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Badger Chapter News & safety information from your local American Red Cross | 2007 | Number 3 Badger Chapter Mobilizes to Aid Victims of Major Fire inside 1 3 5 6 8 Badger Chapter Aids Victims of Major Fire Teens Prepare For Disasters at Ready Camp Volunteers Assist with Tornado and Flood Relief Sauk County Champions Campaign a Great Success First Aid Training Pays Off For Mead & Hunt Worker Tornadoes: Where to Take Shelter 4 Michael and Yolanda Davis were boating on Lake Mendota that afternoon. They had decided to leave their dog, Carter, back at their apartment because they had not yet purchased a life jacket for their precious pet. As they were returning home they saw smoke rising into the sky. They realized that their Glacier Hills apartment building was engulfed in flames and Carter was inside. The Davises were terrified. As they were watching the blaze—in tears because they were certain their beloved dog had perished—a hulking fire fighter emerged from the building with a soaking wet and trembling Cocker Spaniel in his arms. “Here’s your miracle dog!” he said. The fire had taken nearly everything they owned, except Carter. It may be a miracle that no humans were injured in the July 14 blaze that destroyed the 41-unit apartment complex and left 25 families homeless. The American Red Cross was on hand to aid the residents with their immediate emergency needs such as lodging, food, clothing, medications, personal supplies and counseling. Approximately 35 trained disaster volunteers assisted in the relief operation, providing help to the victims over several weeks’ time. Despite his losses, Michael Davis says he has much to be grateful for. “I’ll never forget the Red Cross,” Michael says. “I don’t think we would have made it through (that first night) as well as we did without the Red Cross.” Although Michael, Yolanda and Carter stayed with friends that night, the Red Cross Continued on page 8 The 41-unit Glacier Hills apartment complex was a total loss leaving 25 families displaced following a fire July 14. Coming Events August 7 and 8, 2007 Group Health Cooperative BAT Camp (Basic Aid Training for Children Ages 8 to 10) August 16, 2007 September 6, 2007 September 20, 2007 October 10, 2007 Volunteer Recognition Dinner Sponsored by AT&T Legacy Society Luncheon Badger Chapter Annual Meeting Badger Chapter and Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region Celebration of Support 1 Disaster Relief/Emergency Preparedness l First Aid and CPR Training l Water Safety Education l Youth Programs News Briefs Twenty-four representatives from a variety of industries gathered recently at the American Red Cross to learn about the health and safety products and classes available through the Badger Chapter. The 2-hour Workplace Seminar featured a representative from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) who reviewed compliance issues and OSHA recommendations regarding workplace safety. Another seminar is planned for mid-fall, 2007. Contact Christine Kelm at ckelm@arcbadger.org or 227-1249 for information. First General Services recently held its 14th annual golf outing at the Foxboro Golf Course in Oregon. Part of the proceeds from this annual event— $2,000—was donated to the American Red Cross Badger Chapter. Thank you to everyone! Twenty-four trained Badger Chapter volunteers traveled to Greensburg, Kansas and other communities in Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma to assist in the American Red Cross tornado and flood relief. See the story of several volunteers on page four. Gina Interrante and her class at Waunakee High School visited the Badger Chapter recently to deliver a wonderful assortment of wooden puzzles and animals handcrafted by the students. These toys will bring comfort and entertainment to young victims of disaster. The Badger Chapter website has a new look and new features such as opportunities for online donations, class registrations and new videos. Please visit www.arcbadger.org and check out American Red Cross celebrity volunteers introducing our online video features, such as “Be Red Cross Ready.” The Badger Chapter Governance Committee is accepting nominations for membership on the Chapter Board of Directors. We are particularly interested in candidates with strong financial experience and representatives of diverse population groups. Please submit nominations to Janet Johnson, Chair, American Red Cross Badger Chapter, 4860 Sheboygan Ave., Madison, WI 53705 2 A Message from Chapter CEO Sandra Lampman Congratulations Badger Chapter staff, volunteers, board members and supporters! The Badger Chapter has been named one of 80 best-performing chapters in the United States by the American Red Cross. A total of 805 chapters were evaluated in fiscal year 2006. To achieve this outstanding designation, the chapter was scored on a comprehensive set of performance criteria through its Chapter Performance Standards system. This is an outstanding achievement for our chapter and we can all take great pride in the strides we have made over the past two years. This award is the direct result of the hard work of our employees and volunteers, including the members of our Board of Directors who have all generously given their time and financial resources. Last year alone, nearly 50,000 local residents took classes in CPR, first aid, aquatics and other training courses. Our volunteers helped 107 local families who were displaced by disasters, and recently traveled to Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma to help with the tornado and flood relief efforts there. We served 432 military personnel and their families through Armed Forces Emergency Services. The chapter also assisted the Badger Hawkeye Blood Services region in organizing and promoting local community blood drives. We remain focused on the mission of the American Red Cross and continue our commitment to high standards of service to our community. – Sandy CEO Sandy Lampman welcomes golfers to the annual golf outing. Disaster Relief/Emergency Preparedness l First Aid and CPR Training l Water Safety Education l Youth Programs Teens must cross a “damaged bridge” to treat others who have been injured. Fire prevention and safety are taught at Ready Camp. Wisconsin Teens Prepare for Emergencies One hundred teenagers are balancing on boards above toxic chemical spills or inching precariously across a swaying bridge above a flooded river. They are teaming up to get from Point A to Point B without touching downed power lines, or are administering CPR and first aid to accident victims. It’s “Ready Camp.” It’s not a real river and there are no toxic chemicals in the area, but Responding to Emergencies And Disasters with Youth camp is preparing young people throughout Wisconsin to be prepared for emergency situations. Now in its third summer, Ready Camp is located at the Air and Army National Guard’s Volk Field, north of Wisconsin Dells. Ready Camp is a collaborative project of the Department of Homeland Security, Citizen Corps Council, Office of Justice Assistance, Department of Transportation Safety, Department of Public Instruction and the Center of School, Youth, and Citizen Preparedness under the Wisconsin Technical College Foundation. “Our goal is to train youth in lifelong skills so they will be able to respond effectively if they are ever faced with an emergency or disaster situation,” says Center director Mary Jean Erschen. “We then see kids empowered to take on leadership roles when they return to their communities.” The 5-day Ready Camp experience includes American Red Cross training in CPR, first aid and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). In addition, campers learn emergency preparedness for school and home, fire safety, light search and rescue, the emotional effects of disaster experience and emergency response to terrorism. They navigate the popular ropes course and participate in a mock disaster drill on the last day of the session. Abby Wetzel is a Pewaukee High School sophomore who has attended Ready Camp for three years. “I went the first time because it sounded really cool,” she remembers. “And I learn something new every year. Last year’s disaster was an earthquake. The electricity was off and there were lots of injuries. We had to evacuate victims from a dangerous area.” A big part of the Ready Camp experience centers around teamwork, with small groups working together to overcome obstacles. “If I ever experience an emergency situation, I’ll know what to do and I’ll be prepared,” Abby adds. “It makes me feel reassured I could do something about it.” Ready Camp is an embodiment of the American Red Cross mission to help communities prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters. Ready Camp offers four summer sessions without charge to youth ages 13 to 18. For information, contact Mary Jean Erschen, Director, Center for School Youth and Citizen Preparedness at (608- 592-5200 or mjerschen@citizenpreparedness.org. 3 Be Red Cross Ready. Greensburg, Kansas is the scene of a massive American Red Cross relief effort. Volunteers Assist with Kansas Tornado Relief For the past 18 months, Red Cross volunteer Susan Berger has dedicated nearly five days a week to the Badger Chapter. Responsible for assuring that volunteers receive the training necessary for disaster deployment throughout the country, she finally had her own chance to help when devastating tornadoes struck Greensburg, Kansas on May 5, 2007. Within 24 hours of the phone call, Susan was on a plane to Wichita. “One of the first things drilled into you during your training is to expect the unexpected,” she said. So, not knowing where she would be sleeping, she took along her sleeping bag, pillow and personal supplies that might not be available in a one-room staff shelter (as it turned out, Susan spent most of her nights in a hotel 15 miles away). Susan was based for two weeks at the shelter at Red Cross headquarters in the town of Pratt, which is 15 miles from Greensburg. In charge of workforce planning, she assigned volunteers to various relief positions such as shelter staff, delivery drivers and health workers who saw to minor first aid problems. “I was prepared by the training I had received and from the stories that I heard from other chapter volunteers who had national relief experience,” said Susan. “What I was not prepared for was how appreciative our clients were. They were overwhelmed by the fact that people from all over the country were coming to help them. Even more, I was so touched by the local people who had lost everything themselves but who were still showing up to help their neighbors.” Steve Hansen, Badger Chapter Chief Operating Officer, also traveled to Kansas as a member of an experienced American Red Cross public information team assembled from around the nation. His responsibility was to alert the victims, community and nation to the services the American Red Cross provides in 4 times of disaster. Hearing so many stories of loss, he was struck by how these losses are of more than just property. “One gentleman I talked to had lived in Greensburg his entire life. This was his boyhood home, where he grew up. But now the town was flattened. He got lost walking down the streets.” Susan and Steve were among seven Badger Chapter staff and volunteers who were deployed to Kansas. They were joined by Jack Koeppl, Jackson Ellis, Ed Desautels, Max Oleson and Bill Nitzke. Not long after the tornadoes hit Greensburg, other neighboring states experienced terrible flooding. In June, Badger Chapter volunteers were once again called to serve in national American Red Cross disaster operations. Serving in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas were 16 local volunteers: Kate Kemper, Carol McGuire, Uba Backonja, John Dahms, Dave Sharp, Gene Franks, Max Oleson, Andrea Paff, Susan Berger, Kathy Kirk, Michael Bourne, Carolyn Shelp, Karl Beaster, Karen Kenyon, J. K. Strong and Bill Nitzke. Chapter volunteer Gene Franks on American Red Cross disaster flood relief assignment in southeast Kansas. Disaster Relief/Emergency Preparedness l First Aid and CPR Training l Water Safety Education l Youth Programs Champions Campaign Surpasses Fundraising Goal Lea Culver and leaders of the Sauk County Champions Campaign have surpassed their fundraising goal, collecting $31,325 over a six-week period to support the life-saving programs of the American Red Cross. The local donations were matched by a $10,000 gift from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, raising the total amount collected, at this point, to $41,325. Approximately $1,200 in additional donations are still expected. The campaign totals were announced at the Champions’ celebration at Devils Lake in June. “More than 150 volunteers, businesses and other donors raised an impressive amount of dollars through 50 local activities,” said Lea Culver. “They ran car washes, sold brats and baskets, placed collection canisters on their counters and dedicated a portion of their retail sales to our cause. More than 40 businesses and individuals made direct monetary donations. I can’t say enough about their dedication and hard work!” “More importantly,” she adds, “we most sincerely thank the citizens of Sauk County for responding so generously and enthusiastically to this campaign.” The Champions were a team of 30 local residents, each of whom pledged to either collect or donate $1,000 to the American Red Cross. Leading the effort was Culver’s Frozen Custard, along with Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital Foundation, Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital & Clinics, St. Clare Health Care Foundation, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services, and Reedsburg Area Medical Center. In addition to these donors, the following individuals and businesses each contributed at least $1,000 to the campaign: Schwarz Insurance, Darlene Ballweg, Curt Mueller, Tom and Roxanne Andres, Bank of Prairie du Sac, Baraboo/Reedsburg National Bank, Consumers Coop-Sauk City, Judy and Vern Fowler/Longaberger Baskets, Badger Paperboard, Inc., Wilderness Resort, Lake Delton Culver’s, Sauk City Culver’s and Reedsburg Culver’s. Committee members who devoted their time to the campaign were Travis Bolcerek, Kara Zastrow, Paula Hartman, Julie Smiley, Bob Bergman and Pat Yanke. Others who were of special help were Amcore Bank (Pierce’s Pick N Save Branch), Baraboo News Republic, Baraboo Area Chamber Staff, Minuteman Press, Baraboo Tent & Awning, Tommy Lee at the New Radio Group, Brenda Hoege and Kay Ringelstetter. Additional donations are welcomed by the campaign. To learn more about the Champions Campaign and about the American Red Cross, contact Christine Blum, Baraboo Branch Manager, weekday mornings at (608) 355-0943 or cblum@arcbadger.org. Steve Schultz, left, of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, presents a check for $10,000 to Chris Blum, Baraboo American Red Cross Office Manager; Lea Culver, Champions Campaign Chair; Mark Ziety,Thrivent Financial for Lutherans; and Steve Hansen, Badger Chapter Chief Operating Officer. When you help the Red Cross you help America. 5 First Aid Training Pays Off for Mead & Hunt Worker When Mead and Hunt, Inc. offered American Red Cross CPR and first aid training to its Madison employees in May, marketing coordinator Sandra Blight jumped at the chance to participate. She did not imagine that she would use her new skills the very next weekend. Browsing in a record store while visiting Austin, Texas, Sandra rushed to the front counter when she heard the cry, “Is anyone a doctor!?” The sales clerk had fallen behind the counter and was having a seizure, convulsing with his eyes rolled back in his head. Other customers were anxiously standing by, uncertain. Instructing bystanders to call 911 and to relay her messages to the operator, Sandra turned the victim on his side to assure a clear airway and she protected his head during the seizure. The victim was not injured and paramedics soon arrived. “I felt that I could take charge,” reflects Sandra. “(Because I had the training) I was confident I had the skills to support him.” Mead & Hunt is a national architectural and engineering firm headquartered in Madison. Providing training for its employees in medical emergencies is just one of the initiatives contained in the company’s emergency preparedness program. As part of a training program for future leaders, a national staff team put together a framework for a real life problem— devising an emergency preparedness system that includes evacuation in case of natural or manmade disasters, medical emergencies in the workplace, fire prevention and planning for business continuation in the event of an on-site disaster. An implementation committee is overseeing the development of specific initiatives in each of the firm’s 12 offices in nine states. Mead and Hunt chose the American Red Cross’ CPR and First Aid training because of an interest in providing consistent, standardized training throughout their 300 employee network. Having hosted blood drives for many years, Kay Beck, Corporate Communications Director, praises Mead & Hunt’s longstanding great relationship with the American Red Cross. “When it comes to safety training we thought, ‘let’s go with a trusted partner with a good reputation.’ ” Rajan Sheth has been President and CEO of Mead & Hunt since 1984. He is committed to continued development of his company’s emergency preparedness program. “I want to see us operating without missing a beat. We want to continue our mission of providing excellent service and an excellent workplace,” said Sheth. Sandra Blight used her American Red Cross training to help a man experiencing a seizure. 6 Disaster Relief/Emergency Preparedness l First Aid and CPR Training l Water Safety Education l Youth Programs Top Performing Chapter The Badger Chapter of the American Red Cross has been named one of the top performing chapters in the United States. Only 10 percent of the more than 800 chapters across the country have achieved this level of distinction. The 28th annual American Family Insurance Golf Outing on June 7 at University Ridge netted $77,640 to benefit the American Red Cross. More than 146 golfers competed. Members of the winning team from Findorff were, left to right, Jim Tighe, Jim Yehle, Eric Plautz and Kent Genter. Thank you to the many donors, volunteers and staff who are responsible for this honor. Skilled American Red Cross Volunteers are Valued Nationwide We are saying farewell to several dedicated volunteers as they leave Wisconsin to relocate elsewhere in the United States. Happily, and because of the training they have received at the Badger Chapter, they are not leaving the Red Cross organization. Volunteers comprise 96 percent of the American Red Cross workforce and one of the great strengths of the national American Red Cross is the uniformity of service delivery and standardization of the volunteer training programs. From Boston to Butte, from Wichita to Orlando, Red Cross training is dependable and consistent. Consequently, volunteers from various parts of the country are able to come together and work effectively side by side during floods in Texas or fires in California. A volunteer trained in Madison can help victims of a house fire in Seattle, teach an Albuquerque CPR class or record Philadelphia service statistics into the complex national database. Laura Pollock, local volunteer since October 2001, is moving from the Madison area to California and will transfer to an American Red Cross Chapter in the San Francisco area. As an active member of a disaster action team (DAT), she has extensive experience with Disaster Assessment, has served as Government Liaison and has organized successful disaster assessment exercises. Mary Sandburg has worked in several American Red Cross departments, as an accounting assistant, disaster action team member and coordinator of disaster volunteers. She is moving with her husband to northern California, where she plans to transfer to the local chapter. We are sending best wishes to Caroline O’Hare. A recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an intern with the community development department, Caroline contributed her graphic design and public relations skills to the chapter and has moved to Chicago to pursue a career in advertising. We expect the Chicago chapter to snap her up! Bruce Newton and Judy Sperling-Newton recently retired to South Carolina after working in disaster relief and public affairs at the Badger Chapter. Bruce and Judy have already signed on as disaster responders with the local chapter in Hilton Head. It’s hard to say goodbye, but we also have been pleased to welcome two experienced Red Cross volunteers to the Badger Chapter. Ann Massey arrived from Green Bay and Robert Hoekstra from Battle Creek, Michigan. They are already trained to perform a variety of American Red Cross functions and prepared to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross. Be Red Cross ready! 7 Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Madison, WI Badger Chapter Permit No. 1304 4860 Sheboygan Avenue P.O. Box 5905 Madison, WI 53705-0905 Contact the Badger Chapter 608-233-9300 Toll-free: 877-618-6628 Spanish: 608-227-1429 www.arcbadger.org Published quarterly by the American Red Cross Badger Chapter. Janet Johnson, Chair; Sandra Lampman, Chief Executive Officer. Please address correspondence to: American Red Cross, 4860 Sheboygan Avenue, Madison, WI 53705-2902. Contributors to this issue include: Sandra Lampman, Ann Dalee and Jane Richardson. Newsletter designed and created by Stephan & Brady, Inc. If a Tornado Threatens, Do You Know Where to Go? An average of 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide each year, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. Tornadoes can happen suddenly and have been reported in every state. Most occur during spring and summer, but they can happen anytime of the year and can occur almost anywhere. No area is immune to a tornado; therefore, you must always be prepared regardless of where you are. Planning ahead can save lives and prevent injuries. Do you know where to go for shelter? If at home: Go to a basement or storm shelter, away from windows. If that is not possible, find a sturdy piece of furniture (i.e. workbench, heavy table) and hold onto it using your arms to protect your head and neck. If at work or school: Go to the basement or inner-most hallway at the lowest level. If outdoors: Get inside a building. If that is not possible, lie in a ditch or a low-lying area using your arms to protect your head and neck. If in a vehicle: Get out immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. If there is no building, lie in a ditch or low-lying area using your arms to protect your head and neck. Never try to outrun a tornado! If in a mobile home: Get out immediately and take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If no shelter is available, lie in a ditch or a low-lying area between the oncoming tornado and mobile home using your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not take shelter in a ditch downwind of the mobile home. 8 Be Red Cross Ready. American Red Cross Aids Fire Victims Continued from page 1 provided food, blankets, phone calls, supplies and—most importantly—someone to talk to. It had never occurred to Michael, a machine operator, that the American Red Cross would be on hand to help him locally. He assumed they only responded to major catastrophes like tornadoes in Kansas and hurricanes in Louisiana. “They even made me smile a little bit,” he added. There is no charge for any Red Cross disaster services and the Badger Chapter response to the Glacier Hills fire may be one of the more expensive relief operations in recent times. To help support Red Cross relief efforts for this and other local disasters, financial contributions can be made to the local American Red Cross Badger Chapter, 4860 Sheboygan Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 or call (608) 233-9300, or visit the website at www.arcbadger.org.