June 27, 2009

Watauga County Chapter
of the American Red Cross
331 Queen Street Suite B     Boone, North Carolina 28607     828.264.8226

Latest Updates:

Health and Safety

Annual Report (doc)

Disaster Services

The Jeremy Fund
The Jeremy Fund was founded in memory of Jeremy Dale Fisher who died in a tragic apartment fire in Boone only three months after his graduation from ASU. Bud and Helen Fisher established the Jeremy Fund in cooperation with the Watauga County Chapter of the Red Cross to:
… Give victims in Watauga County immediate relief for fire and other disasters.
… Provide resources for fire prevention, education, and assistance.
… Support scholarships for firefighters and disaster service volunteers.
… Serve as a reminder that all is not truly lost for victims who survive a fire or other disaster.

The Russell Fund
Leo Russell Keene III was a native of Avery County who passed away during the terrorists' attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Russell left behind a wife and two-year-old daughter in New Jersey. He was in the South Building after the north tower was hit and his elevator went into a freefall, stopping just above the first floor. He was able to pry the doors open to help two females escape to safety just before the building collapsed. Donations to this fund will provide immediate relief for victims of disaster in Avery County.

Be Prepared!
Some disasters require us to stay in our own homes to be safe and often power is lost. Every home should be stocked with a minimum three-day supply of water, food, first aid supplies, emergency supplies, special items and extra bedding. We believe adding a few more days of supplies gives a better cushion of self-reliance if emergency relief efforts are stalled. If space allows, keep all of your disaster supplies in one place. A large plastic container with a snap on lid works great to keep items dry or a duffle bag will suffice. Keeping all of the supplies together prevents you from scrambling for items and if you do have to leave your home, you have everything ready to evacuate.

Store extra water in plastic containers or buy gallons of water from the grocery. Plan on three gallons of water per day per person. It is always a good idea to fill bathtubs with water prior to a weather related storm to be used for personal hygiene, flushing commodes, and washing dishes. Staying hydrated is very important in stressful situations so be sure to have an adequate amount of drinking water available.

Keep non-perishable food on hand. Once the power goes out, it is best to keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to maintain the cold temperatures. Just opening and closing the doors a few times will cause the temperatures to rise to the point of spoiling the food inside. Stock up on nourishing foods that do not require much cooking or water such as canned tuna or meats, packaged fruits, nuts especially peanut butter, jelly, crackers, ready to heat soups, instant oatmeal, cookies, cereals, energy bars, powdered or packaged milk, fruit juice, instant coffee and hot chocolate. Remember your pets and keep a stock of extra food and water for them. Other items to keep on hand are paper plates, cups and a manual can opener.

Be sure to keep your grill's propane tank full, or keep charcoal on hand, as often that may be your source for cooking. Small camping stoves are perfect for emergencies but should be used outdoors. A few other special items to keep on hand are a battery-operated radio with extra batteries, a small fire extinguisher, a whistle for signaling help, duct tape and extra cash, including change.

A first aid kit can be purchased or you can assemble one yourself. Include non-latex gloves, various sizes of band aids, gauze pads, roller bandages, tape, anti-bacterial soap, wipes and hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial ointment, tweezers, scissors, eye wash, sunscreen, insect repellent, over the counter pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, and a CPR mouth barrier device. It is advisable to have a first aid kit for your home and in your automobile. Lighting is critical in an emergency situation. Headlamps are a great alternative for hands free lighting or keep several flashlights and batteries on hand. Lanterns are far safer than candles and rooms are much better illuminated with oil lamps. Keep several boxes of kitchen matches in a plastic bag with your disaster supplies.

In a waterproof bag, keep several rolls of toilet tissue, Kleenex, moist towelettes, feminine products, trash bags, and a small container of bleach. You will also want to keep small bottles of soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush as well as extra prescription medications in the toiletry bag. If you have babies, be sure to include diapers, formula and any other special items they may need. Or if you have elderly family members at home, be sure to keep special items they may require available in your disaster kit.

If forced to evacuate your home, take all of the above items as well as sleeping bags or blankets, pillows, a stuffed animal for the children, books, small games such as cards or a travel set of checkers, and paper and crayons or markers. A camping pad adds extra padding and comfort when sleeping on a cot or on the ground. Bringing a few familiar items will add some comfort when forced to leave your home and relocate, hopefully, for a short period of time. Pack according to the weather being sure to include extra warm clothing, gloves, hats, and winter boots if the temperatures dictate.

It is a good idea to keep all of your important records and documents in a waterproof, portable container. Your will, insurance policies, contracts or deeds, passports, social security cards, immunization records, birth certificates, bank account numbers and bank phone number, and credit card account numbers and company phone numbers should all be kept in one spot. Some people have video recordings or photographs of their household goods for insurance purposes and these should be kept along with your important documents.

We all watched and read about the devastation in our Gulf Coast states as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Take the lessons learned from that storm and prepare yourself to meet any disaster that may come your way.

The above suggestions give you a jumping off point to develop your family's disaster preparedness kit based on your own particular needs and geographical location. Once your kit is prepared, be sure to rotate the food, water, and batteries to keep your supplies fresh and up to date.

Be Prepared!