Watch Out for the…Turkey Flu?

Soon enough, we will all be up to our elbows in mashed potatoes and turkey gravy, passed out in front of a football game and wondering, just as we do each year, the eternal question: “Why did I eat so much?!”
Thanksgiving is probably my second favorite holiday (Christmas wins first prize) because I just love [...]

The Next Best Thing to Personally Handing You a Tissue

If you haven’t had the flu, chances are someone in your house or office has. We had a nasty case passing around the past few weeks here, and we know how miserable it can be.
While we can’t personally hand you a tissue as you sniffle and sneeze, make you a cup of chicken noodle soup, [...]

“Lucky 13″ Halloween Safety Tips for Your Little Ghouls and Goblins!

The American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids wants your family to have a safe Halloween so we’re providing these tips, the lucky 13:

Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will find your way home!

From the bravest of superheroes to the noblest of knights, everyone should [...]

Rap + Flu Prevention = 2009 Flu Prevention PSA Winner!

What does rap and flu prevention have in common?
Perhaps not much that meets the eye — but thanks to Dr. Clarke, winner of the 2009 HHS Flu Prevention PSA contest, the two worlds of hip hop tunes and flu safety and prevention have collided…and the result is spectacular.

For more information on [...]

National Preparedness Month — and GO!

QUICK QUIZ!
Today is September 1st. This signifies what?
a) The day that the Hogwarts Express leaves Kings Cross Station (at exactly 11 o’clock, mind you), carrying Harry, Ron, and Hermione off to Hogwarts (it’s leaving in 19 minutes…hurry up!)
b) The first day of National Preparedness Month!
c) Birthday of Barry Gibb, one of the BeeGees (“Ah, [...]

BOOM! Power Outages Galore!

With the bone-shaking thunderstorms that have rocked the Greater Grand Rapids area this weekend, it’s no surprise that an estimated 100,000 people are without power. We thought we’d pop in and help out!
Try using these safety tips for when your power goes out.

Also, DID YOU KNOW: Our awesome volunteers stepped in and assisted 23 people [...]

Steamy Temps Call for A Cold Drink of Heat Safety Knowledge!

After the weirdly cool summer we’ve had, the upper-80s and 90s temps ahead for the weekend could be a shock to the system. Well, Greater Grand Rapids, here is Red Cross to the rescue, as per usual, with some cold sips of knowledge from our cooler of heat safety tips!

Difference between warnings/watches for heat:

Excessive Heat [...]

Fireworks Safety Tips Just In Time!

It’s the Fourth of July this weekend, which means celebrating the independence of our nation, as well as many people lighting things on fire for entertainment. Well, we wouldn’t be your local Red Cross if we didn’t offer some safety tips for this most festive holiday!

While fireworks can provide fun and entertainment, they can also [...]

Tornado Thursday!

Our neighbors to the (Mid)west are seeing quite a flurry (pun intended) of tornado action the past few weeks!

A few tornado safety tips wouldn’t go amiss here in the Mitten — we don’t see a LOT of tornadoes, but part of preparedness is being ready for the unexpected!
Prepare a Home Tornado [...]

It’s Official — Swine Flu Goes Epidemic

For the first time in 41 years, a global flu epidemic has been declared by the World Health Organization.

According to WHO, increasing the alert to Phase 6 signifies that swine flu has spread to more countries but does not necessarily mean the virus is causing more severe illness. As of June 10, WHO [...]