The American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Urges Residents to Prepare Now for Floods

Levittown, PA, March 9, 2010 – Local forecasts are calling for the potential of 3+ inches of rain later this week and the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter is urging residents to prepare now for possible flooding.  Heavy rains, which are expected from Thursday until Saturday, may impact residents living along the Delaware River, Delaware Canal and Neshaminy Creek.  “After a winter of historic snowstorms, there is still a substantial snow pack along the northern Delaware tributaries.  The forecast of excessive rainfall along with rapid snow melt has the potential for major flooding”, said Steven Huizar, Director of Emergency Services for the Chapter.  “Now is the time to start making preparations should flooding impact our area.” As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for floods by:

• Creating and practicing a Disaster Plan: Talk to everyone in your household about what to do if a flood occurs. Decide where you would meet and who you would contact in case of flooding. Assemble and maintain an emergency preparedness kit. Be prepared to evacuate your family and pets at a moment’s notice. Listen to area radio and television stations for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress.

• Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Kits should contain a first aid kit and essential medications, foods that don’t require cooking or refrigeration and manual can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, copies of important documents and other emergency items for the whole family.
  
  
• Heeding Flood Warnings: Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated flood information.  A flood WATCH means flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. A food WARNING means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there. 

• Relocating During Flood Warnings: Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankle, stop, turn around and go another way. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.

Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Responds to House Fire in Falls Township

LEVITTOWN, PA, February 18, 2010 – Emergency Services personnel from the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter responded this afternoon to a house fire on the 90 block of Taylor Drive, Fairless Hills.  The fire affected two adults and one child as well as the family pets.  Members of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team met with the affected family to ensure that all disaster caused emergency needs were met.  Caseworkers will continue to follow up with the family to assist with the recovery efforts and to provide additional assistance and referrals based on the family’s recovery plan.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the Lower Bucks community.  Be safe during the winter months by preparing for home fires and other disasters.  Information regarding home emergency plans is located on the Chapter’s website www.RedCrossLBCC.org  Preparedness information for individuals and groups can also be obtained by calling 215-946-4870 ext 105.

Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Responds to Two Early Morning Fires

LEVITTOWN, PA, January 23, 2010 – Emergency Services personnel from the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter responded to two house fires this morning (1-23-10).  Three Disaster Action Team members assisted 1 adult and 3 children who lost their single family home on the 2800 block of Carter Drive in Trevose.  Three additional Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to a fire at a 2 unit dwelling on the 900 block of Washington Ave.  The team was able to assist 4 adults who were affected by the fire
Members of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team met with the affected families to ensure that all disaster caused emergency needs were met.  Caseworkers will continue to follow up with the families to assist with the recovery efforts and to provide additional assistance and referrals based on recovery plans.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the Lower Bucks community.  Be safe during the winter months by preparing for home fires and other disasters.  Information regarding home emergency plans is located on the Chapter’s website www.RedCrossLBCC.org  Preparedness information for individuals and groups can also be obtained by calling 215-946-4870 ext 105.

About the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter: The American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disaster; (last year the Chapter assisted 253 families in Lower Bucks County affected by disasters);  provides blood for area hospitals; teaches lifesaving skills; supports military members and their families; and operates the County’s only emergency homeless shelter.  The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.  Donations to support these vital services can be mailed to American Red Cross-Lower Bucks County Chapter at 1909 Veterans Highway, Levittown, Pa  19056 or by calling Jane E. Ward, Director of Development at 215-946-4870 ext 101 or via our Web Site www.redcrosslbcc.org.

Help people affected by disasters like the current fire, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.  On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.  Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling, and other assistance to victims of all disasters.  Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).  Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.  Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Updated Red Cross Disaster Response in Haiti

Levittown, PA, January 14, 2010 - With estimates that as many as three million people may be affected by the catastrophic earthquake which hit Haiti Tuesday, the American Red Cross is releasing an additional $9 million for earthquake relief, bringing its total commitment so far to $10 million to support relief efforts in Haiti.

Priority needs in Haiti are food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.  Thousands of local Red Cross volunteers are aiding their fellow Haitians.  American Red Cross Disaster management specialists are scheduled to arrive today from the United States, Peru and Mexico to join local Red Cross staff already on the ground in the disaster zone.  As soon as airports begin accepting relief shipments, tarps, hygiene items and cooking sets for approximately 5,000 families will come from the Red Cross warehouse in Panama.

The American Red Cross is also helping the injured who may need blood.  More than 100 units of blood and blood products were shipped to the U.S. Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, and then on to Guantanamo Bay to help Haitian evacuees and patients.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a plane full of mostly medical items on the way to Haiti from Geneva.  ICRC staff, including engineers, a surgeon and family linking specialists are expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince this morning.  Other Red Cross partners have deployed a mobile hospital, medical teams, and 40 staff to help with sheltering, providing water, sanitation, and telecommunications.

ICRC is helping reconnect separated families in Haiti through a special web site (www.icirc.org/familylinks) which enables people in Haiti and outside the country to search for and register the names of relatives missing since the earthquake.  In the first twenty-four hours, more than 6,000 people have been registered.

Countless requests have come from people wanting to help.  The best way to do that is to make a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors can designate their gifts to Haiti relief.  Donations to the International Response Fund allows the American Red Cross to respond to global emergencies and disasters.

In addition, several hundred thousand people have chosen to make a mobile donation.  Donors can text "Haiti" to 90999 on their cell phone to send a $10 donation to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.  The mobile giving effort raised more than $3 million by Thursday morning, and all money raised goes to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

How to Help:

• Financial donations are being accepted through the following methods:

• www.redcross.org
• Text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts.
• (215) 946-4870 x 101 or 1-800-REDCROSS
• American Red Cross
  P.O. Box 37243
  Washington, D.C. 20013

                OR

• American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter
  1909 Veterans Highway
  Levittown, PA 19056
• Susan Fischer: 215-946-4870 ext. 113
• Jane Ward: 215-946-4870 ext. 101

For inquiries about relatives living and who have citizenship in Haiti, please be patient and call repeatedly until the lines clear or contact other family members who live nearby. Telephone, Internet and other communication lines are often disrupted in times of disaster.
People trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Haiti should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or (202) 647-5225.
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

Red Cross Disaster Response in Haiti

Levittown, PA, January 13, 2010 - In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the American Red Cross is committing at least $1 million from its International Response Fund to assist affected communities.    The American Red Cross is also releasing supplies from a warehouse in Panama that will be able to meet the immediate needs of 5,000 families. Included are tarps, mosquito nets and cooking sets.  Six Red Cross disaster management specialists will also be deployed to the disaster zone to help coordinate relief.  These six join three staff already in the area to provide ongoing HIV/AIDS prevention and disaster preparedness programs.

The American Red Cross has an extensive partnership with the Haitian Red Cross, which is expected to lead the Red Cross response to the earthquake.

The Haitian Red Cross was founded in 1932 and is one of the primary organizations in the country responding to disasters. Although earthquakes are less common, Haiti is frequently impacted by hurricanes including those in 2008, and the Haiti Red Cross has developed experience in disaster response due those disasters.    

How to Help:

• Financial donations are being accepted through the following methods:

• www.redcross.org
• Text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts.
• 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish)
• American Red Cross
  P.O. Box 37243
  Washington, D.C. 20013
• OR
• American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter
  1909 Veterans Highway
  Levittown, PA 19056
• Susan Fischer:  215-946-4870 ext: 113
• Jane Ward: 215-946-4870 ext. 101

For inquiries about relatives living and who have citizenship in Haiti, please be patient and call repeatedly until the lines clear or contact other family members who live nearby. Telephone, Internet and other communication lines are often disrupted in times of disaster. 

People trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Haiti should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or (202) 647-5225

Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Responds to House Fire in Lower Southampton

LEVITTOWN, PA, December 30, 2009– Emergency Services personnel from the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter responded late this evening to a house fire on the 1200 block of Falls Ave, Feasterville.  The fire affected five members of the household.  Members of the Red Cross Disaster Response Team met with the affected family to ensure that all disaster caused emergency needs were met.  Caseworkers will continue to follow up with the person to assist with the recovery efforts and to provide additional assistance and referrals based on the person’s recovery plan.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the Lower Bucks community.  Be safe during the holidays by preparing for home fires and other disasters.  Information regarding home emergency plans is located on the Chapter’s website www.RedCrossLBCC.org    Preparedness information for individuals and groups can also be obtained by calling 215-946-4870 ext 105.

Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Responds to House Fire in Levittown

LEVITTOWN, PA, December 9, 2009– Emergency Services personnel from the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter responded late this evening to a house fire on the 10 block of Mica Hill, Levittown.  The fire affected one adult.  Members of the Red Cross Disaster Response Team met with the affected person to ensure that all disaster caused emergency needs were met.  Caseworkers will continue to follow up with the person to assist with the recovery efforts and to provide additional assistance and referrals based on the person’s recovery plan.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the Lower Bucks community.  Be safe during the holidays by preparing for home fires and other disasters.  Information regarding home emergency plans is located on the Chapter’s website www.RedCrossLBCC.org    Preparedness information for individuals and groups can also be obtained by calling 215-946-4870 ext 105.

Feed the Homeless Families Fund Matching Gift Success

LEVITTOWN, PA, September 28, 2009 –   The American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter announces the success of their Feed the Homeless Families Fund matching gift campaign.  Through this campaign, the volunteer American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Board of Directors and Shelter Advisory Committee matched funds (up to $10,000) donated by the public from August 1st to 31st, 2009.  Together we’ve raised $24.482.  These funds will help the Chapter provide nearly 60,000 nutritious meals to over 350 Bucks County residents at our Homeless Shelter. 

About Feed the Homeless Families Fund:  Daily diets lacking in essential nutrition are taking their toll on our nations’ health.  Food insecurity and lines at soup kitchens and food pantries are growing.  Homeless shelters and the wide array of services found there have become life rafts that vulnerable families cling to in order to get help and in some cases, survive.  Our Feed the Homeless Families Fund is a way to help ensure that the families we serve have access to healthy food all year long.

According to the Hunger in America Project (2006), homeless children have low intakes of iron, zinc and folate, impacting cognitive function, and growth.  Poor nutrition can also lead to lowered immunity so homeless children become more susceptible to illnesses both minor and major.  The “hunger-obesity” paradox is also common among homeless families.  The foods these families are used to eating are often calorie rich but nutritionally poor, leading to the epidemic of overweight, inactive children with all of the health and social consequences attached.

Our full service kitchen served over 18,000 meals to children last year.  Our move away from processed, frozen products, towards fresh, healthier, locally grown options has been fueled by a growing recognition of the degraded nutritional status of many of the people we serve and the role food and nutrition  play in reducing stress, improving health outcomes and general well-being. 

“It’s one thing to tell people they should be eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, it’s another to be able to offer that on a consistent basis.  Our Feed the Homeless Families Fund helps us do just that and improves the nutrition of hundreds of our community’s most vulnerable residents each year,” said William Burns, Director of Shelter Services.

If you would like to donate to the FEED THE HOMELESS FAMILES FUND please send your donation to the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter at 1909 Veterans Highway, Levittown, Pa 19056.  Include FEED THE HOMELESS FAMILIES FUND in the memo line or call 215-946-4870 ext 113.

Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Responds to House Fire in Bristol Township

LEVITTOWN, PA, September 22, 2009 – Emergency Services personnel from the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter responded early this morning to a house fire on the 60 block of Butternut Road, Levittown, Bristol Township.  The fire affected 3 adults, 4 children and the family dog.  Members of the Red Cross Disaster Response Team met with the affected family to ensure that all disaster caused emergency needs were met.  Caseworkers will continue to follow up with the family to assist with the recovery efforts and to provide additional assistance and referrals based on the family’s recovery plan.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the Lower Bucks community.  September is National Preparedness Month and all residents are encouraged to be prepared for home fires and other disasters.  Information regarding home emergency plans is located on the Chapter’s website www.RedCrossLBCC.org    Preparedness information for individuals and groups can also be obtained by calling 215-946-4870 ext 105.

Bravest Vs Finest Flag Football Challenge

LEVITTOWN, PA, September 8, 2009 – The American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter is excited to announce The Bravest vs. The Finest Flag Football Challenge being held on Sunday, September 13.  Local heroes from our community’s fire and police departments will meet on opposing sides of the gridiron in an exciting game of Flag Football to raise funds for the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Disaster Services.  There will be food, games, fire trucks, police cars, a police K-9, PlayStation 3 raffle and more!

Gates open at 9:00 AM; kickoff is at 10:00 AM at the Neshaminy High School Football Stadium (2001 Old Lincoln Highway, Langhorne).  Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students/children, and admission is free for kids 2 and under.  The event is being sponsored by StayWell, the Yonce Family, and Waste Management. 

On the roster for the firefighters, Team Bravest, are:
Frank Dea, Kenny Hopkins (C), Kevin Hopkins, Nick Pasqualone and Chris Stern from Cornwells Fire Co.; Gene Picciotti from Falls Township Fire Co.; Gerald Gallagher and Luke Woodson from Feasterville Fire Co.; Rick Hazelett, Ryan Hopkins, Dan Regan, and Kyle Wolf from Langhorne Middletown Fire Co.; Dennis Brady from Newportville Fire Co.; Tom Stressman from Parkland Fire Co.; and Timothy Chamberlain and Ryan Matheson from Yardley Makefield Fire Co. 

On the roster for the police officers, Team Finest, are:
Joe Moors, Chuck Palmer and Ritchie Webb from Bristol Borough PD; John Baran (C), Keith Bertram, Jarrod Eisenhauer, Timothy Filoon, Michael Sarcewicz, Charles Winik, and Dave Wiser from Bristol Township PD; Tom Lundquist from Falls Township PD; Keith Golder from Lower Makefield PD; Pat Hardy, Shawn Pirog, Shane Vandermark and Nick Whitney from Newtown Township PD; and Ed Wallace from Tullytown Borough PD.

The Pennsbury Falcon Cheerleading Association’s JV Squad will be cheering for the Bravest and the Penndel Wildcats will be cheering on the Finest.  Ben Franklin Middle School’s Drummers With Attitude will be providing a portion of the half time entertainment.  The Red Cross will be coordinating a Pass, Punt, Kick contest at halftime for ages 8-11 and 12-15.  Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each age category.  Rules are available on at www.redcrosslbcc.org.

To help the teams raise funds, make a donation at www.firstgiving.com/bravest or www.firstgiving.com/finest. 

American Red Cross Urges Caution During Heat Wave

LEVITTOWN, PA, September 1, 2009 –   When the dog days of summer deliver hot temperatures and high humidity, the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter urges residents to take precautions against the heat.

According to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer’s sweltering heat.  In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including tornadoes, floods and hurricanes. More>>

Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Responds to Fire in Bristol

LEVITTOWN, PA, August 26, 2009 – Emergency Services personnel from the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter responded this morning to a house fire at 4627 Gary Drive, Bristol, Bucks County, PA. The residence received major damage to the living area and laundry room, also extensive damage to the rest of the house from smoke and water.  The fire affected a 48 year old single man.  Members of the Red Cross Disaster Response Team met with the affected individual to ensure that all disaster caused emergency needs were met.  Caseworkers will continue to follow up with the individual to assist with the recovery efforts and to provide additional assistance and referrals based on the individual’s recovery plan.

Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Responds to Fire in Morrisville

LEVITTOWN, PA, August 24, 2009 – Emergency Services personnel from the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter responded today to a house fire at 5082 Grace Street, Morrisville, Bucks County, PA.  The fire affected a family of four: a mother and three children.  Members of the Red Cross Disaster Response Team met with the affected family to ensure that all disaster caused emergency needs were met.  Caseworkers will continue to follow up with the family to assist with the recovery efforts and to provide additional assistance and referrals based on the family’s recovery plan.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the Lower Bucks community. Residents are encouraged to be prepared for home fires and other disasters. Information regarding home emergency plans is located on the Chapter’s website www.RedCrossLBCC.org    Preparedness information for individuals and groups can also be obtained by calling 215-946-4870 ext 105.

American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Asks “Are You Prepared to Respond”

Levittown, PA, August 7, 2009 If someone started choking, would you know what to do?  What if someone was having a stroke, or suffering a cardiac distress episode?  How would you handle your pet if they were injured?  Would you like to learn how to become a trained babysitter?   Does your office have a Workplace Safety Team?  Does your organization have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?  Do you know someone who could use a personal response system in case they fall or need help at home? More>>

American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Responds to House Fire in Morrisville

LEVITTOWN, PA, August 7, 2009 – Three volunteers, one of whom was on their first emergency services call, from the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter responded last night to a house fire on 112 Mark Drive, Morrisville in Bucks County, PA. More>>

American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter Holds Annual Meeting

Levittown, PA, August 7, 2009 – At its annual meeting on June 18th, the Lower Bucks County Chapter of the American Red Cross elected new board members and officers, recognized selected “Leaders in Our Community”, issued “Community Partnership Awards” and celebrated “Above and Beyond” volunteers. More>>

American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter announces their FEED THE HOMELESS FAMILIES FUND

LEVITTOWN, PA, August 4, 2009 –   The American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter announces their Feed the Homeless Families Fund matching grant campaign. More>>

Mealeys Furniture and Red Cross announce New Partnership

The American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter is honored to announce a new community partnership with Mealey's Furniture to increase awareness and assistance to military families. Mealey's Furniture will be providing the local chapter with furniture and additional resources in the development of a Service to Military Families and Veteran's Center. This center will be operational 24-hrs a day to assist local families with emergency communications, financial assistance and other services. The new Service to Military Families and Veteran's Center is scheduled to be completed August 2008. More>>