Our Mission Statement: The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Click Here to See Employment Opportunities.

The American Red Cross encourages people to register themselves on the Safe and Well Website, which is accessible at all times via www.redcross.org , or by clicking on the banner link. The Safe and Well Website is an Internet-based tool that allows those affected by a disaster to let their loved ones know of their well-being. People within a disaster-affected area are able to select and post standard messages. Concerned family members who know the person’s current phone number or a complete home address can then search for the posted messages, providing peace of mind.

2009 Holiday Giving Catalog

Gifts that save the day
In this season of hope, give gifts in the name of your loved ones and provide help and hope to families in crisis all year long.
Click here to start giving today!

For the most up-to-date information on H1N1 Influenza and a list of vaccination locations in Suffolk County please visit the Suffolk County Department of Health Services web site at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health.

If you have any questions about the H1N1 Influenza please call the New York State Department of Health H1N1 Influenza Hotline at 1-800-808-1987, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For local issues, you can call the Suffolk County H1N1 Influenza Hotline at 631-787-2200, currently open weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

Fire Safety Tips
The American Red Cross and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released results of a survey showing the majority (79%) of Americans are concerned about the rising cost of heating their homes, and many will use an alternative heating source to reduce their bills this winter. The survey identified additional behaviors related to appliance maintenance and cooking that could also present home fire hazards this winter.

“Home fires can be just as devastating as any other type of disaster,” said Diane Amarosa, Executive Director of the Suffolk County Chapter. “The Red Cross is here to help anyone affected by a home fire, but also to provide information that helps people prevent and stay safer in a home fire.”

Heating and Cooking Fires:
According to NFPA reports, cooking and heating are the leading causes of home fires. The survey revealed the majority of Americans are concerned about the rising cost of heating their homes (79%), and that 48% of households will use an alternative heating source to reduce their bills this winter. Alternative heating sources include portable space heaters, stoves, ovens and fireplaces. A third (36%) of people with fireplaces reported they never cleaned or inspected their chimneys. The survey also found 23% of respondents did not consider it essential to make sure someone is home when food is cooking on the stove.

Smoke Alarms and Fire Escape Plans:
Respondents also revealed another unsafe behavior, which is disabling (37%) smoke alarms when they go off in a non-testing situation. More than half (53%) of the households surveyed have not taken any of three common actions in most home fire escape plans, which includes discussing with family members how to get out of the home, deciding on an outdoor meeting place and practicing the plan.

NFPA and the American Red Cross offer these and other safety tips:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• Give space heaters space by keeping them at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

For additional fire safety tips visit www.firepreventionweek.org or www.redcross.org/homefires.