ARKANSANS HELPING HAITI

A mud covered child is safe with an American Red Cross worker after surviving the 7.3 Haiti earthquake.

Arkansans are familiar with large-scale disasters. They know the images of Tuesday's 7.3 earthquake that ripped apart the island of Haiti are only a hint of the devastation and the long road to recovery that the 3 million Haitians now face. (Fewer than 3 million people live in the state of Arkansas.)

The generosity of Arkansans continues to be shown in calls to the Chapter to help financially and to volunteer.

At this time, we are only deploying Red Cross volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. We ask you to sign up for First Aid training or to become a member of our Disaster Teams. The scenes from Haiti are grim reminders of how critical such lifesaving training can be when time matters.

Clothing and food from individuals is not being requested for this emergency. For an international response, a monetary gift is the best way to help.

You can help the victims of the Haiti earthquake and 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 for those in need.

The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to the Haiti earthquake, please do so at the time of your donation.

• 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
• 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish)
• Online at Red Cross
• Mail: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013
• "Haiti" to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross.

LOCATING FRIENDS IN HAITI

Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens living or traveling in Haiti should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-647-5225.

For inquiries regarding non-U.S. citizens in Haiti, please register at Red Cross family links. The Red Cross family linking response in Haiti will focus on allowing people in the earthquake-affected areas to contact their relatives abroad.

BE PREPARED

Arkansans have felt rumblings in all areas of the state -- the New Madrid fault under northeast Arkansas isn't the only area that has earthquake potential. Would you know what to do in the event of a major earthquake? Click for an earthquake preparedness checklist.

Mittens are warmer than gloves: Layer up for warmth.

DRESSING FOR WARMTH

If the past summer wasn't interesting enough with record rain, winter is already making its presence felt with cold.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe and warm as you head out to work, school and play:

   • Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. Don't forget gloves or mittens, and a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.

   • Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.

   • Click here for more weather tips.

LIFEGUARD TRAINING

Are you ready for an emergency in the water? You will be with Lifeguard Training from the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas. The 2010 schedule offers training sessions March 22-28, April 19-25 and May 10-16. Certification in this course is a requirement to work as a lifeguard in Arkansas. Click for a PDF of the Lifeguard Training schedule and registration form. Lifeguards interested in recertification may call the bookstore at (501) 748-1060.

Addie and Jordan learn to properly burp infants during Babysitter Training.

CALLING ALL BABYSITTERS

If you're 11-15 years old with a desire to provide expert care for children, including your own brothers and sisters, babysitter training is for you. Learn professional skills to separate you from the average babysitter. This workshop fills up fast, so grab your friends and sign up now.

For additional information contact cabrerai@arkansasredcross.org.

YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU KNOW

2009 Arkansas Good Samaritan Hero Christian Emerson never imagined her First Aid/CPR/AED training would be put to use.

But she used her training to help resuscitate an infant who was thrown from a car that overturned into a frigid creek. "Was I glad I knew what to do!" Christian said.

Be ready for whatever comes your way by learning First Aid/CPR/AED use. There's a place for you. Click the latest course schedule to pick a date that works. Pharmacy Online We look forward to seeing you in class.

YOU CAN STOP A FIRE

Fire can be prevented with safety and care.

The holidays were anything but restful for the Chapter's Disaster Teams, who responded to more than 60 fires from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. To reduce the number of additional fires this year, let's all follow these safety points:

• All heaters need space! Keep things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least three feet away from dish network heating equipment, fireplaces and stoves.
• Place portable space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, or near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away. Look for a model that shuts off automatically if the space heater tips over. Do not use heating equipment to dry wet clothing.
• Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
• Never leave portable heaters, wood burning stoves or fireplaces unattended. Turn them off before leaving or going to bed.
• Keep the fire in the fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

Treat your pets like family: Don't leave them outside in the cold.

FOUR LEGS MEAN MORE TO LOVE AND KEEP WARM

Don't forget pets need winter weather care too. If they're outside, bring them indoors. If that's not possible, provide adequate shelter with friends to keep them warm.

Also, check on your buddy's food and water to make certain it's not frozen, and add more layers to the doghouse floor for comfort and warmth.

  

ANNUAL REPORT

Click to download a PDF version of the 2009 Greater Arkansas Chapter Annual Report (66.3 KB).