TRIAD, October 7, 2009 —Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries in the United States,and the American Red Cross wants to remind families in our communities to be careful in the kitchen and to keep the lid on cooking fires.
“Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in your home, and it’s easy to understand why,” said MoAna Crompton-Dunn, disaster educator of the Northwest North Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We’re all so busy these days that in the race to put a home cooked meal on the table, we sometimes let safety take a back seat. But the consequences can be devastating, especially when there are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of your family’s next meal from going up in flames.”
The Red Cross recommends the following tips to help you reduce the risk of cooking fires:
** Keep anything that can catch fire -- potholders, food packaging, wooden utensils, towels and curtains -- away from your stovetop.
** Do not leave the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, or broiling food.
** If you’re simmering, baking, boiling or roasting food, check in regularly and remain at home while food is cooking.
** Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
** Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should not be closer than 10 feet to a cooking appliance. Use the test button to check it once a month. Batteries should be replaced once a year.
Nationally, the American Red Cross responds to a fire approximately every eight minutes. Last year the NWNC Chapter responded to more than 150 home fires in our community. The Red Cross depends on the generous support of residents to respond to our neighbors who are affected by home fires. You can help people affected
by home fires in your community by making a financial donation to the NWNC Chapter of the American Red Cross today. To donate please visit www.redcross.org, call (336) 245-5750, or mail a check to 690 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.
For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.redcross.org/homefires or contact your local chapter.
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Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
RED CROSS KICKS OFF FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Focus is on HAWS High-Rise Apartments
WINSTON-SALEM, October 1, 2009 – After the devastating Alder’s Point Apartment Complex fire in July of this year, the American Red Cross would like to focus on providing fire safety information to the high-rise apartments managed by the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem. The kick-off will start at Healy Towers and volunteers will follow up with Crystal Towers and Sunrise Towers.
WHAT: Red Cross volunteers will distribute fire safety and prevention literature to the residents of the high-rise apartment buildings. The Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle will be at the kick-off serving drinks and snacks that morning. The fire department will have a truck out at Healy Towers also for residents to view and ask questions. Residents will meet downstairs for a presentation and then talk with Red Cross volunteers about fire safety, prevention and rental insurance. The Red Cross disaster dog mascot will also be on hand.
WHO: The Northwest North Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross
Winston-Salem Fire Department
Housing Authority of Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem Emergency Management
WHY:
• Every 22 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the nation.
• Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke
alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• On average, one home candle fire was reported every 34 minutes.
• The leading factors in space heater fire are the heater being too close to combustibles and the equipment left unattended.
Source: One-Stop Data Shop, Fire Analysis and Research Division, National Fire Protection Association, www.nfpa.org, 2008.
WHEN: Monday, October 5, 2009
10:00 a.m. EST
WHERE: Healy Towers
3450 Healy Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
---end---
WINSTON-SALEM, October 1, 2009 – After the devastating Alder’s Point Apartment Complex fire in July of this year, the American Red Cross would like to focus on providing fire safety information to the high-rise apartments managed by the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem. The kick-off will start at Healy Towers and volunteers will follow up with Crystal Towers and Sunrise Towers.
WHAT: Red Cross volunteers will distribute fire safety and prevention literature to the residents of the high-rise apartment buildings. The Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle will be at the kick-off serving drinks and snacks that morning. The fire department will have a truck out at Healy Towers also for residents to view and ask questions. Residents will meet downstairs for a presentation and then talk with Red Cross volunteers about fire safety, prevention and rental insurance. The Red Cross disaster dog mascot will also be on hand.
WHO: The Northwest North Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross
Winston-Salem Fire Department
Housing Authority of Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem Emergency Management
WHY:
• Every 22 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the nation.
• Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke
alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• On average, one home candle fire was reported every 34 minutes.
• The leading factors in space heater fire are the heater being too close to combustibles and the equipment left unattended.
Source: One-Stop Data Shop, Fire Analysis and Research Division, National Fire Protection Association, www.nfpa.org, 2008.
WHEN: Monday, October 5, 2009
10:00 a.m. EST
WHERE: Healy Towers
3450 Healy Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
---end---
RED CROSS ENCOURAGES DONORS TO “GIVE BLOOD AND GO!” DURING THE FALL SEASON
Presenting Donors May Win One of Three Pairs of Delta Air Lines Tickets
TRIAD, October 1, 2009—During fall, the weather, the leaves and our schedules are changing. With the season being such an active time for families with busy schedules, it is easy to forget what doesn’t change – the constant need for blood. It is important to help save lives and give the “Gift of Life” by donating blood
or platelets with the American Red Cross.
During the “Give Blood and Go!” campaign, which runs from October 1 to December 31, 2009, each person who presents to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross will have an opportunity to win one of three pairs of roundtrip Delta Air Lines domestic tickets.
Donors can participate by visiting one of our centers or one of our community blood drives:
Nussbaum Blood Center, 1501 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro
Winston-Salem Blood Center, 650 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in more than 100 hospitals. Approximately 1,600 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demand. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet height and weight requirements.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate at a nearby donor center, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit redcrossblood.org.
###
TRIAD, October 1, 2009—During fall, the weather, the leaves and our schedules are changing. With the season being such an active time for families with busy schedules, it is easy to forget what doesn’t change – the constant need for blood. It is important to help save lives and give the “Gift of Life” by donating blood
or platelets with the American Red Cross.
During the “Give Blood and Go!” campaign, which runs from October 1 to December 31, 2009, each person who presents to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross will have an opportunity to win one of three pairs of roundtrip Delta Air Lines domestic tickets.
Donors can participate by visiting one of our centers or one of our community blood drives:
Nussbaum Blood Center, 1501 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro
Winston-Salem Blood Center, 650 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in more than 100 hospitals. Approximately 1,600 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demand. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet height and weight requirements.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate at a nearby donor center, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit redcrossblood.org.
###
Friday, July 31, 2009
Residents Still Needing Gently-Used Furniture
WINSTON-SALEM, NC, July 31, 2009 – In partnership with the local American Red Cross, Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina will accept gently-used furniture for the families of the recent apartment fires until Friday, August 14, 2009.
The items needed and that will be accepted are: dressers; dinette tables and chairs; couches; sitting chairs; nightstands; coffee tables; lamps; and full-size bed frames. No box springs or mattresses will be accepted.
Furniture donations for the families of the recent apartment fires can be made at the Goodwill Store at 2701 University Parkway. Pickup of furniture is not available. Donors must specify that their furniture donation is intended for the Red Cross. The hours are Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Clients will need to obtain a voucher from the American Red Cross before they go over to Goodwill to pick out furniture.
The items needed and that will be accepted are: dressers; dinette tables and chairs; couches; sitting chairs; nightstands; coffee tables; lamps; and full-size bed frames. No box springs or mattresses will be accepted.
Furniture donations for the families of the recent apartment fires can be made at the Goodwill Store at 2701 University Parkway. Pickup of furniture is not available. Donors must specify that their furniture donation is intended for the Red Cross. The hours are Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Clients will need to obtain a voucher from the American Red Cross before they go over to Goodwill to pick out furniture.
Preparing for Floods
Know What to Expect
* Know your area’s flood risk–if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
* If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
* Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .
* Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
* Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
* A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
* A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
* A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
* A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
* Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
* Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing . . .
* First aid kit and essential medications.
* Canned food and can opener.
* At least three gallons of water per person
* Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
* Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
* Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
* Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
* Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
* Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
* Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
* Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
* Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
* Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
* Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
* If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
* Know your area’s flood risk–if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
* If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
* Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .
* Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
* Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
* A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
* A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
* A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
* A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
* Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
* Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing . . .
* First aid kit and essential medications.
* Canned food and can opener.
* At least three gallons of water per person
* Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
* Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
* Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
* Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
* Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
* Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
* Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
* Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
* Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
* Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
* Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
* If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
9TH ANNUAL QUEN TAYLOR BLOOD DRIVE
“You just don’t know how good it feels when you are laying in a hospital and see that unit of blood coming through the door. Giving blood is the most wonderful thing you can do, everyone can try. The recipient can’t duplicate the gift they have received…the gift of life.”
– Quen Taylor
The American Red Cross, Bank of North Carolina , 600-1200 WSJS, 104 WTQR and Wake Forest University Athletics are proud to sponsor the 9th Annual Quen Taylor Blood Drive on August 4, 2008. The drive will take place at First Baptist Church of Kernersville, 401 Oakhurst Street, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Quen Taylor may not be a name that you recognize but his voice is undeniably familiar from over the years. Taylor was the voice of Wake Forest Basketball for over 22 years, did voiceovers for WXII for eight years and was the official voice of WSJS for over 10 years. He also was heard on WTQR as Mike Weaver and 94.5 as himself before his death in 2001 from leukemia.
Taylor was diagnosed with leukemia in 1998 and doctors told him he had only five months to live. When his good friend Wayne Mabe visited him in the hospital, he asked Taylor if there was anything he could do for him. Taylor simply replied. “Make sure people keep giving blood.” Wayne decided that was exactly what he would do and he began working on a blood drive in honor of his dear friend.
Taylor never let his illness stop him from doing the things that he loved. He was so steadfast about not missing a Wake Forest game that he would often leave the hospital, go directly to the Coliseum, announce the game and return to his hospital bed immediately following the game. Taylor’s story is one that inspires and motivates us all to reach for the seemingly unreachable dreams even when the odds are against you. He had a dream that people would continue to donate blood so that there is always a ready supply for anyone who needs it.
“This is the 9th annual Quen Taylor Blood Drive and his memory lives on with the help of the town of Kernersville. Kernersville residents have really taken over this drive as a community drive. Many
(Cont.)
9th Annual Quen Taylor Blood Drive
American Red Cross 2
donors do not know who Quen was or why the drive is named for him, but they continue to come out and donate blood. My family is so grateful,” says Barbara Taylor, the widow of Quen Taylor.
If you would like to help fulfill Taylor’s dream, please take the time to make a blood donation at this drive. If you are 17 years or older or 16 years old with a parent’s written permission, weigh at least 110 pounds and in general good health, then you are an eligible blood donor. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Bank of North Carolina at 996-1776. Please bring a photo I.D.
Thanks to Wake Forest Athletics, each presenting donor will be given either a WFU basketball or football ticket while supplies last.
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