Shred for the Red!

Thank you to the First National Bank of Ipswich, bank employees, and all who participated in the Shred for the Red on June 6th. Proceeds from this event allow your American Red Cross of Northeast Massachusetts to continue with Disaster Relief and Preparedness programs, Service to the Armed forces, as well as Community Education programs throughout our 15 communities.

The 2009 Chocolate Tour of Newburyport
Thank you to the hundreds of folks who joined us for our 6th annual Chocolate Tour of Newburyport on Saturday, May 16, 2009.  We all strolled through downtown Newburyport and the Tannery Mall while sampling chocolate delights and surprises presented by over 20 local shops.  Also, a great big thanks to all of the chocolate makers and the many shops that presented the fantastic chocolate treats, ice creams, and even gelatos! The proceeds will benefit local programs provided by your Red Cross Chapter here in northeastern Massachusetts.

12th Annual Golf Classic

Save the Date:  September 22, 2009 for our annual golf tournament.  Join us at Turner Hill Golf Club in Ipswich, MA

Will You Be Prepared If Disaster Strikes?
So many things compete for our attention these days that sometimes it’s hard to prioritize things that are good for us. While it may seem overwhelming or unimportant to get prepared, we know from experience that taking steps to prepare ahead of time can help you respond better and stay safer in an emergency.  The American Red Cross joins the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a coalition of more than 1,500 organizations in helping you get prepared.  click here for more information. 

Hurricane Season 2009
The North Shore of Massachusetts has not experienced a direct hit from a hurricane since late August 1954 when Hurricane Carol and then Hurricane Edna passed over the area (read more about these storms).  Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense. The National Weather Service in Taunton, MA has issued an important bulletin, click here to read it.  Read about the National Hurricane Center 2009 outlook.  You can print a brochure with preparedness information and a Hurricane Tracking Chart to track a storm's progress.
Read what the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has said about this year's hurricane season...click here. 

H1N1 Influenza (Flu)
Human cases of H1N1 influenza (formerly called 'swine flu') virus infection have been identified in the United States. Human cases of H1N1 virus infection also have been identified internationally. There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.  Use the link from the menu to your left for more information or Click here for a Swine Flu Fact Sheet from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  You may also call 211 for information concerning this outbreak.  Click here for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website or Click here for important information from the United States Government Center for Disease Control.  (version en Espanol)

Fire Prevention --- A Year Long Task !  

Although October is Fire Prevention Month, fire safety should be practiced every day.  Home fires are America's biggest disaster threat. Our network of local chapters responds to approximately 170 home fires  every day!  By practicing fire safe living we can all help to reduce this number. A few 'quick tips' :  when setting your clocks back in early November, please replace your smoke detector battery; make sure your furnace is cleaned and inspected at the start of this heating season; be careful when using extension cords... read and follow directions; be extra careful when using electric space heaters...follow all instructions completely; determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home and once out of your home... stay out ! 

please click here to learn more... (version en Espanol)
 

New Emergency Response Vehicle 
Your local American Red Cross recently received a new Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV)! The Beverly Rotary Club led the way to raise funds for the new vehicle. This Emergency Response Vehicle will be able to respond to help the victims of disasters in times of fires, floods, hurricanes, explosions and other catastrophic events. The ERV will serve more than 180,000 residents from Beverly to Cape Ann to the New Hampshire border. See more photos .

Adopt a Day of Local Disaster Relief
Do you want to know an easy way for you or your organization to help make a difference in your own community?  Our Adopt a Day of Local Disaster Relief program gives business or individuals the opportunity to help provide comfort to families in our communities displaced by disaster – such as single family house fires, apartment blazes, or blizzards.   Read More...

Communities Served: Amesbury, Beverly, Byfield, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester by-the-Sea, Newbury, Newburyport, Rockport, Rowley, Salisbury, Wenham, and West Newbury. See Map