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American Red Cross Lifesaving Water Safety Advice

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:12:46 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

Summer is a wonderful time of year with children and parents looking forward to outdoor activities at pools, lakes and beaches. Yet accidents can happen if families take a vacation from safety. The good news is that most water tragedies can be prevented, if everyone remembers the basic rules of water safety. The Greenwich Chapter reminds everyone to have fun this summer without taking a vacation from safety. These tips will help keep everyone healthy and safe in or around the water:

Learn to swim and swim well. One of the best things anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is learn to swim. No one, including adults, should ever swim alone. Adults should practice “reach supervision” which means to be within arm’s length of a child in case an emergency occurs.

Outfit everyone with the proper gear. Kids – and even adults – who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should use U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) whenever they are in or around the water. Everyone, including strong swimmers, should use an approved PFD when boating. Each person should have the appropriate personal flotation device for his or her weight and size, which is found clearly marked inside the label near the Coast Guard stamp. A great idea is to make a family day out of learning the rules of water safety and shopping for durable safety equipment together at a local pool supply store or mass distributor.

Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the residential pool and know how to use it. A first aid kit, cordless phone, phone list with emergency contact information, a reaching pole and a ring buoy with a nylon line attached are recommended. First aid kits are available for purchase at the Greenwich Chapter. Cordless phones allow you to make that 9-1-1 call and to receive calls without leaving the area. These items coupled with a pool emergency action plan—similar to a fire drill—help the whole family breathe a little easier. In addition, the Red Cross recommends that pools be surrounded on all sides by a fence that is at least 4 feet high. It should not provide any footholds, which would allow a child to climb over or spacing to climb through. The fence should have a self-closing, self-locking gate that is locked when the pool is not in use.

Pack a “safety” bag for a day at the beach or lake and play safely. A properly packed safety bag will help ensure a fun day in which everyone comes home safe and sound. Water-proof sunscreen SPF 15 or higher, water shoes to keep feet safe from heat and sharp objects, a hat, sunglasses, plenty of water and a first aid kit are musts. First aid kits are available for purchase at the Greenwich Chapter. All containers should be plastic to prevent injuries from breaking glass. Do not mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.

Learn Red Cross First Aid and CPR. While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is important to know what to do if a situation arises. All caregivers, including grandparents, older siblings, and babysitters should have these lifesaving skills.

For more information on staying safe in and around the water visit www.greenwichredcross.org or contact the Greenwich Chapter at 203-869-8444. The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross provides relief to victims of emergencies and disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

Blood Drive @ Town Hall, June 19

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:59:55 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross is asking all eligible blood donors to sign up for the blood drive on Thursday, June 19 at Greenwich Town Hall, located at 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Note that this drive has been rescheduled to this date. To schedule an appointment, please call the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross at 203-869-8444.

To donate blood and platelets through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. For additional information regarding donor eligibility, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.bloodct.org

Greenwich Red Cross Provides Senior Citizen Disaster Education Classes: June 23

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:59:31 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
Wellness/Fitness

Senior members of the Greenwich community are invited to attend Disaster Education Classes at the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross. Greenwich Red Cross Disaster & Emergency Services staff and Department of Health representatives will provide a 60-minute presentation specifically geared towards seniors. Learn how to develop an emergency plan, shelter in place, build a disaster kit, and handle medication and vital equipment. All participants will receive a starter disaster kit with basic supplies and educational information.

Register now for the next program on Monday, June 23, 2008 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the Greenwich Chapter at 99 Indian Field Road in Greenwich. A free lunch will be served.

Senior Citizen Disaster Education Classes are offered for free but registration in advance is required. To register, call the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross at 203-869-8444, extension 115. For further information about the programs and services offered by the Greenwich Chapter, please visit our website at www.greenwichredcross.org.

Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Event

Thu, 22 May 2008 15:08:22 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold its Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. The event will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Parish Hall, 4 Riverside Avenue in Riverside.

All members of the community are invited to attend as the Greenwich Chapter elects new Board members for three-year terms and recognizes the contributions of the more than 800 volunteers who provide service through the Red Cross to the Greenwich Community. Please join us as we review the Chapter’s many accomplishments this past year and present awards acknowledging the good works of our volunteers, employees and corporate and community partners. Refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP by Thursday, June 12, 2008 to sindella@usa.redcross.org or call 203-869-8444.

Be Red Cross Ready to Respond to Emergencies

Thu, 22 May 2008 14:57:25 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

Register for American Red Cross classes and be better prepared to respond to emergencies. These classes provide information about preventing injuries and sudden illnesses while also offering instruction on how to recognize emergencies and provide basic care until the arrival of advanced medical personnel. Help you family, friends and neighbors by knowing what to do and having the confidence to do it. The following community classes are scheduled and fees are charged:

CPR/AED-Adult

Tuesday, June 10, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Saturday, June 21, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

CPR-Child & Infant

Saturday, June 14, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

CPR/AED-Adult & Child with CPR-Infant

Tuesday & Saturday, June 10 & 14, 6:00PM – 10: 30 PM and 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Wednesday & Saturday, June 11 & 21, 6:00PM – 10: 30 PM and 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

CPR/AED-Adult REVIEW – must have certification within last 12 months

Wednesday, June 25, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

CPR-Child & Infant REVIEW – must have certification within last 12 months

Thursday, June 26, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

Thursday, June 5, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM (REVIEW ONLY)

Wednesday & Thursday, June 18 & 19, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Standard First Aid

Thursday, June 12, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Standard First Aid with CPR/AED-Adult

Tuesday & Thursday, June 10 and 12, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM and 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Thursday & Saturday, June 12 & 21, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Saturday, June 21, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Babysitter’s Training – for ages 11 to 15

Saturday, June 28, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (bring your lunch)

CT Child Care – includes CPR-Child & Infant; meets Day Care Licensing requirement

Saturday, June 14, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (bring your lunch)

Senior Citizen Disaster Education Classes

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:07:33 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

Senior members of the Greenwich community are invited to attend Disaster Education Classes at the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross. Greenwich Red Cross Disaster & Emergency Services staff and Department of Health representatives will provide a 45-minute presentation specifically geared towards seniors. Learn how to develop an emergency plan, shelter in place, build a disaster kit, and handle medication and vital equipment. All participants will receive a starter disaster kit with basic supplies and educational information.

Register now for the next program on Tuesday, May 22, 2008 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the Greenwich Chapter at 99 Indian Field Road in Greenwich. A free lunch will be served.

Be Red Cross Ready to Respond to Emergencies

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:06:42 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

CPR/AED-Adult

Wednesday, May 21, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Standard First Aid

Thursday, May 22, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Safe Baby Training

Wednesday, May 14, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

Saturday, May 31, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

For a list of course descriptions, dates and fees and to register, log on to www.greenwichredcross.org or contact us at 869-8444 x124 for more information.

Greenwich Chapter Recognizes Volunteer Week

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:11:44 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

Greenwich, CT 4/22/08 -- April 27 to May 3 is National Volunteer Week—a time to recognize our dedicated volunteers and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism. The theme of National Volunteer Week is Change the World, and that is just what American Red Cross volunteers do. Volunteers help the American Red Cross complete its mission to provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

At the Greenwich Chapter, more than 800 volunteers help people every day ensuring disaster preparedness, planning and response efforts locally, regionally and across the country, supporting blood collection efforts, teaching lifesaving skills, transporting folks to medical appointments, providing first aid stations, language translations and "Safe Rides", educating their peers about HIV/AIDS, raising awareness and funds for international measles and malaria efforts, serving members of the military and their families, providing leadership and supporting fund raising efforts.

To volunteer please visit our website at www.greenwichredcross.org and click on the link What Can I Do?, then Volunteer and download an application or call our office directly at 203-869-8444 x116! Completed forms may be mailed or dropped off to: Andrew Sindell, Director of Volunteer Resources and Blood Support, Greenwich Chapter, American Red Cross, 99 Indian Field Road, Greenwich, CT 06830 or faxed to 203-869-0192

Linda Borges and Joanne Griffin Honored

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:26:36 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

The Greenwich Chapter is honoring Linda Borges and Joanne Griffin as Chapter Volunteers of the Month. Both Linda and Joanne have each volunteered for more than four years as registrants at our local blood drives. Linda and Joanne embody the characteristics of an ideal volunteer. Each is upbeat, friendly and punctual at all blood drives. At all drives, they methodically explain the donation procedure to all donors and are a positive influence on all who are involved with the blood program in the town of Greenwich. They are flexible when it comes to shifts and always have a smile on their face when greeting donors at the registration desk regardless of the donor’s attitude. Recently, Joanne filled in last minute for the Tudor Investments blood drive when the date was suddenly changed with little notice. Linda and Joanne should be commended on a job well done, they truly set an example for Red Cross volunteers nationwide. Thank you Linda and Joanne, you are making it easier for many in our community to “Give the Gift of Life”.

Red Cross Blood Drive at First Congregational Church: Apr. 12 & 14

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:06:46 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross is asking all eligible blood donors to sign up to donate blood at two upcoming drives.

Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Second Congregational Church between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Second Congregational Church is located at 139 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich.

Monday, April 14, 2008 at Greenwich Hospital between 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Greenwich Hospital is located at 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich.

To schedule an appointment, please call the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross at 203-869-8444.

To donate blood and platelets through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. For additional information regarding donor eligibility, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.bloodct.org

The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross provides relief to victims of emergencies and disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Greenwich depends on the Red Cross to be at the forefront in responding to any emergency, in educating the public on disaster preparedness and in promoting the health and safety of its people.

For information about the programs and services of the Greenwich Chapter, please call 203-869-8444 or visit or website, www.greenwichredcross.org.

Heath and Safety Classes

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:05:07 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
Wellness/Fitness

CPR/AED - Adult

Tuesday, April 1, 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Saturday, April 19, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm

CPR - Child & Infant

Wednesday, April 9, 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Standard First Aid

Thursday, April 3, 6:00 pm – 10:00pm

Standard First Aid with CPR/AED - Adult

Saturday, April 19, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Babysitter’s Training

Saturday, April 5, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

CT Child Care

Wednesday & Thursday, April 9 & 10, 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Wilderness First Aid & When Help is Delayed

Monday, April 7^th, 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm; Monday, April 14^th, 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm;

and Sunday, April 20, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

For a list of course descriptions, dates and fees and to register, log on to www.greenwichredcross.org or contact us at 869-8444 x124 for more information.

The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross provides relief to victims of emergencies and disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Greenwich depends on the Red Cross to be at the forefront in responding to any emergency, to educate the public on disaster preparedness and to promote the health and safety of its people through training.

Flooding potential is on the increase....

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:40:13 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

Flooding potential is on the increase as the weekend rain storm approaches Greenwich with the ground well saturated from snow melt and recent rains. That’s why the American Red Cross urges individuals and families to take proactive safety steps now.
Basic information and a few simple procedures can make all the difference in keeping you out of harm’s way. Water can rise fast. The better prepared you are, the safer you’ll be. Follow these American Red Cross Flood Safety Tips:
o BUILD A KIT with water, non-perishable, ready to eat food, radio, flashlight (and extra batteries for both), a first aid kit and necessary medications. Store important family documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a portable, waterproof and fireproof container as part of your kit.
o MAKE A PLAN so you know where to go if you need to evacuate. Plan ahead for the possibility of becoming separated from your loved ones by choosing an out-of-town contact that each person can contact should a disaster occur. Plan on using the Red Cross Safe and Well web site, accessible through www.redcross.org.
o STAY INFORMED: KNOW WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING TO OCCUR

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. 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. Do not drive around barricades. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. If you experience flooding and need help, call 911 immediately.

Honoring 19 local residents for compassionate and heroic acts, Mar 14th

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:42:03 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

The American Red Cross Chapters of Lower Fairfield County will honor 19 local residents for compassionate and heroic acts on Friday, March 14, 2008, at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Hotel in Stamford, formerly the Westin. The 2nd Annual American Red Cross Heroes Awards Ceremony will honor those individuals who have recognized their responsibility to help others and have turned their compassion into action. Red Cross Heroes salutes the men, women, and youth from Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, and New Canaan whose extraordinary acts of courage and kindness make them our local heroes.

Heroes of Lower Fairfield County Awards recognize area residents who live the mission of the American Red Cross – providing relief to victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The Red Cross teaches people to aid others and save lives – a simple, yet powerful process of one person putting their needs aside to help another – whether they have a professional duty to act or a commitment to do what’s needed.

Two Greenwich employees will be honored for their courageous and humanitarian acts. Kathy Carley-Spanier, RN, MS, will receive the Medical Award. Kathy, director of Greenwich Health, Greenwich Hospital’s outreach medical education arm, is a nurse who is never off-duty. Her perpetual care giving instinct led her to save the life of a newborn baby during the summer. While driving through Port Chester, Kathy took notice of an alarmed looking police officer stopping his car and hurrying across the street in front of her. Kathy followed the officer and to her surprise, found a woman and her seconds-old prematurely born son. As a teacher of infant CPR, Carley-Spanier instantly recognized signs of distress: discoloration to the skin, limpness and irregular breathing. Wasting little time, Kathy was able to open the baby’s airway and restore normal breathing to the infant. The EMS team soon arrived and together as a team, they cared for the infant. Once the baby was pink and wrapped in towels, he was transported to Greenwich Hospital’s Emergency Department. During the child’s stay at the hospital Kathy was a frequent caller to the NICU to visit her new friend.

Meredith Sampson, also from Greenwich, will receive the Animal Rescue Award. For over 15 years, Meredith has been selflessly volunteering her services to Stamford Animal Control, making herself available at all hours of the day. Sampson helps the Animal Control center with all animals in need, no matter how sick or injured. While many who have started non-profits to help animals in need have since closed their doors, Sampson has been an unwavering figure to the center for years. She has donated not only her time and love, but has helped financially when animals are in need of care. Although they are unable to say it, to many of the animals who pass through Animal Control, Sampson is a hero.

Our Hero Award winners are:
q Law Enforcement       Thomas Pjatak, Kevin Lynch, Thomas Comerford, Steve Perrotta
               and Douglas Deiso – Stamford
q Firefighter       Sean Gage – Stamford
q Animal Rescue       Meredith Sampson – Greenwich
q Medical           Linda Chriscoe and Donna-Marie Manasseh – Stamford
               Kathy Carley-Spanier – Greenwich
q Military Support       Michelle Pusser – Stamford
               Gayle Lucas – Darien
q Adult Good Samaritan   Nancy Myder – Stamford
q Youth Good Samaritan   Samantha Stone – Stamford
q Safety Professional   Ryan McAllister and Troy Judge – Stamford
               Joe Pearson and Steven Bear – New Canaan
q Community Impact   James Duffy – Stamford

To read each of these heroes’ stories, visit the Greenwich Chapter’s website at http://www.greenwichredcross.org/. For further information or to order tickets to the Awards Ceremony breakfast, please contact Wendy Blumenthal at the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross at 203-869-8444 or email blumenthaw@usa.redcross.org.

Emergency Blood Coverage Drivers Needed

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:57:21 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross is in immediate need of Emergency Blood Coverage drivers. EBC drivers are volunteers who respond on an on-call basis to pick up blood products at a nearby hospital and bring them back to Greenwich Hospital. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license.

To volunteer please visit our website at www.greenwichredcross.org and click on the link What Can I do?, then Volunteer and download an application or call our office directly at 203-869-8444 x116. Completed forms should be mailed or dropped off to Andrew Sindell, Director of Volunteer Resources & Blood Support, Greenwich Chapter, American Red Cross, 99 Indian Field Road, Greenwich, CT 06830 or faxed to 203-869-0192.

Registration Starts Feb 1st! for Safety Town 2008 - June 9th-13th, June 16th-20th.

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:22:09 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

Greenwich Red Cross will offer Safety Town from June 9 - 13 and June 16 -20. Each week-long half day session is a comprehensive safety education program introducing awareness and prevention skills for youngsters entering a Greenwich kindergarten program in Fall 2008. Originally brought to Greenwich by the Junior League of Greenwich, Safety Town is a program of the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross and will be held at the Greenwich Boys & Girls Club. Registration will begin on February 1st.

Topics covered in Safety Town include automobile, pedestrian, fire, bike, gun, animal, playground and water safety, along with information about medicines and poisons, traveling on trains and buses, stranger awareness and more. During the session, children will learn by actively participating in safety lessons. Under the guidance of classroom teachers, Greenwich police officers, fire fighters, EMS and other community helpers, children will learn and practice safe reactions and behaviors before experiencing these unfamiliar situations in real life. They will also tour an ambulance, fire truck and school bus.

Children will be taught in indoor classroom settings as well as on a specially designed kid-sized “Safety Town” layout. Each child is fitted with their own bike safety helmet that they use for the week and then take home to keep. They will ride pedal cars and walk and “shop” through the town complete with buildings, crosswalks, sidewalks, street markings and a railroad crossing learning appropriate safe behaviors each step of the way.

The daily lessons are followed up with take-home handouts and additional reference information for parents and caregivers. Morning sessions meet 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Afternoon sessions meet 12:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Last year more than 400 youngsters benefited from this exciting program. The fee for this week-long program is $140 and financial aid is available.

Registration forms will be available on our website: www.greenwichredcross.org or can picked up at the Chapter beginning February 1st . Complete registrations can be mailed to the Chapter at 99 Indian Field Road, Greenwich, CT 06830.

The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross is grateful to our corporate and community partners: Nestle’ Waters North America Inc., Fairfield County Safe Kids, and the Junior League of Greenwich as well as the Greenwich Police Department, Greenwich Fire Department, GEMS , Student Transportation of America and the Boys & Girls Club for their valuable support.

Give Blood this Holiday Season

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:52:59 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

Monday, January 7 at Temple Sholom from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Friday, January 18 at St. Mary’s Church from 12:30 to 6 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross at 203-869-8444. To donate blood and platelets through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. For additional information regarding donor eligibility, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.bloodct.org

Safe driving tips from the Red Cross for winter travel

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 01:41:48 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

With major storms coming our way during the winter months, the Greenwich Red Cross reminds people to take precautions when driving in inclement weather. According to the National Weather Service, about 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles. The National Weather Service reports that many people die each year when they attempt to leave their vehicle during a storm to walk to safety. Instead, stranded drivers should stay with their car, tie a piece of cloth to the car’s antenna, and keep the car running while using the heater 10 minutes out of each hour. People should remember to keep their interior lights on while the engine is running, and to avoid hypothermia by constantly moving their arms and legs. Warning signs of hypothermia are memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion, and uncontrollable shivering. Winter storms are called “deceptive killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the weather. In 2004, the most recent year available, there were 28 winter deaths, according to the National Weather Service. Automobiles accounted for the majority of those. Tim Wall, Director of Emergency Services for the Greenwich Chapter reminds people to carry essential supplies. “You should have some basics on hand – such as a flashlight, extra batteries and bottled water – in case you do get stuck somewhere. Also, be sure to carry a cell phone for emergencies.” A winter travel survival kit may include:

Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Blankets or sleeping bags
Booster cables
Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
First aid kit and manual
Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter.
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
Knife

Other travel tips:

Keep an ear tuned to the radio for the latest road conditions.
Drive with your headlights on.
Keep all your windows clear of snow for visibility.
Don't drive faster than you can see ahead.
Leave extra space between your automobile and others on the road.
Remember bridges and overpasses usually freeze before other roads. Use caution.
Make sure you are buckled up.

Tips to Prevent House Fires This Holiday Season

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:15:20 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

With temperatures dropping, the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross urges families to be cautious when using space heaters and other heating sources. Simple Tips to Prevent Home Heating Fires: •Keep all potential fuel sources (newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs) at least three feet away from heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves. •Provide constant adult supervision in rooms with lit candles or fires. •Keep fire in the fireplace by using glass or metal fire screens. •Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house. •Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home. •Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep. •Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys inspected annually by a professional, and cleaned if necessary. •If you must use space heaters, place them on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Visit www.redcross.org for more information.

Save a Life! Give Blood...

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:07:47 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

The Community Health Planning Office of the Greenwich Department of Health is honored to sponsor this pre-holiday blood drive. Please give the one gift that truly comes from the heart. Your one pint of blood helps three separate people. The lives you save could turn out to be very precious to you! Many people say they have never given blood because they haven’t been asked. Please, consider yourself asked! Greenwich Town Hall Meeting Room, Monday, December 10, 2007 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sign Up to Donate Today! Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE

Joan Irish Named New CEO

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:29:28 GMT

Greenwich, CT
203-869-8444
General Interest

Nancy Justicz, Board Chair of the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross has announced the appointment of Joan Irish as their new Chief Executive Officer. Joan brings more than twenty-five years of non-profit experience to her new position. Most recently, she was Executive Director of the Fairfield YMCA where she worked to forward the YMCA mission of ‘building strong kids, strong families and strong communities’.

To set a time to meet Joan or to learn more about the programs and services of the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross, please call 203-869-8444 or visit our website at www.greenwichredcross.org