Documents; including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc

Everyday, 24 hours a day, the American Red Cross of Southern Maryland provides relief for local people whose homes were affected by fires and natural disaster. Disaster Action Teams, consisting volunteers, are on-call around the clock, 365 days a year. Once on-site, members of the team survey and assess the damage, and provide for the immediate needs of people displaced by the fire or disaster. These emergency needs may include food, clothing, and temporary housing.

Your local Red Cross answers the call for help through the generosity and support of the citizens of Southern Maryland. Contact the chapter if you can help.

Friends of the Red Cross in Southern Maryland.

We know that it is a difficult time to ask for help however, we are in need of sponsors and golfers for a annual SAIC golf event that will benefit your American Red Cross Chapter in Southern Maryland.

Possibly you don't know, that all Red Cross services, expected by the citizens of Southern Maryland is paid for by fundraising efforts here in Southern Maryland. We don't get government funds to do what we have been doing for over 90 years in Southern Maryland. We do not receive funds from, National Headquarters Red Cross or the US Department of Defense. It all happens because of people like you participating in fundraisers like the SAIC golf outing on Sept 9th at Brenton Bay.

Please pass this information to all you know. We are in need of golfers and sponsors.... Possible you are interested in Playing-a-Round for the Red Cross! Let everyone know that we need their support to keep your Red Cross ready.

Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.

We need your continued support!

Mike Z
CEO
Southern Maryland Chapter
American Red Cross, La Plata HQ Office
Office: (301) 934 2066
Office: (888) 276 2767
Cell: (240) 299 6856
email: MikeZ@SOMDRedCross.org

LOCAL BLOOD SHORTAGE WORSENS CAUSING Local American Red Cross TO ISSUE PLEA

Donors are urged to give blood this week and the weeks to come to counter a dangerously low blood supply in the Greater Chesapeake & Potomac (GC & P) Blood Services Region which supplies all of our local hospitals. The Southern Maryland Chapter American Red Cross is reporting a sharp decline in available blood, and is issuing an urgent plea to eligible blood donors to give the gift of life as soon as possible. All eligible donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a blood donation appointment immediately.

“The local blood supply is well below normal,” says Earl Buffaloe, newly elected Chapter Board of Director’s Chairman , “yet local patients continue to depend on the blood supply. This summer has proven difficult to collect enough blood to meet the local need of patients. We are asking all local donors to respond by scheduling an appointment before the end of July.”

Declined blood collection not only puts a strain on an already vulnerable blood supply, but the lack of scheduled appointments makes it particularly difficult for the American Red Cross to meet every day needs of local patients. Each day, countless trauma victims, cancer patients, premature babies and surgical candidates rely on the availability of blood for transfusion.

WHO CAN GIVE BLOOD?

Donors must :

• Be in generally good health;
• Be at least 17 years of age, or, in the state of Maryland only, 16 years of age with parental consent
• Weigh no less than 110 pounds;
• Have NOT received a tattoo within the past year;
• Have NOT donated whole blood within the past 56 days.

In addition to asking individual members of the community to donate blood, the American Red Cross strongly encourages businesses and community groups to schedule and organize emergency blood drives, some of which may even be accommodated before the end of July. Donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a blood donation appointment. Dates and location for Southern Maryland can be found on our web site http://chapters.redcross.org/md/charlescounty/giveblood.htm. Any groups interested in scheduling a drive or obtaining further information is asked to call 1-888 276 2767, ext. 313.

Red Cross Disaster Services recruiting a few good volunteers

The Southern Maryland Chapter announces it’s Free Disaster Service training

Southern Maryland March 2008– The American Red Cross is the only non-governmental organization mandated by the U.S. Congress to "alleviate human suffering" of victims of disasters such as fires, floods, hurricanes, and technological and transportation crises. To continue its humanitarian mission, the American Red Cross relies on donations of time and money from the public.

We are recruiting people who want to make a difference as a volunteer in the Northern Calvert County area to support the American Red Cross mission in Southern Maryland,” said Mike Zabko, CEO of the Southern Maryland Chapter. “Volunteer recruitment is an ongoing effort. It is essential that we have trained responders. During a disaster is not the right time to find out we are not prepared!” Zabko continued.

Fairview library in Owings, MD. Rt. 4 and Chaneyville Road. April 23, 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Fulfilling Our Mission, this class enables a volunteer to translate their care and compassion into community action. It will help the volunteer to assess how to use their skills and abilities to better serve people affected by disaster. We address how the Red Cross prepares for and responds to the citizens of Calvert County. Please visit southernmaryland.redcross.org Click on Red Cross Services Click on Classes

Go to bottom of the page, Click on Online class registration or online calendar.

Limited to the first 20 registrants that want to make a difference in Southern Maryland

All relief services, including hotel, food, and clothes vouchers, are gifts. Trained volunteers are the backbone of the Red Cross Disaster Relief Program, whose services include mental health services, damage assessment of residential property, and food and temporary housing.

Everyday, 24 hours a day, the American Red Cross of Southern Maryland provides relief for local people whose homes were affected by fires and natural disaster. Disaster Action Teams, consisting volunteers, are on-call around the clock, 365 days a year. Once on-site, members of the team survey and assess the damage, and provide for the immediate needs of people displaced by the fire or disaster. These emergency needs may include food, clothing, and temporary housing. If follow-up beyond the services provided at the scene is required, victims are assigned a case worker, also volunteers--to determine additional disaster caused needs and to assist with referrals to other community agencies or human service organizations to continue the recovery process. Your local Red Cross answers the call for help through the generosity and support of the citizens of Southern Maryland. Contact the chapter if you can help.

Together, We can save a life!

Southern Maryland Chapter announces the selection of the Director of Disaster Services

Southern Maryland — The American Red Cross, Southern Maryland Chapter, announces Mr. Gregory Jones Sr. has been selected to become the next Director of Disaster Services, effective December 1, 2007.

“On behalf of the entire Board, the Southern Maryland Chapter American Red Cross is delighted to welcome such a capable and compassionate leader whose proven experience and leadership skills will bring valuable expertise to better prepare the Southern Maryland Chapter American Red Cross to prevent, prepare and respond to the nation’s critical needs,” said Mike Zabko, CEO of the Southern Maryland Chapter American Red Cross. “We know Greg will bring new energy and drive terrific results when his tenure officially begins next month.” Zabko continued.

Gregory Jones Sr. brings to the Red Cross an accomplished management record in both the public and private sectors with a broad and diverse civilian, volunteer, and military background that is well suited to meet the challenges of this position. He has had extensive formal training and real-world experience with disaster services and emergency response in a wide range of roles. He has managed and supervised multiple organizations at senior levels, which have included the full range of personnel administration responsibilities, federal budget planning, justification, and execution, strategic planning, and is certified as a Red Cross Emergency Operations Center (EOC) / Incident Command Liaison for local government EOC’s and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

Greg has been an active volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) since 1971. As a former Paramedic and MIEMMS Emergency Medical Technician – Ambulance Instructor for 12 years, he maintains his Maryland EMT certification and has completed numerous disaster, fire, and rescue courses such as the FEMA National Response Plan, FEMA Incident Command System, fire ground tactics, crisis intervention, EVOC, CPR, Infection Control, and AED operations. He also serves as a certified instructor, mentor, and examiner for a nationwide emergency communications training program. For over 6 years he has been very active as a volunteer with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Teen Court Program, serving as the senior adult volunteer, jury monitor, bailiff, and most recently, as a Community Judge

“It is an honor and a privilege to become part of such a vital and enduring humanitarian service organization. The Red Cross not only reaches out to those in need in our Southern Maryland communities, but also across the nation, and around the world, whenever and wherever its services can help the victims of disasters,” said Jones. “I look forward to working with the outstanding volunteers, staff, and Board members during this challenging period in the history of the Southern Maryland Chapter American Red Cross.”

The American Red Cross is the only non-governmental organization mandated by the U.S. Congress to "alleviate human suffering" of victims of disasters such as fires, floods, hurricanes, and technological and transportation crises. To continue its humanitarian mission, the American Red Cross relies on donations of money, time, and blood from the public.

Your local Red Cross answers the call for help through the generosity and support of the citizens of Southern Maryland.

Together, We can save a life!

Southern Maryland Citizens asked to support American Red Cross in Southern Maryland

• Tornadoes devastate Southern Maryland.
• Southern Maryland affected by power outages.
• River and Bay front homes flooded.
• Ice Storm isolates Southern Maryland.
• Heat wave unbearable as electricity shuts down
• Single family home burns to the ground.
• Armed Forces Member becomes father while serving in Iraq.
• 8 pints of blood used to save the life of a local accident victim.

What do these items have in common?

They are occasions that the American Red Cross Volunteers and paid employees provide Immediate Emergency Assistance

Recently, the area has been inundated with Single Family home fires, unfortunately, some with devastating consequence and loss of life. After each fire, the Red Cross sprung into action providing clothes, food, and shelter for the affected families. But dwindling financial resources and volunteers means the local Red Cross may not be able to provide in such an emergency.

“We need help and we need it badly,” said Mike Zabko, American Red Cross Southern Maryland Chapter CEO. “Through the use of donated dollars we are able to provide on average $600-$700 to get back up on their feet for clothes, food, and shelter and that takes donated dollars and volunteers which we are short of.”

"The Chapter has received numerous requests for assistance for these home fires and continues to responded faithfully at all times of the day and night and in the worst weather of this winter season,” Zabko said. “The American Red Cross is the only organization that you’ll find after the fire is put out and the lights of the fire trucks are in the distance to provide immediate emergency assistance to the families affected with these tragic events.”

We need immediate community support through time and money to continue to provide emergency assistance to residents of Southern Maryland in their time of need. Please contact the any of the Chapter offices to donate time or money to replenish our local Disaster Relief Fund.

The American Red Cross is the only non-governmental organization mandated by the U.S. Congress to "alleviate human suffering" of victims of disasters such as fires, floods, hurricanes, and technological and transportation crises. To continue its humanitarian mission, the American Red Cross relies on donations of money and time from the public.

All relief services, including hotel, food, and clothes vouchers, are gifts. Trained volunteers are the backbone of the Red Cross Disaster Relief Program, whose services include mental health services, damage assessment of residential property, and food and temporary housing. Everyday, 24 hours a day, the American Red Cross of Southern Maryland provides relief for local people whose homes were affected by fires and natural disaster.

Please visit the Red Cross Disaster Services residential fire safety page.

Your local Red Cross answers the call for help through the generosity and support of the citizens of Southern Maryland.

Southern Maryland Chapter American Red Cross is looking for a few good drivers to support Disaster Relief Efforts

Southern Maryland -- Loaded with piping hot meals, recovery supplies and a dedicated team of Red Cross volunteers, an Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) will be able to roll into a disaster-affected Southern Maryland communities from Nanjemoy to Point Lookout, and from North Beach to Solomon’s, delivering sustenance, and encouragement to residents affected by disasters.

Thousands of Red Cross meals and snacks can be delivered in time of need, Red Cross volunteers will have an ERV to use in our local relief operations.

“We’ll be able to take the ERV out directly to the people that really need help,” said Mike Zabko, CEO for the local Chapter. “Our National HQ has provided the Southern Maryland with a National asset that we can put to good use and increase our capacity to provide the disaster services that the Southern Maryland community has come to expect over the past few disaster filled years,” Zabko continued.

Devastated by property loss or encumbered by power outages and water shortages, disaster victims and evacuees face an array of obstacles upon returning to their communities. However, in hurricane-impacted areas as we experienced less than a two years ago, the Red Cross is on site, delivering meals, shovels, rakes, cleaning supplies, gloves, and supporting residents as the area reopens after the disaster has passed or the evacuation mandate is lifted.

The Southern Maryland Chapter has been also awarded custody of an Emergency Communications Response Vehicle.(ECRV). This is a 40’ fifth wheel trailer capable of providing a self contained communications platform, classroom, or briefing room at a disaster site. It is equipped with state of the art Satellite communications, TV and audio visual equipment, and other radio’s used by the American Red Cross during a disaster event.

So you’re interested in driving and operating these vehicles?

Now that the chapter has this asset we are in need of volunteers that are willing to take on the responsibility of driving and manning the vehicle for local disasters and to take the ERV and ECRV to surrounding states to support the disaster recovery operations when needed.

This is a great opportunity for a retired couple or people that can take off consecutive weeks from their place of employment to support the American Red Cross efforts nationwide. All expenses are provided for during these disaster assignments. Also, we will need crews to be able to deploy these vehicles to Single Family Fires and other disasters in the Southern Maryland area. We will be starting a local training class in the next few months to train volunteers to take on this responsibility. Please call the Chapter for more information and to sign –up for the required training.

Disaster Action Teams, consisting volunteers, are on-call around the clock, 365 days a year. Once on-site, members of the team survey and assess the damage, and provide for the immediate needs of people displaced by the fire or disaster. These emergency needs may include food, clothing, and temporary housing.

Basic supplies (basic toiletries, blankets, water, and snacks) are kept on Disaster Response Vehicles. If follow-up beyond the services provided at the scene is required, victims are assigned a case worker, also volunteers--to determine additional disaster caused needs and to assist with referrals to other community agencies or human service organizations to continue the recovery process.

Please visit the Red Cross Disaster Services residential fire safety page.

Your local Red Cross answers the call for help through the generosity and support of the citizens of Southern Maryland.

Together, We can save a life!

AMERICAN RED CROSS INSTRUCTORS NOW MAKE HOUSE CALLS, AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES

‘Safe Baby Presentations’ make learning infant CPR convenient and fun

Southern Maryland area parents will find their infant CPR class could be as close as their living room with classmates who go by “grandma” and “grandpa.” This is available with the launching of its “Safe Baby Presentation” service, a non-certified orientation to infant CPR, which makes learning the lifesaving skill convenient and fun by delivering training in a “party” setting—a gathering of parents, family and friends. Led by a certified Red Cross CPR instructor, the approximately one hour session costs ten dollars ($10) per person and is available through out the Southern Maryland area.

Targeted to parents, caregivers and other family members, the “Safe Baby Presentation” is ideal for those interested in learning infant CPR, but who do not need detailed information or certification for official purposes such as a work or volunteer position requirement. The interactive session includes hands-on instruction and skills practice with infant manikins. Caring for a choking infant is also covered and participants receive a “has completed” certificate at the end. In addition, instructors refer to, and leave behind the “American Red Cross First Aid and Preparedness Booklet,” a handy guide for refreshing and expanding knowledge.

As a take on the very popular “product sale party” category, the Red Cross hopes the flexibility that “Safe Baby Presentations” provide will help in its goal of having at least one person in each of Southern Maryland’s 290,00 homes trained to administer first aid, CPR and use an AED.

“We want people to look at training not as a requirement, but a critical step towards their individual and family preparedness,” said Debora Storey, Health and Safety Director. “So we challenged ourselves, ‘how can we better prepare the community by training more people?’ Establishing a connection by positioning a service that helps keep infants healthy and safe in a new way was the answer. Not only do babies make us all a little happier, they also bring people together—in this case to get trained—so we Red Crossers are very happy,” Storey exclaims.

For more information, or contact the Southern Maryland Chapter at 301-934-2066 or 888-276-2767.

The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country and across the world—in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new—the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. Through almost 900 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world. Some 4 million people give blood—the gift of life—through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of 181 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

Learn CPR Online Through the American Red Cross

Southern Maryland –The Southern Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross now offers Blended Learning course in Adult CPR and First Aid. Do you need to be certified in Adult CPR and/or First Aid but don’t have the time to sit in a classroom all day? Well, now you don’t have to. With Blended Learning, you take the lecture portion of the course as well as the required test online. Then, schedule a skills session with our chapter to complete the program. The skills session will run approximately 2 hours. The program is available for individuals as well as businesses. Course fees vary depending on certification needs.

For more info and to register:

Call 301-934-2066 or 888-276-2767

301-753-4042 Fax

Email: Deboras@SOMDRedCross.org

Your local Red Cross answers the call for help through the generosity and support of the citizens of Southern Maryland.

Together, We can save a life!

The Red Cross Continues to Need Volunteers

Please read HERE

AMERICAN RED CROSS DONATION TIPS

Ensuring Your Donations Go Directly to the American Red Cross Mercantile Southern Maryland Bank Branches are collection points

Southern Maryland--- – The American Red Cross has received generous pledges from individuals, foundations, and corporations totaling $194 million to date toward a goal of $400 million to support the International Red Cross tsunami relief efforts. As with any disaster and subsequent onset of giving, the American Red Cross is working hard to protect the public from misleading, unauthorized, and fraudulent fundraising.

The American Red Cross works closely to ensure that fundraising promotions that benefit our organization are authorized by the American Red Cross in compliance with the fundraising guidelines of the Better Business Bureau. Several Web sites including Amazon.com and Yahoo are serving as official donation sites for the American Red Cross. In addition, thousands of other businesses nationwide are linking to the Red Cross to enable individuals to make direct donations to the organization. One of those businesses is here in Southern Maryland. “Starting today you can make a secure donation at any of the 17 locations of Mercantile Southern Maryland Bank,” states John Reith, Vice President of Commercial Lending, and Southern Maryland Chapter Board Treasurer.

“American Red Cross considers the security of the donation to be of paramount importance. As such, it was a great fit when Mercantile Southern Maryland Bank stepped up to support the American Red Cross efforts in Southern Maryland,” said Mike Zabko CEO of the Southern Maryland Chapter. “Our community will have a safe place to make their donation and not have to worry if the mail will be lost or some other unscrupulous parties take their donations for other activities,” Zabko continued.

In order to ensure that your donation goes directly to the American Red Cross, you can 1). make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org ; 2. make a secure donation by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW; or 3) make a donation at any one of the 4 offices of the Southern Maryland Chapter or any one of the 17 local Mercantile Southern Maryland Bank branches in the Southern Maryland area.

The American Red Cross has not authorized any “tsunami relief bracelets.” Upon discovering these unauthorized fundraising promotions, the American Red Cross stopped them.

The Red Cross takes fraud seriously and often works with federal, state, and local law enforcement on stopping fraudulent fundraising.

The Red Cross continues to communicate on a regular basis with other non-profit groups, the Better Business Bureau, state attorney general offices and media and members of the public to investigate reports of improper and fraudulent fundraising.

If an individual is suspicious of a promotion claiming to benefit the American Red Cross, please contact the Southern Maryland Chapter to report the activity. The American Red Cross will follow-up any leads on potentially fraudulent scams and will take appropriate action.

Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, the American Red Cross is a nationwide network of nearly 900 field units dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Led by 1 million volunteers and 36,000 employees, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 70,000 disasters, trains almost 12 million people in lifesaving skills, and keeps U.S. military families connected worldwide. The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to more than 3,000 hospitals across the nation and also assists victims of international disasters and conflicts at locations worldwide. Marsha J. Evans is the President and CEO of the American Red Cross.

Your local American Red Cross answers the call for help through the generosity and support of the citizens of Southern Maryland.

Together, We can save a life!

SOUTHERN MARYLAND RED CROSS CHAPTER ANNOUNCES TRAINING CLASS SCHEDULE

Training is conducted in many convenient sites throughout Southern Maryland:

• Chapter Headquarters office: 9255 W & W Industrial Rd, La Plata, MD (same road as Mr. Tire, located north of La Plata Wal-Mart or Food Lion) MAP
• Waldorf Training Center: 2295 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD Located in the Enterprise car rental building enter on the north side of the building (next to Sam’s Club and across from Ken Dixon Auto) MAP
• Prince Frederick office: 150, Suite 104 Main St. Downtown Prince Frederick MAP
• Calvert Memorial Hospital: 100 Hospital Rd, Prince Frederick MAP
• Patuxent River Naval Base office: Building 401 next to the Stone Church on Cedar Point Road. Special access required. Please notify Red Cross staff if you do not have NAS Base access MAP
• Leonardtown office: Courthouse drive, next to the Courthouse in Leonardtown MAP
• California Training Site: St. Mary’s County Regional Airport, Airport Drive, California MD MAP

Click here for a complete calender of classes.

Classes are filled on First come, First pay bases. NO REFUNDS. If you miss a course you may reschedule. Major Credit Cards (MC, AE, VISA and Discover) are accepted by phone, call 301-934-2066 OR 301-753-4042(metro). Mailing address, PO Box 507, La Plata, MD 20646. Payments will also be received at the chapter office; 9255 W&W Industrial Rd, LaPlata, MD 20646 (Near Mr. Tire on Rt. 301 south)

Class size is limited. Participants are requested to bring lunch for classes consisting of instructional blocks of more than four (4) hours.

Full Service classes in First Aid & CPR are also available. We help your company meet OSHA requirements and industry-specific needs by offering a broad range of training, including Adult CPR, Automated External Defibrillation (AED), First Aid, Injury-Control Modules, Infant and Child CPR, Preventing Disease Transmission (Bloodborne Pathogens) and Oxygen Administration. Instructors conduct classes at your designated place and time. Call the chapter HQ for details, 301-934-2066, 301-753-4042, or 1-888-276-2767. Email for information: HealthandSafety at: Deboras@SOMDRedCross.org

Together, We can save a life!

NATION’S TERROR THREAT LEVEL RAISED TO ORANGE; AMERICAN RED CROSS URGES FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, BUSINESSES TO PREPARE

Public Should Follow Precautions for Level Orange at www.redcross.org

Southern Maryland — America’s terror threat level has been raised to “High/Orange,” for the financial sector in New York City, northern New Jersey, and Washington, D.C The American Red Cross Southern Maryland Chapter is urging families and individuals in the region to make appropriate preparations according to the Red Cross Recommendations for the Homeland Security Advisory System, available at www.redcross.org. “Although we are far from some of these cities we do not want to scare people but just raise awareness,” said Mike Zabko CEO of the Southern Maryland Chapter. “It was less than a year ago the Hurricane Isabel left our region in turmoil and we are in Hurricane season now. Heightening disaster preparedness awareness can be life saving measure if we are dealt another blow from Mother Nature. Mother Nature could be our communities most feared terrorist,” Zabko continued.

Each level of the Red Cross recommendations includes completing the identified actions at the lesser threat levels. Being alert to suspicious activity and reporting it to authorities, along with taking a Red Cross CPR/AED and first aid course, are recommended throughout the system. The following is a summary of recommended actions for “Orange” and lower levels:

Individuals

• Review your Personal Disaster Plan.
• Ensure your Disaster Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.
• Develop alternate routes to and from work or school and practice them.
• Exercise caution when traveling.
• Have shelter-in-place materials on hand and review the procedure in
• Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected, a Red Cross brochure.
• Contact the Chapter to volunteer your services 888 276 2767 SouthernMaryland. RedCross.Org

Families

• Review Family Disaster Plan with all family members.
• Check items in your Disaster Supplies Kit and replace items that are outdated.
• If not known to you, contact your child’s school to determine their emergency notification and evacuation plans.
• Ensure the emergency communication plan is understood and practiced by all family members.
• Discuss children’s fears concerning possible terrorist attacks.

Neighborhoods

• Check on neighbors who are elderly or have special needs to ensure they are okay. Review their disaster plan with them.
• If a need is announced, contact nearest blood collection agency and offer to organize a neighborhood blood drive.

Schools

• Review the school’s emergency plan that was developed using the Red Cross Emergency
• Ensure all emergency supplies are stocked and ready.
• Offer Masters of Disaster Facing Fear: Helping Young People Deal with Terrorism and Tragic Events lessons in grades K-12.
• Prepare to handle inquiries from anxious parents and media.

Businesses

• Review the emergency plans, including continuity of operations and media materials on hand.
• Ensure that the emergency communication plan is updated and includes the purchase of needed emergency equipment as detailed in the Red Cross Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry.
• Determine any need to restrict access to the business or provide private security firm support/reinforcement.
• Contact vendors/suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures.
• If need is announced, contact nearest blood collection agency about organizing a blood drive.

To download the full versions of the Red Cross Recommendations for the Homeland Security Advisory System, visit www.redcross.org, where you can also find a wide variety of free publications in a variety of languages to help citizens prepare for terrorism and natural disasters. To donate blood or host a blood drive at your business, please call 1-888-276-2767.

The American Red Cross of Southern Maryland serves Calvert, Charles and St Mary’s counties. Last year, volunteers and paid staff responded to hundreds of disasters throughout our communities, providing disaster relief for over 250 families. Over 3,000 people were trained in lifesaving skills such as first aid and CPR. And nearly 300 emergency communications kept members of the military in touch with their families during times of need.

For more information or to learn how to be a Red Cross volunteer, or donate time or money contact the chapter directly 1-888-276-2767

Together, We can save a life!