By Gordon Williams The COVID-19 virus has sickened and killed people, shut down schools and businesses, and put millions of Americans out of work. And now, on top of all that, the pandemic is threatening to hamper Washington state's ability to fight wildfires. What makes that especially worrisome is that the dry weather we have … Continue reading How COVID-19 is adding to the region’s wildfire worries
Summing up a century in the San Juan Islands
Red Cross volunteers gather for a parade on San Juan Island By Gordon Williams The American Red Cross has had a presence on the San Juan Islands of Washington for more than a century. The first local chapter was formed in January of 1918 with the primary goal of aiding U.S. service members engaged in … Continue reading Summing up a century in the San Juan Islands
Packaging the most precious gift – life
By Kristin Alexander The slogan on PAC Worldwide’s website reads, “Protecting The Things People Care AboutTM.” A fitting motto for the Redmond, WA, company, which manufactures packaging materials. In addition to cushioning merchandise sold by e-commerce businesses, its products now safeguard a priceless commodity – human blood collected by the American Red Cross. John Bartell, Vice President of Sustainability for … Continue reading Packaging the most precious gift – life
Washington couple saved by smoke alarms
By Emily Thornton Kathleen Dilworth with Westport Fire Chief Dennis Benn and Battalion Chief Daryl Brown She said she awoke to the sound of a smoke alarm and fumes filling her 1930s-era home in Grayland near the Washington coastline. But as Kathleen Dilworth moved toward the back door to escape, she realized her husband, James, … Continue reading Washington couple saved by smoke alarms
Getting motivated during quarantine
By Jennifer Astion Living in Seattle I have often felt that disasters occurred somewhere else. However, when the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic on March 11 and a 5.7 magnitude earthquake rattled Salt Lake City on March 18, I quickly found the motivation I needed to focus on my own … Continue reading Getting motivated during quarantine
Red Cross Resiliency-Training for the military goes virtual
By Gordon Williams Life in the military can be stressful at the best of times. That is why the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program offers resiliency workshops aimed at helping those on active duty, veterans and their families cope with the stress. The COVID-19 pandemic has obviously made military life … Continue reading Red Cross Resiliency-Training for the military goes virtual
Don’t let social distancing keep you from learning lifesaving skills
February 21-22, 2018. Washington, DC CPR Classroom Stock Video and Photography Shoot 2018 Photos by Dennis Drenner/American Red Cross By Gordon Williams If you want to put Covid-19 downtime to productive use, consider a Red Cross class teaching skills and techniques that could save lives long after the pandemic has passed. With medical resources under … Continue reading Don’t let social distancing keep you from learning lifesaving skills
Why COVID-19 raises the risk of kitchen fires
By Gordon Williams A somewhat different version of this story appeared on this blog in November of 2018. It made the point that while fires can start in any room of your home, they are most likely to start in a single room — the kitchen. The article quoted Steve Goforth, assistant fire marshal for … Continue reading Why COVID-19 raises the risk of kitchen fires
Use quarantine time to safeguard your home from wildfires
By Gordon Williams The coronavirus has our full attention now, but rising temperatures and dwindling rainfall send a clear warning that the 2020 wildfire season is on the way. While it lasts, one million or more Washington homes will be at risk from fire — homes where wildlands and human development come together. Fortunately, there … Continue reading Use quarantine time to safeguard your home from wildfires
Volunteers: Ready… Set… Go!
World Poetry Day - March 21, 2020 By Linda Reid, American Red Cross Volunteer - Wenatchee, WA We train, we prepare, we meet, we serve,We answer the calls as our clients deserve.We never quite know as we walk out the doorWho we will meet, or exactly what for.Our role is “assistance” and just so you … Continue reading Volunteers: Ready… Set… Go!
American Red Cross NW Region 