City of Covina reimburses Chapter $35,000 for its disaster relief effort

American Red Cross Staff Photo By Jeremy Schlittenhart

Covina City Council Member Chris Lancaster (left) along with Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Chief Dan Scott (right) congratulate Chapter CEO Angie Turner. The Covina City Council on Tuesday night voted 4-0 to reimburse the Chapter $35,000 for its disaster relief services provided to Covina residents during an early-morning fire July 18 at the Mountain View Ventura Apartments on San Bernardino Road. Covina's altruistic move was unprecedented in the 90-year history of the San Gabriel Valley Chapter.

In a move unprecedented in the 90-year history of the San Gabriel Valley Chapter, the City of Covina has reimbursed the Pasadena-based organization $35,000 for responding last July to a Covina apartment fire.

The Covina City Council approved the reimbursement by a 4-0 vote for the San Gabriel Valley Chapter’s disaster relief services provided to Covina residents during an early morning fire July 18 at the Mountain View Venture Apartments on San Bernardino Road.

The Chapter used nearly 40 percent of its Fiscal Year 2005 local disaster relief budget on the apartment blaze for disaster relief, personal living, furnishings and mass care needs. In addition, the Red Cross set up an evacuation center at the Faith Community Church, and another at Northview High School.

"If we want to continue to ensure that the Red Cross is accessible to our community to assist our Covina residents who are victims of tragedy, then we as a city have an obligation to reimburse this humanitarian organization,” said Covina City Councilman Chris Lancaster, who spearheaded the effort. “It is the right thing to do."



Chapter celebrates 90th Anniversary with unveiling of its new pin

American Red Cross Staff Photo By Jeremy Schlittenhart

Workplace specialist Jan Billups (left) along with Tournament of Roses President Dave Davis (center) and Chapter CEO Angie Turner unveil the new pin which honors the San Gabriel Valley Chapter's long-standing relationship with the Tournament of Roses.

The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross on Wednesday unveiled its 2005 Rose Parade® pin commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Chapter, showcasing the majestic
San Gabriel Mountain range alongside the official Tournament of Roses insignia.

“We couldn’t do the Rose Parade without the dedicated assistance of American Red Cross volunteers,” said Pasadena Tournament of Roses President David M. Davis who helped to unveil the pin.

Joining Davis at the ceremony was Angie Turner, chief executive officer of the Chapter and the pin’s designer, Jan Billups of Altadena, a noted local artist and workplace/marketing specialist at the Chapter.

The pin, manufactured by Milestone Products in Monrovia, honors the ongoing relationship between the Red Cross and the Tournament of Roses (www.tournamentofroses.com). For more than 30 years, the Red Cross has coordinated First Aid stations along the Rose Parade route and has supported First Aid services for the Rose Bowl Game.

The 116th Rose Parade themed Celebrate Family, will take place on Saturday, January 1, 2005 at 8:00 a.m. (PST). Following the Rose Parade at 2:00 p.m. (PST), the 91st Rose Bowl Game, presented by Citi. For additional information, please call (626) 449-ROSE.



Companion Corps positions available
our Chapter will implement Companion Corps. This is a partnership of organizations with a common Mission:
To optimize the quality and independence of life for older adults in the San Gabriel Valley by promoting access to services, educational and healthcare resources, through the collaborative efforts of volunteers and partner agencies.

If you are: dependable, responsible, passionate in helping older adults, proactive, able to work alone or as part of a team, able to commit to a 10 to11 month “year-of-service” (1,700 hours), and have exceptional interpersonal skills; we need you.

We are currently interviewing. For more information or to interview for a position: email your resume to Hector Martel at martel@sgvarc.org; or fax your resume to Companion Corps Position at (626) 332-5589; or mail your resume to American Red Cross, 1838 E. Workman Avenue in West Covina, CA 91791; or call (626) 331-8266 and ask for Hector Martel or Anastacia Stewart.


CHP, MADD and Red Cross joined forces to promote Maximum Enforcement Period

American Red Cross Staff Photo By Jeremy Schlittenhart

California Highway Patrol Assistant Chief Art Acevedo said the CHP was on maximum force this past Thanksgiving holiday looking for impaired drivers on Southland roads and highways. The CHP's Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) began Wednesday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. and ended on Monday, Nov. 29 at 12:01 a.m.

The California Highway Patrol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the American Red Cross joined forces on Nov. 24 to promote a safe Thanksgiving holiday on Southland roads and highways.

CHP Assistant Chief Art Acevedo said the CHP was expected be at maximum force to make sure Southland roads are safe, and said law enforcement would have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to impaired drivers getting on the road this holiday season.

The CHP’s Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) began Wednesday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. and ended on Monday, Nov. 29 at 12:01 a.m.

Jacque Buchelli, 39, of Pasadena, a MADD board member who was the victim of an impaired driver on Jan. 1, 1999, said the holidays are the most difficult time of the year for her. “You wake up and you’re alone,” Mrs. Buchelli said. Her husband, Marcelo, was 34 when he was killed in the crash.

The American Red Cross is encouraging residents to learn CPR and first aid at their local Los Angeles County American Red Cross chapter.

The CHP, MADD and the Red Cross held a joint news conference at the ,Cravens Estate in Pasadena, headquarters of the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.


Chapter donors honored at
2nd Annual Clara Barton Dinner

American Red Cross Staff Photo By Jeremy Schlittenhart

Barry Gordon, actor and talk show host, addresses about 100 prominent Red Cross donors during the Second Annual Clara Barton Dinner at the Cravens Estate, headquarters of the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.


American Red Cross Issues Flooding and Mudslide Tips
IF FLOODING OCCURS. . .

American Red Cross provides flood safety tips as Southern California prepares for overnight storm

If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way. Climb to higher ground. If it is moving swiftly, even water six inches deep can knock you off your feet. Many people are swept away wading through flood waters, resulting in injury or death.

Stay away from flooded areas. Even if it seems safe, flood waters may still be rising.

Never try to walk, swim, drive, or play in flood water. You may not be able to see on the surface how fast flood water is moving or see holes and submerged debris.

If you are in a vehicle and become surrounded by water, if you can get out safely, do so immediately and move to higher ground. Vehicles can be swept away in two feet of water.

Watch out for snakes in areas that were flooded. Flood waters flush snakes from their homes.

Stay away from creek and stream banks in flooded and recently flooded areas. The soaked banks often become unstable due to heavy rainfall and can suddenly give way, tossing you into rapidly moving water.

Never play around high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. It is very easy to be swept away by fast moving water.

Throw away all food that has come into contact with flood waters. Contaminated flood water contains bacteria and germs. Eating foods exposed to flood waters can make you very sick.

Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic bottles with clean water. Water may become contaminated or service may be interrupted.

Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors. Unsecured items may be swept away and damaged by flood waters.

Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home. If flood waters affect your home, higher floors are less likely to receive damage.

If you are instructed by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve. In some areas, local authorities may advise you to turn off utilities to prevent further damage to homes and the community.

Get your preassembled disaster supplies ready. You may need to act quickly. Having your supplies ready will save time.

Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued. If electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days.

Be prepared to evacuate. Local officials may ask you to leave if they truly feel your home is at risk from flood waters.

What to Do if You Are Driving During a Flood

Avoid already flooded areas, and areas subject to sudden flooding. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water, or people playing in high water. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. Rapidly rising water may stall the engine, engulf the vehicle and its occupants, and sweep them away. Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low areas. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

If you are driving and come upon rapidly rising waters, turn around and find another route. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. If your route is blocked by flood waters or barricades, find another route. Barricades are put up by local officials to protect people from unsafe roads. Driving around them can be a serious risk.

If your vehicle becomes surrounded by water or the engine stalls, and if you can safely get out, abandon your vehicle immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles. When a vehicle stalls in the water, the water's momentum is transferred to the car.

The lateral force of a foot of water moving at 10 miles per hour is about 500 pounds on the average automobile. The greatest effect is buoyancy--for every foot that water rises up the side of a car, it displaces 1,500 pounds of the car's weight. So, two feet of water moving at 10 miles per hour will float virtually any car. Many persons have been swept away by flood waters upon leaving their vehicles, which are later found without much damage. Use caution when abandoning your vehicle, and look for an opportunity to move away quickly and safely to higher ground.

American Red Cross Issues Earthquake Tips
IN AN EARTHQUAKE . . .

The American Red Cross wants you to know what to do now that an earthquake has happened. This information has been prepared to help you and your family be safe. Earthquakes continue to happen well after the main shock. Be prepared for aftershocks, which are smaller earthquakes. Every time you feel the ground shake, drop, cover, and hold on!

Specific directions: drop under a table or desk. Cover the back of your head with one hand. Hold on to the table or desk with the other hand. Close your eyes. Stay there until the shaking is over.

If a table or desk is not available, sit against an interior wall. Bend over, using both hands to protect your head and neck. Stay there until the shaking is over.

Avoid the urge to rush outside: more people are injured by attempting to flee a building than by staying inside it. Also, keep in mind that the Red Cross has not recommended using a doorway for earthquake protection for many years. Only one person can use a doorway at a time; not all doorways are built into the structural framework of a building; moving any distance during the shaking of an earthquake increases chances of being injured.


Specific directions for what to do if an aftershock happens in certain situations:

a. If you are in bed: stay there. Do not roll out of bed. Pull the covers over your head, and use the pillow for protection. Stay in bed until the shaking stops.

b. If you are driving a car: it will feel like you have a flat tire. Slow down and pull over to the side of the road when you can do so safely. Stop in an open area, away from power lines and overpasses.

c. If you are outside: stay outside. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Crouch down and cover your head. Many injuries occur within 10 feet of the entrance to buildings. Bricks, roofing, glass from broken windows, and other materials can fall from buildings, injuring persons nearby. Trees, streetlights, and power lines may also fall, causing damage or injury.

Wait in your safe place until the shaking stops, then check to see if you are hurt. You will be better able to help others if you take care of yourself first, then check the people around you. Move carefully and watch out for things that have fallen or broken, creating hazards.

Additional earthquake safety facts:

• Earthquakes often disrupt power. Keep a flashlight handy. Do not use candles or any open flame for emergency lighting. More people have been killed in the United States in fires caused by using candles than by the direct effects of earthquakes.

• Earthquakes create a lot of dangerous debris. Always wear sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirts, and long pants. Keep shoes and a flashlight by your bedside at night.

• Be on the lookout for fires. Fire is the most common earthquake-related hazard, due to broken gas lines, damaged electrical lines or appliances, and previously contained fires or sparks being released.

• In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a strong aftershock.

Earthquakes frequently cause fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems to go off even if there is no fire. Check for and extinguish small fires.

• If you must leave a building after the shaking stops, use the stairs, not the elevator.

• Check yourself for injuries. Often people tend to others without checking their own injuries. You will be better able to care for others if you are not injured or if you have received first aid for your injuries.

• Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. This will protect your from further injury by broken objects.

• After you have taken care of yourself, help injured or trapped persons. If you have it in your area, call 9-1-1, then give first aid when appropriate. Don't try to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Do not call 9-1-1 unless you are reporting a life-threatening situation.

• Leave the gas on at the main valve, unless you smell gas or think it's leaking. It may be weeks or months before professionals can turn gas back on using the correct procedures. Explosions have caused injury
and death when homeowners have improperly turned their gas back on by themselves.

• Open closet and cabinet doors cautiously. Contents may have shifted during the shaking of an earthquake
and could fall, creating further damage or injury.

• Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe. Aftershocks following earthquakes can cause further damage to unstable buildings. If your home has experienced damage, get out before aftershocks happen.

• Listen to a portable, battery-operated radio (or television) for updated emergency information and instructions. If the electricity is out, this may be your main source of information. Local radio and local officials provide the most appropriate advice for your particular situation.

• Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines, and stay out of damaged areas.

Hazards caused by earthquakes are often difficult to see, and you could be easily injured.

• Stay out of damaged buildings. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe. Damaged buildings may be destroyed by aftershocks following the main quake.

• Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights to inspect your home. Kerosene lanterns, torches, candles, and matches may tip over or ignite flammables inside.

• Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to fire or injury from falling debris during an aftershock. Cracks in chimneys can be the cause of a fire years later.

• Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance claims.

• Avoid smoking inside buildings. Smoking in confined areas can cause fires.

• When entering buildings, use extreme caution. Building damage may have occurred where you least expect it. Carefully watch every step you take.
• Examine walls, floor, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.

• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a
neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

• Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get
to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

• Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water
from the tap. You can obtain safe water from undamaged water heaters or by melting ice cubes.

• Watch for loose plaster, drywall, and ceilings that could fall.

• Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disaster situations. They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through.

• Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard. The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or
defensive.

If you have questions or need assistance, call your American Red Cross.
This information is derived from “Talking About Disasters: Guide for Standard Messages,” published by the National Disaster Education
Coalition, Washington, DC, 1999. All content is in the public domain and may be freely used and distributed without permission. Attribution to
the National Disaster Education Coalition will be appreciated.


American Red Cross Issues Water Safety Tips
IN OR AROUND WATER . . .

• Never leave a child unsupervised in or around water in the home. Empty all containers immediately after use and store out of reach.

• Install four-sided isolation fencing, at least five feet high and equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates, around a home pool or spa. Fencing should completely surround swimming pools or spas and prevent direct access from a house or yard.

• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD when on a boat, near open bodies of water or when participating in water sports. Air-filled swimming aids, such as “water wings,” are not considered safety devices and are not substitutes for PFDs.

• Never dive into water less than nine feet deep.

• Children ages 14 and under should never operate a personal watercraft.

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