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PAGE 2 — CLAREMORE PROGRESS TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

The American Red Cross is volun-teer driven – staff and volunteersprovide services and resources tothose in need in the 31 counties thatthe Tulsa Regional Chapter (whichincludes the Rogers/Mayes/WagonerCounty Service Center) serves.The Rogers/Mayes/Wagoner

County Service Center receives itsfunding in Rogers County from threesources: 1) Rogers County UnitedWay; 2) Annual “HEROES for theAmerican Red Cross” Campaignheld each March, during AmericanRed Cross Month; 3) Donations re-ceived throughout the year from indi-viduals, organizations andcompanies. All money donated locally stays

local to help those who experience adisaster, like a home fire.The American Red Cross needs

blood donations on a year roundbasis. It is the largest supplier ofblood and blood products in theUnited States. Log on to www.red-crossblood.org for more informationregarding blood drives. Please consider donating your

time, money and blood today. A do-nation made today ensures that theAmerican Red Cross remains strong,prepared and ready to respond at amoment’s notice when our commu-nity is in need.For additional information, please

go online to www.okredcross.org. To contact your local

Rogers/Mayes/Wagoner CountyService Center, please call (918) 343-1803, visit our office at 400 W. WillRogers Blvd., Claremore, or like uson Facebook at facebook.com/red-crossclaremore.

Consider donating time, money & blood

Since Clara Bartonfounded the American RedCross in 1881, the RedCross has been there when-ever and wherever there hasbeen someone in need. It isthe largest and most expan-sive human services organi-zation in the world.In Oklahoma, the Indian

Territory Branch of theAmerican Red Cross wasestablished in 1906. TheChiefs of the Five CivilizedTribes were vice presidentsof the new organization andDr. Frances Bartow Fitewas the first president.The Indian Territory

Branch later evolved intoand is now part of the pres-ent day Tulsa Region.The Tulsa Region en-

compasses 31 counties(which includes theRogers/Mayes/WagonerCounty Service Center) andis made up of the chapteroffice in Tulsa, five servicecenters and two communitychapters. The Rogers/Mayes

County Service Center wasexpanded in 2005 to betterserve the citizens of Rogersand Mayes County. On July 1, 2008, Wag-

oner County joined thecounties the service centerserves. TheRogers/Mayes/WagonerCounty Service Center islocated at 400 W. WillRogers Blvd., Claremore,Oklahoma 74017. Officehours are Monday thru Fri-day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. The office phonenumber is (918) 343-1803.The 24 hour emergencyphone number is (918) 831-1109.Though many things

have changed since 1881,new technology, advance-ment in delivery of servicesand resources, some thingsremain the same. TheAmerican Red Cross stead-fastly remains where peoplemobilize to help theirneighbors – across thestreet, across the country,and across the world – inemergencies. Each year, in the large

and small communities ofEastern Oklahoma, victimsof disasters turn to theirneighbors – the staff andvolunteers of the Tulsa Re-gion, American Red Cross.Through the programs pro-vided, people gain skillsthey need to prepare for andrespond to emergencies intheir homes, communitiesand world. The American Red Cross

mission is to help peopleprevent, prepare for and re-spond to emergencies.They achieve their missionthrough providing servicesand programs that include:Emergency Disaster Serv-ices; Services to ArmedForces; Health, Youth andSafety Training; Commu-nity Disaster Education;Volunteer Services; andBlood Services.

Emergency Disaster

Services:

•When a disaster strikes,American Red Cross Disas-ter Action Team (DAT)members are on the scene,no matter the time of day ornight. In the case of a home

fire, they interview the fam-ily to assess what their im-mediate emergency needs(lodging, clothing and food)are and then assisting them

with these needs. Canteenservices are also providedfor emergency workers.Services to Armed Forces:

•When family membershave an emergency andthey need to con-tact a militarymemberwho is de-ployed,theAmeri-can RedCross isthe com-municationslink betweenour brave servicemembers of the UnitedStates military and theirfamilies back home. Also,the American Red Crosscan help the families applyfor military loans. They meet with deploy-

ing troops and their familiesregarding the resources andservice they provide.Health, Youth and Safety

Training:

•The American RedCross prides itself in teach-ing a variety of health andsafety classes to businesses,community groups andschools.

Community Disaster

Education:

•The American RedCross is the trusted sourcefor disaster safety informa-tion. If you have a question

regarding a type of disaster,chances are the AmericanRed Cross has a disastersafety presentation and/orbrochure that will answer it.

Volunteer Services:

•As a volunteer organi-zation, the American RedCross has a great history of

offering a variety of oppor-tunities to volunteer. Ap-proximately 1,200volunteers serve throughthe Tulsa Regional Chapter.

Blood Services:

•Some four mil-lion peoplegive blood –the gift oflife –throughthe Amer-ican RedCross,making itthe largest

supplier ofblood and blood

products in the UnitedStates.The American Red Cross

is not a government agency;

it relies on donations oftime, money and blood todo its work.No matter how much

things change, the Ameri-can Red Cross remains thesame, yesterday, today andtomorrow. Someone you can count

on in the time of disaster!For additional informa-

tion, please go online towww.okredcross.org.To contact your local

Rogers/Mayes/WagonerCounty Service Center,please call (918) 343-1803,visit our office at 400 W.Will Rogers Blvd., Clare-more, or like us on Face-book atfacebook.com/redcross-claremore.

About the American Red

Cross:

The American Red Cross

shelters, feeds and provides

emotional support to vic-

tims of disasters; supplies

about 40 percent of the na-

tion’s blood; teaches skills

that save lives; provides in-

ternational humanitarian

aid; and supports military

members and their families.

The Red Cross is a not-

for-profit organization that

depends on volunteers and

the generosity of the Ameri-

can public to perform its

mission. For more informa-

tion, please visit

www.okredcross.org .

CLAREMORE PROGRESS TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013— PAGE 3

American Red Cross – A History of Helping

PAGE 4 — CLAREMORE PROGRESS TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

The American Red Cross has launchedits official Tornado App, putting lifesavinginformation right in the hands of peoplewho live in, visit or have loved ones in tor-nado-prone areas.This free app—available in English or

Spanish—gives iPhone, iPad and Androidsmart phone and tablet users instant accessto local and real-time information, so theyknow what to do before, during and after atornado. The app includes a high-pitched siren

and “tornado warning!” alert that signalspeople when a NOAA tornado warning hasbeen issued in their area – even if the app isclosed. An “all clear!” alert lets users knowwhen a tornado warning has expired or hasbeen cancelled.“Tornadoes often happen in the

overnight hours when people are sleeping,”said Mark Ogle, Director,Rogers/Mayes/Wagoner County ServiceCenter. “The audible alerts in this app cansave lives - even if users can’t monitor theweather because they are away from radio,

TV or in places where weatherband radios may not work.”Other features of the app in-

clude:•Location-based NOAA tor-

nado, severe thunderstorm andflood watch and warning alerts;•Enhanced weather maps;•One-touch “I’m safe” mes-

saging that allows users tobroadcast reassurance to familyand friends that they are out of harm’s way;•Simple steps and checklists people can

use to create an emergency plan and shareit with household members;•Preloaded content that gives users in-

stant access to critical action steps, evenwithout mobile connectivity;•Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and

audible alarm;•Locations of open Red Cross shelters; •Badges users can earn through interac-

tive quizzes and share on social networks.Launched during National Severe

Weather Preparedness Week, the Tornado

App is the latest in a series ofmobile apps http://www.red-cross.org/mobileapps created bythe Red Cross, the nation’s leaderin emergency preparedness. The apps have been used to

help save lives during hurricanes,earthquakes and wildfires.“The American Red Cross has

made great strides in putting vitalinformation in the hands of peo-

ple who need it during emergencies. Infact, our apps are now on more than twomillion mobile devices across the country,”added Ogle.Right after the storm, the Hurricane App

was updated with real-time recovery infor-mation including Red Cross shelter andfeeding sites, FEMA sites, open gas sta-tions and warming centers to help those af-fected by the storm.The Tornado App http://3cu.be/tsa,

along with the others, can be found in theApple App Store and the Google Play Storefor Android by searching for American Red

Cross or by going to redcross.org/mo-bileapps. Apps can help prepare people fordisasters, but they are not a substitute fortraining. Red Cross First Aid andCPR/AED training empowers people toknow how to respond to emergencies incase advanced medical help is delayed.People can visit redcross.org/takeaclass forcourse information and to register.

The Red Cross responds to nearly70,000 disasters each year and we helppeople get ready to respond to emergenciesby providing these apps for free.

The Red Cross needs the help of thepublic to continue this lifesaving effort.People can make a donation to the RedCross by going to www.okredcross.org.For additional American Red Cross dis-

aster safety and preparedness information,please go online to www.okredcross.or. Tocontact your local Rogers/Mayes/WagonerCounty Service Center, please call (918)343-1803, visit our office at 400 W. WillRogers Blvd., Claremore

New Tornado App Brings American Red Cross safety information to mobile devices

CLAREMORE PROGRESS TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013— PAGE 5

From responding to single family housefires, to launching major disaster relief op-erations, to teaching first aid and CPR toteaching people to swim, to supporting mil-itary families, the American Red Cross is atwork in our communities every day.

Below are 31 “Fast Facts” about theTulsa Region of the American Red Crossregarding the significant positive impact ofthe American Red Cross in our region.

•Last year, the Tulsa Region of theAmerican Red Cross trained more than9,000 people to save lives through CPR,First Aid and Automated External Defibril-lator (AED) use.

•On average, the Tulsa Region of theAmerican Red Cross trains and certifies 33lifeguards every month.

•In 2012, the Tulsa Region of the Ameri-can Red Cross taught nearly 800 people toswim.

•Through its various programs and serv-ices, the Tulsa Region of the American RedCross reaches 399 people every day.

•After a home fire, the American RedCross provides financial assistance for tem-porary lodging, food, a change of clothing,shoes and during cold weather, coats andother seasonal garments.

•When needed, the American Red Crosshelps facilitate mental health counselingand assists with replacing prescriptionmedications and medical equipment suchas hearing aids, dentures and eyeglassesfollowing a home fire.

•Within three days of a home fire, aftertaking care of the family’s immediateneeds, the Red Cross may provide financialassistance to cover expenses such as secu-rity deposits and first month’s rent, minorhome repairs (up to $500), cleaning sup-plies, bedding and linens, and document re-placement.

•The American Red Cross can help afamily of four with safe shelter, food, cloth-ing and seasonal garments for an averageof $1,000.

•Approximately 70% of families assisted

by the American Red Cross after homefires do not have insurance on their homesor belongings because they say they cannotafford the premiums. For people withoutinsurance, the assistance the American RedCross provides after a house fire may bethe only thing that prevents the family frombecoming homeless.

•The Tulsa Region of the American RedCross service area covers 31 counties.

•In 2012, the Tulsa Region of the Ameri-can Red Cross certified more than 412 life-guards.

•The American Red Cross assists localfire departments and other emergency re-sponders by providing meals and beveragesin extreme weather conditions.

•$1,000 in donations to the AmericanRed Cross can repair the roofs of twostorm-damaged houses, allowing familiesto remain safely in their homes.

•The most common American Red Crossdisaster response is to home fires. Lastyear the Tulsa Region of the American Red

Cross responded to 733 home fires. In theRogers/Mayes/Wagoner County ServiceCenter service area the American RedCross responded to 88 home fires.

•Last year, the Tulsa Region of theAmerican Red Cross provided more than$403,000 in emergency financial assistanceto people devastated by home fires. In theRogers/Mayes/Wagoner County ServiceCenter service area the American RedCross provided nearly $45,500 in assis-tance.

•In 2012, the Tulsa Region of the Ameri-can Red Cross touched the lives of 146,281people with its programs and services.

•The American Red Cross delivers emer-gency messages from families to membersof the Armed Services. Last year, the TulsaRegion of the American Red Cross deliv-ered 1,287 emergency messages to Okla-homans serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

• In 2012, the Tulsa Region of the Amer-

31 ‘Fast Facts’ Regarding The American Red Cross

See FACTS page 6

ican Red Cross volunteers worked 1,030disaster cases.• In 2012, the Tulsa Region of the

American Red Cross reached more than8,000 people through its Service toArmed Forces programs and services. Inthe Rogers/Mayes/Wagoner CountyService Center service area the AmericanRed Cross assisted 148 military families.•In 2012, the Tulsa Region of the

American Red Cross provided free swimlessons to 200 children through a RedCross scholarship program.•On average, the Tulsa Region of the

American Red Cross trains 25 peopleeach day in Red Cross CPR, First Aidand AED use.•In 2012, the Tulsa Region of the

American Red Cross helped 2,906 peo-ple after home fires. In theRogers/Mayes/Wagoner County ServiceCenter service area the American Red

Cross helped 304 people after homefires.•$1,000 in donations to the American

Red Cross can put 37 cots in a disaster-related American Red Cross shelter soresidents have a safe place to sleep.•Last year, the Tulsa Region of the

American Red Cross reached out to123,274 people through disaster educa-tion programs and activities.•If a family emergency requires a

member of the U.S. Military to returnhome, the message must be facilitated bythe American Red Cross before the com-manding officer may grant the leave.The emergency communications are partof the American Red Cross Service toArmed Forces.•$1,000 in donations to the American

Red Cross will provide 400 comfort kitscontaining essential personal care itemsfor disaster victims who have lost theirhomes.•On average, the Tulsa Region of the

American Red Cross volunteers help 7people displaced by home fires every

day.•$1,000 in donations to the American

Red Cross will provide clean-up kits to56 families who have flood or stormdamage to their homes.•$1,000 in donations to the American

Red Cross will spread the warmth of 198blankets to disaster victims who takerefuge in a Red Cross shelter.•On average, the Tulsa Region of the

American Red Cross responds to nearlythree home fires each day.• In 2012, the Tulsa Region of the

American Red Cross answered the call86 times to provide meals and criticalhydrating beverages to firefighters andother emergency workers on-scene atdisasters.For additional information, please go

online to www.okredcross.org.To contact your local

Rogers/Mayes/Wagoner County ServiceCenter, please call (918) 343-1803, visitour office at 400 W. Will Rogers Blvd.,Claremore, or like us on Facebook atfacebook.com/redcrossclaremore.

PAGE 6 — CLAREMORE PROGRESS TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

Continued from page 5

FACTS American Red

Cross

Speakers BureauThe Rogers/Mayes/Wagoner County Serv-

ice Center of the American Red Cross wantsto remind everyone about their Speakers Bu-reau.Speakers are available on a variety of top-

ics.“I would encourage any group or organiza-

tion who would like a speaker from the Amer-ican Red Cross to please contact us. Wewould welcome the opportunity to come toyour meeting and let you know about the re-sources and services we have available. Also,for schools and child care facilities we haveSOS Man (Superhero of Safety) and DAT Girl(Disaster Action Team Girl) available to comeand do safety presentations,” said Mark Ogle,Director, Rogers/Mayes/Wagoner CountyService Center.To request a speaker, SOS Man or DAT

Girl, please call (918) 343-1803.

CLAREMORE PROGRESS TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013— PAGE 7

Floods are among themost frequent and costlynatural disasters in terms ofhuman hardship and eco-nomic loss. As much as 90percent of the damage re-lated to all natural disaster(excluding drought) iscaused by floods and asso-ciated debris flows.

As land is convertedfrom fields or woodlands toroads and parking lots, itloses its ability to absorbrainfall. Urbanization in-creases runoff two to sixtimes more than whatwould occur on natural ter-rain. During periods ofurban flooding, streets canbecome swiftly moving

rivers, while basements andviaducts can become deathtraps as they fill with water.

If you are at risk fromfloods, you should:

•Find out the elevationabove flood stage of yourhome, outbuildings andpastures.

Knowing the elevationof your property in relationto nearby streams and damswill let you know if fore-casted flood levels will af-fect your home.

•Find out if local streamsor rivers flood easily.

•Talk with members ofyour household about thepossibility of floods andflash floods and what to do

to stay safe if one occurs.Knowing how to respondwill reduce fear and saveprecious time in an emer-gency.

•Find out if you are lo-cated in a floodplain, whichis considered a SpecialFlood Hazard Area. If youare, you are still eligible forflood insurance. Check

with your city or countygovernment to review theflood insurance rate maps.If your home is especiallyvulnerable, consider reloca-tion.

•Talk to your insuranceagent. Homeowners’ poli-cies do not cover flooding.Ask about the NationalFlood Insurance Program

http://www.fema.gov/busi-ness/nfip/ to buy flood in-surance. It takes 30 daysfor flood insurance to takeeffect.

•Use an NOAA WeatherRadio or listen to local sta-tions on a portable, battery-powered radio or televisionfor updated emergency in-formation.

•If your area is prone toflooding, stockpile emer-gency building materials,such as plastic sheeting,plywood, hammers, etc.

•Move quickly to higherground if you vehicle be-comes surrounded by wateror the engine stalls, and ifyou can safely get out. The

lateral force of a foot ofwater moving at 10 milesper hour is about 500pounds on the average vehi-cle. The greatest effect isbuoyancy – for every footthat water rises up the sideof a car, it displaces 1,500pounds of the car’s weight.So, two feet of water mov-ing at 10 miles per hourwill float virtually any car,SUV or pickup truck. Usecaution when abandoningyour vehicle, and look foran opportunity to moveaway quickly.

•If your house is dam-aged because of theweather, call the disasterhotline at (918) 831-1109.

Safety tips for floods

PAGE 8 — CLAREMORE PROGRESS TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

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