http://pop.to/20t, “Recovery 2011” is a National appeal during the month of February to recover the units of blood lost due to unusually harsh winter weather. Join the Recovery by making an appointment to donate blood or finding a Red Cross “Recovery 2011” blood drive near you!

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Home > American Red Cross Responds to Massive Winter Storm Printable Version
Donating Blood
American Red Cross Responds to
Why Donate Blood?
Massive Winter Storm
Eligibility Requirements
Shelters open; blood donors still needed.
Donation Process
Tuesday, February 2, 2011 —
Tips for a Successful
Donation The American Red Cross is on the ground Enter your zip code to find:
in 19 states, offering food, comfort and a
Donation FAQs Regional Promotions
safe place to stay to people affected by the
Types of Donations massive winter storm which has buried the Local News
country in ice and snow from the Rocky Blood Drives & More!
First Time Donors
Mountains to Maine.
Blood Donor Community GO
As of midnight last night, 73 shelters were
open in nine states with additional shelters Or find the Red Cross chapter closest to
on standby as the storm system moves to you.
the Northeast. To find an open Red Cross
First-Time Donors
shelter, people can visit www.redcross.org
The donation process de- and click on ‘Find a Shelter,’ or call 1-800-
mystified. Checklist for a
RED CROSS(1-800-733-2767). People
successful donation. Learn
More. can also contact their emergency
management office for help locating a
shelter.
In Chicago alone, more than 360 people spent the night in Red Cross shelters. Many were
Blood Donor motorists stranded by the storm. In Tulsa, Red Cross disaster workers housed almost 70
Community people overnight who could not make it home due to the storm. Five Red Cross disaster
warehouses are on alert, ready to ship supplies to where they are needed to help people in
Tell your story, send an e-
card, get social, download the path of this huge winter storm.
avatars and more.
To help people affected by this winter storm and thousands of disasters in this country and
around the world, visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS
Like 98 likes. Sign Up to to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red
see what your
Cross chapter, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
friends like.
Blood Donors Still Needed
The number of blood donations gone uncollected due to winter storms rose to nearly 23,000
overnight, with more blood drive cancellations expected as the storm moves toward New
England. The Red Cross urges people who are eligible to schedule an appointment to give
blood now.
People can schedule their donation by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting
www.redcrossblood.org. All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors
with O-Negative, A-Negative and B-Negative blood. To give blood, someone must be 17 years
of age or older (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and
be in generally good health. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and
younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Individuals should bring
their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when coming to donate.
Winter Storm Safety Tips
If someone has to leave home and go to a shelter, they should remember to bring prescription
and emergency medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, toiletries, important documents
and other comfort items. They should remember items needed for infants and children, such
as diapers, formula, and toys, along with any special things for family members who are
elderly or disabled.
If possible, people should stay inside and avoid unnecessary travel. The Red Cross offers
these steps people can take to stay safe and warm:
l Do not use stoves or ovens to heat the home.
l Place space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. Do not put space heaters on
rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away.
l Turn off space heaters or extinguish the fireplace before going to bed or leaving home.
l Keep all flammable materials such as newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets
and rugs at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces
and stoves.
If someone must go outside, they should wear layered lightweight clothing to stay warm.
Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Covering the mouth will protect the
lungs. Other safety tips include:
l Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice

2. and snow.
l If shoveling snow, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Avoid overexertion.
l Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if someone must be out on the roads …
¡ Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
¡ Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
¡ The traveler should let someone know where they are going, the route being taken
and expected arrival time. If their vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent
along the predetermined route.
For more information on how to stay safe and warm during this latest onslaught of winter, visit
www.redcross.org.
To download or share the badge please click here.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of
disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides
international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red
Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers
and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please
visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
You can help people affected by disasters like winter storms, as well as countless crises at
home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster
Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional
support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-
RED-CROSS.
Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to:
American Red Cross,
P.O. Box 37243,
Washington, DC 20013.
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