CERT Volunteer Snowed in During the Recent Blizzard?

Are you a CERT volunteer snowed in during the recent blizzard? Then we know you have an emergency preparedness kit (complete with food, flashlights, batteries, water, etc.) So you are prepared!

There are still a few things you can do:

- Check on your neighbors.

- Shovel out a fire hydrant.

Also, do you know what number to call, if you lose power and need someone to come evacuate you to a shelter? Chances are that someone will come and just pick you up are probably a little unlikely.

A good number to have on hand is your local county emergency hotline/information number.

Local Volunteers Making A Difference

Looking through the eyes of others, working to get back on their feet, local volunteers group together to help others.

The Fairfax Times featured an article this week about getting neighbors in our community out of the cold.

"This winter, he has been spending his days in school, working temporary jobs through Labor Ready and getting services at the Lamb Center in Fairfax. When the sun goes down, he has been able to get a hot meal and warm place to sleep each night, thanks to Fairfax County's hypothermia shelter program.

"Without the program I wouldn't be going to school. I wouldn't have a place to study," Phillips said. "I just hope they keep doing what they're doing. People need it."

The hypothermia program, now in its fifth year, was started after two men died of hypothermia in the county. Fairfax County's homeless shelters are perennially overcrowded and there can be a waiting list of 100 people or more to get into a shelter. A segment of the homeless population does not want to live in a shelter."

http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/news/2009/feb/25/keeping-warm-night/

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Respond to Presidential Inauguration - Where will you be?

"We will need 300 to 500 volunteers, that includes shelter managers, feeding crews, and first aid go teams on the Mall."

So, where will you be for the Presidential Inauguration? Many readers of Neighbors Helping Neighbors will be volunteering with the American Red Cross.



For additional details, view the complete WUSA9 story.

If you are interested in volunteering with an American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT), the next DAT Training begins January 8 at Chapter Headquarters. For additional information or to register for the DAT Camp, visit: http://www.redcrossnca.org/Online/class_registration.php?action=list&classname=DAT+Camp

UNITED WAY/CFC CAMPAIGN SEASON

Did you know that

$25 provides five blankets at an emergency shelter

$350 will provide emergency food and shelter for 25 disaster victims for one day

$2,500 deploys one emergency response vehicle and drivers (including housing and meals for drivers) to a disaster relief operation.

There are many ways you can make a donation to your local Red Cross Chapter.

Here are some additional ideas, http://www.redcrossnca.org/Donate/make_a_donation.php3

Remember to designate the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area (UW #8022 and CFC #96686) or your local chapter during the United Way/Combined Federal Campaign!

You can also make a donation directly on their donation website.