make a donation in Spanish.

• The Red Cross is also receiving money through a third party mobile fundraising effort in which mobile donors can text "Chile" to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross. The funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Chile.

The American Red Cross is also continuing to support the massive relief operations in Haiti, where more than 1.3 million people have been helped since the January 12th earthquake in that country. Over 600 Red Cross/Red Crescent workers from more than 30 national societies have been deployed to Haiti and are working alongside an estimated 13,000 Haitian National Red Cross Society volunteers. More than six weeks since the earthquake struck, the immense needs in Haiti continue. All humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, are racing against the clock to provide safe, waterproof shelter before the rainy season begins in April.

Tens of millions spent or committed for key priorities of food, water and shelter

In an operation that has involved more emergency response teams than any other single-country disaster in global Red Cross history, the American Red Cross has so far spent or committed more than $67 million to meet the most urgent needs of earthquake survivors in Haiti.

The American Red Cross is currently focusing on three areas through its emergency responders and partners:
1. Sending food to those in need, including 3 million pre-packaged meals and funding for World Food Program efforts that will enable them to feed up to 1 million people for a month.
2. Providing clean drinking water, including 3.5 million liters distributed to date in 68 settlements. Each day, the Red Cross is distributing enough water for 100,000 people.
3. Distributing shelter items, such as blankets, tarps, sleeping mats and tents, to families who have been left homeless.

The Red Cross is also meeting the health needs of Haitian survivors and providing support to Haitian families in Haiti and the US. This includes providing relief supplies, shipment of blood products, family linking services and providing Red Cross volunteers to the USNS Comfort, which have been in Haiti for one week.

To date, 79 percent of the funds have been committed or spent on food and water; 18 percent on shelter items; and the remainder on health and family services.

More than 49 flights carrying Red Cross aid have arrived in Haiti. Additional planes, ships and trucks carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance are en route. For example, yesterday, 15 trucks of relief supplies arrived from Santo Domingo. A new Red Cross warehouse with more than 50,000 square feet of capacity is also now operational in Port-au-Prince, which means that relief supplies have a safe place to be stored ahead of distribution.

Although the current focus is on addressing urgent needs, the American Red Cross is also looking ahead and applying experience gained after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. For the past five years, the American Red Cross has been working with partners in Southeast Asia to construct water and sanitation systems, provide emotional support and health care, build shelters, restore livelihoods and prepare communities for the next disaster. The American Red Cross plans to offer a similar level of support in close collaboration with Red Cross partners and other international and local aid organizations in Haiti.

People can donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution. A $10 donation made through mobile giving can provide a family with two water cans to store clean drinking water, basic first aid supplies or a blanket appropriate to the climate.

You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. 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 by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.

UPDATE: The Red Cross is Getting Aid into Haiti despite Aftershock
The Red Cross staff is assessing the impact of a major aftershock that occurred this morning, the largest in two days. Reports indicate that all Red Cross activities will continue as planned. Despite the constraints of the aftershock, the Red Cross and other relief agencies are reaching an increasing number of earthquake survivors with medical assistance, food, water and shelter. Medical supplies, water and sanitation, tents, food, fuel and transport equipment continue to be priority needs.

More than 70 American Red Cross Creole speaking volunteers have been trained and will soon join the USNS Comfort offshore in Haiti to translate for patients receiving medical care from the U.S. military. The American Red Cross is providing approximately 3 million pre-packaged meals in partnership with the World Food Program in Haiti. More than 100 truckloads of meals will leave Miami by air in the next few days and are expected to arrive in Haiti this weekend.
In the days ahead, the Red Cross will provide tents and shelter supplies for an initial 20,000 families in Haiti. 100 tons of Red Cross aid has arrived in Haiti. Planes and trucks carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance are arriving in the region daily.

American Red Cross President and CEO, Gail McGovern, visited relief operations in Haiti yesterday. She witnessed the extensive damage and need as well as the growing presence of Red Cross services. Through Red Cross services such as first aid posts, hospitals, relief distribution sites, water trucking programs and family linking stations, the Red Cross is providing relief every minute for the people of Haiti. Gail is currently planning for a multi-year recovery operation with other Red Cross leaders from around the world and heads of state from the region.

Key Developments:
• A total of 18 Red Cross Emergency Response Units have been activated for the response, of which eleven have arrived and are operational, delivering medical care, clean water, logistics and telecommunications support. With the deployment of two additional teams yesterday, the Haiti disaster response has expanded to become the single largest deployment of the global Red Cross network for one affected country in history.
• The Red Cross is now reaching affected areas outside of Port-au-Prince, establishing first and posts and assessing water needs for earthquake survivors. Inside Port-au-Prince, distributions of relief supplies, delivery of clean water and medical care continues. Relief distributions have been planned for 300,000 people.




How Our Community Can Help:
• People who want to help those affected by the Haitian earthquake can make a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
• You can support the American Red Cross by adding our link to your website at: www.redcross.org
• The Red Cross is also receiving money through a third party mobile fundraising effort in which mobile donors can text "Haiti" to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross. The funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
• Currently, we are deploying only Red Cross volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. Please consider supporting your community’s local needs by volunteering with your local Red Cross.
• At this time, what we need the most are financial contributions – whether by check, online or by phone. The Red Cross and other the organizations leading the efforts in Haiti most need financial gifts in order to best serve the victims. Things like clothes are not helpful right now because there is nowhere to store them, no one to sort them, and it would be difficult to transport the items to Haiti. One good way to turn clothes into cash is to have a garage sale and then donate the money to the relief efforts.

You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. 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 by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.

January 18 Update: American Red Cross Provides Aid to Haiti

January 18, 2010-The American Red Cross is making progress. The American Public has reached out to help, and their support is getting to the Haitian earthquake survivors. We have more than 400 Red Cross Workers from around the world as well as several thousands of local volunteers addressing the needs and mobilizing a massive response operation in Haiti. Truckloads of Red Cross supplies arrived in Port-au-Prince on January 18, providing water, and first aid as well as finding lost loved ones and transporting people with serious injuries to nearby health facilities.

“America’s support- donations made in the United States to the American Red Cross, is reaching the hands of survivors in Haiti,” said Steve McAndrew, disaster relief specialist with the American Red Cross in Port-au-Prince. Within the convoy that arrived yesterday, there are 50 bed field hospitals and purification equipment capable of producing 10,000 gallons of drinking water per day. The mobile hospitals have a dedicated section to help people cope with emotional trauma. Toys and specially-trained volunteers will be available to comfort children. An additional seven truckloads of equipment and materials including medical supplies were re-routed to Dominican Republic on Friday and are expected to arrive sometime today. “We are working with the Haitian Red Cross volunteers, who have intimate knowledge of the community, “said McAndrew. “Survivors are receiving aid from their neighbors, who they know and trust, with support from the international community.”

On Tuesday, American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern will travel to Port-au-Prince to join other Red Cross leaders in assessing the relief efforts and planning for long-term recovery. “Our focus now is on the immediate relief for the people of Haiti, but make no mistake, this is going to be a massive long-term recovery operation,” McGovern stated.
Since the earthquake struck, more than 21,600 people have registered with the International Committee of the Red Cross sponsored Web site (www.icrc.org/familylinks) helping to reconnect families separated during the earth quake. This website enables people in Haiti and abroad to search for and register the names of relatives missing since the earthquake. Almost all registrations were from people searching for news about their relatives.
As always, blood donors are encouraged to call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit us online at redcrossblood.org to make an appointment. Donations to the International Response Fund can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C. 20013 or made by phone 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) You can also donate by going to www.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross has raised more than $103 million dollars for relief efforts. This is a massive urban disaster of unprecedented proportions, and we know that this is going to be a costly long-term recovery operation.




How Our Community Can Help:
• People who want to help those affected by the Haitian earthquake can make a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
• You can support the American Red Cross by adding our link to your website at: www.redcross.org
• The Red Cross is also receiving money through a third party mobile fundraising effort in which mobile donors can text "Haiti" to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross. The funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
• Currently, we are deploying only Red Cross volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. Please consider supporting your community’s local needs by volunteering with your local Red Cross.
• At this time, what we need the most are financial contributions – whether by check, online or by phone. The Red Cross and other the organizations leading the efforts in Haiti most need financial gifts in order to best serve the victims. Things like clothes are not helpful right now because there is nowhere to store them, no one to sort them, and it would be difficult to transport the items to Haiti. One good way to turn clothes into cash is to have a garage sale and then donate the money to the relief efforts.

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You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. 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 by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.

American Red Cross Provides Aid to Haiti

The American Red Cross today is releasing an additional $9 million for earthquake relief in Haiti, bringing our commitment to $10 million. Five disaster management specialists from Peru, Mexico and the United States are arriving in the Dominican Republic today and will travel by land to the disaster zone. These individuals join the 15-person staff we already have on the ground in Haiti as well as thousands of local Red Cross volunteers. As airports begin accepting relief shipments and more commercial flights, tarps, cooking sets, hygiene items and other supplies from the American Red Cross warehouse in Panama will be distributed to an initial 5,000 families.

Our partners within the global Red Cross network are also responding to the urgent humanitarian need. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is helping to reconnect separated families within the country. They have established a special Web site, enabling persons in Haiti and abroad to search for and register the names of relatives missing since the earthquake: www.icrc.org/familylinks. An ICRC plane carrying 40 tons of supplies – mainly medical items – is expected to leave Geneva today. Included are specialized kits to help treat the wounded, basic medicines and chlorine for water treatment. Other Red Cross partners have deployed a mobile hospital as well as medical teams to support it as well as more than 40 others who can coordinate the relief activities, including sheltering, water, sanitation and telecommunications.

The Red Cross provided blood and blood products to the US Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. That blood, requested by the US Navy, was shipped by the US Navy to their facilities at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of Haitian evacuees and patients. In addition, the American Red Cross sent a shipment of blood products to the United Nations Mission in Haiti. To date, the Red Cross has sent more than 100 units of blood and blood products to Haiti and Guantanamo Bay. The American Red Cross is meeting the needs of this tragedy through current supplies. At this time we do not anticipate the need for a special donor appeal to support our efforts. As always, blood donors are encouraged to call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit us online at redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

How Our Community Can Help:
• People who want to help those affected by the Haitian earthquake can make a donation to the American Red Cross International Response 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 in which mobile donors can text "Haiti" to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross. The funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
• Currently, we are deploying only Red Cross volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. Please consider supporting your community’s local needs by volunteering with your local Red Cross.
• At this time, what we need the most are financial contributions – whether by check, online or by phone. The Red Cross and other the organizations leading the efforts in Haiti most need financial gifts in order to best serve the victims. Things like clothes are not helpful right now because there is nowhere to store them, no one to sort them, and it would be difficult to transport the items to Haiti. One good way to turn clothes into cash is to have a garage sale and then donate the money to the relief efforts.

The American Red Cross has received more than $3 million as of 9 a.m. EST – through a third party mobile fundraising effort to support our relief efforts in Haiti.
• The funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
• The mobile fundraising effort launched on January 12, approximately three hours after the earthquake struck Haiti. The program is powered by Mobile Accord and the MGive Foundation in coordination with the U.S. State Department as part of its ongoing support of this disaster response.

You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. 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 by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.



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American Red Cross Provides Aid to Haiti
The American Red Cross has pledged an initial $200,000 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 volunteers to travel to Haiti. If you would like to volunteer for the American Red Cross, please contact your local chapter. 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.
You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Donations to the International Response Fund can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.

Five Years After Indian Ocean Tsunami, Millions of Survivors Assisted and Moving On With Their Lives
American Red Cross tsunami recovery program to finish in 2010

National Headquarters
2025 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
www.redcross.org
Contact: Public Affairs Desk
FOR MEDIA ONLY
media@usa.redcross.org
Phone: (202) 303-5551

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, December 15, 2009 — Nearly five years after the Indian Ocean tsunami killed more than 230,000 people and destroyed entire communities, hundreds of thousands of houses have been rebuilt, life has returned to normal and communities are more prepared for future disasters.


The more than 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami, which hit 12 countries from Southeast Asia to East Africa in December 2004, caused more than $8 billion in damages and affected nearly 5 million people.

Even as it responded to the emergency, the American Red Cross was already making plans to meet long-term needs, such as rebuilding houses, providing water and sanitation systems, and reigniting the local economy by getting people back to work.

“When I saw the devastation and the emotional trauma people were dealing with, I knew it would take a long time to get people back on their feet and for communities to recover,” says Gerald Anderson, senior director of the Tsunami Recovery Program for the American Red Cross.

After consulting with survivors and local leaders about what was needed to help communities rebuild and recover, the American Red Cross decided to focus on six key program areas – water and sanitation, psychosocial support, health, shelter, livelihoods and disaster preparedness.

Over the past five years, the American Red Cross and its partners were able to assist 4 million people through more than 80 relief and recovery projects. These efforts included:

Building or repairing more than 16,200 temporary and permanent houses
Providing nearly 200,000 people with improved access to clean water
Giving loans, livelihood resources or job training to more than 91,000 people
Protecting 111 million people through disease prevention activities, such as vaccinating children against measles
Helping more than 780,000 people overcome the emotional trauma caused by the tsunami
“Not only have communities been rebuilt, they have been built with a sustainable future in mind,” Anderson said. “From the onset we designed our programs to make communities stronger, safer and better prepared by considering the environmental impact of our work and giving people the skills and training to know how to respond to future emergencies.”

Involving people at the community-level has been at the heart of American Red Cross recovery efforts in tsunami-affected countries. Men, women and children in more than 580 communities and schools have been trained to know what to do if another disaster occurs. Local volunteer disaster teams have mapped the hazards their communities face, have been trained in emergency first aid and have conducted mock disaster response drills.

The American Red Cross received $581 million to help the affected communities rebuild and recover. As of November 30, $517 million of these funds have been spent, with the remainder already programmed to finish existing recovery projects by the end of 2010.

Even as the American Red Cross finishes its tsunami recovery work, the work of the local Red Cross continues. American Red Cross partner national societies, such as the Indonesian Red Cross, will continue to help communities prevent, prepare for and respond to future emergencies.

Experts are available for interview in Washington, DC, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Maldives. Video, photos and additional information are available upon request. Contact Eric Porterfield for more information: porterfielde@usa.redcross.org or 202-701-3309.


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.

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dubuque, IA, December 7, 2009 – The American Red Cross is pleased to announce the appointment of Sue Wheaton as its new Executive Director. She joined the Red Cross on December 1, 2009 proceeding Stan Schwartz.

Sue is no stranger to the non-profit world. She has served 19 years as Executive Director of Girl Scouts of Little Cloud Council in Dubuque, IA, was involved with interim assignments for the Girl Scouts of the USA, and interim assistance with the Grand Opera House and DuRide in Dubuque. In addition to being a University of Iowa graduate, Sue earned a Masters in Business Administration from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. Sue stated, “I am honored to step into another well-known and highly respected non-profit-one that saves the day when crisis arises.”
Former Executive Director Stan Schwartz commented, “Sue Wheaton’s successful experience in non profit work will serve the American Red Cross of the Tri-States well. She has the compassion and skill to continue to carry out the mission of the Red Cross by providing emergency relief to victims of disasters, and help people prepare for, and respond to emergencies.” Stan Schwartz retired after serving 27 years with the American Red Cross, 12 of those years spent at the Dubuque Chapter.
We are pleased to have Sue Wheaton on board and we welcome her to the Red Cross Family.

Don’t Let the Flu Ruin Your Holiday

Red Cross Offers Steps to Help Avoid Illness During the Thanksgiving Weekend

With H1N1 flu causing illness all across the country, the American Red Cross has some steps to take that will lessen the chances of getting sick over the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods in the United States. If traveling for the holiday or hosting a family celebration, washing one’s hands as often as possible is important to help ward off illness.
The Red Cross offers the following ideas to help halt the spread of the flu virus during the Thanksgiving holiday:

Tips for Travelers

Before traveling…

• If sick, stay home. It’s disappointing to not be able to join in the family celebration, but act responsibly and stay home to avoid spreading the flu.

• It’s possible to spread the flu virus one day before actually showing symptoms. Those who have been in close contact with a sick individual should be extra careful about using good hand hygiene and cough etiquette and very aware of what might be flu symptoms.

While traveling…

• Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

• Use sanitizing wipes to disinfect hard surfaces such as airplane tray tables, luggage handles, cell phones, door handles and seat armrests.

• Remember to wash hands or use a hand sanitizer before eating any meals or snacks. It’s important to remember that you are touching a lot of surfaces that others are touching as well. Make sure your hands are clean before you put anything into your mouth.

• Bring personal blankets, pillows and earphones to avoid using something which may have been in contact with the flu virus.

• After washing hands in a public restroom, turn off the faucet with a paper towel. Then use another paper towel to dry hands and open the door when exiting the restroom.

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RED CROSS, PAGE TWO OF TWO

Have a safe celebration
Thanksgiving is all about food, family and friends. Here are some steps that will help keep the celebration happy and healthy:

• Avoid the usual kisses and handshakes when greeting friends and family.

• If hosting the holiday dinner and someone in the household becomes ill, make sure that they can be isolated into a separate area for care, or ask another family member to host dinner to avoid spreading the flu.

• Wash hands frequently, before preparing food, while cooking, and especially before eating.

• Keep plenty of hand soap in the bathroom, preferably in a pump container. Skip the pretty hand towels this year and instead use disposable hand towels or a roll of paper towels.

• Consider putting the glasses away this year and using plastic cups, or provide a way for guests to identify their drinks. Don’t drink out of anyone else’s glass.

• Put serving utensils in every dish, including snacks like nuts, pretzels, etc. This allows people to spoon out their portion instead of reaching in with their hands.

Remember—always cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and clean hands afterwards. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into the inside of the elbow or upper arm. Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth to prevent spreading germs. Visit Redcross.org for more information on how to keep safe and prepared for any emergency.

American Red Cross Launches New Holiday Giving Campaign
Featuring ‘Gifts that Save the Day’ Online Catalog

This holiday season, when economic conditions are tough and people really want their gifts to matter, the American Red Cross 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.

“We know that these are difficult times for many families and businesses in the Tri-State area, but the Red Cross has seen that when Americans are in need, America always responds,” said Stan Schwartz, CEO, American Red Cross of the Quad Cities Area. “The holiday season is traditionally a time of hope and generosity, and this campaign gives us all a chance to make a difference in someone’s life.”

The holiday giving campaign is being launched at a time when a new national survey for the American Red Cross finds that support for charitable giving remains strong even as many people are tightening their belts on gift-buying and other activities. The Red Cross survey found that 29 percent are cutting back on money spent on holiday gifts, 31 percent are planning to spend less for parties this year, 40 percent are cutting back on spending for holiday decorations, and 44 percent are reducing their travel costs. However, only 20 percent planned cuts in their donations to charity, with 17 percent planning to spend more and 62 percent planning to spend the same.

The survey, conducted November 5-8, shows that nearly one in four (23%) had their salary or hours reduced this year, with 14 percent saying they had been laid off from their job and 41 percent losing money in the stock market. However, 67 percent say that because of the economy, it is more important this year to give something to charity.

Although retail sales are projected to remain flat this holiday season, online holiday gift-giving is expected to grow by 4 percent. Following this trend, people buying gifts online this holiday season can make an online donation to the Red Cross in the name of someone special.

Gifts made through the catalog are contributions towards a Red Cross program area, not a donation to a specific project or item. The donations will be used to provide assistance where it is needed most within the program area; remaining money is put to use where it is needed most.

A key part of the Red Cross holiday campaign will be national advertising, including cable television, in-flight magazines and online advertising urging people to make a donation to the Red Cross. The ads feature photos and images of people being offered comfort and help by the Red Cross after a disaster, when they need life-saving blood or following a local home fire. The ads seek to capture the “Red Cross moment” when people go from despair to hope, and urge people to give the gift that saves the day.

“These have been turbulent economic times for the Red Cross and other non-profits, with more and more people seeking help,” said Stan Schwartz. “The Red Cross is working very hard to raise money now so the organization can be there tomorrow with help and hope when people need it most—when the next disaster strikes, when a neighbor’s house burns down or when someone needs life-saving blood.”

--MORE--
The telephone survey of 1,001 U.S. adults 18 years and older was conducted November 5-8, 2009 by CARAVAN® Opinion Research Corporation. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

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.

A recent poll on the H1N1 flu conducted by the American Red Cross found that more Americans are taking or planning on taking extra measures to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissue (78%) or wash their hands more carefully (76%) to avoid getting the flu.
The survey also found that 62 percent plan on being vaccinated against this new flu virus if one is offered.
While only 1 in 10 of those surveyed by the Red Cross claimed to be very worried about H1N1 flu, results show people have a strong interest in taking protective actions.
The survey found that 93 percent of Americans are taking or planning to take at least one action to guard against this new flu. Nearly half of those surveyed (46%) plan on assembling a two-week supply of food, water and medicine that they might need in the event they or someone in their family becomes sick and need to stay home for extended periods of time.
The survey results also found that women are more likely to take protective actions, with 84 percent making an extra effort to cover coughs and sneezes (versus 71 percent for men), and 81 percent washing their hands more carefully and more often (compared to 71 percent for men).
However, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that a vaccine may not be available until later this fall, the Red Cross is urging people to remember these simple actions to help guard against the flu:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are feeling sick.
As with any emergency, the Red Cross encourages people to prepare by getting an emergency kit, making a plan and being informed.
More information about H1N1 and the seasonal flu is available at www.redcross.org/pandemicflu. This site contains video resources, preparedness tips and information about how to help lessen the spread of the flu virus. The Red Cross also has products available at www.redcrossstore.org to help people protect themselves against the flu

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 150 Main Street in McGregor Friday by dispatching a Disaster Action Team member to care for the two families displaced.

The Red Cross provided six people with financial assistance for shelter, clothing and shoes along with comfort kits and referrals.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri States will be offering free CPR training to residents of the Washington Neighborhood and clients of the Crescent Community Health Center. Classes are funded through a grant from the Alliant Energy Foundation.

The classes will be held at the Comiskey Park shelter, 2400 Jackson St., on the following dates and times:
• 2-5 p.m. July 22
• 6-9 p.m. July 22
• 2-5 p.m. August 18
• 6-9 p.m. August 18
• 6-9 p.m. September 24

Class sizes are limited to ten and pre-registration is required. To sign up, call the Red Cross at 563-583-6451 ex. 314.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 1020 University Avenue in Dubuque Wednesday by dispatching a Disaster Action Team member to care for the individual displaced.

The Red Cross provided the individual with financial assistance for food and clothing along with recovery materials.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 1491 Bluff Street Unit 5 in Dubuque Thursday by dispatching a Disaster Action Team member to care for the four people displaced.

The Red Cross provided the individuals with financial assistance for food and shelter along with comfort items such as stuffed animals and recovery materials.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

Temperatures are expected to rise dramatically this week, which could result in potentially dangerous heat exposure in the Tri-State area.

Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. Many people do not realize how dangerous excessive heat can be as it is the number one weather killer, causing over 350 deaths in the United States every year.

The American Red Cross urges area residents to be prepared for summer heat, and make plans to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this summer.

Here are some tips and facts related to heat safety, and what you can do if a heat-related emergency occurs:

Know What These Terms Mean
• Heat wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. The National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public during these periods of excessive heat and humidity.
• Heat index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees F.
• Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they 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.
• Heat stroke: Heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
• Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.

If a Heat Wave Is Predicted or Happening...
• Slow down. 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 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which dehydrates the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

Signals of Heat Emergencies...
• Heat exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
• Heat stroke: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high-- as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.

Treatment of Heat Emergencies
• Heat cramps: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
• Heat exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.
• 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. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. 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.

For more information on how to be prepared for summer heat, call the American Red Cross of the Tri-States at 563/583-6451, or visit us on the Web at www.arcdbq.org.

Monday, June 8 is the one-year anniversary of the severe floods that impacted many Northeast Iowa homes and businesses.

The city of Decorah flooded following a 48-hour period of rain, accumulating 6 inches. This caused the Upper Iowa River to go over its banks. It flooded the lower campus of Luther College and other areas of town.

Dorchester also saw severe flooding as a result of heavy rainfall, creating heavy damage to area properties.

Flood waters also damaged properties in Fort Atkinson and Spillville, as a result of the Turkey River going over its banks.

The Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross was there, using 18 of its local disaster volunteers and numerous regional volunteers to provide impacted families with emergency assistance following the floods.

Red Cross volunteers responded by initially opening two shelters at the Decorah Lutheran Church and the Fort Atkinson Community Center. The Red Cross sheltered 82 people between both facilities the first night of the floods. Working with community partners, the Red Cross assisted in the transition of the Lutheran Church from a Red Cross shelter to a community-managed shelter. Community-run shelters were also opened at the Decorah Congregational Church of Christ, Decorah United Methodist Church, and Decorah Middle School.

The Red Cross served 100 meals to affected residents and supplied 20 cases of water. It also deployed its Emergency Response Vehicle from Dubuque, Iowa and used it to distribute sandwiches to residents cleaning up after the floods in Spillville. Overall, the Red Cross provided assistance to 28 clients in Winneshiek County and 15 clients in Allamakee County.

For more information on the one year anniversary of flooding in Northeast Iowa, please contact the Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross at 563/382-4309.

Are you prepared for severe summer weather?

Take a look around your house. Do you and your family know where to go in case of a tornado? Is this room uncluttered with a First Aid kit and emergency preparedness kit including essential food, water and medication?

Do you know your home’s flood risk?

We are in the midst of severe weather season, and the American Red Cross of the Tri-States urges area families to get prepared now for any unforeseen weather-related emergencies.

Here are some tips below:

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan
• Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
• If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing:
• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings
• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
• Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
o A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
o A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
• Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county.

When a Tornado WATCH Is Issued...
• Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a Tornado WARNING Is Issued...
• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

After the Tornado Passes...
• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
• Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
• Do not use candles at any time.

Flooding: Know What to Expect
• Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
• Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.

Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .
• Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
• Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

Prepare a Flood Family Disaster Plan
• Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

Assemble a Flood Disaster Kit Including:
• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
• Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States will be offering select courses at a discounted rate in celebration of National CPR/AED Awareness Week, June 1-7.

The following courses will be offered at a discounted price of $20 (regular price $35):
• Monday, June 1, 6-9 pm – Adult CPR and AED
• Tuesday, June 2, 6-9 pm – Adult CPR and AED

The following course will be offered at a discounted price of $25 (regular price $40):
• Thursday, June 4, 6-9 pm – Adult and Child CPR and AED

The following online training discount prices will apply for the week of June 1-7:
• Adult CPR and AED, $20 (regular price $30)
• Adult and Child CPR and AED, $25 (regular price $40)

In late 2007, the U.S. Congress established the first week of June as National CPR/AED Awareness Week. For the American Red Cross, this annual event represents an opportunity for heightened promotion of mission-fulfilling lifesaving education and training.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States held its 93rd Annual Meeting and volunteer recognition dinner at the Diamond Jo Casino on Thursday, May 7.

Newly elected board officers for the year are Chairman Mike Lippert, Vice Chair Tom Wagner, Second Vice Chair Tom Stricker and Secretary Marilyn Holscher. Brendan Houlihan was selected to serve a first term of three years.

Board members continuing their terms are Michael Armstrong, Catherine A. Basten, Tom Berger, Michael Dillman, Chuck Donnelly, Bobbi Earles, Molly Grover, Carol Heying, Brent Johns, Kevin Lynch, Trish McDonald, John Miller, Dr. Peggy Mulderig, Jack Nachtman, Rich Runde, Glen Schwab, Jennifer Tippet and Don Warren.

This year’s volunteer award winners are: Gene Koschmeder, Jim and Gail Howatt: Marion Hackney Disaster Volunteer of the Year; and Jennifer Tippet: Everett Hauber Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Dubuque Kiwanis Club to implement the water safety program, “Partners in Pool Safety.”

The goal of “Partners in Pool Safety” is provide free Learn-to-Swim lessons to members of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dubuque. Lessons will be held June 29-July 10 held by city of Dubuque Leisure Services lifeguards at Flora Park pool.

Grant funds will underwrite the cost of transportation, T-shirts and administrative fees.

For more information on “Partners in Pool Safety,” call 563/583-6451 and ask for Tom Kelly, Community Safety and Aquatics Director.

Flu tips can be found by clicking on the link below:

http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/SeasonalFluChecklist.pdf

Results from the 2008 Home Fire Safety Survey distributed to kindergarten and first grade students in Dubuque show that:

• Nearly 10 percent of families do not have working smoke detectors on every floor of their home.
• 22 percent of families do not have a home fire escape plan in case of emergency.
• 82 percent of families have a meeting place identified outside the home in case of a fire.
• Nearly 25 percent of homes in Dubuque do not have working fire extinguishers in them.

Of the nearly 1,700 fire safety surveys distributed, 826 families responded.

These statistics were compiled from a 6-month long educational project conducted by the City of Dubuque Fire Department and American Red Cross of the Tri-States. The program was made possible through a $65,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

Beginning this fall, the fire department and Red Cross conducted a fire safety program in each of the city’s kindergarten and first grade classrooms using “Sparky’s Hazard House,” an interactive model house that educates children on the fire hazards present in their homes. During the presentation, surveys were distributed to students. The survey asked questions regarding home fire safety, such as the number of smoke detectors a home has and whether or not a family has a home fire escape plan.

“The City of Dubuque Fire Department recommends that all families purchase and maintain smoke detectors outside each sleeping area, as well as purchasing and maintaining all-hazard radios, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors,” said City of Dubuque Fire Chief Dan Brown. “We also strongly recommend that all families review their home fire escape plan.”

As part of the survey, participants were able to request a free smoke detector and installation from the fire department. To date, 171 Dubuque families have signed up for free smoke detectors.

There are still a limited number of smoke detectors for city of Dubuque residents.

To request a smoke detector and free installation, call the American Red Cross at 563/583-6451 and ask for Emily Szeszycki, Director of Public Support.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States announced that it is receiving a $10,905 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation to support disaster leadership training for local volunteers and capacity building equipment such as new cots and nursing kits. The Tri-State chapter is one of only 128 Red Cross chapters awarded funds as part of the Wal-Mart Foundation’s initiative to support disaster response and capacity building projects nationwide.

“We are honored and grateful to be receiving this grant award from the Wal-Mart Foundation,” said Stan Schwartz, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Tri-States. “These funds will allow us to expand our disaster human resources and material resources to meet the needs of the communities we serve, like our response to last year’s severe flooding in Northeast Iowa.”

The Wal-Mart Foundation partnered with the American Red Cross to create a $5 million Disaster Readiness and Capacity Building Grant Program. This grant will benefit communities across the country that reside near Red Cross chapters located in remote areas that often become isolated during times of disaster and whose chartered jurisdictions serve less than one million people – like the American Red Cross of the Tri-States.

The grant will be used to support the recruitment of new disaster volunteers, in addition to funding training and equipment.

“At Wal-Mart, helping communities is what we do every day. And when a crisis strikes, that charge becomes an even greater priority,” said Margaret Mckenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “Our long-standing support of the American Red Cross is evidence of our commitment to supporting local disaster relief efforts. We are hopeful that the $5 million we have given to local Red Cross chapters across the country will result in the swift, effective response to disasters, and the development of resources before disaster strikes.”

The Wal-Mart Foundation stands ready to help and to work with local leaders, community organizations and elected officials in the instance of a disaster. With a long-standing commitment to supporting local disaster relief efforts, the Wal-Mart Foundation works with the American Red Cross and other organizations in an effort to help its neighbors and communities during times of need.

“We are appreciative to the Wal-Mart Foundation for this much needed grant to enhance our local chapters’ ability to serve their communities,” said Michael Brown, Vice President of Corporate and Foundation Partnerships at the American Red Cross. “Because of their generous support, we will be better positioned to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters in communities across the country.”

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.


About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. In 2007, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States, along with corporate sponsors Dupaco Community Credit Union and KWWL, are proud to announce the winners of the 6th Annual Heroes of the Tri-States awards.

This year’s winners are:
• John Piddington of Hazel Green, Wis. – Volunteer Community Impact
• Kathy Bromberg of Dubuque – Volunteer Community Impact
• Craig Wulfekuhle of Petersburg, Iowa – Fire and Rescue
• Jesse Coulson of Dubuque – Education
• Mark Schukert of Durango, Iowa – Fire and Rescue
• Tara Schukert of Durango, Iowa – Fire and Rescue
• Amy Hawkins of Dubuque – Adult Good Samaritan
• Lurleen Ambrosy of Dubuque – Adult Good Samaritan
• Randy Ambrosy of Dubuque – Adult Good Samaritan

Winners were selected by an independent selection committee, after reviewing nominations submitted by Tri-State area residents.

Serving on this year’s selection committee:
• Kevin Conlon, Behr’s Funeral Home
• Judy Wolf, John Deere Dubuque Works
• Brendan Houlihan, Wachovia Securities
• Eileen Mozinski, Telegraph Herald

Heroes will be honored at a breakfast at 7:30 a.m. April 7 at the Best Western Midway Hotel, Dubuque.

The public is invited to the breakfast. To make reservations, please call Emily Szeszycki at 563/583-6451, ext. 306. Cost is $15.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 1293 Bluff Street in Dubuque Wednesday by dispatching a Disaster Action Team member to care for the family displaced.

The Red Cross provided the individuals with financial assistance for food and shelter.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States, in partnership with 97.3 KGRR, teamed up to raise more than $3,100 for local Red Cross programs and services during its 2nd Annual Pie Auction. This year’s event took place inside the broadcast center in the Diamond Jo Casino.

This year’s participants included the Diamond Jo Casino’s Todd Moyer, Dubuque Chamber of Commerce CEO Molly Grover, Telegraph Herald food columnist Mary Ann Gassmann, KWWL’s Jamie Grey and Lauren Squires and KCRG’s Katie Wiedemann. Those participating auctioned off their dessert items in half-hour increments on-air.

Paul Hemmer, Lisa Pierce, Johnny Rhodes and Steve Stevens conducted this year’s auction on 97.3 KGRR.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 490-492 Hayden Place in Dubuque Friday by dispatching two Disaster Action Team members to care for the three people displaced.

The Red Cross provided the individuals with financial assistance for food, clothing, seasonal garments and shelter.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

Each year, more than 150,000 fires occur during the holiday season – that’s more than the populations of Dubuque and Clayton counties combined. These fires claim more than 600 lives annually and result in more than 2,500 injuries. Eight-two percent of fire deaths occur in the home.

The holiday season presents many unique fire risks, and the American Red Cross of the Tri-States wants to make sure that every home can enjoy the holidays by urging families to prepare for the unexpected and take preventative steps to keep you and your family safe.

A fire caused by a Christmas tree can engulf your home in flames within a matter of seconds. Take a look at the following Web site to see a real-time example of a Christmas tree igniting with flames: www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/media/tree24012056k1.rm

Below are some tips to help you prevent a fire in your home this holiday season:

Tree Safety for the Holiday:
• Be sure that the tree you select has fresh green needles that cannot be easily pulled back from the branches. Feel the trunk to make sure it is sticky.
• Remember that you do not want to place your tree close to any heat sources, including a fireplace or heat vent. Do not go near your tree with any type of flame whether it is from a match, lighter or cigarette.
• Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it immediately. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights
• You have to maintain your lights. Inspect them each year for any frayed wires, bare spots, and gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
• Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of light to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do not leave holiday lights unattended!

Holiday Decorations
• All decorations should be non-flammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace. It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical build-up in the home that could cause an explosion.
• If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Candle Care
• Avoid using lit candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
• Never put lit candles on a tree. Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters, or matches.

As in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

For more information, call the American Red Cross of the Tri-States at 563/583-6451, or visit us on the Web, www.arcdbq.org.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 754 W. 5th St. in Dubuque Thursday by dispatching a Disaster Action Team member to care for the five people displaced. Some of the individuals are students at the University of Dubuque.

The Red Cross provided the individuals with financial assistance for food and clothing. The University of Dubuque provided the individuals with food, shelter and other incidentals.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries in the United States, and the American Red Cross wants to remind families in the tri-state area to be cautious in the kitchen and to keep the lid on cooking fires.

“Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in your home, and it’s easy to understand why,” said Stan Schwartz, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of the Tri-States. “We’re all so busy these days that in the race to put a home cooked meal on the table, we sometimes let safety take a back seat. But the consequences can be devastating, especially when there are a few quick things you can do to prevent your family’s next meal from going up in flames.”

“The Red Cross recommends that you keep potholders, food wrappers and wooden utensils at least three feet away from stove tops while cooking,” said Schwartz. “Also, it’s very important to not leave the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, or broiling food, and not to leave your home if you’re simmering, baking, boiling, or roasting food. It’s also a good idea to use a timer to remind you that the stove or oven is on.”

To prepare your home for a potential kitchen fire, the Red Cross recommends installing a smoke alarm near your kitchen and using the test button to check it once a month. Batteries should be replaced once a year.

Last year the American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to more than 20 home fires. The Red Cross depends on the generous support of Tri-State residents to respond to our neighbors who are affected by home fires. You can help the Red Cross continue to be ready to respond and help fire victims by making a financial contribution to the American Red Cross of the Tri-States today. To make a financial donation please visit www.arcdbq.org, call 563/583-6451, or mail a check to 2400 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA, 52001.

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.redcross.org/homefires.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is now offering Continuing Education Credits (CEU’s) for completing its CPR, First Aid and other qualifying training courses.

Red Cross has been approved as an Authorized Provider of Continuing Education by The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). The approval comes after an extensive application and vetting process of the American Red Cross and its courses by the organization, which was created in 1968 to ensure that education providers meet strict continuing education guidelines.

Certification by IACET means that nurses, social workers, recreation professionals, teachers and day care providers among others, can gain or maintain their license or certification by taking Red Cross courses in a variety of subjects, and obtaining Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for them. It also distinguishes the American Red Cross from other training providers.
Among the courses eligible for continuing education credits are First Aid and CPR/AED, Lifeguarding and Water Safety Instructors, Safety Training for Swim Coaches, Disaster Instructor Specialty Training, and courses on International Humanitarian Law.

These classes are being offered at local chapters of the American Red Cross. Once training has been completed, continuing education units may be obtained online at www.redcross.org/store. Class participants should verify with their appropriate accrediting organization that CEUs received from taking Red Cross courses will be accepted.

For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross, or to find the chapter nearest you, log on to www.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States will hold a babysitters training class from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at its office, 2400 Asbury Road.

This class will improve students’ leadership skills, decision-making strategies and communication skills, as well as teaching participants the basics of how to change a diaper, prepare food for young children, and handle emergencies.

Students must be 11 years of age or older to take the course. The cost is $25, and space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Students must provide their own sack lunch for the class.

For more information, contact Tom Kelly at the American Red Cross of the Tri-States, 563/583-6451, ext. 303

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the early morning fire at Breitbach¡¦s Country Dining in Balltown, Iowa Friday by dispatching Disaster Action Team members to the scene.

The Red Cross provided mass care (including food and coffee) to first responders fighting the fire. It is assessing ongoing needs of the community and will provide additional assistance, such as mental health counseling, as needed in the upcoming days.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross has now reached the halfway mark in its efforts to raise $100 million through its Campaign for Disaster Relief, which was launched in September to replenish the organization¡¦s Disaster Relief Fund. Red Cross chapters in Iowa have so far raised $107,628 to help meet this target. In Wisconsin, $773,571 has been raised and donors in Illinois have brought in nearly $2.4 million.

¡§This is a challenging time for fundraising, especially with the number of disasters we¡¦ve had this year and the country facing some tough economic conditions. But we¡¦ve been inspired to see so many generous donors step forward to help the Red Cross,¡¨ said Jeffrey Towers, chief development officer at the national Red Cross.

In addition to thousands of donations from the American public, the following corporations have donated $1 million or more to the Hurricanes of 2008 and the Disaster Relief Fund to help the Red Cross meet its goal:

• BG Group plc
• BP
• ExxonMobil
• Lowe¡¦s Companies, Inc.
• Shell and Motiva
• Total S.A.
• Valero Energy Foundation

¡§This has been an extremely busy year for disasters¡Xwe¡¦ve seen tornadoes, wildfires, the worst flooding in the Midwest in 15 years and several strong hurricanes. Red Cross chapters across the country, including in the tri-state area, depend on the Disaster Relief Fund to help people and get them on the road to recovery,¡¨ said Stan Schwartz, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of the Tri-States.

One way in which the Disaster Relief Fund is built up is through the Annual Disaster Giving Program. Members of this program pledge donations to the Disaster Relief Fund on an ongoing basis, in advance of major disasters. Their support helps the Red Cross ensure an immediate response to meet the needs of those affected by disasters of all sizes, at no cost and regardless of income.

People can join the Annual Disaster Giving Program members in supporting the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and help provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year. Support the Campaign for Disaster Relief by logging on to redcross.org or calling 1-800 RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make a donation.

Members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program:
American Express
AT&T
AXA Foundation
ConAgra Foods
FedEx Corporation
JCPenney Company Fund
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Merck & Co, Inc.
Morgan Stanley
Raytheon Company
State Farm
State Street Foundation
Target
The TJX Companies, Inc.

Ghouls and goblins will take over the night. But even scary creatures need to be safe and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween¡¦s greatest hazards aren¡¦t vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and automobile collisions. The American Red Cross of the Tri-States wants your family to have a safe Halloween so we¡¦re providing these tips, the lucky 13:

• Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will find your way home!
• From the bravest of superheroes to the noblest of knights, everyone should remember to bring their flashlights!
• If you visit a house where a stranger resides, accept treats at the door and, please, don¡¦t go inside.
• When you get ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of masks, which will cover your eyes.
• Always remember, before you embark, to wear light-colored clothing to be seen in the dark! (And remember to use reflective tape, even on bikes, skateboards and brooms!)
• Whether you walk, slither or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not in the street.
• As you roam through the neighborhood collecting your treats, please look both ways before crossing the street! (And cross from the corner!)
• Wigs, capes and costumes are flammable attire, so avoid open flames to prevent a fire!
• Use a glow stick instead of a candle so your jack-o-lantern isn¡¦t a safety gamble!
• You may fly on a broom or a space ship from Mars, but please be on the lookout for drivers in cars! (And don¡¦t hide between parked vehicles).
• Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn, and only visit homes with their porch lights turned on!
• You may be dressed as a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
• Have a grown-up inspect your candy when you¡¦re done trick-or-treating to remove open packages and choking hazards before eating.

Those with loved ones in the Gulf states are urged to tell friends and family evacuating to register themselves and their loved ones on the Safe and Well website, to allow family and friends around the country know of their status. Safe and Well is an easy way to assist people seeking to locate those who¡¦ve registered their status during this emergency.
The Red Cross has developed this online tool to help families and individuals notify loved ones that they are safe during an emergency. Letting your family know that you are safe during an emergency can bring great peace of mind.
The Safe and Well website is easy to use:
1. Visit RedCross.org, and click on the Safe and Well link
2. If you are currently being affected by these disasters, click: ¡¡±List Myself as Safe and Well¡¨, enter your pre-disaster address and phone number, and select any of the standard message options
3. If you are concerned about a loved one, click ¡¡±Search¡¨ and enter the person¡¦s name and pre-disaster phone number OR address. If they have registered, you will be able to view the messages that they posted.
4. If you don¡¦t have internet access, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register yourself and your family. Follow the prompts for disaster information.
The Red Cross is currently providing disaster relief throughout several states dealing with the onslaught of rain, tornadoes, flooding and other disasters, offering sheltering, feeding, emergency assistance and other support.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like floods and tornadoes 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.¡¨

An informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17 for those interested in becoming a disaster volunteer for the American Red Cross of the Tri-States. The meeting will be held at the chapter office, 2400 Asbury Road.

No special skills are required and basic level disaster and hands-on training is provided.

Local volunteers may have an opportunity to serve on national disaster relief assignments, after local disaster response is learned.

In 2007, tri-state area disaster volunteers responded to nearly 30 fires, assisting 47 local families with immediate emergency needs including temporary housing, food and clothing.

For more information on how to become a volunteer, or to sign up for the informational meeting, please call 563/583-6451 and ask for Heidi Goin, Director of Emergency Services.

The Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross has deployed Gloria Moen of Decorah to assist with Red Cross relief work during the 2008 hurricane season. Moen will work in Ashburn, Va. at the call center, responding to the immediate emergency needs of disaster clients who call seeking Red Cross assistance.

The Red Cross is responding to Hurricane Gustav by providing food, shelter, and emotional support to those impacted by the storm. As of midnight Tuesday, the Red Cross had shelters open in 11 states. Overnight, almost 50,000 people took shelter in more than 270 Red Cross shelters.

Preparations are also underway for residents in the path of Tropical Storm Hanna. The Red Cross has resources already in place to provide food, shelter and emotional support to those who may need it.


All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the 2008 Hurricanes 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.

Three disaster volunteers from the American Red Cross of the Tri-States have been deployed to Texas and Louisiana to provide vital Red Cross services to those impacted by Hurricane Gustav.

The three deployed Red Cross workers from the Tri-State chapter include the following:
• Catherine Basten ¡V (Dubuque, Iowa)
• Shawn Scott-Fitzgerald ¡V (Boscobel, Wis.)
• Laurie Wright ¡V (Decorah, Iowa)

Shawn Scott-Fitzgerald will go to Ft. Worth, Texas and Catherine Basten and Laurie Wright will report to Louisiana.

The American Red Cross is responding to Hurricane Gustav by sheltering, feeding and providing emotional support to thousands of Gulf Coast residents. On its first major sheltering night, the Red Cross provided shelter to nearly 45,000 people in 344 shelters spread across 8 states.
The Red Cross urges all those who have evacuate to register their well being on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, available at www.redcross.org. This Internet tool allows people in disaster-affected areas to register their well-being using several pre-scripted messages. Family and friends can then log on and search for registered individuals to learn of their whereabouts and safety. People without access to a computer or without electricity or connectivity can call the Red Cross (1-800-REDCROSS) for help registering, or contact a loved one to register on their behalf.


All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the 2008 Hurricanes 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.

American Red Cross chapters across the country are working this September to help individuals, families, schools and businesses take action to ¡§Be Red Cross Ready¡¨ for all types of disasters and emergencies by: 1) getting a kit, 2) making a plan, and 3) being informed.

You can learn how to ¡§Be Red Cross Ready¡¨ in just three simple steps: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed, by visiting www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady.

Now in its fifth year, National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to raise public awareness about the importance of preparing for all types of emergencies. This year DHS has added a fourth step, Get Involved, to remind people of the need for everyone¡¦s involvement to make preparedness a community effort.

For additional personal and family emergency preparedness information, including packs and first aid kits, contact the American Red Cross of the Tri-States at 563/583-6451. As a special gift, visitors who take the online Pledge to Prepare will receive a coupon for 10 percent off the Personal Emergency Preparedness Pack at the RedCross.org store during September.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the single-family fire at 101 Howard Street in Monona, Iowa Tuesday by dispatching a Disaster Action Team member to care for the family of four displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided the family with financial assistance for food and clothing and also distributed comfort kits and other recovery materials.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the single-family fire at 12564 Granite Avenue in Monona, Iowa Friday by dispatching a Disaster Action Team member to care for the family of four displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided the family with financial assistance for food and clothing and also distributed comfort kits.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The City of Dubuque Fire Department and the American Red Cross of the Tri-States have been awarded a $62,105 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from the Department of Homeland Security*s U.S. Fire Administration Division. The grant will fund a three-part public education program designed to reduce fire deaths in Dubuque, particularly related to children 6 and under.

The program will target all kindergarten and first grade classes in Dubuque*s 17 public and parochial elementary schools. In the first phase of the program, the Red Cross and fire department will create a homework packet consisting of several simple home safety questions including how many smoke detectors a child*s home has, how often smoke detectors are tested, and whether or not the family has an escape plan.
Students will be asked to complete these questionnaires at home as a family and return them to school. A home escape plan worksheet and directions on how to develop one will also be included in the packet.
There will also be a place for a parent*s signature, phone number, and a place to mark if they wish to be contacted about a free smoke detector program.

The second phase of the program involves an on-site visit to the schools. Within a couple of days of providing the teachers with the packets, an on-duty firefighter and a Red Cross representative will visit each school to give a 30-45 minute fire safety presentation consisting of a fire safety video (produced in partnership with local schools), reviewing the display of *Sparky*s Hazard House* (a model house which simulates and allows interaction with home hazards such as fires, floods, tornadoes, winter risks, and senior citizen risks at home), trying on personal protective fire gear, or touring a fire truck. Following the presentation, the Red Cross and fire department staff will collect the homework questionnaires and free smoke detector forms.

In the third phase of the program, Red Cross staff will develop and maintain a database containing information collected from the students.
Dubuque firefighters will then train Red Cross volunteers on the proper installation of smoke detectors and how to perform a home fire safety inspection. The volunteers will then follow-up with families who expressed interest in the free smoke detectors and schedule a home inspection, which will include installation of the smoke detectors. The Red Cross is providing 10-year, lithium battery-powered smoke detectors and spare batteries. During the home safety inspections, smoke detectors will be installed where needed, existing smoke detectors would be inspected and batteries would be replaced in non-working smoke detectors. A home fire safety pamphlet designed specifically for high-risk residences will be left with the resident for future reference.

The grant application noted that, since 2001, 80 percent of all fatal fires in Dubuque involved residential occupancies without smoke detectors or with non-functioning smoke detectors. Since 2001, 40 percent of all fatal fires involved children age six and under. Eighty percent of all fire deaths and 100 percent of all children*s fire deaths have occurred in neighborhoods containing some of Dubuque*s oldest residences.

Temperatures are expected to rise dramatically within the next week, which could result in potentially dangerous heat exposure in the Tri-State area.

Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. Many people do not realize how dangerous excessive heat can be as it is the number one weather killer, causing over 350 deaths in the United States every year.

The American Red Cross urges area residents to be prepared for summer heat, and make plans to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this summer.

Here are some tips and facts related to heat safety, and what you can do if a heat-related emergency occurs:

Know What These Terms Mean
• Heat wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. The National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public during these periods of excessive heat and humidity.
• Heat index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees F.
• Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they 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.
• Heat stroke: Heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
• Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.

If a Heat Wave Is Predicted or Happening...
• Slow down. 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 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which dehydrates the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

Signals of Heat Emergencies...
• Heat exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
• Heat stroke: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high-- as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.

Treatment of Heat Emergencies
• Heat cramps: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
• Heat exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.
• 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. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. 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.

For more information on how to be prepared for summer heat, call the American Red Cross of the Tri-States at 563/583-6451, or visit us on the Web at www.arcdbq.org.

The American Red Cross service delivery center at Westdale Mall will close at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Outreach teams will take over emergency assistance casework in flood-affected communities in eastern Iowa and the Quad Cities area.

Outreach teams will make appointments to meet face-to-face with individuals and families to assess their emergency needs. Flood-impacted residents with disaster-related needs can call 1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636) toll-free to access services.

Red Cross assistance may include providing the means to pay for groceries, clothing or medications. It may also help cover rent or minor repairs that will help people get back into their homes more quickly. Individuals or families who apply to the Red Cross for assistance must have some form of identification showing their address, as proof that they lived in the area affected by the disaster.

Red Cross volunteers will be at the client service center in the former Osco¡¦s store next to JC Penney at Westdale Mall, 2600 Edgewood Road SW, Cedar Rapids, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, governmental and social service agencies are making arrangements for accommodations for flood evacuees remaining in two Red Cross shelters at Viola Gibson Elementary School and Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids. Once those residents are moved, school personnel will begin preparing the buildings for students and teachers to return in the fall.

The Red Cross will continue to adjust services across Iowa and the Quad Cities area as needs change for shelters, meals, snacks, cleanup supplies, physical and mental health services and individual client assistance.

In Iowa and the Quad Cities area, through July 6, the Red Cross has:
• Opened 36 shelters with its partner organizations and provided nearly 6,600 overnight stays.
• Served some 683,000 meals and snacks
• Opened nearly 6,650 emergency assistance cases.
• Sent 44 emergency response vehicles and 1,630 Red Cross workers.
• Made nearly 17,000 first aid and mental health contacts.
• Distributed more than 28,500 clean-up kits.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States in partnership with Grand Harbor Resort and Water Park will hold a Parent and Child Aquatics Course on the following dates:

• 10:30-11 a.m. July 29-30 ¡V Ages 6 months to 2 years
• 11:05-11:35 a.m. July 29-30 ¡V Ages 2 to 5 years
• 10:30-11 a.m. August 5-6 ¡V Ages 6 months to 2 years
• 11:05-11:35 a.m. August 5-6 ¡V Ages 2 to 5 years
• 10:30 ¡V 11 a.m. August 12-13 ¡V Ages 6 months to 2 years
• 11:05 ¡V 11:35 a.m. August 12-13 ¡V Ages 2 to 5 years
• 10:30 ¡V 11 a.m. August 19 ¡V Ages 6 months to 2 years
• 11:05 ¡V 11:35 a.m. August 19 ¡V Ages 2 to 5 years

The Parent and Child Aquatics course builds swimming readiness by emphasizing fun in the water. Participants will learn elementary skills such as water entry, blowing bubbles, front kicking, back floating underwater exploration and more.

Registration fee is $25 and classes will be held at Grand Harbor Resort and Water Park. To sign up, call 563/583-6451 and ask for Tom Kelly, Community Safety and Aquatics Director.

Crescent Electric Supply Company has increased its matching relief fund to $85,000.00 (originally $25,000.00).

Originally focused on assisting those individuals and areas impacted by the tornados of 2008, this matching fund will be increased and expanded to aid both the tornado and flood victims in Iowa, Wisconsin and Indiana.

Crescent Electric Supply Company will match any and all donations to either The United Way or The American Red Cross up to a total of $85,000.00.

Anyone wishing to have Crescent Electric Supply match their donation should send their check made out to either:

The United Way Tornado and Flood Relief Response

The American Red Cross Central US Tornado and Flood Relief Response

Checks should be sent to:
John Miller
Crescent Electric Supply Co
7750 Dunleith Drive
East Dubuque, IL 61025

We will forward all checks to the proper agency and make sure those who donate get the proper backup documentation.

¡§We¡¦ve seen so many of the people and so much of the geography effected by the floods of 2008 we wanted to increase our assistance¡¨, said Marty Burbridge, President. ¡§We¡¦re hoping with a matching fund we help raise a minimum of $170,000.00 to help¡¨, he added.

¡§We¡¦re doing everything we can to get the necessary rebuilding materials into the area. We want to assist in getting businesses reopened and people back in their homes as soon as possible¡¨, remarked Dick Schmid, Vice President, Marketing. He added, ¡§These people are not only customers, but over the past 89 years have become our friends as well. It¡¦s the only thing to do.¡¨

ABOUT CRESCENT ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY
Crescent Electric Supply Company is a local privately held company with 26 distribution facilities in the affected area and 127 locations throughout the United States. Crescent Electric Supply Co serves the electrical contractor, industrial OEM and MRO, automation and DataComm markets.

ABOUT RED CROSS EMERGENCY SERVICES:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteer who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.


For more information on how the Red Cross is responding to the Central United States floods and tornadoes, visit our blog at http://redcrossmidwestflooding.wordpress.com/.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like floods and tornadoes 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.
###

Residents of Decorah, Freeport and Fort Atkinson are returning to their homes and beginning to clean up after this weekend¡¦s severe flooding. Cleaning up after the flood can pose some health risks and the American Red Cross is offering some tips and guidance for dealing with the health hazards.

CLEANING AND DRYING OUT YOUR HOME
1. Open your 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.
2. Remove all items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be cleaned and dried thoroughly.
3. 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.
4. To remove mold from hard surfaces, mix one cup of bleach in one 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.
5. 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.
6. Turning on air conditioners or heaters can spread mold spores and make the problems worse. Clean these before use.
7. 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.

FLOOD WATER
Flood water may be contaminated by waste from overflowing sewage systems as well as toxic waste from cars and industrial plants. 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 through 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.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF MOLD EXPOSURE
• Stuffy nose, sneezing, red eyes and skin rash.
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.
• Allergic reactions to mold including asthma attacks.
• People with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases may develop mold infections in their lungs.

For more information on how the Red Cross is responding to the Central United States floods and tornadoes, visit our blog at http://redcrossmidwestflooding.wordpress.com/.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like floods and tornadoes 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.

http://redcrossmidwestflooding.wordpress.com/

Albert Borchers had seen twisters before, twice, in fact. Both had touched down in Buck Grove, Iowa, in 1938 and in 1952. He knew what was happening when it got black.

So he and his sister-in-law, Ann, headed west without stopping as planned at the cemetery for a visit the Sunday before Memorial Day, 2008.

¡¡±It caught us in Parkersburg,¡¨ he said as he drank his coffee in the Red Cross kitchen in the Veteran¡¦s Memorial Building.

They went to Kwik Star where Ann got struck with a Jeep, ¡¡±No one was in it. It was just flying through the air,¡¨ said Borchers, 79. He worried about her as he lay pinned against the dashboard of his Mercury Marquis which had hit a steel pole. Both made it, but Borchers sports two black eyes.

He said thanks for the burger, beans and chocolate pudding, a hearty meal before he headed to Waterloo to visit Ann in the hospital.

Nearby, sat Amy and Irvin Haan, parents of three: aged one, five and eight. They spent the storm in their basement and Amy saw the tornado when it was West in Aplington.

¡¡±It looked like a bunch of clouds that were lower. They weren¡¦t twirling.¡¨ Amy and Borcher agreed that the weather wasn¡¦t severe at the time.

The Haan home wasn¡¦t destroyed but it wasn¡¦t habitable, either.

¡¡±I remember the sound of the house breaking,¡¨ Amy said. ¡¡±We have a walkout basement so we could see our house breaking.¡¨

The Haans had been by the Red Cross kitchen every day at meal times. They felt lucky to still have their home, but wondered how long it would take for repairs when there were so many others who had lost everything and would rebuild.

Although the air was somber, smiles were still surfacing. Young girls from DNH ¡V Dike-New Hartford ¡V served meals; 9-year-old Samantha worked at the information table; and Red Cross counselors traveled among them all and struck up conversations.

Donna Walker is a volunteer with the Iowa Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Learning CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can quite possibly mean the difference between life and death for someone suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest or other medical emergency. During this first National CPR/AED Awareness Week, this June 1-7, the American Red Cross of the Tri-States encourages everyone to learn these important skills that could someday save a life.

¡¡±The Red Cross wants the public to know that everyone has the power to save a life. At least one person in every household and on every office floor should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED,¡¨ says Stan Schwartz, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of the Tri-States. ¡¡±On average, it takes emergency personnel 10 minutes to arrive on scene. For someone who is choking or has stopped breathing, that may be too late. By learning simple rescue skills, you can go from being a helpless bystander to a person with the ability to take control help someone during an emergency.¡¨


Help the American Red Cross of the Tri-States accomplish a nationwide goal of reaching 250,000 people with lifesaving information during this week. Locally, the following reduced-price CPR/AED training and awareness events open to the public:

Event: Reduced-price ($15) Adult CPR/AED Training
Date: Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10 (participants need only take one course)
Time: 6 pm-9 pm
Location: American Red Cross of the Tri-States, 2400 Asbury Road.

If you cannot attend this event, find out how you can have the power to save a life, contact the American Red Cross of the Tri-States at 563/583-6451 or visit www.arcdbq.org for more information on the variety of health and safety courses offered throughout the year.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the mobile home fire at 10714 State Road 133 Lot 22 in Cassville, Wis. Monday by dispatching a Disaster Action Team member to care for the person displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided the individual with financial assistance for food, clothing and shelter.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

Five disaster workers from the American Red Cross of the Tri-States have been deployed to Parkersburg, Iowa to respond to Sunday¡¦s destructive tornado and provide support to the ongoing relief effort. The relief workers will be working in disaster mental health, mass care, damage assessment, operating the Emergency Communications Response Vehicle and performing client casework for the Red Cross.

The five deployed Red Cross workers from the Tri-State chapter include the following:
• Rose Meisch ¡V (Dyersville, Iowa)
• William Schemp ¡V (Decorah, Iowa)
* Catherine Basten -- (Dubuque, Iowa)
* John Sanner -- (Dubuque, Iowa)
* Jimmy Hansel -- (Guttenberg, Iowa)


The Red Cross is currently responding by providing shelter, food and emotional support to the hundreds of Iowans who lost their homes in the storms.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteers who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.


How to Help:
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Parkersburg tornado, 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-HELP NOW 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.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States held its 91st Annual Meeting and volunteer recognition dinner at the Star Restaurant on Thursday, May 1.

Newly elected board officers for the year are Chairman Mike Lippert, Vice Chair Kevin Lynch, Secretary Michael Dillman and Treasurer Tom Wagner. Four board members were elected to serve a first term of three years. They are Molly Grover, Brent Johns, Marilyn Holscher and Catherine Basten. Four board members were elected to a second term of three years. They are Mike Lippert, Kevin Lynch, Michael Armstrong and Trish McDonald. Three board members were elected to a third term of three years. They are Carol Heying, John Miller and Don Warren. Board Member Bobbi Earles was elected to a second term of two years.

Board members continuing their terms are Tom Berger, Chuck Donnelly, Bob Felderman, Dr. Peggy Mulderig, Jack Nachtman, Dan Raduns, Tom Stricker, and Jennifer Tippet.

This year¡¦s volunteer award winners are: Catherine Basten, Marion Hackney Disaster Volunteer of the Year; Marilyn Holscher, Everett Hauber Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service; and Radio Dubuque, Local Chapter Financial Support.

Many counties throughout the Tri-State area are under flood and flash flood warnings. The American Red Cross of the Tri-States urges everyone to take a moment and get prepared should severe flooding occur.

Know What to Expect
Know your area¡¦s flood risk ¡V if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
• Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.

Reduce Potential Flood Damage By ¡K
• Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
• Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
• A flood WATCH means flooding is possible in your area.
• A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
• A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
• A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will be occurring very soon.

Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
• Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get good flood insurance.
• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing ¡K
• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off electricy, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you will need a professional to turn them back on).
• Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend¡¦s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

When a Flood WATCH is Issued ¡K
• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
• Fill your car¡¦s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.


When a Flood WARNING is Issued ¡K
• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

When a Flash Flood WATCH is Issued ¡K
• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacate on a moment¡¦s notice.

When a Flash Flood WARNING is Issued ¡K
• Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades ¡K they are there for your safety.
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising water, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States has deployed five Disaster Action Team (DAT) members to the Clayton County, Iowa towns of Millville, Garber, Elkport and Osterdock to provide mass care services to first responders at the scene of flash flooding.

DAT members are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteers who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Web site at www.arcdbq.org.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is now offering classes online. Become American Red Cross certified in CPR, First Aid, and automated external defibrillation. Red Cross Blended Learning, or online learning, is an easy way to gain certification in any of these areas without leaving the comfort of your home.

The courses are flexible and allow students to go through the lessons at their own pace. Lessons can be taught in full or in an abbreviated format.

You can enroll in any of the following combinations:

• First Aid $20
• CPR¡XAdult $20
• CPR/AED¡XAdult $25
• CPR¡XChild & Infant $25
• First Aid with CPR/AED¡XAdult plus Child & Infant CPR $35
• First Aid with CPR/AED ¡V Adult $25
• First Aid with CPR ¡V Child & Infant
• CPR/AED ¡V Adult plus Child and Infant CPR $30
• First Aid with CPR ¡V Adult $25

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 1104 Riverview in Dubuque this morning by dispatching Disaster Action Team members to care for the family of three displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided those impacted with shelter, food, clothing, comfort kits and recovery materials.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 775 Louisburg Road in Hazel Green, Wis. Tuesday by dispatching two Disaster Action Team members to care for the two people displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided those impacted with food, clothing, comfort kits, recovery materials and financial assistance for eyeglasses.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

Dubuque Wahlert varsity boy¡¦s basketball players helped Radio Dubuque Sports Director Tim Lary raise nearly $5,300 to support the American Red Cross of the Tri-States through a ¡¡±free-throw fundraiser¡¨ held this morning inside the school gymnasium.

For the past three weeks, the players collected pledges from family and friends, asking them to make a donation for each free throw made. Each player shot 100 free throws.

Players making the most free throws were Zach Myers (93 out of 100), Mike Rupp (92 out of 100) and Pete Corken (91 out of 100). Players raising the most money were Eric May ($805.35), Drew Davis ($712.50) and Pete Corken ($682.95). Andrew Tranel collected the highest number of pledges, with 30 people agreeing to donate, raising $612.30.

Radio Dubuque Sports Director Tim Lary made 89 of his 100 free throws, raising $407.

To thank the team for its efforts, Radio Dubuque will be hosting a pizza party at the Grand Harbor Resort for the team this month.

This fundraiser was part of the Champions for the American Red Cross campaign, led by Radio Dubuque with a goal of raising $25,000 to support local Red Cross programs and services.

Radio Dubuque Sports Director Tim Lary will host a free throw shooting contest with the Dubuque Wahlert state champion boy¡¦s basketball team April 4 to benefit the American Red Cross of the Tri-States.

Lary will join players at the Wahlert gym and each one will shoot 100 free throws with each free throw made adding up to a contribution to the American Red Cross of the Tri-States. Lary has also let Wahlert players know that if any one of the players has a better free throw shooting percentage than he does during the challenge, Radio Dubuque will throw a pizza party for the team.

In June, Lary held a free-throw fundraiser to benefit victims of the Bellevue, Iowa tornadoes and raised more than $2,000 for Red Cross relief efforts.

ABOUT CHAMPIONS FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Champions for the American Red Cross is a fundraising campaign that began in late January with a goal of raising $25,000 to support the mission of the local Red Cross¡¦ programs and services.

To make the goal, Radio Dubuque will recruit a minimum of 35 Champions who will each commit to raising $1,000 for the Red Cross. On-air personalities will ask listeners to give any amount to the cause, by donating to a Champion or donating at specific broadcast locations or events during the campaign. Each radio station will become a Champion and will raise $1,000 in an innovative, original and fun way with the personalities and listeners.




ABOUT RADIO DUBUQUE
Radio Dubuque is a Dubuque-based corporation that owns four radio stations: AM 1370 KDTH, 92.9 KAT FM, 97.3 KGRR and 101.1 The River. The company was founded in 2000 by Tom Parsley, Don Rabbitt and Paul Hemmer.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE TRI-STATES
The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is the locally chartered chapter of the American National Red Cross with the mission of helping community members prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Local radio station 101.1 The River will host ¡¡±Rackin¡¦ Em Up for the Red Cross,¡¨ a pool tournament to be held Saturday, April 5 at the Dubuque Eagles Club.

The event will be an open, doubles pool tournament. Entry fee is $25 per team, $10 of which will go to support local Red Cross programs and services.

To register for the tournament, please call 101.1 The River at 563/690-0800.

ABOUT CHAMPIONS FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Champions for the American Red Cross is a fundraising campaign that began in late January with a goal of raising $25,000 to support the mission of the local Red Cross¡¦ programs and services.

To make the goal, Radio Dubuque will recruit a minimum of 35 Champions who will each commit to raising $1,000 for the Red Cross. On-air personalities will ask listeners to give any amount to the cause, by donating to a Champion or donating at specific broadcast locations or events during the campaign. Each radio station will become a Champion and will raise $1,000 in an innovative, original and fun way with the personalities and listeners.


ABOUT RADIO DUBUQUE
Radio Dubuque is a Dubuque-based corporation that owns four radio stations: AM 1370 KDTH, 92.9 KAT FM, 97.3 KGRR and 101.1 The River. The company was founded in 2000 by Tom Parsley, Don Rabbitt and Paul Hemmer.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE TRI-STATES
The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is the locally chartered chapter of the American National Red Cross with the mission of helping community members prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States, along with corporate sponsors Dupaco Community Credit Union and KWWL, are proud to announce the winners of the 5th Annual Heroes of the Tri-States awards.

This year¡¦s winners are:
• Dave Bingham (Galena, Ill.) ¡V Adult Good Samaritan
• Shirley Scholtes (Bellevue, Iowa) ¡V Animal Rescue
• Mary Ellen Wiederholt (Hazel Green, Wis.) ¡V Professional Responder
• John Vogt (Hazel Green, Wis.) ¡V Military
• Dr. Jill Hunt (Dubuque) ¡V Health Care Worker
• David Olsen (Dubuque) ¡V Education
• Steve Schwers (New Vienna, Iowa) ¡V Fire and Rescue
• Jill Reimer (Dubuque) ¡V Volunteer Community Impact
• Johnny Rhodes (Dubuque) and Christine Jochims (Mapleton, Iowa) ¡V Adult Good Samaritan
• Roni Heil (Dubuque) ¡V Health Care Worker

Winners were selected by an independent selection committee, after reviewing dozens of nominations submitted by Tri-State area residents.

Heroes will be honored at a breakfast at 7:30 a.m. April 8 at Fountain Park Event Center, 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque.

The public is invited to the breakfast. To make reservations, please call Emily Szeszycki at 563/583-6451, ext. 306. Cost is $15.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States will hold a babysitters training class from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at its office, 2400 Asbury Road.

This class will improve students¡¦ leadership skills, decision-making strategies and communication skills, as well as teaching participants the basics of how to change a diaper, prepare food for young children, and handle emergencies.

Students must be 11 years of age or older to take the course. The cost is $25, and space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Students must provide their own sack lunch for the class.

For more information, contact Tom Kelly at the American Red Cross of the Tri-States, 563/583-6451, ext. 303.

Two disaster workers from the American Red Cross of the Tri-States will be deployed to Missouri to respond to severe flooding and provide support to the ongoing relief effort. The relief workers will be working in damage assessment and emergency communications.

The two deployed Red Cross workers from the Tri-State chapter include the following:
• Catherine Basten ¡V (Dubuque, Iowa)
• Jimmy Hansel ¡V (Guttenberg, Iowa)


Basten will be assigned work in Cape Girardeau, Missoui and Hansel will provide assistance in St. Louis.

According to media reports, 13 fatalities have been blamed on the storms, three people are missing and many more have been displaced from their homes. Six states have reported flooding and rising rivers are predicted to crest above flood stage. President Bush has declared Missouri a disaster area with 70 Missouri counties and the city of St. Louis included in the declaration.

The Red Cross is currently responding to these floods by providing for the immediate sheltering and feeding needs of those affected.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteers who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.


How to Help:
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California wildfires, 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-HELP NOW 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.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the flooding currently affecting Missouri and Illinois, 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 (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 or to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. You can also make a secure online contribution at www.redcross.org.

CONTACT:
Emily Szeszycki, Director of Public Support
563/583-6451, ext. 306: Office
563/599-5656: Cell
EmilyS@arcdbq.org
LOCATION
2400 Asbury Road
Dubuque, IA 52001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON 03.07.08

RED CROSS RESPONDS TO MUSCODA, WIS. FIRE
Dubuque, IA, March 7, 2008, ¡V The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 106 Nebraska in Muscoda, Wis. Friday by dispatching a Disaster Action Team member to care for the family of five displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided the family with lodging, meals, comfort kits, teddy bears and recovery materials.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

A Family Fun Day will be held from 12-4 pm this Sunday at the St. Anthony School Gymnasium to benefit the American Red Cross of the Tri-States.

Activities featured will be an Easter egg hunt with the Easter Bunny, a raffle, clowns, balloons, crafts, carnival games, Red Cross CPR demonstrations and more. Food, beverages and other concessions will be available.

The event is being put on by Sarah Barnes of Mural Inspirations and Kelly Blask of Pay it Forward for Hope.


ABOUT CHAMPIONS FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Champions for the American Red Cross is a fundraising campaign that began in late January with a goal of raising $25,000 to support the mission of the local Red Cross¡¦ programs and services.

To make the goal, Radio Dubuque will recruit a minimum of 35 Champions who will each commit to raising $1,000 for the Red Cross. On-air personalities will ask listeners to give any amount to the cause, by donating to a Champion or donating at specific broadcast locations or events during the campaign. Each radio station will become a Champion and will raise $1,000 in an innovative, original and fun way with the personalities and listeners.

ABOUT MURAL INSPIRATIONS
Mural Inspirations is located at 1344 Locust Street in Dubuque. The company offers beautiful murals, decorative finishes, fine art, hand-painted kiln fired tiles, children¡¦s décor, hand-painted furniture, floral arrangements, and other home accents. You can visit the company in historic downtown Dubuque or at www.muralinspirations.com.

ABOUT PAY IT FORWARD FOR HOPE
Pay It Forward for Hope began in response to a challenge given by Oprah Winfrey to her studio audience on October 20th, 2006. Her hope was to inspire the audience and encourage the community to start a movement. Pay It Forward for Hope was established to help medically complex, underserved, children, young adults, and their families.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE TRI-STATES
The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is the locally chartered chapter of the American National Red Cross with the mission of helping community members prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 106 Nebraska in Muscoda, Wis. Friday by dispatching a Disaster Action Team member to care for the family of five displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided the family with lodging, meals, comfort kits, teddy bears and recovery materials.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

Hickie-Smith Productions of Asbury, Iowa won the AM 1370 KDTH morning co-host and ¡¡±Cookin¡¦ with Kaye¡¨ auction held during the last week in February by placing the winning bid of $1,250. Hickie-Smith will co-host the KDTH early morning show four times throughout 2008 at its location.

Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross of the Tri-States. The event is part of the Champions for the American Red Cross campaign, and surpassed its goal of raising $1,000.

¡¡±It is our pleasure to assist an organization like the American Red Cross of the Tri-States in their work helping people in times of emergencies and in their job of collecting blood donations,¡¨ said Hickie-Smith President Bill Smith. ¡¡±Their work is greatly appreciated and we are happy to be able to help them in their local efforts.¡¨

ABOUT CHAMPIONS FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Champions for the American Red Cross is a fundraising campaign that began in late January with a goal of raising $25,000 to support the mission of the local Red Cross¡¦ programs and services.

To make the goal, Radio Dubuque will recruit a minimum of 35 Champions who will each commit to raising $1,000 for the Red Cross. On-air personalities will ask listeners to give any amount to the cause, by donating to a Champion or donating at specific broadcast locations or events during the campaign. Each radio station will become a Champion and will raise $1,000 in an innovative, original and fun way with the personalities and listeners.



ABOUT HICKIE-SMITH PRODUCTIONS
Hickie-Smith is a full-service ad agency located on Saratoga Road in Asbury, Iowa. It specializes in high-end video production, graphic design, animation development, media placement, corporate event planning, Web development and interactive media authoring.

ABOUT RADIO DUBUQUE
Radio Dubuque is a Dubuque-based corporation that owns four radio stations: AM 1370 KDTH, 92.9 KAT FM, 97.3 KGRR and 101.1 The River. The company was founded in 2000 by Tom Parsley, Don Rabbitt and Paul Hemmer.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE TRI-STATES
The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is the locally chartered chapter of the American National Red Cross with the mission of helping community members prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Local radio station 92.9 KAT-FM will host ¡¡±Knock ¡¥Em Down for the American Red Cross,¡¨ a bowling tournament, beginning at 1 p.m. March 8 at Creslanes to benefit the American Red Cross of the Tri-States.

The lights will be shut off and two games will be bowled, with a special ¡¡±gender race¡¨ following the games where a variety of prizes will be awarded. Entry fee for a 5-person team is $125.00 Entries are limited. For more information or to reserve a spot, call the KAT-FM studios at 563/690-0929.

The event is part of the Champions for the American Red Cross campaign, and has a goal of raising $1,000.

ABOUT CHAMPIONS FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Champions for the American Red Cross is a fundraising campaign that began in late January with a goal of raising $25,000 to support the mission of the local Red Cross¡¦ programs and services.

To make the goal, Radio Dubuque will recruit a minimum of 35 Champions who will each commit to raising $1,000 for the Red Cross. On-air personalities will ask listeners to give any amount to the cause, by donating to a Champion or donating at specific broadcast locations or events during the campaign. Each radio station will become a Champion and will raise $1,000 in an innovative, original and fun way with the personalities and listeners.

ABOUT RADIO DUBUQUE
Radio Dubuque is a Dubuque-based corporation that owns four radio stations: AM 1370 KDTH, 92.9 KAT FM, 97.3 KGRR and 101.1 The River. The company was founded in 2000 by Tom Parsley, Don Rabbitt and Paul Hemmer.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE TRI-STATES
The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is the locally chartered chapter of the American National Red Cross with the mission of helping community members prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is launching ¡¡±1,000 Strong,¡¨ a campaign with two goals: 1. to educate 1,000 tri-state area citizens on emergency preparedness; and 2. to raise $1,000 to support local Red Cross programs and services.

Red Cross staff and volunteers will be contacting local businesses in the upcoming weeks to set up training sessions for its employees. Classes will also be offered at the chapter office throughout the month, and staff is available to come into school classrooms. To raise $1,000, a small donation of $1 per attendee will be accepted. Everyone who completes the course will have their name printed in a special edition of the Red Cross e-newsletter, as well as on its Web site, www.arcdbq.org. Businesses that offer training will receive a certificate to post inside its building.

¡¡±The ¡¥1,000 Strong¡¦ campaign is an exciting initiative, not only as a fundraiser, but because of its ultimate goal of making the communities we serve more prepared for disaster,¡¨ said Stan Schwartz, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Tri-States. ¡¡±National statistics indicate that only 7 percent of Americans are prepared for disaster, and the reality is, disaster will hit the community ¡V whether it is flooding, tornadoes, or home fires.¡¨

¡¡±1,000 Strong¡¨ is part of the Champions for the American Red Cross campaign.

For more information, or to get involved and host a class, please call 563/583-6451 and ask for Emily Szeszycki, Director of Public Support.

ABOUT CHAMPIONS FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Champions for the American Red Cross is a fundraising campaign that began in late January with a goal of raising $25,000 to support the mission of the local Red Cross¡¦ programs and services.

To make the goal, Radio Dubuque will recruit a minimum of 35 Champions who will each commit to raising $1,000 for the Red Cross. On-air personalities will ask listeners to give any amount to the cause, by donating to a Champion or donating at specific broadcast locations or events during the campaign. Each radio station will become a Champion and will raise $1,000 in an innovative, original and fun way with the personalities and listeners.

ABOUT RADIO DUBUQUE
Radio Dubuque is a Dubuque-based corporation that owns four radio stations: AM 1370 KDTH, 92.9 KAT FM, 97.3 KGRR and 101.1 The River. The company was founded in 2000 by Tom Parsley, Don Rabbitt and Paul Hemmer.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE TRI-STATES
The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is the locally chartered chapter of the American National Red Cross with the mission of helping community members prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Local radio station 97.3 KGRR will host an on-air celebrity pie auction from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18 to benefit the American Red Cross of the Tri-States.

Area celebrities will auction off their pies in half-hour increments on the air. The public will have 30 minutes to bid on each pie. Local celebrities included in the auction are Dubuque City Manager Mike Van Milligen, Dubuque Mayor Roy Buol, Dubuque City Council Member Kevin Lynch, Telegraph Herald food columnist Mary Ann Gassmann, KWWL Channel 7¡¦s Adam Sodersten and Telegraph Herald columnist Amy Gilligan.

The event is part of the Champions for the American Red Cross campaign, and has a goal of raising $1,000.

ABOUT CHAMPIONS FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Champions for the American Red Cross is a fundraising campaign that began in late January with a goal of raising $25,000 to support the mission of the local Red Cross¡¦ programs and services.

To make the goal, Radio Dubuque will recruit a minimum of 35 Champions who will each commit to raising $1,000 for the Red Cross. On-air personalities will ask listeners to give any amount to the cause, by donating to a Champion or donating at specific broadcast locations or events during the campaign. Each radio station will become a Champion and will raise $1,000 in an innovative, original and fun way with the personalities and listeners.

ABOUT RADIO DUBUQUE
Radio Dubuque is a Dubuque-based corporation that owns four radio stations: AM 1370 KDTH, 92.9 KAT FM, 97.3 KGRR and 101.1 The River. The company was founded in 2000 by Tom Parsley, Don Rabbitt and Paul Hemmer.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE TRI-STATES
The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is the locally chartered chapter of the American National Red Cross with the mission of helping community members prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross responded to two home fires in the past two weeks, continuing one of the busiest winters for home fires in northeast Iowa in recent memory.

On January 24, Disaster Action Team members were at the scene of the home fire at 3239 County Road A-14 in Kendalville, Iowa. The Red Cross provided the family of four with food and clothing as well as providing Mass Care to first responders battling the blaze.

On January 31, disaster team members were once again dispatched to the house fire at 3018 Pleasant View Road in Decorah, Iowa. The Red Cross provided the two people affected with food and clothing, as well as providing Mass Care to first responders.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

Radio Dubuque has been announced as Chair of the American Red Cross of the Tri-States¡¦ Champions for the American Red Cross campaign.

Radio Dubuque management and staff will be responsible for overseeing the entire campaign.

About Champions for the American Red Cross
The Champions for the American Red Cross is a fundraising campaign beginning in late January with a goal of raising $25,000 to support the mission of the local Red Cross¡¦ programs and services.

To make the goal, Radio Dubuque will recruit a minimum of 35 Champions who will each commit to raising $1,000 for the Red Cross. On-air personalities will ask listeners to give any amount to the cause, either by donating to a Champion or donating at specific broadcast locations or events during the campaign. Each radio station will become a Champion and will raise $1,000 in an innovative, original and fun way with the personalities and listeners.

The campaign kicks off Jan. 21 with the Recruitment phase, continues through March with the fundraising phase and wraps up with a ¡¡±Breakfast of Champions¡¨ following the end of the campaign.

About Radio Dubuque
Radio Dubuque is a Dubuque-based corporation that owns four radio stations: AM 1370 KDTH, 92.9 KAT FM, 97.3 KGRR and 101.1 The River. The company was founded in 2000 by Tom Parsley, Don Rabbitt and Paul Hemmer.

About the American Red Cross of the Tri-States
The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is the locally chartered chapter of the American National Red Cross with the mission of helping community members prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Significant amounts of snow will likely cripple the tri-state area overnight, and the American Red Cross of the Tri-States would like to take a moment to remind community members how to prepare for winter weather-related emergencies.

To prepare for a winter storm, make sure you have the following items on hand:
• Extra blankets
• Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit, including the following items:
• First Aid kit and all essential medications;
• Battery-powered NOAA weather radio, flashlight and extra batteries;
• Canned food and can opener;
• Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days);
• Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat;
• Assemble a Disaster Supplies kit for your car, too;
• Have your car winterized before winter storm season.

For more information on winter weather preparedness, visit www.arcdbq.org.

The Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross responded to the machine shed fire at 1155 175th Ave. in Frankville, Iowa early Friday morning by dispatching three Disaster Action Team members to provide mass care to first responders at the scene.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is now accepting nominations for honorees at its annual ¡¡¡ÓHeroes of the Tri-States¡¨ Breakfast to be held in April.

The breakfast celebrates local residents who have demonstrated courage, compassion, unselfish character and saved lives while performing extraordinary acts of heroism.

Heroism need not involve the direct saving of a life, and there is no limit on when the heroic event took place.

Nomination categories for this year include:
„Ï Health Care Worker
„Ï Professional Responder
„Ï Adult Good Samaritan (18 years and older)
„Ï Youth Good Samaritan (under 18 years)
„Ï Volunteer Community Impact
„Ï Industrial Safety
„Ï Education
„Ï Military
„Ï Animal Rescue
„Ï Fire and Rescue
„Ï Law Enforcement

Nomination forms must be received by January 30, and they are available by calling the Red Cross at (563) 583-6451, stopping by 2400 Asbury Drive during the business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., going online to http://www.dupaco.com/heroes.cfm, kwwl.com, or www.arcdbq.org, or stopping by Dupaco Community Credit Union.

An informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26 for those interested in becoming a disaster volunteer for the American Red Cross of the Tri-States. The meeting will be held at the chapter office, 2400 Asbury Road.

Requirements to become a disaster volunteer include the ability to be a team player, reliability, commitment to serve others and a willingness to learn. New volunteers must complete approximately 15 hours of basic-level disaster courses as well as hands-on training. Background checks are required.

Local volunteers may have an opportunity to serve on national disaster relief assignments, after local disaster response is learned.

In 2007, tri-state area disaster volunteers responded to nearly 30 fires, assisting 47 local families with immediate emergency needs including temporary housing, food and clothing. Volunteers assisted with disaster relief operations for the Bellevue, Iowa tornado and severe flooding in Clayton and Grant counties.

For more information on how to become a volunteer, or to sign up for the informational meeting, please call 563/583-6451 and ask for Heidi Goin, Director of Emergency Services.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 2264 Highway 80 in Hazel Green, Wis. Thursday evening by dispatching Disaster Action Team members to care for the three people displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided the family with food.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States will be recognized as being among the very best performing chapters in the Red Cross network after achieving the ranking of ¡¡±Highly-Performing Chapter¡¨ on its Chapter Performance Standards Scorecard for Fiscal Year 2007. The chapter was also recognized for this achievement in Fiscal Year 2005 and Fiscal Year 2006.

To receive such a performance rating, the chapter must meet all Core Requirements, basic standards that establish the fundamental expectations of performance and governance. The chapter also received a score of more than 200 points on the Critical Performance Standards, higher level standards that identify and differentiate those chapters delivering superior results and demonstrating improvement over prior periods.

As a result of this designation, the Dubuque-based chapter will serve as a ¡¡±best practice¡¨ example to peer chapters across the organization. It may also be solicited to participate in Service Area and nationally-organized councils, pilots and task forces as well as asked to provide guidance and insight to other chapters regarding potential growth strategies.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 846 Mt Loretta Street in Dubuque on Christmas Eve by dispatching two Disaster Action Team members to care for the individual displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided financial assistance for food, clothing, shelter and seasonal garments.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the explosion and fire at Breitbach's restaurant in Balltown, Iowa on Christmas Eve by dispatching four Disaster Action Team members to provide canteening services (meals and water) to first responders on the scene.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the apartment fire at 106 Schiller St in Guttenberg, Iowa Wednesday night by dispatching several Disaster Action Team members to care for the individuals displaced by this disaster. Those displaced included a family of six and one other tenant.

The Red Cross provided assistance for food, clothing, diapers, formula and seasonal garments for the family of six. The other tenant affected was provided with financial assistance for clothing, food and seasonal garments. One other tenant was displaced due to the blaze, but has not requested Red Cross assistance. All of those impacted are currently staying with family and friends.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the local chapter of the American Red Cross specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

With reports of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain throughout parts of the country, the American Red Cross is urging families to take the following actions now to prepare for hazardous winter weather.

¡¡±Winter storms can be ¡¥deceptive killers¡¦ since the majority of winter-related deaths are caused by events related to the heavy snowfall, high winds, and freezing rain that often accompanies them,¡¨ said Emily Szeszycki, chapter spokeswoman. ¡¡±People can become trapped at home without utilities or other services. Motorists can become stranded in their vehicles. Walking and driving can become hazardous. But people can stay safer if they listen to the advice of local authorities and take action to get prepared ahead of time.¡¨

The Red Cross recommends everyone prepare for severe weather conditions in the following ways:

Get a Disaster Supplies Kit For Your Home:

¡P Three-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and hygiene).

¡P Three-day supply of non perishable, high-energy food and a manual can opener.

¡P First aid kit and essential medications.

¡P Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.

¡P Flashlight and extra batteries.

¡P Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.

¡P Copies of important documents (birth certificate, title/deed to home, insurance policies, etc) in a water-proof container.

Get a Disaster Supplies Kit For Your Vehicle: (all of the above plus)

Blankets or sleeping bags.
Jumper cables.
Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).
Compass and road maps.
Shovel.
Tire repair kit and pump.
Flares.
Extra clothing to keep dry.
Sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction).
Tow rope.
Make a Winter Storm Plan:

Be prepared to shelter at home in case of severe weather. Have additional food and water stored to last seven to fourteen days.
Have extra blankets on hand.
Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, and water-resistant boots.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your home and vehicle.
Have your vehicle winterized before the weather gets severe.
Decide how you would communicate with your family members should you be separated and unable to travel when a winter storm hits.

Be Informed:

¡P Learn how you would receive information from local officials should hazardous winter weather affect your neighborhood.

Know the difference between a winter storm WATCH (a winter storm is possible in your area) and a winter storm WARNING (a winter storm is headed for your area).
¡P Consider getting first aid and CPR training in case you need to respond in an emergency before professionals arrive on the scene.


If the Power Goes Out:

Do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.
Use items in the refrigerator first, then freezer, then non-perishable foods.
Use generators correctly ¡V If you have a portable generator and the power goes out, always plan to keep the generator outdoors. Never operate it inside, including the basement, garage, carport or near any open windows. Connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.
Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring.

Hazardous Winter Travel: The American Red Cross strongly urges everyone to monitor weather reports and follow the directions of local authorities. If travel is absolutely necessary during potentially dangerous winter weather, inform someone of your travel route, destination and expected arrival time. Store a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle and remember to keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice building up in the gas tank and fuel lines.

In Case of Snow or Black Ice:

Stay with your vehicle. Do not try to walk to safety as you risk developing hypothermia and/or frostbite.
Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
Start the vehicle and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the vehicle.
As you sit, move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to help you stay warm.
Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
Leave the overhead light on inside the vehicle when the engine is running so you can be seen.
After the snow has stopped falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.


In Case of a Flood:

Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
If your vehicle stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

For more information about how you can prepare for a variety of winter weather-related disasters including winter and ice storms, power outages and floods contact your local Red Cross chapter or visit: www.redcross.org.

Culver¡¦s restaurants in Dubuque and Platteville, Wis. donated nearly $600 to the American Red Cross of the Tri-States during its ¡¡±Day of Giving,¡¨ held on September 12.

Funds raised will support the local chapter¡¦s mission of helping community members prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Local Culvers restaurants were among more than 360 franchises in 16 states that donated 10 percent of sales to Red Cross chapters nationwide on Sept. 12, raising nearly $150,000 total.

ABOUT CULVERS
Culver¡¦s restaurants are independently owned and operated in more than 360 locations in 16 states. With new restaurants opening by 2008 in Arizona, and plans to expand into Arkansas and Tennessee, guests will be able to enjoy their Culver¡¦s favorites in 19 states across the nation. The owner/operator concept has been a cornerstone of growth for Culver¡¦s since the first location opened in Sauk City, Wis. on July 18, 1984. Culver¡¦s invests deeply in partnerships and programs, including its VIP scholarship program, Culver¡¦s Cares™ charitable program and countless other franchise-driven local efforts. The American Red Cross became a partner in 2007 and since then a number of local, regional and system-wide programs raised funds and awareness for their efforts. Culver¡¦s is the recipient of numerous awards, including top honors in the 2007 Restaurants & Institutions® Consumers¡¦ Choice in Chains burger category, IFMA Silver Plate Award and a coveted ¡¡±Best in Category ¡V Food¡¨ rating, placing Culver¡¦s among the Top 50 of more than 300 franchise opportunities nationwide as reviewed by Franchise Business Review. For more information on Culver¡¦s locations, franchise opportunities, promotional programs, menu selections and other areas of interest, visit www.culvers.com.

ABOUT AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents per every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on time, money and blood to do its work. For more information on Red Cross programs and services, visit the local chapter Web site at www.arcdbq.org.

Two disaster workers from the American Red Cross of the Tri-States will be deployed to Oregon and Washington to respond to severe flooding and provide support to the ongoing relief effort. The relief workers will be working in client casework and financial statistical administration.

The two deployed Red Cross workers from the Tri-State chapter include the following:
• Catherine Basten -- (Dubuque, Iowa)
• Gloria Moen -- (Decorah, Iowa)

Back-to-back storms pummeled the Pacific Northwest on Sunday and Monday, causing widespread flooding throughout the region. The governors of Oregon and Washington declared a state of emergency as water levels in some areas rose up to 25 feet in less than 48 hours.
The storms, which brought strong - sometimes hurricane level - winds, caused mudslides and power outages and damaged communications systems as well. Portions of major highways remain inaccessible due to running floodwaters, while power in some areas is not expected to be restored for several days.

The Red Cross continues to respond, supporting many community-based shelters in Oregon and Washington. Emergency response vehicles (ERVs) are also in the region distributing meals, snacks and clean-up kits to people affected by the storms. The Red Cross continues to coordinate with state officials to monitor the situation and ensure the movement of additional supplies and people into the affected areas.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteers who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.


How to Help:
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California wildfires, 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-HELP NOW 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.
###

Each year, more than 150,000 fires occur during the holiday season ¡V that¡¦s more than the populations of Dubuque and Grant counties combined. These fires claim more than 600 lives annually and result in more than 2,500 injuries. Eight-two percent of fire deaths occur in the home.

The holiday season presents many unique fire risks, and the American Red Cross of the Tri-States wants to make sure that every home can enjoy the holidays by urging family to prepare for the unexpected and take preventative steps to keep you and your family safe.

A fire caused by a Christmas tree can engulf your home in flames within a matter of seconds. Take a look at the following Web site to see a real-time example of a Christmas tree igniting with flames: www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/media/tree24012056k1.rm

Below are some tips to help you prevent a fire in your home this holiday season:

Thanksgiving Safety:
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, broiling or grilling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, boiling, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that the stove or oven is on.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforcing a ¡¡±kids-free zone¡¨ of three feet around the stove.
• If you must use a turkey fryer, make sure it is outdoors and in an open area away from all walls, fences or other structures that could catch on fire and away from moisture that can cause serious burns from steam or splattering hot oil. Always follow the manufacturer¡¦s instructions.
• After your Thanksgiving guests leave, ask a family member to perform a home safety check to ensure that all candles and smoking materials are extinguished.

Tree Safety for the Holiday:
• Be sure that the tree you select has fresh green needles that cannot be easily pulled back from the branches. Feel the trunk to make sure it is sticky.
• Remember that you do not want to place your tree close to any heat sources, including a fireplace or heat vent. Do not go near your tree with any type of flame whether it is from a match, lighter or cigarette.
• Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it immediately. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights
• You have to maintain your lights. Inspect them each year for any frayed wires, bare spots, and gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
• Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of light to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires ¡V they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do not leave holiday lights unattended!

Holiday Decorations
• All decorations should be non-flammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace. It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical build-up in the home that could cause an explosion.
• If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Candle Care
• Avoid using lit candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
• Never put lit candles on a tree. Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame ¡V candles, lighters, or matches.

As in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

For more information, call the American Red Cross of the Tri-States at 563/583-6451, or visit us on the Web, www.arcdbq.org.

Café Manna Java, 269 Main Street, will host a fundraiser for the American Red Cross of the Tri-States from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20 at its restaurant.

Twenty percent of all pizza sales that day will go towards fulfilling the local mission of the Red Cross chapter, helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to communities.

For more information, call the American Red Cross of the Tri-States, 563/583-6451, or Café Manna Java, 563/588-3105.

The Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross responded to the fire at 104 Monroe St in Decorah, Iowa Saturday by dispatching several Disaster Action Team members to care for the 3 individuals displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided assistance for shelter, food and clothing and is continuing to assess client needs.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States will hold a babysitters training class from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, January 21 at its office, 2400 Asbury Road.

This class will improve students¡¦ leadership skills, decision-making strategies and communication skills, as well as teaching participants the basics of how to change a diaper, prepare food for young children, and handle emergencies.

Students must be 11 years of age or older to take the course. The cost is $25, and space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Students must provide their own sack lunch for the class.

For more information, contact Tom Kelly at the American Red Cross of the Tri-States, 563/583-6451, ext. 13.

The Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross responded to the fire at 2770 Land Road in New Albin, Iowa early Tuesday morning by dispatching several Disaster Action Team members to care for the 3 individuals displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided assistance for shelter, food and clothing and is continuing to assess client needs.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States - Tri-County Unit provided Mass Care to emergency responders who responded to a multi-unit garage fire at Pheasant Run Apartment¡¦s, 523 Lilac Lane, Postville, IA Wednesday evening. Five fire departments from Postville, Clermont, Luana, Decorah and Monona were on the scene. Three Disaster Action Team members were sent to provide Mass Care (refreshments, coffee and water) for the responders.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States ¡V Tri-County Unit specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services, mass care and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 1945 Pierce Street in Dubuque, IA Monday by dispatching one Disaster Action Team member to care for the four people displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided the family with lodging.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross Monday announced that it has met the expected costs of the California wildfires but still needs donations to its Disaster Relief Fund to ensure it can respond to the next disaster just as swiftly and effectively as it did in Southern California.

When the wildfires struck, the Red Cross opened 26 shelters in Southern California, providing a safe place to stay for approximately 6,000 evacuees at the peak of the fires. Some 5,000 Red Cross disaster relief workers ¡X more than 90 percent of them volunteers from all 50 states ¡V rushed to ensure that survivors had shelter, food, and comfort. Survivors are now receiving clean-up supplies, counseling, basic healthcare and family connecting services. In the coming weeks and months, the Red Cross will continue to work with community partners to identify resources that can aid in the long term recovery of survivors.

This level of response would not have been possible without ongoing donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Red Cross has made investments to improve its response capabilities, such as pre-positioning cots and other supplies in strategic locations across the country. While the Red Cross believes that due to the extraordinary generosity of the American public, current financial donations and pledges will be sufficient to cover the estimated costs of the California wildfires, donations are still urgently needed for the Disaster Relief Fund.

The nation has not had a Katrina-like event in two years; however, the number of significant floods, wildfires and other disasters has risen dramatically, as well as the costs of responding to those events. The Red Cross also spends millions of dollars on costs it cannot recover, such as pre-positioning resources for Hurricane Dean, which fortunately missed our shores.

Many donations to the relief efforts remain in ¡¡¡Ópledge¡¨ form and, while not yet received by the Red Cross, have been incorporated into the estimate of funds raised for the California wildfire response. The cost of the Red Cross¡¦s relief operations is estimated not to exceed $12-15 million. It is important for supporters to fulfill their pledged gifts.

The Red Cross is committed to keeping donors and the public informed of how donations are being used to provide ongoing relief and has a standard practice of informing the public when sufficient funds have been raised to cover the costs associated with a Red Cross disaster response. The Red Cross will no longer initiate fundraising activities specifically for the California wildfires but will continue to urge the public to donate to the Disaster Relief Fund or the American Red Cross of the Tri-States so the Red Cross can be there whenever and wherever people need us.

In addition to making a financial contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund or the American Red Cross of the Tri-States, people can also help their neighbors through the American Red Cross by scheduling an appointment to donate blood by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or volunteering to support the Red Cross mission by contacting the Red Cross at 563/583-6451.

For more information visit www.redcross.org or contact your local chapter.

As ghosts, pirates, and princesses prepare to descend on neighborhoods across the Tri-State Area on Halloween night, the American Red Cross of the Tri-States offers parents some safety tips to help prepare their children for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday.

Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment, and following some common sense practices can keep events safer and fun-filled:
• Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.
• Wear light-colored or reflective clothing so you are visible. And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards, and brooms too!
• Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.
• Cross the street only at corners and look both ways before cross the street to check for cars, trucks, and low-flying brooms.
• Don¡¦t hide or cross the street between parked cars.
• Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks; not in the street.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick to light your way.
• Only visit homes that have the porch light on.
• Keep away from open fires and candles. Keep in mind that costumes are extremely flammable.
• Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger¡¦s home.
• Be cautious of strangers and animals.
• Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don¡¦t eat candy if the package is already opened.

Four disaster workers from the Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross will be deployed to California to respond to destructive wildfires and provide support to the ongoing relief effort.

The four deployed Red Cross workers from the Tri-State chapter include the following:
• Gail Howatt ¡V (Decorah, Iowa)
• Gloria Moen ¡V (Decorah, Iowa)
• Tom Counters ¡V (Decorah, Iowa)
• Susan Counters ¡V (Decorah, Iowa)


They join Catherine Basten, Gene Koschmeder, Heidi Hochhausen, Laura Wright, Stan Schwartz and Shawn Scott Fitzgerald, Sally Roy-Boynton and Carol Thompson who deployed earlier this week. They will be working in sheltering, mass care, bulk distribution, disaster mental health services, health services and client casework.

The Tri-County chapter is a unit of the American Red Cross of the Tri-States located in Dubuque, Iowa.

To date, over 3,300 Red Cross staff and volunteers nationwide have been deployed to Southern California to assist with relief efforts. The Red Cross has opened 24 shelters in Southern California, housing over 9,400 people and provided over 24,000 meals and snacks to victims and relief workers.

The Red Cross urges all those who have evacuated or who expect to evacuate to register their well being on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, available at www.redcross.org. This Internet tool allows people in disaster-affected areas to register their well-being using several pre-scripted messages. Family and friends can then log on and search for registered individuals to learn of their whereabouts and safety. People without access to a computer or without electricity or connectivity can call the Red Cross (1-800-REDCROSS) for help registering, or contact a loved one to register on their behalf.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteers who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State's Web site at www.arcdbq.org.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States will be holding free Disaster Preparedness classes on November 19, November 26 and December 3 at its office, 2400 Asbury Road . Classes will be held from 5:30-6 p.m. The classes will be free but reservations are required as space is limited. Participants need only attend one class and everyone is encouraged to attend.

The class will focus on three main areas for keeping your home prepared in the case of a disaster:
• Making a disaster supplies kit for your home.
• Creating a family disaster preparedness plan.
• Being informed on the disaster threats most likely in the tri-states area.

To register, call the Red Cross office at 563/583-6451.

Three additional disaster workers from the American Red Cross of the Tri-States will be deployed to California to respond to destructive wildfires and provide support to the ongoing relief effort.

The three deployed Red Cross workers from the Tri-State chapter include the following:
• Lisa Frank ¡V (Postville, Iowa)
• Sally Roy-Boynton ¡V (Dubuque)
• Carol Thompson ¡V (Dubuque)


They join Catherine Basten, Gene Koschmeder, Heidi Hochhausen, Laura Wright, Stan Schwartz and Shawn Scott Fitzgerald who deployed Tuesday.

The Red Cross is currently responding to these fires by providing shelter, food and emotional support to the thousands who are being forced by their homes. Shelters have been opened across Southern California, including in Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside counties.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteers who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.

How to Help:
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California wildfires, 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.

Many of us in the Tri-States have family members and friends in other regions of the country and the world. It can be nerve-wracking to hear news reports on devastating flooding in the South or the approaching hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico when you have loved ones in the eye of the storm.

Following the storm, cell phone communications may be disrupted, power outages may make it difficult to contact someone via ¡¡¡Óland-line¡¨ and it may be difficult to respond to e-mail.

The Red Cross strongly encourages individuals and families to register themselves as ¡¡¡Ósafe and well¡¨ on the Safe and Well Website, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via www.redcross.org or www.safeandwell.org. The Safe and Well Website is an Internet-based tool that allows those directly affected by a disaster to let their loved ones know of their well-being.

HOW DOES THE SAFE AND WELL WEBSITE WORK?
Via the Internet, people within a disaster area are able to select and post standard ¡¡¡Ósafe and well¡¨ messages on the Safe and Well Website. Concerned family member¡¦s who know the person¡¦s phone number (home, cell or work) OR a complete home address can search for messages posted by those who self-register. Sample standardized messages for posting include:
• I am safe and well.
• Family and I are safe and well.
• Currently at a shelter.
• Currently at home.
• Currently at friend/family member/neighbor¡¦s house.
• Will make phone calls when able.
• Will e-mail when able.
• Will mail letter/postcard when able.

The Safe and Well Website complies with all privacy and child protection laws. Because of these concerns, NO location information will be publicly displayed on the Web site.

Red Cross workers and volunteers at local chapters are more than happy to assist those looking to use the Safe and Well Website. Contact your local chapter at the phone numbers below:

AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE TRI-STATES
2400 Asbury Road
Dubuque, IA 52001
563/583-6451

TRI-COUNTY UNIT OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
115 Washington St Ste 102
Decorah, IA 52101
563/382-4309

Three additional disaster workers from the American Red Cross of the Tri-States will be deployed to California to respond to destructive wildfires and provide support to the ongoing relief effort. Included in this group is Tri-States Executive Director Stan Schwartz, a Southern California native. The relief workers will be working in sheltering, feeding and nursing for the Red Cross.

The three deployed Red Cross workers from the Tri-State chapter include the following:
• Stan Schwartz, Executive Director ¡V (Galena, Ill)
• Heidi Hochhausen ¡V (Cassville, Wis.)
• Laura Wright ¡V (Waukon, Iowa)


They join Catherine Basten, Gene Koschmeder and Shawn Scott Fitzgerald who deployed earlier today.

The Red Cross is currently responding to these fires by providing shelter, food and emotional support to the thousands who are being forced by their homes. Shelters have been opened across Southern California, including in Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside counties.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteers who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.

Three disaster workers from the American Red Cross of the Tri-States will be deployed to California to respond to destructive wildfires and provide support to the ongoing relief effort. The relief workers will be working in client casework, sheltering and mass care/bulk distribution for the Red Cross.

The three deployed Red Cross workers from the Tri-State chapter include the following:
• Catherine Basten ¡V (Dubuque, Iowa)
• Shawn Scott Fitzgerald ¡V (Boscobel, Wis.)
• Gene Koschmeder ¡V (Decorah, Iowa)


The Red Cross is currently responding to these fires by providing shelter, food and emotional support to the thousands who are being forced by their homes. Shelters have been opened across Southern California, including in Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside counties.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteers who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.


How to Help:
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California wildfires, 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-HELP NOW 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.

The Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross responded to the business fire at Wild Willie¡¦s Pizza Saloon on Allamakee Street in Waukon, Iowa Monday morning by dispatching six Disaster Action Team members to provide canteening services (meals and water) to first responders on the scene. Businesses donating food and drink are Quillins in Waukon, Kwikstar in Waukon and Decorah, and Casey¡¦s in Waukon.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States will host a Lay Responder Instructor course from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 10-Sunday, Nov. 11. Training will be held at the chapter office, 2400 Asbury Road.

The purpose of the class is to train instructor candidates to teach basic-level American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED courses for lay responders.

Participants must be at least 16 years old and pass a pre-course written exam of 80 percent or higher in order to be eligible for training. Participants must be able to attend both days of the class in order to become certified.

The cost of the class is $90, and payment is required upon registration. To register, call Tom at 563/583-6451, ext. 13, or register on-line at www.arcdbq.org. All class materials are included in the registration cost.

For more detailed information on the course and its objectives, visit www.arcdbq.org.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the barn fire at 10719 Merlin Lane in Dubuque Tuesday by dispatching two Disaster Action Team members to provide canteening services (meals and water) to first responders on the scene.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

Influenza, often called the flu, is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. In the United States, the flu is an annual event that begins in December and ends in March. This type of flu is called Seasonal Flu. Rarely, a new type of flu virus may appear that people have not been exposed to before, so they have no natural resistance to it. This type of virus could cause a flu more serious than a seasonal or ¡¡¡Ótypical¡¨ flu. This flu is called Pandemic Flu. This type of flu spreads easily from person to person around the world in a very short time and causes serious illness and deaths.

Currently, experts have discovered a new type of flu virus that has infected and killed many birds. This virus causes a flu called Avian or Bird Flu. In Asia and Turkey infected birds (domesticated chickens, ducks and turkeys) have transmitted the bird flu to humans causing illness and sometimes death. Although there has been no sustained human-to-human transmission, there has been growing concern that a flu pandemic could occur. Unlike the seasonal flu, pandemic flu infects large numbers of people of all ages, causing serious illness and deaths. Whether or not a flu pandemic actually occurs, you can prepare by knowing the facts about the flu and how to respond to it.

The symptoms of the bird flu, which are similar to those of the seasonal flu, are:
• Diarrhea;
• Extreme tiredness;
• Headache;
• Body ache;
• Cough;
• Sore throat;
• Fever and chills;
• Runny or stuffy nose.

Contact your health provider if you have any questions about your specific symptoms.

You can make good hygiene a habit and take other actions to prevent the spread of germs, including:
• Washing your hands with soap and water or cleaning them with a hand sanitizer.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and cleaning your hands afterwards. Use soap and water or a hand sanitizer.
• Staying home if you are sick. Get plenty or rest and drink a lot of fluids.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Keeping your living room and work areas clean.

During a flu pandemic, public health officials may impose community-level restrictions to prevent the flu virus from spreading. You may be asked to stay home for an extended period of time even though you are not sick. Schools, workplaces and places of worship may be closed temporarily and mass transportation such as subways, trains and air travel may be limited.

http://crossnet.redcross.org/office/every/initiatives/flu_planning/pandemic_flu_presentation.ppt

You can now become American Red Cross certified in CPR, First Aid and automated external defibrillation from your home computer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

With today¡¦s technology, it is easier than ever to educate yourself on basic lifesaving techniques, at the time you need it. Whether it is 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., the American Red Cross¡¦ program is there to meet your needs.

Red Cross Blended Learning (on-line) is flexible, self-paced and available at any time of the day or night. Students have the option of going through the lessons in a full or abbreviated format, and can test out of lessons. Web-based training enables course-takers to access classes at their convenience and minimizes schedule conflicts with work-related responsibilities. The Blended Learning approach greatly reduces the time required for recertification.

¡¡¡ÓBecause the availability of our programs depend upon when our instructors are available, many of our students were having a hard time fitting our classes into their schedule,¡¨ Jennie Brown, American Red Cross of the Tri-States Director of Health and Safety Services, said. ¡¡¡ÓFor a good percentage of our students, these classes are required; whether it is for work or school, and the easier it is for them to take the course, the better.¡¨

This is how the on-line lesson works: the first portion of the course, including the written exam, is online and can be taken from any computer with Internet access. The second part of the training, the skill practice and assessment, is conducted by a Red Cross instructor in a classroom setting.

¡¡¡ÓInstead of sitting in the classroom, participants can pick their best learning environment: at home with a cup of coffee, at the local library, at school ¡V whatever works best,¡¨ Brown said.

To register, e-mail Brown at jennief@arcdbq.org with the subject line ¡¡¡ÓBlended Learning Registration,¡¨ or call at 563/583-6451, ext. 13. Payment is required prior to enrollment. A username and password will be assigned to the student along with directions for the course. Once the student completes the online portion, he or she needs to print off the certificate and call the chapter office to arrange a skills session. Upon successful completion of the skills assessment, the student receives their card.

¡¡¡ÓWe are one of the few chapters in the state to begin implementing this training,¡¨ Brown said. ¡¡¡ÓThere are so many options for health and safety training combined with technology, and we are excited to get this off the ground.¡¨

The Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross responded to the fire at 33 William Blvd. in Waukon, Iowa Monday by dispatching Disaster Action Team members to care for the family of 2 displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided the family with financial assistance for food and clothing.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 7542 Olde Worthington Road in Worthington, Iowa Tuesday by dispatching two Disaster Action Team members to care for the family of 7 displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided the family with financial assistance for food, as well as comfort kits and recovery literature.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 2443 Division in Dubuque Wednesday by dispatching Disaster Action Team members to care for the 4 individuals displaced by this disaster. Two of those impacted were children.

The Red Cross is still assessing the clients¡¦ needs, and may be providing assistance in the forms of food and lodging tomorrow.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the apartment fire at 475 W. Adams St. in Platteville, Wis. Saturday by dispatching two Disaster Action Team members to care for the 5 individuals displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided financial support for food and clothing, along with comfort kits and storage containers to the displaced individuals.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

As a part of its United Way campaign, the Dubuque Target store has donated 50 comfort kits to give out to local disaster clients. The comfort kits will be distributed to those affected by local disasters such as a fire, flood, or tornado.

The kits are given to those impacted by disaster in order to ensure they have their own personal items and to let them know they have people and services available to assist them.

The kits include: toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, soap, hand sanitizer, a razor, hair brush, and feminine products. These kits are very beneficial and much appreciated by the Red Cross and disaster victims.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteer who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.

About Target:
At Target, we don't define the success of our business simply by the bottom line. We also measure our company's achievement based on our role in the communities we serve. Target is committed to social, economic and environmental well-being in every community. We're working hard to enhance life through integrity and hard work, and we recognize there is always more that can be done.
Since 1946, we have contributed 5% of our annual income to support education, the arts and social services in local communities. Today this giving adds up to $3 million each and every week. We're helping to fund early childhood reading initiatives and providing free or reduced admission to arts events. We're also working to foster safe families and communities through family violence prevention efforts, as well as law enforcement and other community partnerships.

The Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the house fire at 109 E. Greene St. in Castalia, Iowa early this morning by dispatching Disaster Action Team members to care for the family of 11 displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided financial support for food, clothing and shelter for the family,

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

Two disaster workers from the American Red Cross of the Tri-States have been deployed to southeastern Minnesota and Chicago, Ill to respond to severe flooding and provide support to the ongoing relief effort.

Deb Hutchinson, of Dubuque, will be working in client casework in southeast Minnesota. Shawn Scott-Fitzgerald of Boscobel, Wis., will serve as a shelter supervisor in Chicago.

They join six local Red Cross disaster relief workers whom have already been deployed to assist with flood relief efforts throughout the Midwest.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteer who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.

How to Help:
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like severe flooding in Minnesota and Wisconsin, 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-HELP NOW 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.

Four disaster workers from the American Red Cross of the Tri-States will be deployed to southeastern Minnesota to respond to severe flooding and provide support to the ongoing relief effort. The relief workers will be working in client casework for the Red Cross.

The four deployed Red Cross workers from the Tri-State chapter include the following:
• Becky Lake ¡V (Guttenberg, Iowa)
• Tom Counters ¡V (Decorah, Iowa)
• Susan Counters ¡V (Decorah, Iowa)
• Mary Wohlford ¡V (Dyersville, Iowa)

They join Catherine Basten, of Dubuque, and Gene Koschmeder, of Cresco, Iowa on this relief assignment.

Heavy rains this past weekend caused flooding and mudslides in southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin. Roads were impassable and evacuations by boat were carried out in many small communities in both states. The governor of Minnesota declared states of emergency in six counties ¡V Winona, Wabasha, Fillmore, Houston, Steele and Olmstead counties. The governor of Wisconsin declared states of emergency in three counties ¡V Crawford, Richland and Vernon.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteer who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.

How to Help:
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like severe flooding in Minnesota and Wisconsin, 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-HELP NOW 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.

Know What to Expect
* Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
* If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
* Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.

Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .
* Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
* Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
* A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
* A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
* A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
* A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
* Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
* Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing . . .
* First aid kit and essential medications.
* Canned food and can opener.
* At least three gallons of water per person
* Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
* Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
* Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
* Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
* Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
* Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
* Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
* Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. * If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
* Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.

When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
* Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
* Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
* If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can Provide Additional Materials in English and Spanish:

"Safe Living in Your Manufactured Home" (ARC 4465) gives fire, flood, and tornado safety information for people who live in manufactured (mobile) homes.
"Are You Ready for a Thunderstorm?" (ARC 5009)
"Are You Ready for a Hurricane?" (ARC 4454)
"Are You Ready for a Tornado?" (ARC 4457)
"Avoiding Flood Damage" (ARC 1215)
"Your Family Disaster Plan" (ARC 4466)
"Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit" (ARC 4463)
"Repairing Your Flooded Home" (ARC 4477, English, ARC 4477S, Spanish). This is a 66-page book designed for homeowners who may engage in flood clean-up and repair of flood-damaged homes.

Materials for Children
"Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (PDF File) (ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish (PDF File) for use by children 3-10.
"Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6.
"After the Flood" Coloring Book (ARC 2204, English, or ARC 2204S, Spanish)

And remember...when a flood, earthquake, tornado, fire, or other emergency happens in your community, you can count on your local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you and your family. Your Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions of your time, money, and blood. For more information, please contact your local American Red Cross chapter or emergency management office.

Catherine Basten and Gene Koschmeder, disaster relief volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States, will deploy to Rochester, Minn. this week to assist with relief efforts in response to severe flooding in southern Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin.

Basten, of Dubuque, and Koschmeder, of Cresco, Iowa, will be conducting damage assessments in the affected areas.

Heavy rains this past weekend caused flooding and mudslides in southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin. Roads were impassable and evacuations by boat were carried out in many small communities in both states. The governor of Minnesota declared states of emergency in six counties ¡V Winona, Wabasha, Fillmore, Houston, Steele and Olmstead counties. The governor of Wisconsin declared states of emergency in three counties ¡V Crawford, Richland and Vernon.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteer who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.

How to Help:
To help the Red Cross provide immediate shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies to disaster victims in Rockford, Ill and throughout the country, the public is encouraged to make a financial contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund at 1-800-RED CROSS or www.redcross.org.

Emily Szeszycki and Catherine Basten, Red Cross disaster workers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States, will deploy to Rockford, Ill. Sunday to assist with relief efforts in response to severe flooding in the area.

Szeszycki will be serving in the public affairs function, supervising all media relations and communications.

Basten will be working in client casework, assessing the needs of those impacted by severe flooding throughout northwest Illinois.

More than five inches of rain have fallen in the Rockford area during a short time period this week.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteer who give freely of their time.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and all Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 563/583-6451, or log on to the Tri-State Area¡¦s Web site at www.arcdbq.org.

How to Help:
To help the Red Cross provide immediate shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies to disaster victims in Rockford, Ill and throughout the country, the public is encouraged to make a financial contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund at 1-800-RED CROSS or www.redcross.org.

The Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross responded to the home fire at 1653 Brady Drive in Waterville, Iowa Friday by dispatching two Disaster Action Team members to care for the family of 4 displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided financial support for food and clothing to the displaced individuals.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the mobile home fire at 6590 Riverview Lane Lot C-5 in Boscobel, Wis. Tuesday by dispatching a Disaster Action Team member to care for the family of 3 displaced by this disaster.

The Red Cross provided financial support for food, clothing and shoes as well as referrals and recovery materials to the displaced individuals.

Members of the Disaster Action Team are volunteers with the American Red Cross of the Tri-States specially trained in various aspects of disaster response including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

The Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross, located in Decorah, Iowa, is looking for quality, dedicated disaster volunteers.

Become a Red Cross volunteer is rewarding and fulfilling! All you need is a valid driver¡¦s license, good health, stamina and the desire to be a part of a great team. Background checks are required before becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Volunteers must complete approximately 25 hours of basic-level courses. It is required that potential volunteers have a working e-mail address.

The courses could include instruction on valuable life-saving skills, CPR and first aid, how to set up an emergency shelter, care for displaced families and other skills that can be used in everyday life. The courses help heighten awareness and preparedness because disaster strikes at unexpected moments.

To complete training, volunteers must put new skills to use through on-the-job disaster response.

Whatever your skills or talents may be, as a volunteer, you become involved in all aspects of the American Red Cross with opportunities including local, state and national disaster responses.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the Decorah office at 563/382-4309, and ask for Nic or Paula.

The American Red Cross will conclude client casework in Grant County, Wis. at 5 p.m. today.



Since Wednesday, July 18, the Red Cross has been on-site in Clayton County, Iowa and Grant County, Wis. to assist with the immediate emergency needs of those impacted by flash flooding in the region.



To date, the Red Cross has:



* Assisted nearly 50 clients with their immediate needs of food, clothing and shelter.
* Served more than 800 meals.
* Served more than 1,500 snacks.
* Gave out 60 clean-up kits.
* Provided nearly 30 area residents with mental health services.


If you are a flood-affected resident who has not received Red Cross assistance, you may call 563/583-6451 between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.



All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Clayton County and Grant County floods 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.

In response to the flooding in Clayton and Grant counties, the American Red Cross of the Tri-States is responding by mobilizing disaster relief workers to meet the emergency needs of those affected. Wednesday, the Red Cross provided facilities for those affected by the floods, serving approximately 80 community members who stopped by for a bite to eat, a bottle of water, or a clean-up kit for their home. Client casework begins Thursday at shelters in Bagley, Wis. and McGregor, Iowa.

Damage estimates report that 51 homes were damaged in Grant County, and 16 home impacted in Clayton County. This evening¡¦s predicted severe weather could cause further complications to Red Cross flood relief.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.
To make a donation:
• Call 563/583-6451 and ask for Emily Szeszycki, Director of Public Support
• Send a contribution to your local Red Cross chapter
• Internet users can make a secure, on-line donation by visiting www.redcross.org

¡¡¡ÓAll American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Clayton County and Grant County floods 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.¡¨

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is responding to the ongoing needs of those affected by the floods in Clayton County, Iowa and Grant County, Wis. The towns of McGregor, Iowa and Bagley, Wis. were the most affected communities.

Two shelters remain open in the area, with the Bagley shelter moving to Patch Grove, Wis. for the evening:

CLAYTON COUNTY
St Mary¡¦s Church
McGregor, IA

GRANT COUNTY (EFFECTIVE AT 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY)
River Ridge School
Patch Grove, Wis.

Those coming to shelters are reminded to bring blankets and pillows, personal hygiene items, any essential medications and a change of clothing. Pets are NOT allowed in Red Cross shelters, per the request of local public health officials. Red Cross volunteers on-site do have information regarding where clients may go with their pets.

Additional Updates:
• Client casework will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at the Bagley Village Hall/Fire Station.
• The Grant County Department of Public Health will be providing tetanus shots from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at the Bagley Village Hall/Fire Station.
• Red Cross damage assessments for Clayton County, Iowa report 10 mobile homes sustaining major damage and 6 houses affected. Assessments for Grant County show 17 homes destroyed, 11 sustained major damage and 8 received minor damage.
• The Red Cross has 13 volunteers serving in Grant County and 12 volunteers working in Clayton County.

Those wishing to support the American Red Cross of the Tri-States with its flood relief efforts may call the chapter at 563/583-6451, or visit us on the Web at www.arcdbq.org.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States has opened 2 shelters as of 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in response to the early morning heavy rainfall, resulting in flash flooding.

Shelter locations are:

• Clayton County, Iowa:
St. Mary¡¦s Church
McGregor, Iowa

• Grant County, Wis:
Bagley Village Hall/Fire Station
Bagley, Wis

Those arriving at shelters are reminded to bring blankets, pillow, personal hygiene items and any essential medications. Per public health requests, the Red Cross does NOT allow pets in its shelters (exceptions: seeing-eye dogs). Red Cross volunteers at the scene will have information available for those looking to place their pets in a safe area.

As of 4 a.m. Wednesday, the Clayton County shelter had a population of approximately 40 people. It is anticipated that the Grant County shelter will house about 40 people as well.

Spokesperson for this disaster is Emily Szeszycki. You may reach her by calling 563/583-6451, ext. 16 or by cell phone at 563/599-5656.

Check out pictures from Friday's Aaron's Sales and Lease BBQ Fund Raiser held on July 6!

Special thanks to Aaron's Sales and Lease, those who stopped out to enjoy a Polish sausage, hamburger and soda, as well as the following Red Cross Disaster Volunteers:

* Catherine Basten
* Steve Kelly
* Glenna Palmer
* Jon Adams
* Cathy Gantz

In all, $146 was raised to support the Red Cross' mission of helping people in the Tri-State area prepare, prevent and respond to emergencies.

Excessive heat causes an average of 350 deaths in the United States every year, according to the National Weather Service ¡V more than fatalities related to lightning, tornadoes, flooding or hurricanes.

Most people do not realize how dangerous excessive heat can be. It is often called the ¡¡¡Ósilent killer.¡¨ Those who suffer from heat illnesses often don¡¦t realize what is happening to their body until it is too late.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States urges area residents to be prepared for summer heat, and make plans to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this summer.

Here are some tips and facts related to heat safety, and what you can do if a heat-related emergency occurs:

Know What These Terms Mean
• Heat wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. The National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public during these periods of excessive heat and humidity.
• Heat index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees F.
• Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they 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.
• Heat stroke: Heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
• Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.

If a Heat Wave Is Predicted or Happening...
• Slow down. 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 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which dehydrates the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

Signals of Heat Emergencies...
• Heat exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
• Heat stroke: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high-- as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.

Treatment of Heat Emergencies
• Heat cramps: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
• Heat exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.
• 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. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. 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.

For more information on how to be prepared for summer heat, call the American Red Cross of the Tri-States at 563/583-6451, or visit us on the Web at www.arcdbq.org.

Carol Thompson, a Red Cross disaster volunteer from Dubuque, will deploy to Wichita, Kan. to assist with Red Cross Midwest flooding relief efforts.

Thompson will be volunteering with Material Support Services, working in logistics and procurement of supplies.

She is the first local volunteer to be sent to the flood-affected areas. This is her third national disaster assignment.

The Midwest floods have severely affected north Texas, Oklahoma and southeast Kansas.

As of 6 p.m. July 4, the Red Cross has:
• Opened 28 shelters, housing a population of nearly 2,400 evacuees.
• Served more than 17,000 meals
• Supplied more than 47,000 snacks.
• To date, 781 Red Cross workers are assisting with flood relief ¡V 655 of those being Red Cross volunteers.

For more information on the Midwest floods and the Red Cross¡¦ disaster relief operation, please contact Emily Szeszycki, Director of Public Support, at 563/583-6451, ext. 16.

Dubuque, IA, June 15, 2007 -- The American Red Cross of the Tri-States will be hosting a series of Family Caregiving: Assisting with Personal Care classes at its office, 2400 Asbury Road.

The class times are as follows:

• 12- 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 17

The purpose of the course is to inform participants how to assist their loved ones with personal care such as bathing, grooming, and toileting. This course will be helpful for caregivers and is part of the public health preparedness plan in the event of pandemic flu or other disaster.

The classes are being sponsored by the City of Dubuque Health department, the Dubuque County Health department, and the Visiting Nurse Association.

There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required. To register, call 563/583-6451.

The Dubuque Racing Association has awarded the American Red Cross of the Tri-States with a $5,000 grant through its annual charitable distribution program.

Grant money will be used to purchase up to 3 laptop computers, with wireless Internet capability, for use in post-disaster client casework and shelter set-up.

Access to laptop computers will ensure more efficient and effective client casework following devastating tri-state area disasters, allowing for quicker client needs assessment. The chapter currently has no laptop computers with wireless capabilities at its disposal.

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED:

Tim Lary
Michael Kettering
Tom Parsley
Beecher's Ice Cream
Virginia Jahnke
Jim Kloos
Mary Jo Jager
Stihl
Mike Baumgartner
Dick Weitz
Mike Carroll
Shari Hayes
Bob and Irene Lary
Robert Mai
Gary Dolphin
C.E. Smith
Mike Kenneally
Ray and Betty Buol
Doug Bach
Nancy Kringle
Diamond Jo Casino
Genevieve Kiefer
Caroline Welch
Bernadette Martin
Doug Varley
Andrew Lary
Sister Emiliana Mesier
Alan Hattel
Ann Mai
Bob Crippes
Caroline Schmitt
Ron and Jayne McCarthy
Principal Chris McCarron, and all staff at Prescott Elementary School.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!

Radio Dubuque Sports Director, Tim Lary, made 167 out of 200 free throws during a fund raiser for Eastern Iowa tornado victims, raising more than $2,200 for Red Cross disaster relief. The event was held at Prescott Elementary School from 1-3 p.m. Monday.

Lary made 83.5 percent of his shots. He surpassed his goal of making 160 shots, or 83 percent.

Donations will be accepted by the American Red Cross of the Tri-States through 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 15. You may donate by calling 563/583-6451, ext. 16 or stopping by its office at 2400 Asbury Road. You may also make a secure, on-line donation by visiting our Web site at www.arcdbq.org.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States will hold a babysitters training class from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 28 at its office, 2400 Asbury Road.

This class will improve students¡¦ leadership skills, decision-making strategies and communication skills, as well as teaching participants the basics of how to change a diaper, prepare food for young children, and handle emergencies.

Students must be 11 years of age or older to take the course. The cost is $25, and space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Students must provide their own sack lunch for the class.

For more information, contact Tom Kelly at the American Red Cross of the Tri-States, 563/583-6451, ext. 13.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States continues to rush relief to those affected by the tornado Friday.

As of 10 p.m. Friday, the Red Cross has:
• Helped 2 families with lodging and food, with support from community partners.
• Provided 1 family with clothing.
• Provided disaster mental health counseling for 1 person.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States has sent its Emergency Response Vehicle and disaster volunteers to Bellevue, Iowa to assist with Red Cross operations in response to Friday afternoon¡¦s tornado.

There have been reports of homes damaged in the Bellevue, Iowa city limits. These reports have been confirmed by Jackson County Emergency Management officials.

The Red Cross¡¦ Emergency Response Vehicle is a mobile response unit that is stocked with everything necessary to meet the immediate needs of the victims of disasters large and small.

The Red Cross is in the process of evaluating area damage, and will release additional information on services provided to those affected later Friday.

Members of the media may contact Emily Szeszycki, chapter spokeswoman, at 563/599-5656 at any hour.

The American Red Cross has learned about a new scam targeting military families. This scam takes the form of false information being told to military families as described below:

The caller (young-sounding, American accent) calls a military spouse and identifies herself as a representative from the Red Cross. The caller states that the spouse's husband (not identified by name) was hurt while on duty in Iraq and was med-evacuated to a hospital in Germany. The caller states they couldn't start treatment until paperwork was accomplished, and that in order to start the paperwork they needed the spouse to verify her husband's social security number and date of birth. In this case, the spouse was quick to catch on and she did not provide any information to the caller.

American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members/dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant channels. Military family members are urged not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown/unverified individuals, to include confirmation that your spouse is deployed.

It is a federal crime, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, for a person to falsely or fraudulently pretend to be a member of, or an agent for, the American National Red Cross for the purpose of soliciting, collecting, or receiving money or material.

In addition, American Red Cross representatives will contact military members/dependents directly only in response to an emergency message initiated by your family. The Red Cross does not report any type of casualty information to family members. The Department of Defense will contact families directly if their military member has been injured. Should any military family member receive such a call, they are urged to report it to their local Family Readiness Group or Military Personnel Flight.

The American Red Cross ensures that the American people are in touch with their family members serving in the United States military by operating a communications network that is open 24-hours, 7 days-a-week, 365 days-a-year. Through a network of employees and volunteers at Red Cross national that link families during emergencies, access to emergency financial assistance, confidential counseling, community support headquarters, local chapters, on military installations, and deployed with troops, the Red Cross offers a broad range of services. Among these services, the Red Cross provides communications for families left behind, assistance to veterans, and preparedness courses for military personnel and their families

Last year, the American Red Cross of the Tri-States provided emergency services for 175 members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. For more information on Red Cross programs and services, please call 563/583-6451 or visit www.arcdbq.org.