Nov. 21 Clearfield-Jefferson ARC Notes

ARE YOU READY FOR A WINTER STORM?
The American Red Cross would like to take this time to advise the local area of what to do to prepare for a winter storm. Although the weather has not shown the need, we all know it will be coming!
Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

To insure public awareness of the differences issued by the weather station for your area – here is an explanation:
WINTER STORM OUTLOOK – Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2-5 days;
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening;
WINTER STORM WATCH – Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
WINTER STORM WARNING – Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

What should you do in a winter storm? Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing and wear mittens and a hat, wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow; minimize travel; winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full (this will keep the fuel line from freezing); insulate your home; maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned; bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather; running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Your family should have a Disaster Supplies Kit ready. This kit should include the following items: water and non-perishable, easy to prepare food– at least a 3-day supply (1 gallon/person/day); flashlight; battery powered radio, extra batteries, first aid kit; medications (7 day supply) and medical items (hearing aids w/extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, cane); multi-purpose tool; sanitation and personal hygiene items; copies of personal documents (medication list; proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies); cell phone charges; emergency contact information within the family; extra cash; baby supplies, pet supplies; warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots, extra blankets and warm clothing for each household member; ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood-or coal-burning stoves.

After the storm, there are things that you should also consider and be aware of. If your home loses power or heat, please go to the designated public shelter during extreme cold; avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog; protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia; help people who require special assistance check on animals to make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked. If possible, bring them indoors.

There are a lot of heating devices that people use during the winter months. The one thing that people must remember is that Carbon Monoxide Kills. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire. You should have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in a central location on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide. If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

If your community experiences a severe winter storm or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site available through the RedCross.org to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.

Remember, when a winter storm, tornado, food, fire or other emergency happens in your community, you can count on your local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you and your loved ones. Your Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions of your time, money and blood. For more information, contact your local Red Cross chapter at 814-849-2712 in Brookville or 814-765-5516 in Clearfield, national Weather Service office or emergency management agency.

Christmas is coming quickly! We have a few extra decorative Wreaths; Live, long lasting 20” Noble fir, decorated with Juniper berries, Incense Cedar, Pine cones and a bow. Cost is a $20.00. Please call 765-5516 in Clearfield and 849-2712 in Brookville to order.

Health & Safety Classes:
Babysitter Training will be held at the Red Cross office on December 5, 2009 at 9:00 am. The course offers a unique interactive, educational format that tasks youth, 11 - 14 years of age, with activities such as identifying safety problems around the house and yard and selecting age-appropriate toys and games for children in their care. Participants learn basic care and first aid techniques. This format, along with the course video and an enthusiastic instructor, keeps the interest of the babysitters and provides a meaningful classroom experience. Call 765-5516 to register.

Cat and Dog First Aid: $20.00 will supply you with the course certification and your choice of Cat or Dog First Aid Book and DVD. Learn to care for your pet until you can get them to a vet! Please call the office at 765-5516 if you would be interested in attending a Pet First Aid class. Gift certificates are available if you would like to do some easy Holiday shopping for that hard to buy for person on your list.

Adult CPR – Clearfield –December 2, 2009
Brookville – December 15, 2009
Punxsutawney – December 7, 2009
Infant Child CPR– Clearfield – December 3, 2009


First Aid – Clearfield – December 17, 2009
Brookville – December 17, 2009
Punxsutawney – December 8, 2009
Call 765-5516 in Clearfield or 849-2712 in Brookville & Punxsutawney to register for classes or place an order.

Visit the Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter Web site for all the local Red Cross news.

Clearfield Bloodmobile Schedule
Fri. Nov. 27 Fixed Site 12:00-6:00
Fri. Dec. 4 Fixed Site 440 Front Place 12:00-6:00
Mon. Dec. 7 Curwensville United Methodist Church 12:00-6:00
Fri. Dec. 11 Clearfield Area High School 8:15-2:00
Wed. Dec. 16 Karthaus 1:00-7:00

Jefferson County Bloodmobile Schedule


Tuesday, Nov. 24 Masonic Lodge-Reynoldsville 1-7
Friday, Nov. 27 Big Run War Memorial - Big Run 12:30-6
Thursday, Dec. 10 EUM Church - Brookville 12-6
Tuesday, Dec. 15 SSCD - Punxsutawney 12-6
Wednesday, Dec. 16 Brockway Volunteer Hose - Brockway 12-6

Red Cross is a United Way and United Fund Participating Agency and RSVP Station.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit here or join our blog. Support your American Red Cross! Checks may be sent to Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter, 1100 S. Second St. Suite 2, Clearfield, Pa 16830, or Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter, 18 Western Ave, Brookville, Pa 15825. VISA and MasterCard are accepted.