Latest News
Survey: Nearly 80 percent of Americans plan water-related summer activities, but a third lack skills
“Water safety is important for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, and the best thing anyone can do to help stay safe during water-related activities is to learn how to swim,” said Ann Holt, regional director of health and safety at the local American Red Cross.
Help the blood supply recover!
With this latest round of severe winter storms, the Red Cross has been unable to collect blood in certain parts of the country, and has been forced to cancel over 750 blood drives and over 28,000 scheduled blood donations since January 1.
Red Cross and Heart Association change first aid guidelines
Among the revisions are updated recommendations for the treatment of snake bites, anaphylaxis (shock), jellyfish stings and severe bleeding. The First Aid Guidelines are being published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
October is Fire Prevention Month
October is Fire Safety Month, and the American Red Cross is urging everyone to help save lives by making sure their home is protected by smoke alarms.
“The largest percentage of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or alarms that don’t work,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Smoke alarms provide a few minutes of advance warning in the event of a home fire, and that extra time can save lives.”
Assemble a Disaster Kit
Fire Safety Tips
American Red Cross readies as Earl heads toward NC
The Category 4 storm is bearing down on the U.S.
Please review our Hurricane Safety tip sheet.
Find a shelter in North Carolina
Make a Donation
Ways you can stay safe during high temperatures
In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity. Generally temperatures are 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region during summer months, last for a long period of time and occur with high humidity as well.