|
|
|
Wildfires Threaten Pender and Onslow Counties
Red Cross workers on standby as fires continue to burn
 | | Photo courtesy of N.C. Division of Forest Services |
While emergency crews battle the wildfires in Pender County, the American Red Cross is working closely with county officials to ensure residents displaced by the fires have a safe place to stay. The fires in the Holly Shelter Game Land, which started June 19th from a lightning strike, have already burned over 30,000 acres.
At this time, it's critical to follow the instructions provided by local emergency workers. If you need to evacuate, do so immediately. Please come to a Red Cross shelter until conditions are safe for you to return home.
Individual preparedness is the key to effectively responding to a disaster. We urge everyone to Be Red Cross Ready for wildfires and other emergencies by getting a kit, making a plan, and staying informed. Be familiar with this Wildfire Safety Checklist.
|
|
Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July!
 As you plan your Fourth of July, you might be thinking of travel, fireworks or a yummy barbecue.
Even if you consider yourself a lean, mean, grilling machine, that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it safely. Follow these guidelines to grill safely:
- Never grill indoors - not inside your home, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
- Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
- Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
- Use long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using grills.
- Always supervise a barbecue grill while food is cooking.
Click here for more Fourth of July safety tips. |
|
Exciting Volunteer Opportunities - JOIN US!
 We need your skills, time and commitment.
Current Volunteer Needs:
Disaster Volunteers - Ever wanted to help when there has been a disaster? Get trained to shelter, feed, and provide comfort to disaster victims.
Blood Drive Support Volunteers - Every two seconds someone in the US needs blood. Help support our blood drives by volunteering as a greeter or post-donor care volunteer.
Office Support/Clerical Volunteers - Working behind the scenes is just as important as working on the front lines. Red Cross needs volunteers who can help with a number or projects, office work and logistics.
Click here to fill out your volunteer application online. |
|
Babysitter Boot Camp Scholarships Available!
 Babysitter Boot Camp is an intensive 2 day course for local teens ages 11-18 that care for younger siblings and other children on a regular basis.
Participants learn critical skills in child care, first aid, CPR, and disaster prevention and preparedness.
The course is offered completely free of charge for those that meet the qualifications.The following courses are available:
- July 14/15 at Brunswick Community College (50 College Rd., NE Bolivia, NC - Building B, Room B127) from 9am-4pm.
- July 15/16 at Red Cross Whiteville Office (704 N. Thompson, St, Whiteville, NC 28472) from 9am-4pm.
Click here for more information and to complete an application. |
|
|
 | |
The American Red Cross Ready Rating program is a free, self-guided program designed to help businesses, organizations and schools become better prepared for emergencies. |
| See what we've been up to | |
 | | Six year old Sophia Giles donated the money in her piggy bank to the Red Cross |
Check out our Facebook page and photo albums to see what Red Cross volunteers and supporters have been doing in and around the community. |
| Upcoming Disaster Volunteer Training | |
All disaster training is free and open to all registered volunteers.
Please call Wendy Flynn at 762-2683 x328 to register.
July 9 - Disaster Services Overview & Shelter Operations (required for all disaster volunteer)
8:30am-4pm
Cape Fear Chapter
(1102 South 16th St, Wilmington, Nc 28401)
July 12 - Shelter Simulation
8am-12pm
Winter Park Baptist Church
July 19 & July 20*- Collaborating to Ensure Effective Service Delivery
6pm-10pm
Cape Fear Chapter
August 1 & 2*- Emergency Operations Center Workshop
6pm-10pm
Cape Fear Chapter
*Attendance both nights required
|
|
|
|
|
About the American Red Cross
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 www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
The Cape Fear Chapter, a chartered unit of the American Red Cross, provides vital programs and services to the residents of Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover and Pender counties in North Carolina. The Cape Fear Chapter was founded in 1908 and is the oldest Red Cross unit in the State of North Carolina. |
|
|
