Working smoke alarms can save lives, which is why the Red Cross launched its Home Fire Campaign in 2014 — to reduce home fire deaths by installing alarms in homes that lack them.
Safeguarding your home from Wildfire Season
By Gordon Williams The changing season in Washington state means that milder, drier days are just ahead. It also means it’s time to renew your defenses against the coming wildfire season. The state saw over 1,600 wildfires in 2021, which burned more than 675,000 acres. There is no reason to think the 2022 fire season … Continue reading Safeguarding your home from Wildfire Season
Staying Safe in a Landslide-prone State
If you are in a landslide danger zone, know about indicators that could warn of a slide in the making.
Lessons to be learned before the next tsunami hits
A tsunami warning sign is prominently placed near the Bremerton ferry dock in Washington State. By Gordon Williams Fortunately, the mid-January tsunami triggered by an undersea volcanic eruption near the Pacific nation of Tonga caused only minor flooding along the Washington seacoast. Ocean waves never topped three feet and never swept inland to threaten coastal … Continue reading Lessons to be learned before the next tsunami hits
Stop home heating fires before they get started
By Gordon Williams There is nothing as comforting as a blast of heat on a wintry day. That’s why we fill our homes with devices that generate heat on command. Figures from the American Red Cross show that “nearly half of American families use alternative heating sources such as space heaters, fireplaces or wood/coal stoves … Continue reading Stop home heating fires before they get started
Staying Safe on the Road Whatever Winter Brings
By Gordon Williams With snow, ice and bone-chilling cold so often in the forecast, driving in winter can challenge the most experienced of drivers. But given the predictions from some widely-followed prognosticators, hitting the highways this winter could be especially perilous. “This coming winter could well be one of the longest and coldest that we’ve … Continue reading Staying Safe on the Road Whatever Winter Brings
The rules for Safe Holiday Travel
By Gordon Williams We’re heading into the peak holiday travel season, as millions of Americans hit the highways to visit friends and families. Before you travel, be certain you are alert to all that could go wrong during a holiday trip. Icy roads can make driving hazardous. A sudden storm or a bad accident could trap you … Continue reading The rules for Safe Holiday Travel
How to enjoy a Safe Fire-Free Hanukkah
By Gordon Williams Hanukkah — the Jewish festival of lights — is a joyous holiday, marked by the celebratory lighting of candles, the giving of gifts to children and the savoring of exotic foods. Yet, unless great care is exercised, the combination of candles and cooking can turn the joy into tragedy. To drive home … Continue reading How to enjoy a Safe Fire-Free Hanukkah
Halloween Safety Tips for 2021
By Jennifer Astion Even as we live with the COVID-19 pandemic this Halloween, we want children to enjoy the pursuit of candy in adorable costumes. Photo by Amina Filkins from Pexels Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to keep children safe as they celebrate Halloween this year: Instead of indoor … Continue reading Halloween Safety Tips for 2021
Making the most of the Great Washington ShakeOut
By Gordon Williams Washington is earthquake country, which makes October 21st a red-letter day if you live within the reaches of the American Red Cross Northwest Region. That’s the date of this year’s Great Washington ShakeOut and an estimated 1.1 million residents of Washington and northern Idaho will spend time practicing the skills needed to … Continue reading Making the most of the Great Washington ShakeOut
American Red Cross NW Region 