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The Hawaii Red Cross - September is National Preparedness Month & Pillowcase Project
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September is National Preparedness Month
Get Red Cross Ready
Disasters can strike quickly and often without warning. During National Preparedness Month, the Hawaii Red Cross is encouraging all households to get ready for the next disaster or emergency.
"Having a game plan in place is essential for all households so everyone knows what they should do when an emergency occurs," said Coralie Matayoshi, Chief Executive Officer for the Hawaii State Chapter. "We are having a busy hurricane season and if residents haven't already created or updated their emergency plans, National Preparedness Month is a great time to do so."
MAKE A PLAN. It is important that everyone in the household helps put the emergency plan together and knows what they should do if something occurs. Household members may not be together when a disaster happens -- during the day many people are at work and school. The plan should include ways to contact one another and two predetermined places to meet -- one near the home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire, and one outside the neighborhood in case circumstances prevent people from returning home. People should also identify an emergency contact person from outside the area in case local telephone lines are overloaded or out of service.
Any emergency plan should also include decisions about where family members will go if ordered to evacuate and what route they will take to get there. It's a good idea to include alternate routes in case roads are closed. If pets are part of the household, make sure to include plans for them such as pet-friendly hotels and animal shelters along the evacuation route.
FREE RED CROSS EMERGENCY APP. The Red Cross also urges residents to download the free all-in-one Red Cross Emergency app that includes over 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts, maps to find the nearest open shelter, step-by-step instructions on what to do before, during, and after a disaster strikes, and lifesaving first aid instructions, diagrams, and videos on what to do for 20 emergencies like heart attack, stroke, bleeding, choking, head injuries, burns, broken bones, asthma attack, diabetic emergency, heat stroke, seizure, poisoning, bee stings, allergies, and unconsciousness. There is even a one touch "I'm safe" button that allows you to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that you are out of harm's way.
Pets are also affected by disaster and rely on your help during emergencies. The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. Get simple step-by-step instructions with videos on what to do for poisoning, bleeding, choking, and dozens of other emergencies, as well as what to do in disaster situations. Having this app could be critical to your pet's survival in any emergency situation. Download these apps at the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon Marketplace or by visiting redcross.org/apps.
OTHER WAYS TO GET READY. Another step to get one's household ready is to build an emergency kit in a container that is easy to carry so the family can use it at home or take it with them if asked to evacuate. It should contain a seven-day supply of water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks' worth of emergency supplies at home.
Everyone also needs to stay informed about what types of disasters are most likely to occur where they live or where they plan to visit. It is also important to take a First Aid and CPR/AED course--a vital component of disaster preparedness in case emergency help is delayed.
For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, people can visit redcross.org/hawaii or contact the Hawaii Red Cross at 808-734-2101.
The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. To send a contribution, mail your check to: American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816. Make a secure online donation at www.redcross.org/hawaii or call: (808) 739-8109.
The American Red Cross and Disney Prepare Students for
Disasters Through The Pillowcase Project
Children learn to prepare themselves and their families for emergencies
As part of National Preparedness Month this September, the America Red Cross and Disney renewed their commitment to help teach disaster preparedness to children and families through the Pillowcase Project initiative. The Pillowcase Project will expand across the country while continuing to support in-school and after-school curriculum to help 3rd to 5th grade students learn how to prepare for and cope with emergencies.
The Pillowcase Project curriculum is structured by three core principles: Learn, Practice and Share. Students will learn about hazards, how to prepare for emergencies, enhance coping skills, practice what they have learned and share their knowledge with friends and family. The program emphasizes the importance of developing an emergency communications plan, fire evacuation plan and emergency contact cards.
The program also teaches students how to create their own emergency supply kits by packing essential items in a pillowcase for easy transport during an emergency. Students will have the opportunity to decorate and personalize their pillowcases during the presentation, and are encouraged to take them home to create a kit.
"This amazing program for children is one that we are very proud to call our own." said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO of the Hawaii Red Cross. "We are thrilled to continue The Pillowcase Project in schools and after-school programs across the state. The program gives our keiki the opportunity to learn about the science behind various hazards and the importance of preparedness in a fun and interactive way."
Created in New Orleans, The Pillowcase Project was inspired by the story of local university students carrying their belongings in pillowcases during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Through the program, the Red Cross aims to incorporate preparedness education into elementary school and after-school curriculums nationwide. The program is sponsored by Disney.
If you are interested in being trained as a volunteer presenter or if you have a group of 20-30 3rd to 5th grade students who would like a presentation, please contact the Hawaii Red Cross Preparedness Manager, Carole Kaapu at 808-739-9112 or at Carole.Kaapu@redcross.org. For more information on The Pillowcase Project go to redcross.org/hawaii.
ABOUT HAWAII RED CROSS
PROGRAMS & SERVICES Disaster Preparedness
In Hawaii due to our isolation, we encourage all families to be prepared for 7 days instead of 72 hours. It will take time following a disaster for a logistics bridge to be built to Hawaii if our harbors and airports are affected by a major disaster and we may be relying on our own resources longer than other places within the United States. First Aid Station Teams (FAST)
One of the wonderful services your American Red Cross Hawaii provides to its community is manning first aid stations at community events. American Red Cross First Aid Station (FAS) Team stations are staffed with competent volunteers who have been trained to respond. Red Cross Clubs
Participate in a Red Cross Club at the Hawaii State Chapter. Help your community by volunteering, fundraising and supporting the mission of the American Red Cross in Hawaii. Services to the Armed Forces
The American Red Cross provides a vital communication lifeline between military service members and their families by relaying urgent information in times of emergency. TAKE A CLASS The American Red Cross provides lifesaving training to thousands of Hawaii residents each year in numerous topic areas including First Aid/CPR/AED and Babysitting. Aquatics
Count on the American Red Cross for the best training on how to be safe in, on and around the water! Explore the exciting new collection of courses designed to make learning easier and to help you benefit from the latest research on instructional techniques. Disaster Training
We conduct free non-certificate personal preparedness courses for neighborhood and community residents; agency staff and clients; school teachers, staff, parents, and administrators; and local business personnel. Nurse Assistant Training
The American Red Cross Hawaii is committed to adhering to the highest standards of instruction through our Nurse Assistant Training Program. Volunteer
It's what we do. The American Red Cross works within our local communities, providing relief to people who have suffered a disaster. Show your aloha and become a volunteer for the American Red Cross in Hawaii. We invite you to explore the many volunteer opportunities available. Click here to learn more. |
HOURS - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ABOUT US
The American Red Cross in Hawaii prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
The Hawaii State Chapter provides the following programs and services in the State of Hawaii.
- Disaster Relief
- Safety Training
- Military (Service to the Armed Forces)
- International Services
- Red Cross First Aid Stations
- Community Events and Presentations (speaker requests)
MISSION
The American Red Cross in Hawaii prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
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.
Read more about our vision, values and more...
STATEWIDE PRESENCE
The Hawaii State Chapter consists of the Chapter headquarters, offices on Maui, Kauai and Hawaii and four military service centers (Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, 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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Vision
- ...all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;
- ...our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;
- ...everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;
- ...all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and
- ...in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.
The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that
Values
- Compassionate: We are dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve and to treating each other with care and respect.
- Collaborative: We work together as One Red Cross family, in partnership with other organizations, and always embrace diversity and inclusiveness.
- Creative: We seek new ideas, are open to change and always look for better ways to serve those in need.
- Credible: We act with integrity, are transparent guardians of the public trust and honor our promises.
- Committed: We hold ourselves accountable for defining and meeting clear objectives, delivering on our mission and carefully stewarding our donor funds.
Local Training and Preparedness
- Lifesaving training to almost 20,000 people per year (CPR, first aid, aquatics, babysitting, pet first aid, and nurse aide training)
- Free Annual Summer Swim program for over 45 years at Ala Moana Beach for hundreds of keiki and adults, and a volunteer teen Summer Buddies leadership program.
- Workplace Safety teaches workers how to prevent injuries and respond to life threatening emergencies
- Caregiving teaches families to care for loved ones at home, or in a career to care for sick, elderly and disabled in a care setting.
- Disaster preparedness information was shared with over 27,000 people on how to prepare for emergencies
- Pre-deployment briefings provided to 17,000 servicemen and families
Relevance of Red Cross in Hawaii
- With the threat of flu pandemic, terrorist attacks, and major natural and man-made disasters, the American Red Cross is more relevant and necessary than ever before. It is not "if," but "when" a major disaster in Hawaii will occur, and with your help, we'll be ready.
- The Red Cross is not a government agency. All disaster training and services are free, made possible by generous donations from local individuals and businesses and our dedicated volunteers.
Questions? Ready for an appointment?
American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter
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