Oregon Trail Chapter Latest News

“High winds, power outages, heavy rains and holiday emergencies are all coming together this week. Now is the perfect time to prepare your family and those on your gift list with Red Cross safety kits.”
Rhonda Coleman, spokesperson
Oregon Trail Chapter

PORTLAND, Ore. – December 15, 2006 –The American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter has assembled ready-made Emergency Preparedness kits that make smart and useful holiday presents.

With the winter storm season in high gear this week, the Red Cross wants to remind Oregonians to be prepared in their car and at home. Emergency preparedness kits, stored in vehicles and at home, provide a safety cushion when an unexpected weather, mechanical or other unplanned emergency occurs.

For the car

The Red Cross “Road Ready” kit is a compact emergency kit that includes water, food bar, Mylar emergency blanket, pocket warmer, lightstick, dust mask, whistle, rain poncho, mini first aid kid and emergency information card. The kit stows easily in a trunk and makes a perfect gift at only $17.00.

For the home

The Oregon Trail Chapter also sells larger two- or four- person duffel bags loaded with 72 hours worth of emergency supplies including an AM/FM radio with batteries, a first aid kit, water, food packets, hand warmers, whistles, a multi-function knife, waterproof matches, and many other items. Complete this kit by adding personal items such as medications, eyeglasses and items for children and pets.

Two-person, three day duffle kit: $129

Four-person three day duffle kit: $165.

Proceeds from the Red Cross store benefit the Oregon Trail Chapter and help support local disaster relief.

Order these and other safety products at www.redcross-pdx.org, call (503) 528-5848, or visit the Red Cross store at 3131 N. Vancouver Avenue in Portland.

Holiday safety tips from your Oregon Trail Chapter

On the road:

Be prepared for high water and cold temperatures
Keep your tank at least half full
Give yourself extra time if driving in inclement weather
Stay with your car if you should become stranded
Designate a non-drinking driver

At home:

Never leave space heaters or burning candles unattended
Keep Christmas trees as fresh as possible by giving them plenty of water
Keep trees at least three feet away from heat sources
Don’t overload electrical outlets with decorative lighting
Check your smoke alarm tonight before going to bed

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Local Red Cross volunteers respond to residential fires and other disasters every 40 hours on average. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need. Call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org

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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