March Is Red Cross Month

FARMINGTON — Many families will embark on spring break vacations this year to destinations across the country. But just as many families will stay home. Rather than spending days playing video games or hours watching television, the American Red Cross encourages adults and young people alike to take five easy steps to disaster preparedness.

1. Give blood (an act that takes approximately 60 minutes). Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. Every day, blood is needed in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to save the lives of accident victims.

 For patients who receive blood transfusions in Connecticut’s 31 urgent care hospitals, each donation can make the difference between life and death. Call 800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment. Newtown’s next blood drive will be on Monday, March 15, from 8:30 am to 6:15 pm at Trinity Church, 36 Main Street.

2. Build a survival kit (approximately 45 minutes). Assemble enough supplies in a centralized place in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Be sure to have plenty of flashlights and fresh batteries. Candles are not recommended for emergency lighting. Build a disaster supplies kit to take with you if you are asked to leave your home.

 The basics to stock in a portable kit include: water (one gallon per person and pet per day); food; first aid supplies; a change of clothing and blanket or sleeping bag; emergency tools (such as a wrench for turning off utilities); flashlights, radio, batteries; and special items for infants, elderly family members, or people with disabilities. Keep these items in an easy-to-carry container, such as a covered trash container, a large backpack, or a duffle bag.

3. Make a plan (approximately 40 minutes). Plan where to meet after a disaster. Choose two places outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire and another place outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to leave your neighborhood. After determining meeting places, map out at least two ways to escape from both your home and your community. Finally, ask an out-of-town friend to become your “family contact.” After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance over landlines. All family members should know how to contact this designee as soon as possible after they are safe.

4. Get trained in lifesaving skills (approximately 90 minutes). Take a Red Cross course in how to save a life at your local Red Cross. Knowledge of lifesaving skills is imperative for parents and children alike. Your local Red Cross chapter offers a 90-minute presentation that includes basic instruction in first aid and disaster preparedness.

5. Sign up to be a volunteer (approximately 30 minutes). Sign up to be a volunteer with the Red Cross. There are many volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. As a Disaster Action Team member, you can offer assistance to the victims of fires and other emergencies; as an Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) caseworker, you can help send emergency messages to US troops overseas; or as a blood services volunteer, you can help register people at Red Cross blood collection sites.

For more information on any of these steps, or for contact information on the closest Red Cross chapter, visit www.redcross.org or call 800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543).

Blood donors must be 17 or older, weigh 110 pounds or more and be in generally good health. Positive ID is required for all blood donors.