The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross completed their Chapter Disaster Readiness Exercise and Evaluation (CDREE) on March 24, 2005. The purpose of the exercise and evaluation was to test the Chapter’s capability to respond to a Level II disaster in our jurisdiction of Benton, Carroll, Madison, Washington, Newton and Boone Counties. Functions of the Chapters operations which were tested included: Disaster Assessment, Sheltering, Mass Care, Family Services, Health Services, Mental Health Services, Resource Management, Donor Management, Staffing, and Public Affairs.

The Chapter utilized experienced volunteers as well as new volunteers in the exercise. Disaster volunteers, who traveled to Florida and Alabama during last year’s hurricane season, had the opportunity to put their experience to work in their own community.

The CDREE provided us with a means to evaluate our Disaster Response capabilities. We continuously are identifying, obtaining, managing, and sustaining human and material resources. We engaged our collaborative relationships needed to respond effectively and efficiently to this exercise. We also identified the need to increase public awareness and educate members of the community in order to help people prevent, prepare for, and cope with disasters.

School children in Galle received American Red Cross and Sri Lankan Red Cross backpacks filled with school supplies to replace those lost to the tsunami.

The children joyfully received their backpacks and paraded them around the school with smiles. At the end of the school day, a lovely scene of school children wearing their new red backpacks filled the street as the children walked home.

Warm weather means activities and fun under the sun! Whether you love putting on shorts and feeling the warm outdoors, or find it hot and sticky, everyone must be careful not to let a heat-related illness spoil the day.

Normally, the body has ways of keeping itself cool, by letting heat escape through the skin, and by evaporating sweat. If the body does not cool properly or does not cool enough, the victim may suffer a heat-related illness. The very young and very old are at the greatest risk for a heat-related illness, which can become serious or even deadly if unattended.

Preventing Heat-Related Illness

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat.
• Drink Water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

• Avoid using salt tablets. Unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If unable to avoid strenuous activity do it in the morning.
• Stay indoors when possible.
• Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity.

Heat-related illness usually comes in stages. The first stage is heat cramps in muscles, which can be very painful.

The signals of the next, more serious stage of a heat-related illness, heat exhaustion include –

• Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity)
• Headache
• Dizziness and weakness/exhaustion
• Nausea
• Skin may or may not feel hot

The signals of the last stage of a heat-related illness, heat stroke include –

• Vomiting
• Decreased alertness level / loss of consciousness
• High body temperature
• Skin may still be moist / may be red, hot and dry.
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing.

This stage of a heat-related illness is life threatening. Call 911 or the local emergency number.

General Care for Heat Emergencies:

• Cool the body
• Give Fluids
• Minimize Shock