Summer Blockbuster Survival Guide

By Daniel Steffy, Intern

Alien attacks? Zombie apocalypses? Or even a killer ape take over? In the case these summer Hollywood Blockbuster disasters become a reality, the Red Cross has you covered with a plethora of survival tips and resources. 

The Edge of Tomorrow: Alien Attacks

In the unfortunate event of an alien attack on planet earth, we learned from the movie we can count on Tom Cruise to save the day. When aliens invade they bring with them fire and havoc. They scorch our beloved planets surface, spreading wildfires and burning down countless homes. So just what should we normal, everyday citizens do while we wait for Mr. Cruise to swoop in and rescue us?

Don't panic, just turn to the guidance of trained experts at your local Red Cross. Make certain your home and family are prepared and educated for the martin's hostile heat with the Red Cross fire preparedness checklist.

Or stay one step ahead of the fast spreading flames with the Red Cross Wildfire App. Using these fire safety tips you should be able to avoid the aliens path and survive the fire and chaos until Tom Cruise can finish the job and save our planet from the alien attackers!

Maggie: Zombie apocalypses

With Arnold Schwarzenegger busy trying to care for his daughter who got freshly infected with the zombie virus, who is going to care for you during the zombie apocalypses? Make sure you can survive on your own in a chemical emergency such as a zombie outbreak.

Obviously a zombie apocalypse brings with it a variety of survival challenges, but take a minute to review the Red Cross's tips for survival in a chemical emergency.

Using this knowledge your next goal should be to escape the outbreak and make it safely to a shelter. Once there, you can resupply your survival kit and tend to any medical injuries. The Red Cross Shelter App will provide you with detailed maps and the location of the nearest functional shelter. Download it now. Good luck!

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Killer Ape Take over

When man pushes super smart massive Apes too far, it results in them forming an army and setting out on a quest to conquer the world. Just like in the movie, it's safe to say our survival would be in jeopardy. After years of locking apes up in zoo's they surely won't be happy with the human race as a whole.

While killer apes present all sorts of threats, the knocking down and swinging from power lines causing major power outages is the first of many. Again you might find yourself hunkered down waiting for aid. But just how ready are you to survive in a boarded up home with no power?

Check out the Red Cross power outagepreparedness checklist to ensure your ready for the challenge and can stay in hiding from the angry apes.

Also, don't forget about your beloved furry pets amidst the horde of giant monkeys. If your pet becomes injured while your on lock down in a powerless home, their survival depends on you! Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid App and protect your pets from anything, including giant angry apes!

And of course, besides these three extreme movie scenarios, life's many challenges in general present the need to be able to perform basic CPR/AED, as well as always having a survival kit at the ready. In the event someone you know is injured or a unexpected disaster rolls in, you’ll be able to respond with confidence. Let the Red Cross help train you to besurvival ready for anything! Also, take a look at our Red Cross survival kits to purchase one or compare it to your current kit!

Red Cross’ Guide to a Successful Valentine’s Day

Photo courtesy of blog.bookrenter.com

By Kassidy Ketron
Intern

Before you prepare a lavish meal for your sweetheart, light every candle in a five-mile radius, or prepare those chocolate covered strawberries sprinkled with nuts, the American Red Cross wants you to keep a few things in mind so this day of love isn’t ruined.

Whether you’re making a five-course meal or turning off all the lights in your home leaving candles as the only option, make sure you know what to do to prevent catching your apron or carpet on fire.

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Stay in the home while simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food. Check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire—like pot holders, towels, plastic and clothing— away from the stove.
• Keep pets off cooking surfaces and countertops to prevent them from knocking things onto the burner.

 If you fail to follow our preventative steps:

• Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home.
• Make sure everyone knows where to meet outside in case of fire.
• Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
• Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

Click here for more information about fire prevention and what to do in case of one.

Assuming you’ve made or purchased a wonderful meal, you sit down with your honey to enjoy it, but they start choking because your charming self said something really funny.

Here’s what you do:

• Hit them firmly on their back between the shoulder blades five times to dislodge the object.
• Then, give five quick abdominal thrusts. Stand behind the choking victim, join your hands around their tummy and form a fist. Pull your hands sharply inward and upward. Don’t attempt this technique on a child under a year old.
• Always call 911 or get someone else to do it when someone is choking.

Prepare yourself as much as possible for the unexpected by downloading the First Aid App by American Red Cross or visit our website to learn more about making sure your Valentine’s Day is disaster free.