Evelyn and George Pentz participate in the launch of virtual Pillowcase classes in the Northwest Region By Gordon Williams and Darby Miller A Red Cross public service message, found on Facebook and elsewhere, makes the point that disasters don’t stop simply because we are living through the COVID-19 pandemic. It is precisely because we continue … Continue reading The Red Cross Pillowcase Project returns — virtually
Staying safe in a state filled with dangerous volcanoes
Photo of Mount St Helens, by Jaser Cervantes on Unsplash By Gordon Williams May is Volcano Preparedness Month in Washington state — so designated because the devastating eruption of Mount St. Helens in Skamania County, WA occurred in May, just 40 years ago. The designation is worth noting since, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), … Continue reading Staying safe in a state filled with dangerous volcanoes
The day in May -40 years ago- when Mount St. Helens blew up
By Gordon Williams On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted violently — killing 57 people, producing significant changes in the landscape and providing a vivid reminder that Washington state is home to some of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes. To help mark the 40th anniversary, May has been designated as volcano preparedness month. This article … Continue reading The day in May -40 years ago- when Mount St. Helens blew up
Preventing kitchen fires – a sequel
By Jennifer Astion On April 2, American Red Cross Volunteer Gordon Williams shared great tips for preventing kitchen fires and dealing with them if they break out in his article Why COVID-19 raises the risk of kitchen fires. Since it looks like we might all be eating at home for a while longer, I would like … Continue reading Preventing kitchen fires – a sequel
How COVID-19 is adding to the region’s wildfire worries
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
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
Let’s Welcome Pedro the Penguin to the Red Cross
By Gordon Williams Pedro the Penguin, as seen on Ready.gov There’s a new face at the American Red Cross Northwest Region, and you will be seeing a lot of him in the years to come. His name is Pedro, and Regional Preparedness Specialist Hannah Knowles explains that he was brought aboard to close a gap … Continue reading Let’s Welcome Pedro the Penguin to the Red Cross
Volunteers lead Safe & Well drill on San Juan Islands
Rick Wigre, Lopez Island Red Cross By Michael Hansen On the San Juan Islands we know that an emergency may disrupt power and communications, and we will have a difficult time contacting our friends and family by phone, email, or internet connections. Our San Juan Island unit of the American Red Cross, led by Bill … Continue reading Volunteers lead Safe & Well drill on San Juan Islands
FEMA and the Red Cross partner up for #SafeTravels
By Gordon Williams When you think about FEMA — the Federal Emergency Management Agency — you may think mostly about rescuers rushing to the aid of victims of some large-scale disaster. But as FEMA’s Region 10 social media coordinator Savannah Brehmer points out, the agency has the broader mission of “helping people before, during and after … Continue reading FEMA and the Red Cross partner up for #SafeTravels
How to escape if your home catches fire
By Gordon Williams Just imagine it is the middle of the night and you are sleeping. You are suddenly awakened by the beeping of your smoke alarm, and there is the smell of smoke in the air. Somewhere in your home something is burning, and you and your family must get out and get out … Continue reading How to escape if your home catches fire
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