Catawba Valley Chapter American Red Cross

Our chapter is funded by donations and grants,  we receive no funding from the government.

97% of our work is performed by dedicated volunteers from the communities that we serve.

We are proud to say that 92 cents of every dollar donated goes back into the community.

Please click on the tabs to the left to learn more about the Catawba Valley Chapter

Get Community Disaster Preparedness Free

Click here to take an online preparedness class

Disaster can strike at any time and often without warning. Kick off the new year right by following these three simple steps to get prepared: 

(1) get or build an emergency supplies kit, 

(2) make a plan that includes evacuation information and emergency contacts for staying connected with loved ones during a disaster and 

(3) be informed about the types of disasters that you may face and the best ways to respond to them

3 steps to preparedness

You can also Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed by taking the Be Red Cross Ready online educational presentation.

HICKORY, NC  November 23, 2009 — With H1N1 flu causing illness all across the country, the American Red Cross has some steps to take that will lessen the chances of getting sick over the Christmas holiday.

“Christmas is a time to enjoy being with family, not to be in bed with the flu,” said Sharon Stanley, chief nurse of the American Red Cross. “You can follow easy tips to try and avoid becoming ill over the upcoming holiday.”

Christmas is one of the busiest travel periods in the United States. If traveling for the holiday or hosting a family celebration, washing one’s hands as often as possible is important to help ward off illness.  The Red Cross offers the following ideas to help halt the spread of the flu virus during the Christmas holiday:
 
Tips for Travelers
 
Before traveling…

• If sick, stay home. It’s disappointing to not be able to join in the family celebration, but act responsibly and stay home to avoid spreading the flu.
•   It’s possible to spread the flu virus one day before actually showing symptoms.  Those who have been in close contact with a sick individual should be extra careful about using good hand hygiene and cough etiquette and very aware of what might be flu symptoms.
   

• Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Use sanitizing wipes to disinfect hard surfaces such as airplane tray tables, luggage handles, cell phones, door handles and seat armrests.
• Remember to wash hands or use a hand sanitizer before eating any meals or snacks. It’s important to remember that you are touching a lot of surfaces that others are touching as well.  Make sure your hands are clean before you put anything into your mouth.
•   Bring personal blankets, pillows and earphones to avoid using something which may have been in contact with the flu virus.
• After washing hands in a public restroom, turn off the faucet with a paper towel. Then use another paper towel to dry hands and open the door when exiting the restroom.
  

• Avoid the usual kisses and handshakes when greeting friends and family.
• If hosting the holiday dinner and someone in the household becomes ill, make sure that they can be isolated into a separate area for care, or ask another family member to host dinner to avoid spreading the flu.
• Wash hands frequently, before preparing food, while cooking, and especially before eating.  
• Keep plenty of hand soap in the bathroom, preferably in a pump container. Skip the pretty hand towels this year and instead use disposable hand towels or a roll of paper towels.
• Consider putting the glasses away this year and using plastic cups, or provide a way for guests to identify their drinks. Don’t drink out of anyone else’s glass.
• Put serving utensils in every dish, including snacks like nuts, pretzels, etc. This allows people to spoon out their portion instead of reaching in with their hands.