Red Cross Offers Safety Tips for the Holidays

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Red Cross Offers Safety Tips for the Holidays
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Red Cross Offers Safety Tips for the Holidays

While people in Hawaii are finalizing plans for holiday events and travel, the Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross has tips to help prevent accidents and emergencies.

"Following a few simple tips can help make the holiday season safe and enjoyable," said Coralie Matayoshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii State Chapter.

Holiday Decorations and Parties

Place Christmas trees at least three feet away from any heat sources and exits. Water the tree daily.
Don't overload electrical outlets and unplug holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Keep candles away from combustible materials and in a place where children and pets can't get to them.
Pick a designated driver when attending a party and provide non-alcoholic beverage options if hosting a party.
Keep children and pets away from the stove; turn pot handles in; and turn off burners if leaving the kitchen.

"We want folks to have a safe holiday season," said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO, American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter. ""We also have steps they can follow to avoid ruining their holiday with a cooking fire."

The cooks should start by not wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. Never leave cooking food unattended -- stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove.

Other safety steps include:

Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.
Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a "kid-free zone" and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains--away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen.
Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

No matter where people are spending the holidays, downloading the American Red Cross First Aid App allows users to have information on what to do in emergencies when and where they need it. A variety of mobile apps are available at redcross.org/mobileapps.

"Taking a Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED course is a great New Year's resolution," Ms. Matayoshi said. Information about courses and how to register is at redcross.org/takeaclass.

About American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter

HOURS - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

MISSION
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It accomplishes this mission through services that are consistent with its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross movement.

The Hawaii State Chapter responds continually to large and small disasters throughout the State of Hawaii. The Red Cross is the only volunteer organization charged, by federal Congressional Charter, with responding during disasters to provide for the immediate emergency needs of families and individuals. In addition, the Chapter prepares individuals and businesses to be more prepared for emergencies and to initiate appropriate action to ensure the health and safety of those around them and themselves.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency. We depend on the aloha spirit of giving from our community to help others in need.

STATEWIDE PRESENCE
The Hawaii State Chapter consists of the Chapter headquarters, four branch offices (East Hawaii, West Hawaii, Kauai and Maui) and four military service centers (Hickam Air Force Base, Schofield Barracks, Kaneohe Marine Corp Base and Tripler Army Medical Center).

HISTORY
Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross is one of the oldest human service organizations in the United States. In 1905, the U.S. Congress chartered the Red Cross to help relieve the suffering caused by disasters. Over the years, we have become part of the very fiber of the community and Americans have grown to expect and rely on our swift, professional assistance through a national volunteer corps of more than 1.44 million people. The American Red Cross is one of more than 145 member nations that comprise the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Currently, 967 chapters make up the American Red Cross.

Although 1917 is the official date that the first American Red Cross chapter was chartered in Hawaii, Red Cross work began as early as 1898, when some 300 women, including Princess Kaiulani, organized a Red Cross society to aid the sick and wounded soldiers stopping here on transports from the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.

Today, the Hawaii State Chapter is a leader in health and safety training. Red Cross disaster volunteers respond regularly to house and apartment fires, and are prepared for larger disasters like hurricanes, tsunamis, and floods.

Through its extensive use of trained volunteers, the American Red Cross has earned a reputation for being of one of the nation's most efficiently managed non-profit organizations, a distinction that has been recognized by publications such as Forbes, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Nonprofit Times and Money Magazine. The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross has over 4,000 volunteers - a volunteer-to-staff ratio of more than 10 to 1.

The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross is known for excellent stewardship of funds. We have always prided ourselves on providing services that do not duplicate the services of other non-profits organizations and proactively seeking ways to collaborate with other providers.

Sep 14, 1917: Queen Liliuokalani's secretary, Colonel Iaukea, presents a hand-sewn Red Cross flag to members of the local Chapter on the steps of Iolani Palace. This ceremony took place a few months after the Hawaii Chapter was officially chartered. At the Queen's suggestion, the flag flew over the palace and later hung in the Throne Room during World War I. Mrs. Henry Dawson accepts flag. Territorial Governor Lucius Pinkham is behind Iaukea.

View more historical photos

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