In Case You Missed It - Jan 11

Red Cross volunteers providing support to first responders and residents in
Mt. Vernon after a fire. (Photo: Caroline Sherwin)

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 88 adults and 31 children following 58 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

Josh Lockwood, #RedCross CEO stopped by #Harlem #GetAlarmedNYC install day to thanks our great and dedicated volunteers! Join our team and come help us save lives. Visit www.redcross.org/getalarmednyc today!
Posted by American Red Cross in Greater New York on Saturday, January 9, 2016

• On Sunday, Metro New York North Red Crossers opened a reception center and provided comfort, emergency housing and financial aid to four families with children following a fire in Mount Vernon.
• Last Saturday, Red Cross staff and volunteers continued the #GetAlarmedNYC campaign to install free smoke alarms in the community. Volunteers fanned across Harlem and installed hundreds of smoke alarms to help make the neighborhood safer.
• On Friday, the Long Island Red Cross responded to 3-alarm fire in West Hempstead. Transportation, emergency housing and financial aid were provided to the 23 adults and 17 children that were assisted.
• Last Thursday, we blogged about Elsie Rodriguez and her elderly mother, who turned to us for help after an apartment fire in their Williamsburg (Brooklyn) home left them homeless.
• Continuing our #MyRedCrossLife Instagram series, dedicated volunteer Phil Cogan offered a bit of advice on how to maximize one’s volunteer experience.
• Last week, we also met with Assembly Member Ron Kim to discuss services to the district. The Assembly Member expressed his gratitude for the Red Cross response to several recent fires and for continuing to be ready when the need arises.
• In the middle of the week, Red Cross volunteer Stan Frank blogged about the progress made by our ‪#‎GetAlarmedNYC team so far and gives us a peak at what's in store for 2016.
• Earlier in the week, the Greater New York Red Cross web site published a story that reflected on the busy holiday season of disasters and what it means for our volunteers to sacrifice during this festive time to help others in need.

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).
• Jan 11, 13: Red Cross blood drive; 1 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Jan 13, 19: Join the #GetAlarmedNYC campaign to help save lives by attending a Home Fire Safety Academy training on Jan 13 and 19. Red Cross Volunteers can sign up here and new comers will need to sign up here first.
• Jan 15: The town of Freeport and employees of National Grid will be partnering with the Red Cross to install free smoke alarms in the community.
• Jan 24: ABC 7’s Bill Ritter will be hosting the local news channel’s annual Operation 7 Save-a-Life campaign program at 7:30 pm. Tune in and check out the Red Cross participation in the special.