In Case You Missed It - Oct 12

Red Cross Volunteer Vivian Moy at the Long Island Red Cross.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 49 adults and 10 children following 32 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Over the weekend, the Red Cross partnered with Tzu Chi Foundation in New York to install 149 free smoke alarms in 43 homes in Queens! Special thanks to the volunteer teams who made a tremendous impact.
• On Friday, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro and the Red Cross held a fire safety event to encourage Brooklyn residents to sign up for free smoke alarm installations.
• On Thursday, we posted a recap of the previous week’s response to the tragic building explosion in Borough Park (Brooklyn).
• On Wednesday, the Red Cross stood alongside New York City’s First Lady Chirlane McCray to commemorate the 501st and final home repaired after Hurricane Sandy through the LISC’s Neighborhood Revitalization NYC Home Repair Program, which the Red Cross and other partners helped to fund.
• Also on Wednesday, NYC Council Member Mark Treyger, invited the Red Cross to speak about the importance of preparedness to Coney Island residents.
• Long Island Red Cross volunteer Vivian Moy described the challenges of operating a Red Cross shelter in Port Washington in our ongoing #MyRedCrossLife Instagram series.
• On Tuesday, the Metro New York North Red Cross with Yonkers OEM was on scene of a fire that had displaced three families (seven adults and three children). Emergency assistance was provided to all.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Win a Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit by taking the online emergency preparedness training. You’ll be automatically entered to win. This contest is open to residents of New York City, Long Island, Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, Putnam and Westchester Counties. Four winners will be chosen each month (notified via email).
• Oct 12, 15: Red Cross blood drives; 1 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Oct 13, 15, 21: For Red Cross volunteers, sign up for one of our Home Fire Safety Academy Level I training dates. We’ll cover the basics of fire safety education and each of the technician roles needed for our Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. This is the best way to get prepared for our October 24th Installation Event. Check out the training calendar and register here!
• Oct 14: Greater New York will be hosting the American Red Cross Gala, honoring our heroes.
• Oct 17: On Saturday, volunteers and staff will gather throughout our region for our Full Scale Exercise – New York Shakes. In this exercise, we’ll confront the impact that this catastrophic event would have throughout our region. Whether you’re taking on a leadership role or exploring something new, this is an incredible opportunity to practice and to learn. Red Cross volunteers can sign up for a role here.

Bike for Good and Be Safe

Biking allows the ultimate freedom: riders can take in the sights and sounds of the City while avoiding gridlock and setting their own schedule.

And if that’s not reason enough to bike in New York City, between September 16th and October 16th, the Citi Bike for Good Program will turn every ride on a Citi Bike® into a ride for hope.

Thanks to generous support from Citibank, your Citi Bike® ride in New York City can help fund the vital relief and recovery services the Red Cross delivers daily to the Greater New York region.

But before you start pedaling for your favorite charity, there are a few simple safety tips and rules of the road we want you to remember in order to stay safe:

• Wear a Properly Fitted Bicycle Helmet. Protect your brain, save your life.
• Check Your Equipment. Before riding, check tires and brakes.
• See and Be Seen. Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, foul weather, or at night, you need to be seen by others. Wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.
• Control Your Bicycle. Always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars. Carry books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack.
• Watch for and Avoid Road Hazards. Be on the lookout for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and animals.
• Avoid Riding at Night. If you have to ride at night, wear something that makes you more easily seen by others and make sure your bike has flashing lights.

And here are just a few tips for dealing with traffic when you are on that bike.

Be sure to ALWAYS:

• Go With the Traffic Flow. Ride on the right, in the same direction as other vehicles. If there is a bike lane, please stay in the lane. Go with the flow – not against it.
• Obey All Traffic Laws. A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re a driver. When you ride on the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
• Yield to Traffic When Appropriate. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.
• Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.
• Stay Alert at All Times. Use your eyes AND ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. You need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations – please don’t wear a headset when you ride.
• Look Before Turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, and then signal before making the turn. Watch for left or right-turning traffic.
• Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out).

To learn more about the Citi Bike for Good Program, visit www.citibikeforgood.com. Follow the program on social media using #CitiBikeforGood and #RideforRedCross.

In Case You Missed It - Oct 5

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 89 adults and 25 children following 38 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Yesterday, Red Cross volunteers helped train the employees of Atlas Air in Purchase, N.Y. on how to be better prepared for emergencies.
• On Saturday, Red Cross helped dozens of Brooklyn residents after an explosion and building collapse forced them from their homes. Thank you to all who are supporting this operation.
• Later that evening, Red Cross Metro New York North staff and volunteers opened up reception center in Monticello for 48 families who were temporarily displaced due to a 2-alarm apartment fire. Temporary housing and emergency funds were provided to 7 of those families.
• Hurricane Joaquin passed us by, but Greater NY Red Cross prepared for the possible outcome. Our colleagues from South Jersey to South Carolina are bearing the brunt of the storm and flooding.
• On Wednesday, teams of Red Cross responders assisted dozens of Bronx families forced to evacuate after a 4-alarm fire tore through their 5-story apartment building. A shelter was setup to meet their immediate needs and to provide support for their next steps towards recovery.
• One day later, the Red Cross was at the scene of the Bronx 4-alarm fire, assisting residents who were allowed back into their apartments.
• Always Be Training: Metro New York North Red Crossers held a tabletop exercise this week.
• Throughout the week, Disaster Cycle Services held their quarterly All-Hands meetings with each chapter in Goshen, New Hyde Park and Brooklyn. 

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Win a Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit by taking the online emergency preparedness training. You’ll be automatically entered to win. This contest is open to residents of New York City, Long Island, Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, Putnam and Westchester Counties. Four winners will be chosen each month (notified via email).
• Oct 5, 8, 9: Red Cross blood drives; 1 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Oct 11: Community Partners Tzu Chi will be canvassing Flushing to install free smoke alarms as part of the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign.
• Oct 14: Greater New York will be hosting the American Red Cross Gala, honoring our heroes.
• Oct 17: On Saturday, volunteers and staff will gather throughout our region for our Full Scale Exercise – New York Shakes. In this exercise, we’ll confront the impact that this catastrophic event would have throughout our region. Whether you’re taking on a leadership role or exploring something new, this is an incredible opportunity to practice and to learn. Red Cross volunteers can sign up for a role here.

In Case You Missed It - Sept 28

Red Cross volunteers and staff serving as medical spotters for NYRR Bronx 10-mile. (Photo: Oonagh Turrito)

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 80 adults and 42 children following 40 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• The Greater New York Red Cross had a busy weekend. On Sunday, Red Cross volunteers and staff served as medical spotters for the NYRR Bronx 10-Mile Marathon.
• Red Cross volunteers also attended the Northport VA “stand down” and provided service members comfort kits, smiles and thanks for their sacrifices for our country.
• On Saturday, the Red Cross assisted 14 adults and 13 children who had to leave their homes in Queens by setting up a shelter at our regional headquarters.
• On the same day, the Long Island Red Cross also participated in the Family Safety and Health Fair at the Brentwood Public Library.
• Also on Saturday the Metro New York North Chapter partnered with Peekskill OEM to canvas at-risk homes in the community.
• On Friday, we posted a web article about how Greater New York Red Crossers have been helping and impacting the global community.
• DNAinfo posted a story titled “Red Cross Responded to Nearly 100 Fires in Bushwick in Last 2 Years” that highlights the ongoing outreach of the home fire preparedness campaign
• For the historic Papal visit Red Cross volunteers remained on standby ready to provide support to the city as needed.
• On Thursday, we shared our latest #MyRedCrossLife story featuring Michael DeLeon and his Red Cross experience.
• On Wednesday, the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program and Verizon Wireless Employees partnered together to help makeover a garden area at the Northport VA Medical Center.
• Early Tuesday morning, a fire at the Walden Pond Community forced several senior citizens from their homes. The Red Cross was able to provide temporary housing and financial assistance to those who needed it.
• Our proud CEO Josh Lockwood gave thanks to Wells Fargo for supporting our life-saving mission.
• On Monday, Red Cross Volunteer Services held a fun bowling social event for volunteers.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Win a Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit by taking the online emergency preparedness training. You’ll be automatically entered to win. This contest is open to residents of New York City, Long Island, Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, Putnam and Westchester Counties. Four winners will be chosen each month (notified via email).
• Sept 30 to Oct 1: Disaster Cycle Services will be holding their quarterly All-Hands Meetings for three consecutive nights at Goshen, Brooklyn and New Hyde Park. Sept 30, Oct 2: Red Cross blood drives; 1 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Oct 3: Please join us for an unforgettable day as our Home Fire Preparedness Campaign travels to Brooklyn to install free smoke alarms and teach fire safety! This is a great way to help your neighbors and to meet other Red Cross volunteers! For Red Cross volunteers, sign up to be an Installer, educators/documenter, driver, or logistics/staffing here. Training will be provided.
• Oct 4: The Red Cross will be supporting the “A Family Resource Day” (9am-1pm) which is organized by the New York City Council in Far Rockaway to provided free services and resources for immigrant families.
• Oct 17: On a Saturday, volunteers and staff will gather throughout our region for our Full Scale Exercise – New York Shakes. In this exercise, we’ll confront the impact that this catastrophic event would have throughout our region. Whether you’re taking on a leadership role or exploring something new, this is an incredible opportunity to practice and to learn. Red Cross volunteers can sign up for a role here.

In Case You Missed It - Sept 21

Red Cross Volunteers and Staff outside of Long Island Red Cross chapter.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 95 adults and 40 children following 38 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• On Friday, Red Cross Volunteer Diane Phillips discussed the rewarding, yet often emotionally challenging experience of doing casework for Service to the Armed Forces via our Instagram series #MyRedCrossLife.
• Wednesday, Citi Bike launched its Citi Bike for Good campaign at Madison Square Park to help raise funds for the Red Cross, YMCA and No Kid Hungry. From September 16 to October 16, rides with Citi Bike could help raise up to $50,000 for each charity.
• The magazine of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement featured the Greater New York Red Cross in an article titled “Comfort after tragedy, with help from technology” (with photos by volunteer photographer Marko Kokic).
• Tuesday afternoon, the Red Cross responded to a fire in Long Island City and assisted three adults and two children with temporary housing and emergency financial assistance for basic necessities.
• Also on Tuesday, Metro New York North Red Cross and the Peekskill CERT worked together to plan a future free smoke alarm install day in October.
• Senator Phil Boyle thanked the Red Cross for our participation in the Disaster Preparedness Workshop that was hosted by the Senator and the Islip Chamber of Commerce on Long Island.
• On Monday, Red Cross volunteers provided comfort and support at the funeral of beloved Yonkers Police Lt. Roy McLaughlin. 

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Win a Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit by taking the online emergency preparedness training. By taking the online training, you’ll be automatically entered to win preparedness supplies. Four winners will be chosen each month (notified via email).
• Sept 21-25: The “Super Commuters Challenge” is the first of Citi Bike’s weekly challenges to help raise more funds for the Red Cross and other organizations. So don’t forget your helmet and commute to work with Citi Bike to ride for hope! Share your story on social media with #CitibikeforGood and #Ride4RedCross.
• Sept 21, 22, 24: Red Cross blood drives; 1 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Sept 25: The American Red Cross, in partnership with the Manhattan VA, will be participating in the second "Resume Writing and Job Skills Training" session to assist military veterans looking for employment.
• Sept 24-25: For the historic visit of Pope Francis to NYC, Red Cross is looking for volunteers to serve in a variety of functions. These include mental health, health services and mass care. Red Cross volunteers can sign up to participate here.
• Oct 3: Please join us for an unforgettable day as our Home Fire Preparedness Campaign travels to Brooklyn on October 3 to install free smoke alarms and teach fire safety! This is a great way to help the New York City community and to meet other Red Cross volunteers! For Red Cross volunteers, sign up to be an installer, educators/documenter, driver, or logistics/staffing here. Training will be provided.

In Case You Missed It - Sept 14

Remembering 9/11: Red Cross Volunteers supporting 9/11 emergency workers.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 49 adults and 18 children following 34 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).


Last Week in Review

The great Joe Spaccarelli giving a little motivation to the runners in the 1st Inaugural Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon in Support of Our Veterans!
Posted by Vivian Moy on Sunday, September 13, 2015

• On Sunday, Long Island Red Cross volunteers manned the 15th mile hydration station at the Inaugural Suffolk County Marathon.
• Later Sunday evening, Nancy Soto and other Red Cross volunteers participated in a full-scale training exercise organized by the Port Authority. Outside of the Lincoln Tunnel, they played the role of disaster victims while first responders administered first aid.
• Friday marked the 14th Anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks. We paid tribute to the D.A.R.T. members we lost on that day and after and honored the contributions of Red Cross volunteers who responded to the tragic events.
• Volunteers also handed out refreshments and snacks to attendees of the commemoration event at the 9/11 memorial on Staten Island.
• Also on September 11: As part of a “Day of Service,” volunteers with the United Way of Dutchess--Orange Region as well as employees from the Ball Corporation came to our Middletown warehouse to assist the Metro NY North Red Cross with various logistics projects.
• Long Island Red Cross CEO John Miller also had the opportunity to talk about the importance of preparedness with DJ Orlando on 94.3 The Shark.
• In the middle of the week, the Red Cross held a “Thank You” event for our supporters hosted by Pernod Ricard in New York City.
• Earlier in the week we shared this inspirational portrait and quote from Metro New York North Red Cross volunteer Alex Poku and his son on Instagram.
• The Red Cross was also represented by Alex Lutz at the 9/11 Remembrance Service held at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Wednesday. 

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Sept 14 and 16: Red Cross blood drives; 1 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Sept 18 and 25: The American Red Cross, in partnership with the Manhattan VA, will be participating in two "Resume Writing and Job Skills Training" sessions to assist military veterans looking for employment.
• Sept 24-25: For the historic visit of Pope Francis to NYC, Red Cross is looking for volunteers to serve in a variety of functions. These include mental health, health services and mass care. Red Cross volunteers can sign up to participate here.
• Oct 3: Please join us for an unforgettable day as our Home Fire Preparedness Campaign travels to Brooklyn on October 3 to install free smoke alarms and teach fire safety! This is a great way to help the New York City community and to meet other Red Cross volunteers! For Red Cross volunteers, sign up to be an installer, educators/documenter, driver, or logistics/staffing here. Training will be provided.

In Case You Missed - Sept 8

Red Cross Volunteer Graham Austin featured on Instagram.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 88 adults and 30 children following 44 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Early Thursday morning, the Red Cross responded to a 4-Alarm fire on Glenwood Road in Brooklyn. Food and support was provided to displaced residents and first responders on the scene.
• Later that day, we posted a portrait of Red Cross Volunteer Graham Austin with the hashtag #MyRedCrossLife on Instagram. Please follow us and share!
• We also shared an amazing story and video of how Officer Qiang Shi revived a teenager suffering a heart attack on subway platform with CPR. If you don't know CPR, it's never too late to learn.
• On Tuesday, we posted a video featuring Red Cross Intern Katie Lovett taking viewers on a disaster ride-along through Brooklyn. 

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Volunteer Services is looking for volunteers to help with recruitment, engagement and management of volunteers.
• Sept 9, 11: Red Cross blood drives; 1 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Sep 9: The Voices of September 11 is holding a Resiliency Symposium for mental health professionals and researchers/clinicians in the fields of trauma/bereavement, as well as 9/11 families, responders and survivors.
• Sep 18 and 25: The American Red Cross, in partnership with the Manhattan VA, is offering two "Resume Writing and Job Skills Training" sessions to assist military veterans looking for employment. Both sessions will run from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The sessions will be held at the VA Manhattan campus, the deadline to register is August 28.