Red Cross Urges Everyone to Get Ready for Disasters During National Preparedness Month

Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.

September is National Preparedness Month, the perfect time to get your household ready for an emergency. The American Red Cross Tennessee Region urges everyone to make sure they are prepared for a disaster and not wait until an emergency occurs and it’s too late.

BE READY TO EVACUATE Whether the emergency is a home fire or something bigger like a hurricane, the situation may force you to leave your home. There are ten steps you can take now to be prepared if the emergency makes it unsafe to remain at home:

1.     Follow the instructions of officials and evacuate if told to do so.

2.     Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.

3.     Remember you may have to get out on foot depending on the type of disaster. If you don’t have a car, or can’t use your vehicle, plan on how you will leave the area.

4.     If you have a car, keep the gas tank full if an evacuation order is possible. Don’t let the tank go below half full in case gas stations are unable to pump gas.

5.     Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. This could be a motel, the home of a friend or relative a safe distance away, or an evacuation shelter. Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to find shelter information and weather and emergency alerts for more than 35 different situations.

6.     If you have time, let someone out of the region know you are evacuating and where you are going. Leave a note saying when you left and where you plan to go.

7.     Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection.

8.     Be alert for road hazards such as downed trees, flooding, etc. Do not drive onto a flooded road.

9.     Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Grab your emergency kit and drive your planned evacuation route. Include an alternate route in a different direction in case one is impassible. Make sure you have locations and maps saved on devices such as cell phones and GPS units and on paper.

10.  Don’t forget your pets. If it’s not safe for you to stay home, it’s not safe for them either. Prepare a phone list of pet-friendly motels and animal shelters located along your evacuation route. Keep in mind only service animals are usually allowed in shelters

THREE EASY STEPS Getting prepared is easier than it sounds. There are three basic steps:

·         GET A KIT. Pack the following items in an easy-to-carry container – a gallon of water per person, per day; non-perishable food; flashlight and hand-crank or battery-powered radio; extra batteries; sanitation and personal hygiene items; copies of important papers; extra cash and any medical or baby supplies family members may need. See full details here.

·         MAKE A PLAN. Have all members of your household help devise your emergency plan. Consider what emergencies could happen where you live; what to do if you are separated and how will you let loved ones know you are safe. Find full details and easy-to-use plan templates here.

·         BE INFORMED. Learn what disasters are common to your area. Find out how local authorities will let you know an emergency is happening. Make sure at least one household member is trained in first aid and CPR in case help is delayed during a disaster. You can also download the Red Cross First Aid App at redcross.org/apps to have instant access on how to handle common first aid emergencies. Learn how to get fully informed about emergencies here.

Red Cross Offers Tips for a Safe Labor Day Weekend

The Labor Day holiday is fast approaching, signaling the unofficial end of summer and time for that last hurrah of summer fun. The American Red Cross has steps everyone can take to help stay safe over the long holiday weekend.

TRAVEL SAFETY Many families see the holiday weekend as their last chance to travel and celebrate the end of the season. Many will hit the road sometime over the three-day holiday weekend. The Red Cross offers these travel tips to help keep you safe on the highway:
• Find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling and how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
• Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination.
• Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver who won’t drink.
• Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Observe speed limits.
• Make frequent stops.
• Be respectful of other motorists.
• Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather, and don’t overdrive your headlights.
• Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
• Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
• If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

RIP CURRENTS If a trip to the beach is part of your weekend plans, remember the possibility of dangerous rip currents which are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. For your safety, be aware of the dangers of rip currents and remember the following:
• If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can't swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

GRILLING SAFETY Perhaps your plans include an old-fashioned barbecue at home. The Red Cross offers these steps you should follow to use that backyard grill safely:
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in your house, 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 the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

The Red Cross hopes everyone enjoys their Labor Day weekend and stays safe whatever their plans may be. For more information, visit redcross.org/prepare.

East Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight: Dorothy "Dotty" Ettensohn - August 2018

Dorothy Ettensohn, known as Dotty to her friends at the Red Cross East Tennessee Chapter, has been an active volunteer since 2016.

Red Cross volunteerism is a family affair for Dotty inspired by her mother, a registered nurse and Red Cross volunteer as well as her husband, Richard, also a volunteer.

A native Pennsylvanian and former social worker, Dotty began a second career as a geologist and worked in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County before retiring to Knoxville in 2013.

Dotty’s curatorial skills have benefited the Red Cross as she has served as a member of the safety committee and as chapter historian, archiving items from the 13-county service area. Dotty likes to tackle meticulous work others might view as tedious. Her dedication, superior attitude and sweet smile have made her a welcomed asset to the East TN Team. Learn more about her:

* What is your favorite food? Coffee

* If you could try a profession that isn’t a current or past job, what would it be? Happily, I got to do exactly what I wanted in life.

* Which music do you like? I like acapella singing

* Which books do you enjoy reading? I currently have 30 books from the library, on different topics and I’m checking out some new authors.

* What would surprise others about you? I am pilot--one of the most exciting things I’ve done was to get my pilot’s license. After taking a lesson in the small, two-seater, Cessna 152 at a local flying club, just for fun, I went ahead and completed getting my single engine, land, private pilot’s license. Folks at the club would fly somewhere for the day and then back home. If we went somewhere where it took only an hour to get there and back, the entire trip would only cost us $7.00 for the plane plus 18 cents a gallon for gas.

Northeast Tennessee Volunteer Opportunities and Reminders - August 2018

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Disaster Action Team (DAT) Volunteers
o Volunteers needed to respond to single-family fires.

Clerical Volunteers
o Volunteers needed to assist with administrative tasks; including staffing the front desk, answering phone calls, and assisting with other day to day tasks.

Business Operations Volunteer
o Volunteers needed to assist with facility maintenance and operations.

Hero Care Network Regional Caseworker/Follow Up Volunteer
o Volunteers needed to ensure military families’ needs are met when faced with an emergency.

*If you or someone you know is interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Angela Morris for more information (angela.morris@redcross.org).

REMINDERS

• New fleet procedures are now available. Please make sure to see Kalen Collins to complete appropriate paperwork.
• Don’t forget to download and log your volunteer hours through the “Volunteer Connection” mobile application. This app is both Android and iOS compatible. 
• Visit our local Johnson City Blood Donation Center to donate blood at your convenience. Appointments can be scheduled online at redcrossblood.org or can be scheduled through the “Blood Donor American Red Cross” mobile app. Help us fill the #MissingTypes.

Northeast Tennessee Upcoming Events - August 2018

VOLUNTEER MEETINGS & TRAININGS

All Volunteer Meetings
DATES:  09/06/2018; 10/02/2018; 11/01/2018; 12/02/2018; 01/03/2019; 02/05/2019; 03/07/2019; 04/02/2019; 05/02/2019;
TIME:  5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
LOCATION:  ARC NETN Office | 660 Eastern Star Road, Kingsport, TN 37663
INFORMATION:  Formal invitation to all volunteers will be distributed.

“Donut Forget”
DATES:  09/14/2018; 12/14/2018; 03/08/2019; 06/14/2019
TIME:  7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
LOCATION:  ARC NETN Office | 660 Eastern Star Road, Kingsport, TN 37663
INFORMATION:  These events are invitation only for all active volunteers. This will be an opportunity for volunteers to enjoy coffee and donuts while logging volunteer hours.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Food City Family Race Night
DATE:  08/16/2018
TIME:  12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
LOCATION:  Bristol Motor Speedway | 151 Speedway Blvd., Bristol, TN 37620
INFORMATION:  The volunteer positions have been filled.

Walters State Police Safety Awareness Expo
DATE:  09/25/2018
TIME:  9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
LOCATION:  Walters State Community College | 500 S Davy Crockett Parkway, Morristown, TN 37813
INFORMATION:  The volunteer positions have been filled.

Healthy Kingsport’s 4th Annual Walk for Wellness Expo
DATE:  10/13/2018
TIME:  11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
LOCATION:  Ballad Health Campus | 430 West Ravine Road, Kingsport, TN 37660
INFORMATION:  Volunteers needed for this event. Please email Kalen Collins (kalen.collins@redcross.org) if you are interested in volunteering.

Walk In Their Boots
DATE:  11/3/2018
TIME:  9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
LOCATION:  Tipton-Haynes Park | 2620 S Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601
INFORMATION:  Volunteers needed. This event is with our Service to Armed Forces (SAF) program. More information to come.

Johnson City Veteran’s Day Parade
DATE: 11/10/2018
TIME:  TBD
LOCATION:  Johnson City, TN
INFORMATION:  Volunteers needed for this event. Please email Kalen Collins (kalen.collins@redcross.org) if you are interested in volunteering.

NORTHEAST TN BLOOD DRIVES

08/16/2018 | 11:45 AM – 4:15 PM
University School - 68 Martha Culp Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37614
*For more information or to schedule an appointment please call Sharon Cardia (423-439-4361)

08/19/2018 | 12 PM – 4:30 PM
Grace Brethren Church – 3337 Highway 11 E., Telford, TN 37690
*For more information or to schedule an appointment please call Kim Jaynes (423-439-4361). This is the 12th Annual Blood Drive in Memory of Hannah Grace.

12/07/2018 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Red Cross NETN Office | 660 Eastern Star Road, Kingsport, TN 37663
*Please sign up to donate by emailing Monica Embler (monica.embler@redcross.org)

*If you or anyone you know is interested in hosting a blood drive, please visit redcrossblood.org for additional information.

Northeast Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Brice - August 2018

If you have been around the Northeast TN Red Cross for almost any reason, you have probably met Jim Brice, a disaster volunteer since 1999. Jim says he was sitting around home recovering from open heart surgery and thought – I need to get out of the house and volunteer! He found his way to the local American Red Cross office, was interviewed, and began what would become a 19-year adventure!

Currently Jim is the volunteer Fleet Manager for the local chapter. In this role, he watches over a fleet of five vehicles including the ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) and nine Disaster Supply Trailers that are located strategically across Northeast Tennessee. This job involves ensuring maintenance is done, safety checks are completed, and all vehicles are ready for instant use. When the trailers are used in a disaster, they must be inventoried and restocked. This is no small job and Jim had done it well. Luckily for the Chapter, he is in the process of training his replacement since he is retiring the end of July!

What has kept Jim involved for 19 years is the satisfaction that comes from helping people.  He says he loves the feeling of giving back to his community.  He loves seeing the expression on people’s faces when he drives up with food. And Jim has done that many, many times over his career with the Red Cross. Jim’s favorite job is Mass Care – this means he has served meals from the ERV on 35 deployments to disasters in other states and too many local disaster situations to count. He has served in all types of disasters – floods, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes – he has seen them all. Occasionally Jim has served as LSAP: Life, Safety and Asset Protection - an internal security volunteer – making sure shelters and supplies are safe and personnel operate in safe environments.  He much prefers working in Mass Care and meeting and helping people.

When asked what he has liked the most – he quickly responds – the people – finding out about them, putting them at ease, and helping in any way he can. You can’t be around Jim very long and not realize how much he likes people!

What is his recommendation to a new volunteer? “Do whatever job you are assigned to the best of your ability, put your heart into it and you will receive back much satisfaction knowing you are helping your community.”

Not only does Jim serve in Mass Care and Feeding on disasters; he often cooks at the Chapter House for the staff and other volunteers. It is not unusual to find 8-10 people sitting around the table in the kitchen enjoying some of Jim’s soup beans, cornbread or homemade banana pudding.

What will Jim be doing when he retires later this month? He says he will be spending more time at home and working with his church. Jim has seven grandchildren, so spending time with his extended family will be a priority!

Jim was honored at the most recent Annual Meeting with two awards – “The Golden Spatula Award” – for his work as Mass Care Lead; and the Clara Barton Outstanding Volunteer Award. Jim will be missed around the Northeast TN Chapter. He did share that while he is not going to be filling the administrative roles and regular assignments – he expects he might show up to help with feeding in a disaster, if needed. Once helping others through the Red Cross “gets in your blood” it is hard to stay away!

Letter from the Northeast Tennessee Executive Director, Kalen Collins - August 2018

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
The American Red Cross of Northeast Tennessee teamed up with United Way of Greater Kingsport and other local agencies to engage local high school students in a “game of life.” These students are members of S.H.O.U.T. (Students Helping Others Understand Tomorrow).  Volunteer Weymouth Sluss helped guide students to the appropriate Red Cross programs, as well as educate this group on all the services Red Cross offers.

COCKE COUNTY FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY
On July 28th, volunteer Paul Pratt represented the American Red Cross at Cocke County’s Flag Retirement Ceremony. Military members, veterans, community members and volunteers braved the heat to respectfully dispose of over 400 worn and tattered American flags.

Regional Executive Corner with Joel R. Sullivan - August 2018

Dear Nashville Area Chapter,

A new school year has officially begun for many children in our area. This is a great time to share with your friends and family steps that everyone can take to make the trip back to the classroom safer.

Keeping children safe is the top priority, especially for younger children and those heading to school for the first time. Parents should take the following steps:

• Make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1.
• Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive. Other safety steps for students include:

• Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed you to get on.
• Only board your bus and never an alternate one.
• Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
• Cross the street at the corner, obeying traffic signals and staying in the crosswalk.
• Never dart out into the street, or cross between parked cars.

WHAT DRIVERS SHOULD KNOW Drivers should be aware that children are out walking or biking to school and slow down, especially in residential areas and school zones. Motorists should know what the yellow and red bus signals mean. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers in both directions must stop their vehicles and wait until the lights go off, the stop sign is back in place and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.

GET TO SCHOOL SAFELY If children ride in a car to get to school, they should always wear a seat belt. Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly (typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”), and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.

• If a teenager is going to drive to school, parents should mandate that they use seat belts. Drivers should not use their cell phone to text or make calls, and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.
• Some students ride their bike to school. They should always wear a helmet and ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.
• When children are walking to school, they should only cross the street at an intersection, and use a route along which the school has placed crossing guards. Parents should walk young children to school, along with children taking new routes or attending new schools, at least for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate.

TAKE A FIRST AID CLASS Red Cross training can give someone the confidence and skills to help with everyday emergencies from paper cuts to school sports injuries. A variety of online and in-class courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass. People can download the free Red Cross First Aid App (redcross.org/apps) for instant access to expert advice whenever and wherever needed.
Please share this very important information with friends, family members and teachers.  Together, we can make the new school year a safer one!

Sincerely,
Joel Sullivan

Letter from East Tennessee Executive Director, Sharon Hudson - August 2018

Never Underestimate the Value of a Volunteer
(As told by Nadine Xander) 

Volunteers come with a variety of backgrounds, life experiences, education levels, skills, personalities, life stories, and a special place in their hearts to help & comfort others. The Red Cross offers people the opportunity to serve in a variety of capacities by providing an abundance of positions.  

 There are many wonderful advantages to volunteering for the Red Cross.  You can meet new friends, serve the community, learn new skills, and make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.
The Red Cross is meaningful for individuals who want to get out of their home and not be alone after a long illness, retirement, the loss of a spouse, and major changes in life which cause them to be alone. Volunteering gives them a sense of purpose and a way to re-connect with friends or make new ones with the same caring hearts, as it can also expand your network and boost your social skills.
I've seen many volunteers come into the Knoxville chapter, and I'm always amazed by the happiness they bring and the desire to help in every facet of our chapter like logistics, fleet, facilities, Service to the Armed Forces, disaster response, and the day to day operations of the chapter.

Some volunteers want to stay in an area they are comfortable in or have had life or employment experiences in that field. Some volunteers would like to learn new jobs and have new experiences. By offering so many different possibilities for volunteers, the Red Cross can function day after day, disaster after disaster.

As I walk around our chapter I notice volunteers and paid staff working together for the betterment of humanity.  Whatever personal reason brings these volunteers into our chapter, I commend them for their spirit of giving! Without these selfless volunteers our doors would be locked.
Helping others kindles happiness, as many studies have demonstrated.

Letter from Heart of Tennessee Executive Director, Kathy Ferrell - August 2018

Heart of Tennessee Volunteers:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.  -Margaret Mead

Thank you for remaining committed throughout the summer months! 

We have been incredibly busy in every line of service during the past month.  Our disaster teams served our neighbors impacted by fire, proving direct client assistance totaling $10,800 in the month of July.  Together we installed 110 free smoke alarms in the Wherry Housing Community.  Our Emergency Response Vehicle traveled to Boxwell Reservation to participate in a camp the Tennessee National Guard sponsors for children of Guard Members.  The staff shared our annual goals and a master calendar with the volunteers at our monthly meeting.  Cynthia Tate and her team continue to meet and exceed the whole blood daily collection goal in our blood donation center.  Needless to say, the Heart of Tennessee Team—staff and volunteers—are definitely moving the Mission forward in the new fiscal year!

I challenge you to share your Red Cross story, why you are motivated to serve.  I challenge you to roll up your sleeve and give blood. And finally, I challenge you to bring a family member, friend, or neighbor to our August all volunteer meeting.  Let’s continue to serve the community and to share the opportunity to serve with others.

With gratitude,

Kathy Ferrell

Executive Director, Heart of Tennessee Chapter

Letter from Mid-West Tennessee Executive Director, David Hicks - August 2018

Greetings Mid-West TN Team!

School is back in session and I have no idea where summer break went! I might have just experienced the fastest summer of my entire life. In the craziness of it all I managed to enjoy some quality time with many of you at the office or out in the community. I look forward to even more of those opportunities come Fall as we attend the Volunteer monthly meetings together and experience training alongside each other in the chapter office.

Heather and I recently attended our annual All- Staff conference in Chattanooga. The participants included ALL of the staff (hence the name) from the entire state from all programs and services (Executive Directors, Disaster Program Managers, Volunteer Services team members, Services to the Armed Forces representatives, etc.). It was an OUTSTANDING time of learning and growing in our respective roles in the organization. We were also given the unique opportunity to hear program overviews and updates from several Red Cross departments, including Disaster Cycle Services, Communications and Marketing, and Business Operations. I definitely walked away with an even greater appreciation for the responsibilities and service from the other “arms” of our organization.  

Oftentimes while we are serving in our own respective local chapters we can easily forget the enormity of the Red Cross national presence and foot print. Conferences such as this one provide a stark reminder of just how widespread our influence in the Tennessee Region really is (as well as in our Division and nationally). To witness the staff representatives of so many chapters coming together for fellowship and to learn our craft better together is truly encouraging to me. I came back to our local Chapter with a renewed sense of purpose and obligation to each of our 14 counties. Let’s roll up our sleeves and continue to get to work for the sake of those impacted by disaster in our communities!

Take care and see you soon.  

Nashville Area Volunteer Spotlight: David Buchanan - August 2018

The Nashville Area Volunteer Spotlight this month is lighting up the work of Mr. David Buchanan, a disaster volunteer and logistics lead for the TN Region. Dave is the volunteer partner with mass care and logistics manager, Crystal Fisher. He responds to logistical needs for chapters around the region for both Blue Sky (normal) and Gray Sky (disaster) activities, and he’s been volunteering since 2010 with the American Red Cross in various roles (including being a disaster action team [DAT] captain.). He has done multiple deployments in logistics, and one in Disaster Substances Technology, for which he was specially trained.

Originally from Huntsville, Dave has been in Nashville since 1985. He’s married to Nicole, a childhood sweetheart from Huntsville and a compensation specialist for Metro Public Schools, and they have three grown children, Katie, Mike, and Nicholas. When he’s not working as a Red Cross volunteer, Dave works as an independent recording engineer with several major recording studios around Music City. He enjoys hiking, yard work, and spending time outdoors with his two Great Pyrenees dogs. His favorite hikes locally are the Greenway and Radnor Lake. He’s also done a 70-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains—a trek which took a week of steady walking. For the past couple of years, Dave and fellow “Red Crosser” Bob Stafford have been navigating the Cumberland River through Tennessee, and he says they’re now about 75% complete on that project. Dave is also a Predators fan and attends their games as often as possible.

Our chapter is most appreciative of Dave’s volunteer work for the Red Cross, and we’re happy to feature him in our Volunteer Spotlight.

Article by Marvin Koch, American Red Cross Volunteer

Please Vote! Tennessee Red Cross Participating in First Tennessee Foundation 25 Years of Giving Video Contest

The First Tennessee Foundation is celebrating 25 years of giving through a video contest and the Tennessee Region of the American Red Cross could be eligible to receive up to $25,000 – but we need your help!

Our video has been submitted to the 25 Years of Giving Video Contest and now we need YOU to vote for us! The top 30 videos with the most votes will advance to the next level as a finalist and could be one of the 25 selected winners receiving a grant. To vote for our video please visit THIS LINK beginning August 15 and vote for our video! Public voting ends August 31, 2018.

Here is some important information to keep in mind over the next few weeks:

How do I vote?

• By visiting the above link, or by going to www.25yearsofgiving.com
• You will be required to create an account through the voting platform to submit your vote.
• Select “Middle Tennessee” to vote for Tennessee Region Red Cross.

When exactly can I vote?

• Voting will open on Wednesday, August 15 at 12 a.m. CST and will close at 11:59 p.m. CST on Friday, August 31.
• The top 30 videos will advance to be reviewed by a panel of judges and the winners will be announced on Monday, October 1, 2018.

How many times can I vote?

• You can vote multiple times without limit throughout the duration of the voting period!

 We cannot do this without you, our volunteers.  Thanks for your support!

Red Cross Offers Back to School Safety Steps

Summer vacation has drawn to a close for many as schools open their doors for the new school year. Make your student’s trip back to the classroom a safe one with these safety steps from the American Red Cross.

Keeping all students safe is the primary concern for everyone, but there are special steps for parents of younger kids and those going to school for the first time:

• Make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1.
• Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

• If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive.
• Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed you to get on.
• Only board your bus, never an alternate one.
• Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
• Cross the street at the corner, obeying traffic signals and staying in the crosswalk.
• Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

GETTING TO SCHOOL BY CAR, BIKE, ON FOOT

• If children ride in a car to get to school, they should always wear a seat belt. Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly (typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”), and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
• If a teenager is going to drive to school, parents should mandate that they use seat belts. Drivers should not use their cell phone to text or make calls, and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.
• Some students ride their bike to school. They should always wear a helmet and ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.
• When children are walking to school, they should only cross the street at an intersection, and use a route along which the school has placed crossing guards. Parents should walk young children to school, along with children taking new routes or attending new schools, at least for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate.

DRIVERS, SLOW DOWN!

Drivers should be aware that children are out walking or biking to school and slow down, especially in residential areas and school zones. Motorists should know what the yellow and red bus signals mean. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers in both directions must stop their vehicles and wait until the lights go off, the stop sign is back in place and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.

PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES AND TAKE A FIRST AID CLASS

Know what the emergency plan is at your child’s school in case a disaster or an unforeseen event occurs. Develop a family emergency plan so everyone will know who to contact and where to go if something happens while children are at school and parents are at work. Details are available at redcross.org/prepare. The Red Cross First Aid App provides instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies whether it be before, during or after school. Download the app for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps. Learn and practice First Aid and CPR/AED skills by taking a course (redcross.org/takeaclass) so you can help save a life.

Letter from Southeast Tennessee Executive Director, Julia Wright - August 2018

August is national Make a Will month.  What comes to mind when you hear the term "estate planning?"  If you're like many people, you know it has something to do with having a will. You’d also be correct if you said it involves making certain other types of arrangements affecting what happens once your life has ended. A good estate plan goes further and addresses many aspects of your current situation, as well as how to thrive in the years to come. Consider this definition:

Caring for yourself and your assets while you are living, and providing for the transfer of assets to other persons and entities – both during your life and afterwards.

By planning, you make things easier for your family. If something happens to you, it will already be a very difficult time for your family and other loved ones. How wonderful it will be if they know exactly what you want to have happen and have the means at hand to follow your wishes. Consider the planning you do now to be your final future gift to your loved ones.

While estate planning can entail some difficult choices, and means confronting uncomfortable issues, it does provide a sense of relief and peace of mind when it is done. You’ll know that you have done your best to plan and provide for yourself and for loved ones, as well as for the causes you’ve cared about during your lifetime. There is great satisfaction in knowing what your legacy on earth will be.

For a free workbook, simply visit www.redcrosslegacy.org/workbook to download your copy of “Touching the Future Guide and Workbook for Will Planning and Charitable Giving”

Nashville Area Red Cross Seeking Volunteers to Respond to Every Day Disasters

Disaster Volunteer Orientation on Tuesday, August 14 Open to Public

The Nashville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is recruiting volunteers to respond to every day disasters like the recent Antioch apartment fire.

Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers respond to local disasters in the community including home fires, flooding and tornadoes. The DAT team helps people affected by disasters by providing immediate, life sustaining assistance. Volunteers coordinate relief efforts with community partners and first responders in aiding families in the community during times of disaster.

Last year, the Nashville Area Red Cross assisted over 400 families following disasters like home fires, and provided lifesaving training like CPR and First Aid to over 10,000 individuals.  

“Neighbors helping neighbors is at the heart of what we do,” said Kevin Watt, Disaster Program Manager for the Nashville Area Red Cross.  “It’s the volunteers we have before disasters strike that allow us to fulfill our mission of alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies.  We are excited to build our disaster teams in order to fulfill that mission.”

The Red Cross will host a Disaster Volunteer Orientation for people interested in becoming a volunteer on Tuesday, August 14 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Nashville Area American Red Cross, 2201 Charlotte Ave.  The training will include an overview of all Red Cross services with a focus on Red Cross disaster services.  Those who are not able to attend the orientation may register to become a volunteer by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.  For questions, please contact Jessica Tuggle at Jessica.tuggle@redcross.org.

The Nashville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross serves Cheatham, Davidson, Macon, Robertson, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson and Wilson counties in Tennessee.