American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania

- Cold compresses are an easy tool to treat a variety of minor ailments and injuries like aches and pains, fever, headaches, allergies and more. And they're easy to make! You just need a towel, ice or a pack of frozen vegetables and water! Get more tips on our Red Cross First Aid App.

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half! Remember to test your smoke alarms every month (hint, hint) and replace batteries or old alarms as necessary. Need smoke alarms? The Red Cross may be able to help! Learn more: https://rdcrss.org/33zwcFs

75 years ago, the Geneva Conventions were universally ratified and created the backbone of international humanitarian law (IHL).

IHL helps to ensure that even wars have limits and those not or no longer participating in armed conflicts are protected.

Today, the U.S. and every other nation have adopted the four Geneva Conventions in their current form. Learn more about them and their role in armed conflict: https://rdcrss.org/3WZwNZH

This summer, Red Cross SEPA is racing to recruit passionate volunteers to support these areas:
🛏️ Shelter Support
✅ Recovery Services
⛑️ Disaster Action Team
📞 Duty Officer
Learn more and get started today: https://rdcrss.org/3J7uzix

The Red Cross type O blood supply is so low right now that distributions of this vital blood type to hospitals have been reduced below what they need recently. Hospitals must have both O+ & O- blood readily available for the most emergent situations. Give: https://rcblood.org/appt

Help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. rdcrss.org/3SFGTfT

Emergency blood shortage: Red Cross national blood supply has dropped 25% since July 1. All blood types are urgently needed. In thanks for coming out to help overcome the shortage in August, get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Book now: https://rcblood.org/4caZ18a

In addition to providing relief to people impacted by in the East, Red Crossers are doing the same to help those coping with wildfires in the West. Local volunteers Fred and Joe are among them, serving in California and New Mexico!

❗️🩸❗️ Maintaining the U.S. blood supply takes all of us! The Red Cross national blood supply has dropped 25% since July 1. There's an EMERGENCY BLOOD SHORTAGE and your blood type is needed NOW to help save lives. Don't wait – donate: https://rcblood.org/donate

- Summer is here, and it’s time to soak up the sun, enjoy the outdoors, and make unforgettable memories. But as the temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat-related illnesses. Let’s make sure your summer fun doesn’t get cut short by following these essential safety tips from the Red Cross.

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! 🚰 Staying hydrated is your first line of defense against heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.

2. Dress for the Weather: 👒 Lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing helps your body stay cool. Don’t forget your wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

3. Take Breaks in the Shade: 🌴 When the sun is at its peak, find a shady spot to rest and cool down. If you’re planning outdoor activities, try to schedule them for the early morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler.

4. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses: 🏥 Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can sneak up on you. Watch out for symptoms like heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. If you or someone else shows signs of heat stroke, such as a high body temperature, confusion, or unconsciousness, seek medical help immediately.

5. Keep an Eye on Each Other: 👀 Whether you’re at the beach, hiking, or just lounging in the backyard, look out for your friends and family. Encourage everyone to take breaks, drink water, and stay cool.

Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and have a fantastic time under the sun!

More than 850 Red Crossers across 4 states are helping people impacted by flooding and tornados brought by , including SEPA's own volunteers Ken, Ed and Harry, who are serving in Georgia and South Carolina! Learn more about our response: https://rdcrss.org/4fxvHvs

Help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. https://rdcrss.org/3SFGTfT

🚨 S.O.S. = Save Our Supply! The Red Cross national blood supply fell more than 25% since 7/1 due to a 19K+ donation shortfall & strong hospital blood use. A robust blood supply is needed for accident victims, surgical patients & people with cancer. Give: https://rcblood.org/appt

Wednesday- Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the water. But remember, water safety is crucial. Here are some essential tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:
🏊 Learn to Swim: Ensure everyone in your family knows how to swim and achieve water competency.
👀 Supervise Closely: Always provide close and constant attention to children near water.
✅ Use Life Jackets: Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
🏥 Know Emergency Procedures: Learn CPR and how to respond to water emergencies.
Stay safe and make a splash responsibly!

Help us grow our volunteer workforce. With just a few simple actions you can ensure the Red Cross can support your neighbors in need. Visit https://redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started.

It’s been a long, hot summer with high temperatures breaking records all over the country. Exercising and playing sports outdoors during extreme heat is risky for athletes of all ages and experience levels — from Olympians to student athletes. The Red Cross offers ways coaches and parents can help keep players safe.

🚑 Learn CPR, how to use an AED and how to treat heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
☀️ Don’t schedule outdoor practices and workouts during the hottest times of the day. Instead, schedule them for early in the day or later in the evening.
🏃‍♂️ Lower the intensity of these practices until your athletes grow more accustomed to the heat.
🚰 Make sure your players drink plenty of water to avoid muscle cramping or heat-related illness. Fluids should be consumed frequently during strenuous activity and within a half hour of training.
🤸 Include warm-ups — even young athletes need to stretch their muscles before strenuous exercise to help prevent injury.
🌴 Plan frequent and longer breaks. Ideally, pause practice about every 20 minutes for athletes to drink fluids and rest in the shade if possible.
🚴‍♂️ Reduce the amount of heavy equipment athletes wear in the extremely hot weather. Instead, encourage net-type jerseys or lightweight, light-colored cotton T-shirts and shorts.
👥 Use the buddy system to encourage athletes to drink water and watch for signs of illness in their teammates.
📱 Download the free Red Cross First Aid App.

📷: “Youth Football” by Ronald Carlson, published under CC0 Public Domain license

SHORTAGE ALERT: The Red Cross blood supply is rapidly dropping as hospital needs are outpacing donations coming in. You can help overcome the shortage! Come give blood or platelets in August & get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Give now: rcblood.org/4caZ18a

Many thanks to Newtown Square Fire Company and Newtown Township PD Delco for collecting 55 units of blood at last week's blood drive! Newtown Square FD recruited more donors, but the real winners are the blood recipients and their families. ❤️

Life jackets save lives - it's in the name! Approximately 10 people die each day from drowning, and it can occur to even the most experienced swimmers in unexpected circumstances. Visit our blog to learn when and how to wear a life jacket: https://rdcrss.org/4d6ziPv

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO SUPPORT CANCER PATIENTS: Because platelets must be transfused within 5 days of donation, we have a constant, often critical, need for new & current platelet donors to help patients kick cancer or recover from illnesses & injuries. rcblood.org/platelet

- Stay safe this summer by protecting your heart from extreme heat! Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it’s important to stay safe, especially during extreme heat. High temperatures can put a significant strain on your heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe:

🚰 Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body cool and hydrated.
☀️ Avoid Peak Heat: Try to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM.
👕 Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to help your body stay cool.
😵 Know the Signs: Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as dizziness, nausea, and rapid heartbeat.
🐶 Don’t forget to take care of your furry friends too! Keep them cool and hydrated, and never leave them in a parked car.

For more tips and to stay informed on disaster alerts, download the Red Cross Emergency and First Aid apps from the Apple Store or Google Play. Stay safe and enjoy your summer!

From home fires to storms, unexpected emergencies happen every day. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can be a source of refuge and support when it’s needed most. Visit https://redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn how to become a trained Red Cross disaster volunteer.

Big need = Big gift! Come to give blood or platelets in August and the Red Cross will thank you with a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. All blood types are needed now to ensure patient care. Book an appointment at rcblood.org/4flGrx0

Wednesday - Vacation season is here! Whether you're hitting the beach, pool or lake, remember these simple water safety tips:
🌊 Check water conditions before swimming.
🚰 Stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
🏊‍♀️ Watch out for rip currents and signs of fatigue.
🌛 Never swim alone, especially at night.
Respect the water and its power. Let's keep our vacations fun and safe for everyone!

Thanks to United Way of Chester County for hosting a blood drive today in Exton! Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter Executive Director Lynn Cohen stopped by to say hi and grabbed a photo with President & CEO Chris Saello.

Red Crossers in the Community! Thanks to volunteers Penny and Bernadine for representing us at Motivated Community Resource Center's Wellness Fair in Sherwood Park, Philadelphia on Saturday!

Don't let the blood supply take a dip this summer! It's a season for beach days & vacays, but the need for blood doesn't pause. Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Your donation is needed now to help save lives. Book a time with the Red Cross: rcblood.org/appt

We're looking for compassionate Recovery Client Care volunteers to work with individuals and families impacted by disasters, including home fires. Volunteers can choose to work remotely using their own phone and internet or from the Red Cross House, which is our disaster recovery center at 40th and Powelton streets in Philadelphia. Get started today: https://redcross.org/volunteertoday