An estimated 60,000 to 70,000 people are being housed in shelters, and the receding waters could lead to outbreaks of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and cholera. We can support the relief efforts by contributing to the International Response Fund.

The swift evacuation from the wildfires in Southern California was made possible by the extraordinary efforts of some 5,000 Red Cross disaster relief workers and effective coordination with the government and other nonprofit organizations. The public also responded tremendously by donating to the Disaster Relief Fund.

In addition to support from all over the country, assistance crossed international borders when the Mexican Red Cross sent ten volunteers to help reach out to the Spanish-speaking community. In response to the flood in Tabasco, American Red Cross has provided $50,000 so far and is sending Winnie Romeril, a veteran of relief efforts, to help with communication and information reporting.

The collaboration between the American and Mexican Red Cross in disaster relief attests to the strength in numbers and the bond we all share as citizens of the world. Humanitarian aid transcends international borders, so let’s try our best to help those in need, whether they are next door or in another hemisphere!

Julia Wong, Texas

• First aid, CPR, and AED courses – In a medical emergency, knowing how to perform CPR and basic first aid can help save a life and prevent permanent injuries. You can take courses and become certified at the local Red Cross chapter (CPR certificates are valid for one year; first aid certificates are valid for three years).
• Public health education – Red Cross implements awareness and education programs for many health issues such as AIDS/HIV, pandemic flu, heart and lung disease, diabetes, and meningitis. Since this information is crucial to public health, you can reach out to your school and community by putting up posters, organizing presentations, and inviting medical experts to speak.
• Babysitting training – Taking care of children is definitely a challenge, but you can learn the necessary skills to become a great babysitter at the local Red Cross chapter. Covering topics from interviewing and basic care to safety guidelines and emergencies, the training course will prepare you for a safe and positive babysitting experience.
• Water safety – In addition to swimming lessons, Red Cross offers lifeguard training that will equip you with surveillance, rescue, and first aid skills. You can teach others to swim as well by becoming a water safety instructor.
• Safety tips – Many safety precautions are common sense, but it helps to be reminded once in awhile. Because prevention is the key, reviewing these safety tips with your Red Cross club would be a beneficial activity.

Learning how to stay healthy and safe enables us to put our seeming invincibility to good use–helping others and improving the world!

Julia Wong, Texas

• Be Red Cross Ready – Three simple steps will help prepare you and your family for life-threatening situations: assemble an emergency supplies kit, outline an evacuation plan that includes emergency contact information, and stay informed about possible disasters in your area. For more information, please visit the Be Red Cross Ready website.
• Take a disaster preparedness course – Local Red Cross chapters regularly offer classes on CPR, first aid, and AED (automated external defibrillator). Government agencies and other organizations also provide CERT courses that equip trainees with disaster response skills. Coordinating a mass training session for your Red Cross club would be a fun and effective way to prepare for emergencies.
• Donate blood – Blood donations help ensure a steady blood supply during disasters when the need is often greatest. Youth volunteers can also help plan and run blood drives in their communities.
• Organize a fundraiser – We can help those affected by disasters in the US and around the world by contributing to the National Disaster Relief Fund and International Response Fund. In addition to enabling Red Cross’ disaster services, organizing a fundraiser would increase awareness of the humanitarian aid needed and give your community a way to help.

Although we cannot predict when and where disasters will strike, we can prepare for the eventuality beforehand to minimize the danger and damage. Let’s help our communities be Red Cross ready and provide aid to those in need!

Julia Wong, Texas