Meet our Chapter Volunteer of the Year

By Daniel Steffy, Intern

Joe Faubion at the Hurst Fire Station event

Meet Joe Faubion,  our 2014 Red Cross Lubbock Chapter Volunteer of Year Award winner! Based on his tremendous work ethic and hungry desire to aid the Red Cross mission, Joe was without a doubt the top candidate for the award. From his first days with Red Cross Lubbock Joe has been a valuable asset to the team. Take a minute to read about  why Joe first joined the Red Cross as well as some of his favorite experiences in his time spent with with Red Cross Lubbock.

Q: What first got you interested in the Red Cross and when did you join?

A: "I was recruited by my wife back in 2011. We always had plans to spend our retirement volunteering, after a good experience with Habitat for Humanity in Dallas, I joined my wife in her duties with Red Cross Lubbock". 

Joe is married to Pamela Faubion, the Disaster Operations Director for Red Cross Lubbock, and they have spent their retirement years exactly as planned. As a Disaster volunteer, Joe has put in countless hours assisting his wife in their mission to respond to disasters promptly and successfully.Together, they are often Red Cross Lubbock's first responders on the scene of a disaster call.

Q: Why did you make the choice to put in so much time and become such a dedicated Red Cross Volunteer?

A: "Along with spending time with my wife and taking on some of her duties, the Red Cross really is on a incredible mission to do a lot of good". 

Disaster volunteers spend a lot of time out in the field. For Joe, this means helping respond to the ever present disaster calls that Red Cross Lubbock receives. In his work, Joe interacts with disaster victims first hand, distributing necessary supplies, making minor repairs, and seeing that the victims get whatever it is they truly need. Check out more details about exactly what Joe does as a Disaster Volunteer here: http://www.redcross.org/support/volunteer/disaster-volunteer

Q:As a Red Cross Volunteer, what is one of your favorite or most enjoyable part of the job?

A: "I like driving the ERV(Emergency Response Vehicle), and being out in the field".

Through his three years as a volunteer with the Red Cross Joe has always been involved and done great things for the community. He has responded to countless disasters, making him every bit deserving of this recognition. Joe will be receiving his award Thursday, June 26th, at our Red Cross Lubbock Annual Meeting & Volunteer Awards Ceremony.

Red Cross Lubbock responds to June 6th Hail Storm

By Daniel Steffy, Intern

Lubbock county and two neighboring counties received extensive enough hail storm damage from storms that started June 6th that Red Cross Lubbock has officially opened up a level 2 Disaster Response Operation. 

Normally, it is quite unusual to respond this late, but after the initial storm, many families didn't know where to turn for assistance.  It wasn't in till the local TV station KAMC did an interview with us a week after the storm regarding our relief services that the phone calls started in. We are still receiving calls and the relief effort is ongoing.

Last week we identified over 85 homes damaged. We will be providing minor home repairs to home owners and rental assistance to those who need to move. Also, supplies have been distributed to those in need. Here's a in depth look at our updated list of facts and current services provided.

 

Storm Damage just outside Lubbock County

FACTS:

We are in a Level 2 Disaster Response Operation.

96 homes were affected by the storm.

This storm created damage throughout 3 counties, Hockley County, Lubbock County, and Hemphill County

We are currently assisting with minor home repairs and rental assistance

In addition to repairs, as of today we have given out:

47 tarps

22 pairs of gloves

26 comfort kits

13 moving forward books

11 mickey mouse stuffed animals

The Red Cross Lubbock will continue to provide these services to the families until everyone has received assistance. If you are in need of emergency assistance because of the hail storm in Hockley, Lubbock or Hemphill counties in Texas please contact us at 806-765-8534!

Celebrate Disaster Day in the best way

Photo courtesy of comicvine.com

By Kassidy Ketron
Intern

Can you believe Disaster Day has already come and gone? Neither can we.

What exactly is Disaster Day, you ask? We have no idea, but we thought it would be a great opportunity to give you some tips to avoid disaster and advice on what to do when it does strike.

Our first set of advice is to Be Red Cross Ready:

• Know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in your community
• Have a family disaster plan and practice it
• Have an emergency preparedness kit
• Make sure at least one member of the household is trained in first aid and CPR/AED
• Take action to help your community to prepare

In the event of a disaster, it’s important to be ready and prepared. Compile a survival kit that you can use at home or easily take with you in case of evacuation.

Here are just a few of the things we suggest you store in your kit:

• Water — one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food — non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid Kit — Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Extra cash
• Click here to read the complete list.

Not only is it important to have a survival kit ready, but a preparedness plan can be just as vital.

To make sure you stay safe:

• Meet with your family or household members
• Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team
• If a family member is in the military, plan how you would respond if they were deployed

If separated:

• Choose two places to meet:
• Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire
• Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate
• Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. It may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should have emergency contact information in writing or saved on their cell phones.

If you evacuate:

• Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. You may choose to go to a hotel/motel, stay with friends or relatives in a safe location or go to an evacuation shelter, if necessary.
• Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on your map in case roads are impassable.
• Plan ahead for your pets. Keep a phone list of pet-friendly hotels/motels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

Make sure you can expect the unexpected, or at least prepare for it as much as possible, by visiting our website and educating yourself.

Now that you are all set, enjoy your day and stay safe. Next year, show Disaster Day what you’re made of.

Groundhog Phil saw his shadow. Now what?

Photo courtesy of groundhog.org

By Kassidy Ketron

Intern

As if we haven’t seen enough crazy weather this winter season, Groundhog Phil saw his shadow Sunday, signifying six more weeks of winter.

Although a groundhog’s shadow is straightforward with its weather predictions, sometimes the weatherman’s terminology can be a little confusing.

So, here’s what all of that means:

• Winter Storm Outlook — Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.

• Winter Weather Advisory — Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

• Winter Storm Watch — Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.

• Winter Storm Warning — Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

When there is a warning for winter weather, do your best to make sure you’re prepared for anything from icy roads to a blizzard.

• Winterize — Keep the gas tank in your vehicle full. This will keep the fuel line from freezing.

• Insulate — Keep your home insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep the cold air out.

• Maintain — Keep up with heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned regularly and inspected every year.

• Travel — Keep the heat on in your home if you decide to leave during cold weather. Make sure the temperature is set no lower than 55 ° F.

Occasionally, the South Plains Region will see enough bad winter weather to shut down what seems like entire cities. Do you remember the blizzard that hit the Lubbock area last April?

Photo courtesy of srh.noaa.org

When such weather hits, here is what you need to know:

• Running water — Keep the water running, even at a trickle, to prevent pipes from freezing.

• Cabinet doors — Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warm air can circulate around the plumbing. Don’t forget to move any harmful cleaners or household chemicals out of the reach of children.

• Heat — Keep the thermostat set at a constant temperature throughout the day and night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill.

• Driving — Avoid hitting the road when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. When travel is absolutely necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

To find out more ways to stay safe during bad weather click here.

Making sure you know what the weatherman is saying and how to prepare for any kind of winter is storm is vital, but let’s not forget about the fur babies, and we don’t mean hairy children.

• Pets/companion animals — Bring them inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles.

Be sure you are ready to take care of yourself and loved ones when bad weather hits by visiting our website or downloading one of our weather and safety mobile apps.

Hotel Fire Safety Tips

Fires are scary when they happen in your own home, but what if they happen when you're staying in a hotel?  Here are a few extra steps you need to take to ensure you'll be prepared if a fire breaks out in your hotel.

Be safe when traveling

• Choose a hotel/motel that is protected by both smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system.
  When you check in, ask the front desk what the fire alarm sounds like.
  When you enter your room, review the escape plan posted in your room.
  Take the time to find the exits and count the number of doors between your room and the exit. Make sure the exits are unlocked. If they are locked, report it to management right away.
  Keep your room key by your bed and take it with you if there is a fire.
  If the alarm sounds, leave right away, closing all doors behind you. Use the stairs — never use elevators during a fire.
  If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.

If you can't escape ...

• Shut off fans and air conditioners.
• Stuff wet towels in the crack around the doors.
• Call the fire department and let them know your location.
• Wait at the window and signal with a flashlight or light colored cloth.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Red Cross Recruiting Volunteers Ahead of Tornado Season

First-Ever Texas/Oklahoma Exercise to Provide Training Opportunity

Easter week last year, 17 tornadoes ripped through the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Weeks later, a deadly outbreak devastated hundreds of families across Oklahoma. As is their custom, the American Red Cross responded immediately to get help to those in need.

One of the first tasks undertaken by Red Cross volunteers is a disaster assessment. This duty is critical to the organization because it helps them determine how many families are affected, how many meals need to be prepared and how many volunteers will be needed to respond. Today, the American Red Cross is seeking to increase its pool of disaster assessment volunteers in advance of tornado season by offering a pool of upcoming training courses.

“It’s a simple process to become a Red Cross volunteer,” said Shannon Smith, Executive Director, South Plains Regional Chapter. “Just jump on our website at www.redcross.org/lubbock and click on the volunteer link. You’ll get all of the instructions on how to register and you’ll receive your next steps.”

The Red Cross is urging new volunteers to get trained in February so that they can participate in the agency’s first tornado disaster drill that will take place across the states of Texas and Oklahoma on Saturday, March 2, 2013.

“We’re tornado prone in both Texas and Oklahoma so we have to prepare ahead of these storms,” said Smith. “The time to take your training is when the sky is blue so we’re hopeful that many people will take the opportunity to join us in February for training and then work with us on this important drill in early March.”

Anyone interested in joining the American Red Cross should go to www.redcross.org/lubbock and click on the “Volunteer” link or call 806-765-8534. To prepare for spring storms, visit www.redcross.org.

Local Red Cross Volunteer Starting 2nd Sandy Deployment

An American Red Cross South Plains Regional Chapter volunteer is deploying tomorrow to New York City to assist residents affected by Superstorm Sandy.  Phoenix Lundstrom will be assigned to recovery planning and assistance where she will be working with clients to secure needs not met through personal, community, or government resources.

Phoenix is scheduled to leave tomorrow morning and will be back on February 18th.  This is her second deployment to the Northeast since the storm made landfall.

Nearly 1,000 Red Cross workers are still in the areas affected by the massive storm. The Red Cross is helping with food, emotional support and longer-term assistance.

Volunteers are working with government and community partners as part of a comprehensive response to help Sandy survivors recover.

For the next several months, a big part of the Red Cross recovery efforts will be working one-on-one with people who need some extra help.