Oregon Trail Chapter Latest News

PORTLAND, Ore. – April 18, 2005 – With school out for the summer and parents working, it’s important for kids to know how to be home safely by themselves.

The American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter is offering When I’m in Charge (WIIC), an important course which helps prepare children for situations that may occur when they are home alone.

When I’m in Charge class was developed by the Oregon Trail Chapter to provide latch-key and other children ages 8 to 11 safe options should they find themselves home alone for any reason. The class reaches as many as 2,000 children per year in the Portland and surrounding areas from various ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds and is expanding nationally to assist families in providing important and potentially life saving information to home alone youth.

The course is targeted at enhancing self reliance in preventing and preparing for emergencies. In addition, the course now includes information on phone, gun, and internet safety. Parents are encouraged to attend the final half-hour of the class to watch the safety video and participate in role playing activity.

The following four classes will be offered:

Saturday, May 28
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter, 3131 N. Vancouver Avenue, Portland

Saturday, June 11
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meridian Park Hospital, 19300 SW 65th Avenue, Tualatin

Wednesday, June 22
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Mt. Hood Medical Center, 24800 SE Stark Street, Gresham

Saturday, June 25
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter, 3131 N. Vancouver Avenue, Portland

“When I’m in Charge provides youth with potentially lifesaving skills should they find themselves home alone as well as peace of mind for parents,” said Daniel Soule, youth education specialist for the Oregon Trail Chapter.

The fee for this course is $18.00 per person; however, scholarships are available to those who qualify. To register, call (503) 280-1440 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org. Click on the “Health and Safety” tab, and then click “First Aid/CPR/AED Online Registration.” After registering as a user, click on “Youth Programs,” then “When I’m in Charge.” The Web site also provides information about other classes offered by the American Red Cross.

For more information regarding the When I’m In Charge course or other youth programs offered by the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter, contact Daniel Soule at (503) 528-5639 or souled@redcross-pdx.org.

Back ------ Next

2005 Archives

###

American Red Cross, Oregon Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call (503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters, go to www.redcross-pdx.org