RedCrossNW Home Fire Campaign, Preparedness

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

RedCrossNW Preparedness

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

RedCrossNW Preparedness

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

RedCrossNW Preparedness

Wildfire smoke is more dangerous than you thought

Smoke from a wildfire in Pierce County WA, September 2020 By Gordon Williams  You’re familiar with the adage, “Where there’s smoke there’s fire.” But did you know that by reversing that to “where there’s fire there’s smoke”, you can help safeguard your long-term health? Read on… The 2021 wildfire season is off to a fast … Continue reading Wildfire smoke is more dangerous than you thought