The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is hosting its first annual River View Barbeque at the Alliant Energy Amphitheater on Thursday, August 11, 2011. Guests will have the opportunity to take in the beautiful view of the Mississippi, enjoy delicious barbeque fare provided by competitive barbeque expert, Steve Geisz, listen to music by the Upper Main Street Jazz band, and bid on a variety of unique silent auction items, including a 4-hour tour on the 7G beer bus for up to 16 people.
The event starts at 5:30 and goes until 9 p.m., and is open to the public. Individual tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Reserved tables of 8 are also available in advance for $200.
All the proceeds raised from this event will help the American Red Cross of the Tri-States provide lifesaving programs and services to the Tri-State community. The event is sponsored by the title sponsor, Mystique Casino, as well as Beacon of Hope Hospice, Dupaco Community Credit Union, Bard Materials and Turpin Dodge Chrysler Jeep.
For more information, or to RSVP, call 563-583-6451 ext. 306.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is on the scene in the Dubuque area to help those affected by the thunderstorm. An emergency shelter is open at East Dubuque High School, 200 Park Lane Drive, East Dubuque, IL 61025, and at Prescott Elementary, 1151 White Street, Dubuque, IA 52001, to help residents impacted by the storms by offering a safe place to stay, a hot meal, minor first aid, and a shoulder to lean on.
In the days to come, Tri-States will be coordinating with emergency officials and local community partners to help residents impacted by the storms get back on their feet, said Jolene Carpenter The Red Cross will keep shelters open as long as needed, in addition to providing mobile feeding and mental health support to those affected by the storms.
The Red Cross offers the following tips for those in the affected area to stay safer:

" Avoid driving on flooded roads.

" Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.

" Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damages.

" If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.

" If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.

" Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings. Avoid using candles. If you must use candles take extreme care. Keep candles away from any combustible materials. Place candles out of reach of children or pets. Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Candles lit and left unattended lead to a large number of single family fires and fire deaths.
" Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.

The Red Cross depends on the generosity of the American people to fulfill our mission. To help disaster victims please contact the Tri-States Chapter of the American Red Cross at 563-583-6451, or visit us at www.arcdbq.org

You can help people affected by disasters like the recent Severe storms in the Dubuque area, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Catherine Basten, a local Red Cross Disaster volunteer, has been deployed to Joplin, Mo. This will be Catherines 20th National Deployment. Catherine has been with the Red Cross since 1993, and in addition to her commitment as a disaster volunteer, Basten has also served on the Board of Directors, the Philanthropy committee, assists the local chapter by maintaining a master listing of all volunteers and staff, ensures that the chapters computers are functional, and provides many other services within the Red Cross. Sue Olsen, Executive Director said, The American Red Cross is extremely thankful, and appreciative of all of our volunteers and couldnt ask for a more committed, dedicated volunteer than Catherine. She will be deployed for at least 14 days as a supervisor in client casework assisting with the clients affected by the May 22 tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri.

Catherine Basten stated, I again have the honor of representing Tri-State Chapter of American Red Cross being deployed to Joplin MO 2011 Tornado to help out with Family Services. This is my 20th disaster since beginning with ARC in 1993; the question I am asked numerously is what is it like to be at a disaster. My favorite line is, while first we need to remember it is a disaster, hence, anything and everything is possible to experience. It is always humbling to witness people finding strength to move forward and begin their lives over again when it seems to be an impossible job to accomplish. Even after 20 disasters I am still amazed and grateful how quickly local and national organizations come together to rebuild so many lives. Neighbors helping neighbors, schools pitching in and churches showing strength spiritually and physically. There are so many ways to give back, but please remember to give.

The devastating spring weather, which brought deadly tornadoes, historic floods and dangerous wildfires to many areas of the United States, has affected more than half of the country. Since the end of March, the Red Cross initiated 42 disaster relief operations in 29 states. More than 12,000 Red Cross workers have served millions of meals and snacks, provided tens of thousands of overnight stays in shelters, and distributed more than a million relief items like toothbrushes and shampoo, tarps, coolers, rakes, and other cleanup supplies
The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster. Those who want to help people can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS; people can also text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

More than a third of people planning to swim, boat or fish this summer cannot swim well, according to a new American Red Cross survey.

The survey1 of more than 1,000 adults, taken earlier this spring, found that 78 percent of households are planning at least one water-related recreational activity this summer. However, 37 percent describe their swimming skills as fair, lacking or non-existent  with 13 percent unable to swim at all.

Water safety is important for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, and the best thing anyone can do to help stay safe during water-related activities is to learn how to swim, said Tom Kelly, Director of Health and Safety.

Proper adult supervision is essential during water activities, as the survey showed that half of those surveyed will be in charge of supervising a child near a pool, lake or other body of water this summer.

Most adults realize that leaving a child temporarily unsupervised near or in the water is never acceptable, yet, sadly, every year lives are lost because of this, Kelly added.

Children should not go near or enter the water without the permission and supervision of an adult. Those who own a home pool should secure it with appropriate barriers and install pool and gate alarms.

The Red Cross recommends designating at least one adult to solely be responsible for watching those in and around the water - even if a lifeguard is present. Adults should be in the water with inexperienced swimmers and remain within arms reach of them.

This arms-reach supervision is safer than putting water wings or floaties on a small child, as these items are not designed to keep a childs face out of the water and can leak, slip-off and provide a false sense of security. However, the survey found that a third of the survey respondents (32 percent) mistakenly believed that the floaties were safer than arms-reach supervision.

More Men Know How to Swim than Women
According to the Red Cross survey, men were more likely to know how to swim than women (92 percent versus 82 percent) and 29 percent of those 65 and older could not swim at all.

Men were more confident in their abilities to handle water emergencies than women. For example, more than half of men (54 percent) said they could safely handle a situation where someone is in water over their head, compared to 36 percent of women.

Water Safety is Important for the Entire Family
The survey found that nearly 6 in 10 people said that they learned to swim between the ages of 5 and 10, but water safety should be a life-long commitment.

The Red Cross has been a leader in aquatics training for more than 95 years and has developed a comprehensive program starting with Parent and Child Aquatics (6 months to about 5 years old) through lessons for adults. Participants learn swimming skills with a strong emphasis on drowning prevention and water safety.
Water safety tips and information can be found on www.redcross.org. People can contact us at 563-583-6451 ext. 303 to find out where to sign up for classes.
1 Details: Telephone survey of 1,085 U.S. adults 18 years and older on April 7-11, 2011, conducted by ORC International. Margin of error is +/- 3.0 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

The American Red Cross is ramping up to help people along the Mississippi River, where forecasters are predicting potentially catastrophic flooding may occur starting later this week. The Red Cross is sending trained volunteers, cots, blankets and vehicles to areas of Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana threatened by the record flooding. Shelters are already opening in some parts of those states.

Meanwhile, Red Cross relief efforts are continuing across the South, where deadly tornadoes destroyed or damaged as many as 13,000 homes in recent weeks. The Red Cross estimates the costs of its responses to the April tornadoes, flooding and other disasters since March 31 could reach $31 millionwith the response to the Mississippi River flooding expected to drive relief expenses even higher. As of Thursday, May 5, the Red Cross had raised about $16 million for disaster response since March 31.

The Red Cross is preparing for a large disaster response to major flooding along the Mississippi, even as we continue to assist thousands of people affected by the recent tornadoes, said Sue Olsen, Executive Director, In the coming days and weeks we will need the support of this community to help our neighbors around the country. The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is sending Nancy Peck from Dubuque IA, to Memphis, Tennessee to help assist. She will be stationed there for two weeks, this is her second assignment.

The Red Cross is getting ready to launch a prolonged shelter and feeding operation for people living along the Mississippi, sending in disaster workers and pre-positioning thousands of cots, blankets and other relief supplies. Experts are warning that flood waters could remain in areas for as long as two weeks, forcing people to stay in shelters for more than a month.

Meanwhile, nearly 6,000 Red Cross workers are providing meals, shelter, hygiene and cleanup supplies and health and mental health services to people affected by the recent tornadoes. The Red Cross has launched 20 separate relief operations over more than half of the United States since March 31, responding to disasters from North Dakota to the East Coast and all throughout the South.

Since the end of March, the Red Cross has opened more than 170 shelters and provided more than 13,000 overnight stays, serving more than 1.2 million meals and snacks to people affected by wildfires, flooding and tornadoes.

The Red Cross is urging people living along and around the Mississippi River to get prepared now. If their neighborhood is threatened, they should:
" Be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice.
" When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for the area, head for higher ground and stay there.
" Stay away from floodwaters. If someone comes upon a flowing stream where water is above their ankles, they should stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep a person off of their feet.
" If someone comes upon a flooded road while driving, they should turn around and go another way. If caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around them, they should get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
" Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
" Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

People should know what the warnings mean. A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in the area. If a flood watch is issued, people should move their furniture and valuables to higher floors of their home. People should keep their vehicles gas tank full in case they have to evacuate.

A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in the area. If a flood warning is issued, listen to local radio and television stations for information. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

Thousands of people have been affected by these disasters. Please consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someones local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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 total of 3 local American Red Cross volunteers have been deployed to assist with the recent April 27 tornadoes in the South. Each volunteer has been on assignment and were eager to assist with the devastating event. Gloria Moen from Decorah has been on assignment 3 times and will be in charge of Disaster assessment. Catherine Basten from Dubuque, IA has been on assignment nationally 7 times and is the supervisor for Client Case work, and disaster assessment. Finally, Shawn Scott Fitzgerald, who has been on 13 assignments and is in charge of logistics.

The American Red Cross is responding to severe flooding that has affected many homes in the Guttenberg area. The Red Cross is providing clean up kits for Essman Island, and will soon have kits available for Abel Island, and North Buena Vista.

Help people affected by disasters like this recent flood by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to victims of all disasters

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. It is important to prepare for spring flooding if you live in an area that could potentially flood. The Red Cross stresses the importance of preparedness:

Know What to Expect
Know your areas 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 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 &
" 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 will need a professional to turn them back on).
" Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friends 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 cars 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 moments 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 water, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to a house fire at 1897 Clarke Drive early this evening. Five disaster volunteers assisted the family affected by the fire.

The Red Cross provided comfort kits, shelter for 3 nights, and food for the family of four.

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.

Help people affected by disasters like this one by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepared for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to victims of all disasters.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to a house fire at 1897 Clarke Drive early this evening. Five disaster volunteers assisted the family affected by the fire.

The Red Cross provided comfort kits, shelter for 3 nights, and food for the family of four.


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.

In response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the American Red Cross is in discussion with the Japanese Red Cross to assess their needs and see how we can help. American Red Cross Red Cross chapters in the Pacific islands of Hawaii, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam as well on the west coast of the U.S. are ready to provide assistance as needed in their communities. Our supply warehouses are activated and we are working closely with state officials in Hawaii and the West Coast.

The American Red Cross is currently in discussions with the Japanese Red Cross to assess their needs and see how we can help. The Japanese Red Cross has extraordinary disaster response capabilities. They have been operating since 1887, and they run multiple hospitals and blood collection services across the country.

The American Red Cross has a warehouse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, fully stocked with pre-positioned supplies for 5,000 families and it has disaster specialists on standby. In Hawaii, the Red Cross is staging cots and blankets across the islands in case shelters are needed. Evacuation shelters are open, with additional locations on standby, in Oregon, Washington and California. The Red Cross is working closely with state officials in Hawaii and West Coast Emergency Operations Centers around activities such as sheltering and feeding. Approximately 100 Red Cross mobile feeding vehicles are on standby.

Locating Family and Friends:
The best way to contact or locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan is to contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or (202) 647-5225.

For inquiries about relatives living in Japan who are not US citizens, encourage the members of your community to keep calling or to try contacting other family members who live in the region. Even though communication networks overloaded right now, the situation may change and access to mobile networks and the internet may improve.

If you have the mobile phone number of your family member in the affected areas, you can use the following services to check whether he/she has registered his/her message(s) on this service. Services are available in English and Japanese.
DoCoMo
SoftBanK
Willcom
Please note that when you enter the mobile phone number for search on the webpage, you should remove the country code 0081 and add 0 at the beginning.

How You Can Help:
Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. People can also donate $10 by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to support our disaster relief efforts in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.

The American Red Cross responded to their first flood case at 780 ½ Harbor Drive, East Dubuque, IL. The family noticed the water creeping into their home and needed immediate assistance.
3 Disaster team members of the Red Cross responded by providing the family food, shelter and recovery materials.

Help people affected by disasters like this recent house fire by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to victims of all disasters

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. It is important to prepare for spring flooding if you live in an area that could potentially flood.

March, 2011  March is Red Cross Month, and the American Red Cross is asking people to join them in helping those in need by volunteering their time, making a donation, taking a class, or giving blood.

When someone provides a hot meal to a disaster victim, gives blood, takes a first aid class, or helps someone in the military, they join the Red Cross, said Sue Olsen, Executive Director. We want to say thank you to all who support us. That support enables us to provide help and hope to those who need our assistance.

For nearly 100 years, U.S. Presidents have called on people to support the American Red Cross and its humanitarian mission. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first to proclaim March as Red Cross Month in 1943. Since that time, President Obama and every president since have issued proclamations designating March as Red Cross Month.

The Red Cross has been helping people for 130 years, responding to disasters, assisting members of the military, teaching lifesaving skills, and serving as one of the largest blood suppliers in the United States.

Nationally, the Red Cross responds to an average of nearly 200 disasters every day. The organization provides a round-the-clock link between those in the military and their families, and supplies blood and blood products to approximately 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.

The Red Cross of the Tri-States, responded and provided assistance in 40 local disasters last year. The chapter processed 104 emergency military calls, conducted 7,500 first aid and water safety classes.

We work very diligently to help those in need, Olsen said. Whether out on a disaster, alongside our troops, at a blood drive or in a first aid class, Red Cross workers touch the lives of millions of people every year.

The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work.

When people join the Red Cross by volunteering, donating blood, taking a course or making a contribution, they enable us to continue our work, both here at home, and around the world, Olsen said.

The Red Cross of the Tri-States has a number of activities planned for Red Cross Month in March, including:
" Buffalo Wild Wing night on March 2, 16, and 30th
" Everyday Heroes of the Tri-States breakfast on March 15 at the Best Western Plus
" Simple CPR demonstration at the Home show March 12
" Simple CPR demonstration at the Kennedy Mall March 19

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to a fire at 38856 Grand Road this afternoon around 1pm. Two disaster action team members assisted the couple.

The Red Cross is currently working with the clients to meet their immediate emergency needs.
Help people affected by disasters like this recent house fire by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to victims of all disasters.

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 stepped in to assist 6 adults and 2 children from the devastating Postville fire that occurred last Tuesday, February 8th. Eight disaster action team members responded to the clients needs.

So far, the Red Cross provided financial assistance, clothing, food, comfort kits, storage containers, and recovery materials.
Help people affected by disasters like this recent house fire by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to victims of all disasters.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the fire at 226 5th Street W on Thursday night around 9:30pm. A disaster action team member provided assistance for the couple.

Food, clothing vouchers, comfort kits, and referrals were distributed to the clients.
Help people affected by disasters like this recent house fire by donating to the American Red Cross, Disaster Relief. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to victims of all disasters.

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 a fire on Peru Road in Dubuque Tuesday afternoon. The Red Cross has met with the clients to further assess their immediate emergency needs and provide assistance to the 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.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to a Duplex fire at 355 Klingenberg Terrace around 6pm. Four disaster volunteers assisted the two families affected by the fire.

The Red Cross provided comfort kits for the families. The Disaster team is currently working with the families to provide their immediate emergency needs

The American Red Cross is on the ground in 19 states, offering food, comfort and a safe place to stay to people affected by the massive winter storm which has buried the country in ice and snow from the Rocky Mountains to Maine.

Here in Dubuque IA, the Red Cross has been prepared to open shelters if necessary since the storm started. Currently, there are no shelters opened in Dubuque.

To find an open Red Cross shelter, people can visit www.redcross.org and click on Find a Shelter, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). People can also contact their emergency management office for help locating a shelter.
If someone wants to help people affected by the storm here in the Tri-State area, or those affected by the thousands of disasters across the country and around the world, they can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to the American Red Cross of the Tri-States, 2400 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Across the country, 73 shelters were open in nine states as of midnight last night, with additional shelters on standby as the storm system moves to the Northeast. In Chicago alone, more than 360 people spent the night in Red Cross shelters. In Tulsa, Red Cross disaster workers housed almost 70 people overnight who could not make it home due to the storm. Five Red Cross disaster warehouses are on alert, ready to ship supplies to where they are needed to help people in the path of this huge winter storm.


Blood Donors Still Needed

The number of blood donations gone uncollected due to winter storms rose to nearly 23,000 nationwide overnight, with more blood drive cancellations expected as the storm moves toward New England. The Red Cross urges people who are eligible to schedule an appointment to give blood now.

People can schedule their donation by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting www.redcrossblood.org. All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with O-Negative, A-Negative and B-Negative blood. To give blood, someone must be 17 years of age or older (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Individuals should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when coming to donate.

Winter Storm Safety Tips

If someone has to leave home and go to a shelter, they should remember to bring prescription and emergency medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, toiletries, important documents and other comfort items. They should remember items needed for infants and children, such as diapers, formula, and toys, along with any special things for family members who are elderly or disabled. If possible, people should stay inside and avoid unnecessary travel. The Red Cross offers these steps people can take to stay safe and warm:
· Do not use stoves or ovens to heat the home.
· Place space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away. · Turn off space heaters or extinguish the fireplace before going to bed or leaving home. · Keep all flammable materials such as newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves.
If someone must go outside, they should wear layered lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Covering the mouth will protect the lungs. Other safety tips include:· Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.
· If shoveling snow, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Avoid overexertion. · Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if someone must be out on the roads &o Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk. o Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. o The traveler should let someone know where they are going, the route being taken and expected arrival time. If their vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along the predetermined route.
For more information on how to stay safe and warm during this latest onslaught of winter, visit www.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to a fire on Peru Road in Dubuque Tuesday afternoon. The Red Cross has met with the clients to further assess their immediate emergency needs and provide assistance to the 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.

Help people affected by disasters like this recent house fire by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to victims of all disasters
All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people

Durango, IA .The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to a house fire at 16817 Route 52 N in Durango, IA. The fire occurred early this morning around 3 a.m. Two Disaster Action Volunteers assisted the individuals.

The Red Cross provided assistance for food, clothing, comfort kits, eye glasses, and resource guides.

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.

Help people affected by disasters like this one by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepared for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to victims of all disasters.

Henry B. (Hank) Crapp, a Red Cross volunteer, died December 7 in Cuba City, Wisconsin. He was 69.

Hank, a volunteer for the Tri-States chapter in Dubuque, Iowa, for nine years, served as a DAT member providing damage assessment, mass care, client casework and ERV driving. In 2005, he received the Marion Hackney Disaster Volunteer of the Year award for his dedication to disaster services.

Hank traveled on national assignments to 9/11 and to Hurricanes Lilly, Bonnie and Charlie. He responded to floods and tornados in Iowa, Oklahoma, Illinois, Virginia and Kansas.

Hank never turned down a volunteer opportunity and was always there when needed. He was very proud of being a Red Cross volunteer and found great joy and satisfaction in helping people. He was truly loved by those who served with him, and will be remembered by his various stories and jokes. Hank will be sadly missed by his Red Cross family.

Condolences can be sent to Mary Crapp, 217 W Parker Street, Cuba City WI 53807

In the spirit of the season, the American Red Cross offers 12 holiday safety tips.

With last-minute gifts to buy, social events to attend and family and friends to visit while the weather outside is frightful, the American Red Cross has 12 days of health and safety tips to make the holiday season safe, happy and bright.

1. Prepare your vehicle for traveling to grandmothers house. Make an emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type), compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, tow rope.

2. Drive your sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm, but if you must, keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, route and when you expect to arrive.

3. Help prevent the spread of the flu. Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible, or 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.

4. Prevent hypothermia by following Santas lead. Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.

5. Use a Red Cross-trained babysitter when attending holiday festivities. Red Cross-certified babysitters learn to administer basic first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when needed; monitor safe play and actively engage your child; and some may be certified in Infant and Child CPR.

6. Avoid danger while roasting chestnuts over an open fire. Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking and be alert. Keep anything flammablesuch as potholders, towels or curtainsaway from your stove top. Have a kid-free zone of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.


7. Be a lifesaver during the holidays and always. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED. Your local Red Cross chapter has conveniently scheduled courses and can have you trained and certified in a few hours.

8. Designate a driver or skip the holiday cheer. When you designate a driver who wont be drinking, you help make sure a good party doesnt turn into a tragedy. A good host ensures there are non-alcoholic beverages available for drivers. The designated driver should not drink any alcoholic beverages, not even one.

9. When the weather outside is frightful, heat your home safely. Never use your stove or oven to heat your home. Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month.

10. Cut down on your heating bills without being a Grinch. Get your furnace cleaned by a professional; change the filters regularly. Make sure heat vents arent blocked by furniture. Close off any rooms you arent using and close heat vents or turn off radiators in those rooms. Use either insulating tape or caulking strips to surround your windows and door moldings. Put up storm windows or storm doors to keep the cold out.

11. Dont move a muscle, until they buckle. Each person in your vehicle should have their seatbelts securely fastened before driving off. Ensure children are buckled up and their car seats are installed appropriately based on their age and size. Children 12 and under should always sit in the backseat.

12. Resolve to Be Red Cross Ready in the New Year. You can take one or more actions to prepare now, should you or your family face an emergency in 2011. Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday from the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross has launched its holiday giving campaign, urging residents to make a gift that could save the day for someone in need.
The Red Cross campaign features a holiday giving catalog, www.redcross.org/gifts. A Spanish-language version of the catalog is also available, www.cruzrojaamericana.org/catalogo.
The gift catalog has more than 20 gift ideas  such as assisting someone in the military with a phone card or supplies, providing food and shelter to a disaster victim, covering the costs of snacks at a blood drive, or giving basic necessities to a family in another country.
The holiday season is a time of hope, and a gift to the Red Cross provides hope when the next disaster strikes, when a neighbors house burns down, when someone needs life-saving blood or when a child needs a hug and a blanket, said Sue Olsen, Executive Director, American Red Cross of the Tri-State Area. A gift to the Red Cross can save the day for people in need, whether they are down the street, across the country, or around the world.
The purchase of each gift item is a tax-deductible contribution to the overall mission of the American Red Cross. On the rare occasion when donations exceed the need in a particular area, we will use your contribution to help others where the need is greatest.
National Survey Shows People Plan to Support Charities This Holiday Season
The Red Cross kicked off its 2010 holiday giving effort as a new national survey shows that despite the economic downturn, people remain committed to digging deep into their pockets to support charitable causes this holiday season even as they cut back more on other holiday activities.
Nearly three in four people (72 percent) expect to give more or about the same to charity as they did last year, according to the national survey for the American Red Cross, which was conducted October 21-24.
This commitment to support charities during the holiday season occurs even as 86 percent of Americans reported their personal finances are the same or worse than they were last year.
The Red Cross survey shows seven in 10 people (70 percent) are planning to reduce spending for at least one common holiday expense. More than four in 10 plan to reduce spending on travel (43 percent) and decorations (45 percent), and more than a third will make cuts in entertaining (38 percent) and gifts (35 percent) for friends and family. By comparison, only about one of five (23 percent) are planning to reduce their charitable contributions compared to last year.
About a third (32 percent) say they are not planning charitable donations over the holidays, with half of them (52 percent) saying they just dont have the money to donate.
And nearly six in 10 (58 percent) say that because the economy is in bad shape, it is more important this year to give to charity.

Its gratifying to see that while the personal finances of many people are strained, they still feel a strong desire to do what they can to help someone else in need, Sue Olsen stated.

More Women Committed to Donations to Charity, but Men Giving Higher Amounts

The Red Cross survey found that women have a strong sense of giving as a part of the holiday tradition and are more likely to take the current economy into consideration when giving. When it comes to opening their wallets, however, men tend to give charitably in higher amounts.

About seven in eight women (86 percent) say that helping someone less fortunate is an important part of the holiday tradition, higher than the 69 percent of men. Nearly two in three women (65 percent) feel charitable giving is more important in light of the economy; only half of men (51 percent) agree.

However, while women report a higher propensity to give, the survey shows that men seem to dig a little deeper to do so. Of the three in five Americans (57 percent) planning to donate to charity this holiday season, around two in five men (38 percent) will give more than $100 to charity. Only about one in four women (24 percent) plan to donate that amount.

*These results are based on a national probability sample of 1,005 telephone interviews among adults 18 years and older living in private households in the continental United States, conducted from October 21-24, 2010. The margin of error for data based on total sample is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The survey was conducted by CARAVAN®, an omnibus service of Infogroup | ORC for American Red Cross.

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 Tri-County Unit of the American Red Cross is hosting a brunch on Sunday, November 14th, serving 9:00am - 1:00pm at the Winneshiek Wildberry Winery. This fund raiser will support the local Red Cross and their mission of helping people prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and other emergencies.

Red Cross volunteers will be serving local farm fresh eggs with toppings, home-made pancakes, sausage and bacon, home-made pumpkin bread, local syrup and warm apple cider, mulled wine, milk & coffee. Your free will offering is greatly appreciated.

For additional information, please contact Paula Womeldorf at the Red Cross office: 563-382-4309 or redcrosstricounty@yahoo.com.

The global Red Cross network has launched a rapid and coordinated response to the cholera outbreak in Haiti. The Red Cross response, which began as early cases were reported last week, includes sending trained personnel, essential medical supplies and purified water to the affected areas.

Additional human resources have been deployed including eight Red Cross nurses who will work on a weekly rotation to support health staff; as well as technical staff, including a cholera expert, experts in water and sanitation and health and logistics experts. The Red Cross has provided sufficient chlorine to enable water treatment plants to produce nearly 75,000 gallons of clean water for affected areas.

Our current focus is on prevention, including a mass communication and education campaign in the affected regions as well as in Port-au-Prince. The Red Cross has been sending SMS text messages to people in the affected region advising them on good hygiene and sanitation practices since Thursday (October 21.) Two text messages per day are being sent to the affected region. The text messaging campaign has been expanded to Port-au-Prince. As of Sunday, (October 24) the text messages were reaching about 30,000 people in the Artibonite River valley area and 350,000 people in Port-au-Prince. Red Cross radio is broadcasting emergency messages nationwide across Haiti about cholera prevention, symptoms and treatment. Sound trucks are also traveling through the camps of Port-au-Prince delivering similar messages.
Teams of trained hygiene promoters are fanning out across the camps of Port-au-Prince, talking with camp residents about prevention, symptoms and treatment of cholera. As of Monday (October 25) the American Red Cross had 97 trained health promoters on its team  most of these trainers had already been doing health promotion in Port-au-Prince camps for months. This number is expected to increase to more than 200 trainers within 10 days; and they will eventually be able to reach about 3,700 families per day with information on cholera. (These efforts are complemented by those of health promoters with the Haitian Red Cross and other Red Cross societies.)

At the request of the Ministry of Health, the global Red Cross network will establish a cholera treatment center in Port-au-Prince. Blankets, washing powder, rubber boots, and water and sanitation resources are on stand-by to support this center.

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.

As the country marks National Fire Prevention Week October 3-9 the American Red Cross of the Tri-States is urging everyone to help save lives by making sure their home is protected by smoke alarms.

“The largest percentage of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or alarms that don’t work,” said Heidi Goin, Director of Disaster Services “Smoke alarms provide a few minutes of advance warning in the event of a home fire, and that extra time can save lives.”

People who do not have smoke alarms in their home should have them installed, and those with smoke alarms should make sure they have been properly maintained and updated.

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, as well as inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas of the home. People should test their smoke alarms once a month by pushing the test button, and replace alarm batteries at least once a year. Other smoke alarm safety recommendations include:
• Installing a new smoke alarm battery immediately if an alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low.
• Teaching children what the smoke alarm sounds like, and what they should do when they hear it.
• Keeping the alarm clean by vacuuming over and around it regularly. Dust and debris can interfere with the alarm’s operation. Do not paint over the smoke alarm.
• Moving the alarm farther away from the kitchen or bathroom if the device is sounding nuisance alarms. Never disable a smoke alarm.

The Red Cross also recommends that families create and practice a home fire escape plan, which should include at least two escape routes for every room in the home. Families should choose a convenient meeting place outside of the home and practice their escape plan at least twice a year with all family members.

Nationally, the Red Cross responds to thousands of local fires throughout the country every year. Last year, the American Red Cross responded to 28 families that were displaced due to local house fires.

The Red Cross reminds people of the following fire safety tips they should take:
• Keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding, and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from all heat sources when cooking, or using alternative heating like a space heater.
• Don’t leave the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food, and don’t leave home while cooking.
• Keep matches and lighters away from and out of the reach of children.
• If a fire occurs, get out and stay out. Call the fire department from a cell phone or neighbor’s home.
• If smoke or fire blocks the first escape route, use a second way. If someone must exit through smoke, they should crawl low under the smoke to the exit. If escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If the door is warm, get out a different way.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block the way out, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a brightly colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them the location

More information on home fire safety is available on www.redcross.org. People can help those affected by home fires and other emergencies by making a financial donation to The American Red Cross of the Tri-States, 2400 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52001.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is holding a volunteer information night on Wednesday, October 6, at 7:00pm. This is meeting for any person interested in volunteering within Dubuque county. This meeting is located at 2400 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA. No special skills are required and basic level disaster and hands on training is provided. By volunteering locally, individuals expand the organization’s ability to prevent, prepare, and respond. The need is great, and volunteering for an organization that plays a critical role in our community is rewarding.
All volunteer candidates will need to go through the Red Cross application process, including a background check.

Red Cross Urges People to Get Prepared
September 2010 is National Preparedness Month

Dubuque, IA- September 10, 2010 — Many people in this country have experienced a significant crisis in their home or neighborhood, but less than half of the people surveyed by the American Red Cross have taken steps to be prepared for emergencies.

September 2010 is National Preparedness Month, a time set aside for the last seven years to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. The Red Cross urges everyone to take steps now to be ready when emergencies happen.

In a survey conducted late last summer, the Red Cross found that although 89 percent of those surveyed believe being prepared is important, far fewer people are ready for when that happens. Twenty percent of those surveyed have not done anything to get prepared, and aren’t sure where to get started.

“Being prepared today can save lives tomorrow,” said Sue Olsen, Executive Director “You are your best defense against emergencies. The Red Cross can show you what simple steps you need to take to prepare yourself and your loved ones for emergencies.”

There are three things people should do to be prepared – build an emergency preparedness kit, make a plan as to what your family will do in an emergency, and be informed about what resources are available in your community and what types of disasters could occur there.

Your emergency preparedness kit should contain enough supplies for three days in case you need to evacuate. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. Supplies should include water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents.

Your emergency plan should be a joint effort, including the members of your household. Make sure each person knows how to reach household members, including an out-of-area emergency contact person, and knows where to meet if they can't go home.

Being informed is important. Learn about what resources are available and what types of disasters are most likely to occur where you live, learn, work and play. Take a first aid and CPR/AED course—a vital component of disaster preparedness in case emergency help is delayed.

You can also give blood to help keep your community prepared. It is the blood already donated and available on hospital shelves that is available in an emergency. To give blood, you must be healthy, be at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Some states allow 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent. If you have given blood before, it must be 56 days since your last donation. For more information on giving blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org.
The American Red Cross of the Tri-States urges area residents to make a renewed effort in September to prepare for emergencies such as fires, floods or storms. The Red Cross has created a free online education program to make it easier for people to get prepared. The Be Red Cross Ready program walks people through three key preparedness steps: getting an emergency kit, making an emergency plan and being informed.
Red Cross is offering presentations during the month of September to help people get prepared;

September 21-CPR Made Simple 2pm at the Red Cross. Learn how basic CPR skills can save a life!
September 25 Lowes Safety Day 10am-2pm at Lowes Learn how to be Red Cross Ready and make a kit... The Red Cross will be demonstrating safety preparedness, and first aid.
September 28-Insuring against Disaster 12pm at the Red Cross come learn to navigate insurance jargon and make sure your home and possessions are covered by your insurance. Learn why you can’t afford not to have renter’s insurance or be properly covered by your home owner’s insurance. Learn steps you can take to make filing an insurance claim easier.

For more information about local activities during National Preparedness Month, contact the American Red Cross if the Tri-States at 563-583-6451 or email at Michellek@arcdbq.org. You can learn more about being prepared by visiting www.redcross.org.

(1) The general preparedness findings are based on an online survey of 1,306 U.S. residents 18 years and older conducted July 24-August 7, 2009 by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Red Cross.

Several disaster volunteers, staff, and the emergency response vehicle from the American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to the Bluff Street apartment fire in Dubuque on Friday night to ensure that the immediate needs of displaced residents were addressed. While several residents were away for the weekend, the Red Cross arranged for lodging for those who did not have a place to stay temporarily. Other residents were provided food, water, clothing, and comfort kits. Most of those affected left everything behind when the fire began.
You can help people affected by disasters like floods, fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance in response to disasters.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States is sending 5 volunteers in response to the recent floods. The volunteers will be arriving in Ames, Iowa tomorrow morning. The flooding occurred in central and eastern Iowa on Wednesday, August 11, after three straight nights of strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Gene Koschmeder, Shawn Fitzgerald Scott, Gloria Moen, Janice Halsne, and Catherine Basten will be assisting with client case work, logistics, and damage assessment.
Yesterday, forty volunteers from the Mid Iowa Region assisted those affected by the torrential rain.
At this time, the evacuation site and shelters that are opened are as followed:

Polk County
The City of Pleasant Hill has an evacuation center open at the Doanes Youth Park Shelter, 5050 Doanes Park Road.
The City of Des Moines has opened an evacuation center at Amos Hiatt Middle School, 1214 E. 15th Street, and the Red Cross is working in coordination with the City and emergency management to make sure this site is supported.
Story County
On the North West side of Ames, a Red Cross shelter has been opened at the St. Cecilla Parish, 2900 Hoover Ave.
For information regarding these counties, please contact Mary Dooley at 515-471-8335.

As the 138 soldiers from Companies A and D, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry and Det. 1, Company E, 334th Brigade Support Battalion of the Iowa National Guard deploy, the American Red Cross stands prepared to serve as the emergency communication link between soldiers and their immediate families. If there is a death, serious illness, or birth in the family, the family contacts the Red Cross with the details on their service member and the message they wish to send. No matter where a service member is in the world, the Red Cross system is the best option for emergency communications. Today, in the age of cell phones and email, the Red Cross Emergency Communication Network is vital to service members, their families, and commanders in the field. Military commanders know in times of family crisis, they can rely on the Red Cross to verify and quickly relay important and confidential information to military personnel. The Red Cross performs this service to the armed forces at no cost to the family or service member. This is made possible by voluntary contributions from the American people.

Prior to deployment, the local Red Cross representatives explained the process to the 133rd Battalion. Families of soldiers were advised to have their service member’s full name, social security number, military address, rank, and branch in order to ensure speedy delivery of the message. They were advised to gather this information and keep it in a handy location so that the stress of the emergency does not prevent them from remembering the necessary information.

In the last year, over 80 such messages were delivered to soldiers abroad from Tri-State families. For more information, contact the Red Cross, (563) 583-6451 ext 302.

Since the flooding that occurred over the weekend, two regions (Chicago and Moline) were declared a national disaster by the American Red Cross today. The hardest area hit was Northwest Illinois, including Freeport, Carroll County, and Pearl City, Illinois. Shelters were opened and mass care was provided by the Freeport Chapter and Gateway Chapter.

Approximately 200 homes were affected, mostly with basement water. Four families and 8 women were displaced and housed by the Red Cross in Clayton and Dubuque Counties. One family has been permanently displaced. Requests for about 10 clean up kits have been received.

You can help people affected by disasters like floods, tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and countless crises at home and around the world by making a donation to Disaster Relief. This can be done by going to www.redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by sending a check to your local chapter. 2400 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52001

Although the rain is abating locally, the American Red Cross of the Tri-States is actively assisting residents who have been displaced due to the recent rains and subsequent flooding. Eighteen people are currently in alternate housing through the Red Cross and clean up kits have been distributed in Dubuque and Clayton Counties.

In Dubuque County, one family was evacuated by boat when their home was surrounded by water. Their basement was full and the water seeped into the main floor. Another Dubuque County family had severe flooding plus diesel fuel flowing through their home. Families are considered displaced if they cannot cook, eat, or sleep in their homes and do not have alternate housing available.

The ability of the local Red Cross to provide for the immediate needs of those affected or displaced during times of disaster is entirely dependent upon annual unrestricted contributions by the community. Donations are accepted during the week at the local American Red Cross Chapter offices, 2400 Asbury Road, Dubuque, by calling 563-583-6451, or by going to www.redcross.org and selecting your local chapter.

The Red Cross is working closely with area Emergency Management personnel to address the current needs as they evolve. No shelters are open at this time locally. The Red Cross will continue to monitor the water level and respond to residents as needs are identified and Emergency Management requests.

The American Red Cross is also assisting throughout the region. A shelter has been opened in Freeport, IL and others are pending EMA requests. Significant flooding is being anticipated for the Quad Cities and below the Lake Delhi dam.

In response to the effects from the recent excessive rainfall, the American Red Cross of the Tri-States is ready to assist those affected by flooding. The Red Cross has already distributed Clean up kits in Clayton County and Dubuque County and assisted two Dubuque County families with alternative shelter. Clean up kits are available to residents in the affected areas. Those who have been displaced by flooding can contact the American Red Cross at (563) 583-6451. No shelters are open at this time.

In addition to providing clean-up supplies for the flood victims, Red Cross will continue to monitor the water level and respond to residents as their needs are identified.

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. The American Red Cross urges the community to use the following tips to prepare for flooding:

„X Know the difference between WATCHES and WARNINGS.
A National Weather Service WATCH is a message indicating that conditions favor the occurrence of a certain type of hazardous weather. For example, a severe thunderstorm watch means that a severe thunderstorm is expected in the next six hours or so within an area approximately 120 to 150 miles wide and 300 to 400 miles long.

A National Weather Service WARNING indicates that a hazardous event is occurring or is imminent in about 30 minutes to an hour. Local National Weather Service forecast offices issue warnings on a county-by-county basis.
„X Be aware of flood hazards.
Floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels. Regardless of how a flood occurs, the rule for being safe is simple: head for higher ground and stay away from flood waters. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving flood water produces more force that most people imagine. The most dangerous thing you can do is try walking, swimming, or driving through flood waters. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

Repair Your Flooded Home:
„X Care for yourself. Care for your children. Stay healthy.
„X Give your home first aid.
Make sure it¡¦s safe to reenter your home. Keep listening to your local TV or radio stations to find out if and when you can reenter your home. If you¡¦re not sure whether you can go back, contact your local emergency manager. Have someone with you when you check your home and do repairs. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves when doing repairs. Check your home before you go in. Walk carefully around the outside of your house and check for loose power lines and gas leaks. If you find downed power lines or gas leaks, contact your utility company. Check the foundation of your home for cracks or other damage. Turn off the gas and electricity. If the electrical or gas controls are inside your home, DO NOT turn them off until you can safely enter. Enter your home carefully.

Check the ceiling carefully before entering to make sure it¡¦s not ready to collapse. Check it for signs of sagging. Your ceiling may be holding water if there was a lot of wind and rain or if the flood was very deep. Rescue your most valuable items. Find and protect your ¡§irreplaceable¡¨ items such as money, jewelry, insurance papers, photographs, and family heirlooms. Protect your home from further damage by getting fresh air moving through your home, patching holes, repairing sagging floors or roof sections, removing debris, and checking for broken or leaking water pipes. Drain your basement carefully.

Water in the ground outside your home pushes hard against the outside of your basement walls. The water inside your basement pushes right back. Draining your basement too quickly may make the walls and floor crack and collapse, causing serious damage. Hose your home and its contents.

„X Get Organized. Call your insurance agent. Start listing the damage. Check for structural damage. Ask yourself if you really want to be flooded again and decide whether you want to stay in the area or not. If not, contact your local government or disaster assistance officials about help rebuilding where floods can no longer damage your home. Plan your recovery.

The American Red Cross in Dubuque is seeking administrative volunteers to assist locally. This team would be responsible for general office work, support to accounting, and data entry. The goal is to have a team sharing the variety of duties. Supervision, orientation, and training will be provided.

¡§I am excited about expanding our volunteer corps to fulfill these critical office needs. Everything that happens in our office every day ensures that the Red Cross is ready to help when needed whether down the street, throughout the country, or elsewhere in the world. And, because we are so careful with the donated dollar, our reliance upon volunteers is essential,¡¨ stated Sue Olsen, Executive Director.

Tom Wagner, Board Chair, agreed. ¡§I can testify that volunteering in any capacity for the Red Cross is extremely rewarding. Not everyone needs to be a disaster volunteer. I know that my work on the Board and behind the scenes is just as important to fulfilling our humanitarian mission.¡¨

By volunteering locally, individuals expand the organization¡¦s ability to prevent, prepare, and respond. The need is great and volunteers will have fun while helping an organization that plays a critical role in our community.

For more information, call 563-583-6451 x301 or visit the local Red Cross website, www.arcdbq.org. All volunteer candidates will need to go through the Red Cross application process, including a background check.

WASHINGTON¡X The American Red Cross today announced a series of new or expanded initiatives that will help keep open the largest general hospital in Haiti, help build more semi-permanent shelters for 40,000 people now living in tents and tarps, and provide financial assistance to tens of thousands of earthquake survivors through an innovative text messaging program.
The announcements were made during a Red Cross briefing on the upcoming six-month anniversary of the devastating January 12 earthquake in Haiti.
¡§Six months after the earthquake, Haiti is filled with signs of hope and progress as well as reminders of the immense needs that still remain,¡¨ said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross, who has been to Haiti three times since the earthquake. ¡§The Red Cross has improved the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Haitians with emergency shelter, food, water, medical treatment, latrines and other supplies ¡V and we are also investing in other recovery projects such as building shelters and improving water and sanitation systems.¡¨
The new or expanded American Red Cross initiatives include:



Health
• $7.9 million for health programs, including a $3.8 million agreement with Partners in Health to pay salaries of more than 1,800 Haitian doctors, nurses and other staff at the largest general hospital in Port-au-Prince. All of these hospital employees had been working without pay since even before the earthquake, and American Red Cross funding will cover their lost wages and enable to hospital to continue to provide critically needed health care.
• $1.8 million to keep open a German Red Cross field hospital in Carrefour that has seen an average of 1,700 patients a week since it opened in January.
• $1.4 million in prosthetics and rehabilitation support to injured Haitians through a partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
• $900,000 on health programs in camps to educate Haitians about hygiene and HIV to prevent outbreaks of disease.
Shelter
• $8.6 million on new shelter efforts in Haiti, with this money focused on building semi-permanent shelters for people now living in tarps and tents in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.
• In coming weeks we expect to sign agreements worth more than $21 million to build more semi-permanent shelters to house about 40,000 people.
• Construction on 300 temporary shelters, enough for 1,500 people, has begun in the Port-au-Prince neighborhood of Cite Soleil in what will be the first large-scale shelter project in the capital by a single organization.
Financial Assistance
• $9.7 million for a series of new or expanded programs that provide financial assistance to Haitians, including a $6.1 million cash-for-work program with Mercy Corps to support families outside Port-au-Prince who are hosting homeless Haitians and a $3.6 million expansion of a cash grant and loan program with Fonkoze, Haiti¡¦s largest microfinance institution.
Innovative Text (SMS) Cash Transfer Program
In addition, the Red Cross said today that it is launching a major $50 million SMS cash transfer program to give cash grants of approximately $125 to up to 400,000 Haitian families over the next several months. Recently, the American Red Cross tested a technologically innovative program to give cash grants to families using cell phones and text messaging. During this successful pilot, smaller $50 cash grants were given out to help nearly 1,800 families move from at-risk camps to camps in safer areas. This newly expanded program will enable families to buy food and supplies, fund the education of their children, purchase medicine, repair homes, relocate from camps, and invest in their businesses and livelihoods.
¡§Through these programs, families who once stood in line for relief distributions will now be empowered to buy some of the basic items they need most, which in turn should help stimulate the country¡¦s economy,¡¨ McGovern said, noting that even modest amounts of money can make a big difference to Haitian families, as 70 percent of Haitians lived on less than $2 a day prior to the earthquake.
¡§The same cell phone technology that enabled Americans to text donations for Haiti will now enable earthquake survivors to access money to support their families,¡¨ said McGovern.
Hurricane Preparedness
With hurricane season already underway, the Red Cross is working on disaster preparedness programs for vulnerable people currently living under tarps or tents. This includes programs that will train 500,000 camp residents on emergency first aid, safe evacuation procedures and early warning systems, as well as funding efforts to dig ditches and put sandbags on steep hillsides to reduce flooding. In addition, the Red Cross is pre-positioning emergency supplies such as tarps, tents and blankets for 125,000 people in 10 cities around Haiti and in a regional warehouse in Panama.
Money Raised and Spent
The American Red Cross has raised approximately $468 million for the Haiti relief and recovery efforts, spending nearly a third of the money - $148.5million ¡V in the first six months. About 38% of the money has been spent on food and emergency services; about 35% on emergency and transitional/semi-permanent shelters; 10% on livelihoods and host family assistance; 8% on health and disease prevention programs; 5% on disaster preparedness activities as well as 4% on providing clean water and sanitation. The shelter and financial assistance agreements to be signed in the next several weeks will add another $71 million in spending.
The American Red Cross is on track to meet its goal of spending more than $200 million to address immediate needs ¡V mostly in the first 12 months after the earthquake. The remainder of the funds raised will go to longer-term recovery over the next three to five years, with spending plans likely to evolve to respond to changing needs.
¡§We know that the crisis in Haiti is not over and the recovery process will be long and difficult,¡¨ McGovern said. ¡§Haiti and its people must rebuild their homes, economy, health systems, schools and transportation networks. With an estimated $12 billion needed to rebuild Haiti, the needs are beyond the capacity of the Red Cross alone to fix, and will require the collective efforts of governments and humanitarian groups around the world.¡¨
¡§The American Red Cross will support earthquake survivors in the months and years to come, and will be in Haiti until the last donated dollar is spent,¡¨ she added.

Red Cross Tips for a Safe Fourth of July
This Fourth of July, friends and loved ones all across the country will gather to celebrate our nation's independence and what is for many, the unofficial start of summer. If your traditions include fireworks, barbecues, or relaxing days at the pool or beach, the American Red Cross can help you prevent emergencies and enjoy a safer holiday by offering the following tips:
Water safety at the pool and beach:
The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. The Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To find out where lessons are offered or to enroll in a CPR/AED or first aid course, please visit www.arcdbq.org, or www.redcross.org.
• Swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present, and swim with others. Never swim alone.
• Enter the water feet first. Enter the water headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
• Adults should never leave a child unobserved around water. Practice "reach supervision" by staying within an arm's length of young children and weak swimmers while they are in and around the pool, lake or ocean.
• Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and rests.
• If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can't swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
• Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
• Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.
Firework safety:
There are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission. You can enjoy these Fourth of July staples safely by doing the following:
• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
Safe Grilling:
Nothing says summer quite like the smell of barbecue. Make sure safety is a key ingredient in your Fourth of July by reading the following tips for safer grilling:
• Use gas and charcoal barbecue grills outside only.
• Position grills far from siding, deck railings, overhanging branches and house eaves.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using grills.
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
For more safety tips or to register for a water safety, first aid or CPR/AED course, visit www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to a house fire at 2051 Sentinel Road, in Decorah, Iowa. The fire occurred early this morning. Two Disaster Action Volunteers assisted the two individuals.

The Red Cross provided assistance for food, clothing, comfort kits, storage, and resource guides.

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.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to an apartment fire at 812 2nd Ave SE, in Dyersville, Iowa early this morning. Three Disaster Action Volunteers assisted a family of four, and one other individual.

The Red Cross provided assistance for food, shelter, clothing, comfort kits, storage and resource guides.

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.

RED CROSS RECEIVES $5,000 DRA GRANT

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

The grant will be used to purchase a new network server for the Tri-States Chapter. ¡§The Board and Staff of the Red Cross locally are really excited about this grant because it will accomplish two things: it gets us off of a server that locks up on a regular, sometimes daily basis and will allow the Chapter to join the national Red Cross email system. We are extremely grateful to the Dubuque Racing Association for this generous gift,¡¨ stated Sue Olsen, Executive Director.

The Chapter still requires an upgrade of 2 desktops and 2 laptops to complete the system upgrade. The Chapter¡¦s website, www.arcdbq.org, will not be affected.

Computers play a critical role in ensuring efficiency and effectiveness when preparing, preventing, and responding to major disasters locally, nationally, and internationally. Mike Lippert, Board Chair and member of the local Disaster Leadership Team noted, ¡§It is critical that an organization such as the American Red Cross stay on top of technology in order to serve the citizens of the Tri-States. We are fortunate to have a funding source through the Dubuque Racing Association.¡¨

DUBUQUE FIRE DISPLACES FAMILY OF FIVE
Dubuque, IA .The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to a house fire at 6226 Asbury Road, in Dubuque, Iowa. The fire occurred today, June 22, 2010. Two Disaster Action Volunteers assisted the individuals.

The Red Cross provided assistance for food, shelter, clothing, comfort kits, and resource guides.

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.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation¡¦s blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time, money and blood to perform its humanitarian mission.

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The American Red Cross held its first glow ball event on June 11, 2010. The event was at the Lacoma golf course, and was a 4 person best shot. "I have never golfed a night tournament, it was lots of fun!" stated Tom Blosch, board member of the Red Cross. We look forward to next year's event!

DUBUQUE FIRE DISPLACES FOUR PEOPLE; RED CROSS RESPONDS
Dubuque, IA .The American Red Cross of the Tri-States responded to a house fire at 707 Table Mound Road, in Dubuque IA that occurred on Saturday, June 12, 2010. Two Disaster Action Volunteers assisted the individuals.

The Red Cross provided assistance for food, clothing, comfort kits, and resource guides.

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.