Batteries Not Included

Let me know if this scenario sounds familiar to you:

It's around 8 p.m. on a weeknight and after a long day at work, you've settled in to enjoy some primetime TV. McDreamy is preparing to run a CT scan on the cheerleader who thinks she has superpowers while emergency room workers are freaking out about two men with large neck wounds resembling vampire bites . . .? Something like that.

 

Suddenly McDreamy's face is replaced with that of the local weatherman. The storm that initially warranted only a ticker tape has now escalated to a show interrupting level. Before you can make sense of the yellow, green and red blobs on the radar, the TV flickers out along with the rest of your power. After finally unearthing your keys (which carry the only flashlight you own—you know, the one you got for free at the health fair at work) you click it on only to discover the batteries are out. If only you had an extra set of batteries.

This has happened to the best of us. Even having four or five flashlights in the house doesn't guarantee working batteries. Having extra flashlights and batteries on hand can help prevent crises like the above scenario or be your hero when the remote control stops working. Check out weeks 12 & 13 of 21 Weeks to Prepare for more tools that might come in handy during a disaster.

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Giving thanks to our military

In light of Veterans Day, I would like to take a minute to thank the men and women who proudly and bravely represent and defend our country. Thanks to those who fight and those who have fought in the past. Because of your service, I can safely and freely enjoy my life from the comfort of my home in the grand 'ol U.S. of A.

The American Red Cross has worked closely with the armed forces since the organization's inception in 1881. That work continues through the Service to Armed Forces Emergency Call Center which provides emergency communications for military and their families. This month, Louisville Area Chapter employee Barbara Locklear was named Caseworker of the Quarter for all four call centers (others include Fort Sill, OK, San Diego, CA, and Springfield, MA). These centers serve all U.S. military members around the world.

Louisville Area Chapter CEO Keith Alvey and Manager of the Louisville Call Center site Joann Risky present caseworker Barbara Locklear (center) with a certificate of recognition.

 

Barbara has only been with our call center since July, but in that short time she has managed nearly 1,500 cases, assiting soldiers and their families as well as National Guard and Reserve members and veterans. She has quickly become known for her excellent customer service, and we are so proud to have Barbara as part of our team!

In honor of our military members, the Louisville Tiffany Circle Society of Women Leaders is spearheading a local effort to collect signed holiday cards for the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. During the month of November, Oxmoor Center and Mall St. Matthews are providing space for shoppers to particiapte.

Mall St. Matthews
Saturday, November 12
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
located near Dillard's for Women

Oxmoor Center
Saturday, November 19
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
located near Santa Claus in the Sears wing
If you are in the area on either of the dates, please stop by to help reach our local goal of 5,000 signed cards. For more information on the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, please visit http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.86f46a12f382290517a8f210b80f78a0/?vgnextoid=082dab0de3d64210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default. Follow the program on Twitter at #holidaymail.

21 Weeks to Prepare: Weeks 10 & 11 Daylight Savings Time

We started this journey in September when the sunshine was plentiful and shorts and tank tops were necessary to survive 90 degree temperatures. As we move into shorter days and cooler weather, remember to update your disaster kit accordingly. Scarves, gloves, hats and earmuffs are great sidekicks during winter months and will be your best friends during winter storms (especially if the power goes out.)

My hero

Another great item to consider adding to your kit is a box of hand warmers. I first learned of these wonderful devices while standing on the sidelines of a high school football game freezing my fingers off. You can throw them in the bottom of your shoes as well to warm your feet.

Sunday is Daylight Savings Time and is the perfect time to update your disaster kit. While switching out clothing options, remember to check foods for expiration dates. Something else you'll want to update this weekend with your clocks and kit are your smoke alarms. Check to make sure that your alarms are in working condition. Even if your battery is still working, go ahead and buy and extra one to have on hand.
This post is the halfway mark to a completed disaster kit, and we would love to see what you have put together! If you have any photos of your kit so far, please share them here or on our Facebook page.

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