Cross Blog

AmeriCorps celebrates MLK Jr. Day

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream is certainly still at work, with this past week being a prime example. His dream is alive and well with his vision of progress being made into a reality. During the weekend of the much-anticipated holiday, the Greater Carolinas Chapter’s AmeriCorps team had the absolute privilege to serve their community with a series of service projects, designated as a celebration of Dr. King’s vision of strength in our community.

With more than a dozen volunteers, AmeriCorps members Aisha-Ramos Foote, England Simpson and Kim Moseley danced and paraded around the streets of Charlotte during the city’s annual MLK Day parade on Jan. 17. They provided life-saving information to more than 1,500 parade-goers and had a blast while caravanning with the Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle.

“You could feel the energy in the air! I could taste the change and evolution; the thought of being a good steward made my heart cry out for more,” said England Simpson, AmeriCorps member.

During the parade, Americorps member LeSharne Blount operated an information table at the Statesville Civic Center during the Health and Cultural Fair. She taught attendees the three essential rules of being ready for any disaster: get a kit, make a plan, be informed. The message of preparedness reached dozens of people, anxious to learn more about the Red Cross and its many services.

More than 1,000 people were reached during a basketball game Jan. 19. The Charlotte Bobcats may have been defeated by the San Antonio Spurs, but the masses were encouraged and educated about being “Red Cross Ready.” In reflection of Dr. King’s special day, blood donations were solicited, especially within the African-American community, where donations are much needed.

This particular MLK Jr. Day arrived during a momentous time in U.S. history, as our first African-American president was sworn into office. Dr. King would truly be proud of the advancement we, as a people, have made.

For more pictures from this event, visit our photo gallery.

Wintry weather

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Brr—it’s cold outside! When the temperatures dip below freezing and snow starts appearing, travel and health risks arise.
That’s why the American Red Cross has assembled a checklist to help keep you and your family safe during this time of year.

Prepare a Winter Storm Plan

• Have extra blankets on hand.
  
• Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.
  
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing:
  
• First aid kit and essential medications.
  
• Battery-powered weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  
• Canned food and can opener.
  
• Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least three days).
  
• Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens and a hat.
  
• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your car, too.
  
• Have your car winterized before winter storm season.

  Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings
  

• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
  
• Be alert to changing weather conditions.
  
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
  
• Stay indoors during the storm.
  
• If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
  
• Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
  
• As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
  
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
  
• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.

  If You Must Travel
  

• Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
  
• Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
  
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

  If You Do Get Stuck...
  

• Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
  
• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
  
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.
  
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
  
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
  
• Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

  What to Do After a Winter Storm
  

• Continue listening to local radio or television stations updated information and instructions. Access may be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked.
  
• Help a neighbor who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
  
• Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.
  
• Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.
  
• Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.
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  Riding the Wheels of Independence

  Monday, January 12, 2009

  With more than 2 million people living in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, traffic can be daunting. Margaret Houston said she doesn’t even like driving on some of Charlotte’s busiest roads.

  It’s seniors like Houston that have prompted a new program, “Wheels of Independence,” at the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross.

  The program, formed in conjunction with the Shamrock Senior Center, provides a round trip from the senior center at 3925 Willard Farrow Drive, Charlotte, to the Wal-Mart Super Center at 1830 Galleria Boulevard, Matthews. The trip costs only $5.

  Sandra Peake, transportation operations manager for the chapter, helps coordinate more than 17,000 trips per year for residents living in Mecklenburg and South Iredell counties who have no other means of transportation to important medical appointments. When she saw the need to expand the existing Transportation Program, she jumped on it.

  “We’ve begun, on a very small scale, picking up seniors at a congregant site and transporting them to Wal-Mart, which allows them the opportunity to purchase prescription medication and some other basic items during their two-hour shopping trip. My hope, in the near future, is to be doing this on a larger scale,” Peake said.

  These pre-planned, bi-weekly trips are in two two-hour shifts on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1- 3:30 p.m.

  “For me it was worth it because I don’t like driving on Independence Boulevard, and it was convenient,” praised Margaret Houston, one of the first participants to experience Wheels of Independence.

  To learn how you can sign up and catch a ride, call the Red Cross at 704.347.8210 or send an e-mail to .

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