In Case You Missed It - July 31

Greater NY Red Cross published a guide with "survival" tips from three Red Cross experts for the NYC transit "Summer of Hell,"
 caused by repairs at Penn Station. (Photo: Eleanor Rigby)

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 126 adults and 30 children following 54 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Greater NY Red Cross and community partners, FDNY, FDNY Foundation, and MIRA USA were back in Queens on Saturday installing free smoke alarms and promoting home fire safety, a continuing effort and commitment in reducing home fire related injuries and deaths.
• Metro NY North Red Cross volunteers were present at the Putnam County 4H Fair to share the efforts of the Red Cross in the area, as well as the opportunities offered to those who wish to volunteer.
• On Friday, Greater NY Red Cross visited Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, a champion of the American Red Cross in Greater New York and his constituents. The assemblyman recorded a PSA for our Sound the Alarm Save a Life program, coming this fall. Similarly, on Tuesday, Senator Gustavo Rivera also recorded a PSA to show his support for Sound the Alarm and spoke about his experience on a ride along with a response team from the Greater NY Red Cross.
• On Thursday, Greater NY Red Cross published an interview with Disaster Training & Exercise Manager, Stephanie Hagans, who developed and coordinated the full-scale disaster exercise, in which over 200 Red Crossers participated last month. The interview provides more information on the exercise, as well as reflection on its execution.
•  PSEG Long Island partnered with LI Red Cross on Thursday to end home fires by installing free smoke alarms and promoting fire safety for residents in and around Amityville.
• On Wednesday, Greater NY Red Cross published a Red Cross survival guide to the commuter "Summer of Hell." The guide contains six tips from Red Cross preparedness, safety, and mental health experts to help the public keep safe, cool and calm while commuting or traveling around NYC this summer.
•  Early Wednesday morning, Greater NY Red Cross provided emergency relief to 19 residents in the Bronx following two fires.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Aug 1, 3-4, 7: Red Cross blood drives will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Greater NY Red Cross building located at 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Aug 2: The township of Hempstead on Long Island is holding its annual Swim-A-Cross fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island at the Newbridge Park Pool. 
• Aug 22-27: Do you like to volunteer? Do you like golf? If so, have we got an opportunity for you! Sign up today to volunteer at THE NORTHERN TRUST at Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury, NY. For $75, you gain daily access to the tournament for you and a guest, a logoed polo shirt and baseball cap, and much more. Plus, your efforts will support the mission of the American Red Cross. Learn more here.