News of interest to ARCRA members

Tamer Ramadan, head of the Libya delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said the death toll from the flooding was expected to reach thousands in coming days. Speaking to reporters at a U.N. briefing via videoconference from Tunisia, he said 10,000 people were missing, and that those figures were based on reports from the Libyan Red Crescent on the ground.

The  flooding was  caused by heavy rains that devastated parts of the country this weekend, a disaster exacerbated by the collapse of two dams in the coastal city of Derna, aid agencies said on Tuesday.

Read more at The New York Times

Armed conflicts are ongoing around the world. At times it may seem that there are no rules in war. However, there are rules in war, and they make a difference. Even War Has Rules is a dynamic discussion on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and how it governs armed conflict. By the end of the class, participants will achieve a general understanding of IHL and will be better able to evaluate the actions of parties to armed conflicts.

Wednesday September 20, 2023 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM (PT) | 8:00 – 9:30 PM (ET)

This class will be instructed by Mo Ghandehari.

If you are a Northern California Coastal Region Red Crosser, please click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/EWHRSeptember2023NCCR

Click here for general registration: https://tinyurl.com/EWHRSeptember2023

Join the September IHL discussion group to learn more about important current events and IFRC and ICRC responses to conflicts, disasters and forced migration through the people directly involved at locations around the world. Hear about such topics as the state of Ebola, the Syrian crisis, Iran and Venezuela, as well as news from right here in the U.S. 

Thursday, September 21, 2023 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. (PT) | 5:00 – 6:30 (ET)

Guest speakers are Kiswendsida Guigma and Hunter M. Jones. 

Kiswendsida Guigma is a climate scientist with expertise in climate risk, anticipatory action and climate-conflict nexus, in addition to a profound research interest in heat waves. His focus areas include West Africa and the Sahel region. He also has experience working with national meteorological and hydrological services, engaging them in humanitarian work. 

Hunter M. Jones is the National Integrated Heat Health Information System Program Manager for the Climate Program Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Hunter is focused on applied community-based climate and health research. He led the development of the Urban Heat Island Citizen Science Field Campaign program at NOAA, which recently supported the mapping of heat in Sierra Leone. That campaign empowered communities to understand how heat is distributed and provide informed action to develop equitable climate resilience.

Click here for general registration: https://tinyurl.com/IHLSept2023

If you are a Northern California Coastal Region Red Crosser, please click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/IHLSept2023NCCR

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Join the webinar to hear Susan Malandrino Talk about her role as an internationally deployed delegate for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) following the Turkiye quakes in February.  She will describe what life was like on the ground after the earthquake and aftershocks continued to impact the hardest hit communities and stories of how families found ways to remain strong and resilient amid tragedy.

Susan Malandrino is the primary storyteller for the International and Service to the Armed Forces departments at the American Red Cross. In this role, she serves as a spokesperson, coordinates strategic messaging, oversees crisis communications and facilitates the production of visual assets. Following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye in February 2023, Susan deployed as a communications coordinator on behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), where she served as the primary focal point for media and strategic communications.

Time: Aug 24, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join the Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82108025044?pwd=WmwrYzBlTDVWTEJiOVNTcGppeWZVUT09

Meeting ID: 821 0802 5044

Passcode: 050620

Or join by phone. Find your local phone number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kesNdG4eZU

Meeting ID: 821 0802 5044

Passcode: 050620

The convention starts September 19 and is being held in Portsmouth, NH. If you haven't yet mailed in your Registration Form for the 2023 Convention, the deadline for mailing is August 15th.  Also, please send an email to let us know that your registration is in the mail to help the co-chairs finalize their planning.

You can also register on the arcoa.org website.  Log on to https://www.arcoa.org, choose News then Events.

Unfortunately the Wednesday Sunset Sail is overbooked, but there is a "waiting list."  An additional opportunity on Wednesday is  Strawbery Banke:  a 10-acre museum campus dedicated to bringing 300+ years of history to life, from Indigenous history to the present day. Tour historic houses on their original foundations, meet engaging costumed actors, watch traditional crafts demonstrations, and explore historical gardens and landscapes.  

The Museum is open from 1-4 on Wednesday, September 20.  By identifying yourself as with the American Red Cross, you will be able to purchase a $12 ticket for access to both the property and the gardens (tickets are usually $25).  They do have an orientation every 15 minutes, but you get a map and can go on your own.  The gardens will remain open after the 4pm closing time.

For more information and to register  log on to https://www.arcoa.org, choose News then Events.

Most of the fires on Maui are still burning, forcing thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate. The American Red Cross is there, working around the clock to help those affected.

Hundreds of homes and businesses are destroyed, hospitals are treating numerous patients for injuries, thousands have no power, and all phone and cell services are down, making communications extremely difficult.

RED CROSS RESPONSE Trained Red Cross disaster workers in Hawaii responded immediately, opening shelters in which thousands of people sought refuge from the fires. Thousands of tourists are being evacuated to Oahu and the Red Cross has also opened a shelter there to assist displaced Maui residents and tourists.

Working with officials and partners, our teams are providing evacuees with a safe place to stay, food to eat and emotional support during this challenging time and preparing to expand relief efforts if needed. When it is safe to do so, Red Cross teams will help with damage assessment and distributing relief supplies.

More help is on the way as disaster teams deploy from the other Hawaiian Islands and across the country.

The Red Cross reminds everyone that it is critical to listen to the advice of local authorities and evacuate immediately if asked to do so. For those who have already evacuated, don’t return home until officials say it is safe to do so. 

This is a difficult time for everyone affected and it’s important for people to connect with and support each other. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out through the Disaster Distress Helpline for free 24/7 support by calling 1-800-985-5990 or texting TALKWITHUS to 66746.

FIND LOVED ONES If you need assistance locating a missing loved one due to the current disaster, please call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and select Option 4. Follow the voice prompts for "Hawaii Wildfires."

Provide as much detail as possible to assist us in potentially locating your missing loved one. Please note call volume is high and callers may experience longer wait times.

YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like fires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

Read more at redcross.org.

More than 140 million people are facing stifling heat over the next few days as the ongoing heatwave moves into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the country. The American Red Cross is supporting cooling centers across multiple states and offers steps you can take to help stay safe when the temperatures soar.

To find a cooling center, contact your local Red Cross chapter or monitor local news outlets.

Dangerous heat combined with high humidity will make it feel like it’s more than 100 degrees throughout the area and there will be little relief at night with temperatures as much as 15 degrees hotter than normal. The National Weather Service reports the extreme heat will cover much of the I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C. to Boston.

Heat will also be a concern through the Central Plains, Mississippi and Ohio Valleys and Midwest. The oppressive warmth has been plaguing the country for more than a month, breaking records across the South. This week Miami saw its 46th day with a heat index over 100 degrees.

WHO’S AT RISK? Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the U.S. More than 600 people in this country die every year from heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Some people are more at risk of developing a heat-related illness, including adults over 65, those with chronic medical conditions, people who work outside, infants and children, and athletes. Some may take medications that make the effects of extreme heat worse. People with heart disease, poor blood circulation, obesity and mental illness are also at risk for getting sick if the temperatures climb.

HEAT SAFETY TIPS

The Red Cross offers steps you can take to help stay safe when the temperatures soar.

1. Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.
   
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
   
3. Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
   
4. If you don’t have air conditioning, seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
   
5. Avoid extreme temperature changes.
   
6. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
   
7. Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
   
8. Postpone outdoor games and activities.
   
9. Take frequent breaks and use a buddy system when working outdoors.
   
10. Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade.

Read more at redcross.org

by Al Panico

Cyberattacks are a growing threat, and seniors are often targeted. Recently one or more of our members have received an official-looking email with the ARCRA Logo directing the members to click on a link to review a secure document online. Luckily, our members did not click on the link and looked into the origin of that email. 

The information provides some suggestions on how to protect yourself from phishing and spam attacks.

Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber-attack where the attacker sends an email or text message that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or credit card company. The email or text message will often contain a link that, when clicked, will take the victim to a fake website that looks like the real website. Once the victim enters their personal information on the fake website, the attacker can steal it.

Spam

Spam is unsolicited electronic messages that are sent to large numbers of people. Spam often contains links to malicious websites or attachments that can infect your computer with malware.

How to Protect Yourself

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from phishing and spam attacks:

· Don't click on links in emails or text messages from people you don't know. If you're not sure if an email or text message is legitimate, contact the sender directly to verify.

· Be careful about what personal information you share online. Don't enter your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card number on websites that you're not familiar with.

· Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your computer from malware.

· Use a firewall and antivirus software. A firewall can help block unauthorized access to your computer, and antivirus software can help protect your computer from malware.

As a final tip, our web service, Wild Apricot Company, informs us that “most ARCRA emails, particularly from Wild Apricot will not include attachments but instead ask you to log into the ARCRA site for the information.”

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from cyberattacks.

If you think you may have been the victim of a cyberattack, you should take the following steps:

· Change your passwords. This includes your passwords for your email, bank accounts, credit card accounts, and any other online accounts that you use.

· Report the attack to the authorities. You can report the attack to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

· Be vigilant. Cyberattacks are constantly evolving, so it's important to be aware of the latest threats and to take steps to protect yourself.

The AARP has a vast array of guides, videos, and helpful articles to help keep seniors safe online. We highly recommend that you visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network by clicking here to take advantage of these resources. You can also find a wealth of AARP online guides and links on the Personal Technology Resource Center website by clicking here.

AARP FRAUD WATCH NETWORK - https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network.html?cmp=RDRCT-CSN-FRD-

AARP PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY GUIDE - https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/?intcmp=GLBNAV-PL-TECH

Put the dates of these ARCRA scheduled webinars on your calendar.  Watch for announcements in email and in the eNewsletters containing additional information and links to the Zoom site and phone numbers to dial in.  All of the webinars are scheduled for Thursdays from 12noon -2pm eastern except July 28, which is on Friday from 12noon -2pm eastern..

July 28 – Luis Alberto Urrea – author of “Good Night Irene” – about his mother and women in WWII

Aug 24 – Susan Malandrino,Communications Manager IHL and SAF – her experience in Turkey serving Ukraine refugees

September 28 – Jack Hermann, Sr. Director Client Care Services DCS and Adrian Grieve, Division Disaster Director, Mid-Atlantic Division – ARC Role in Mass Casualty Disasters

November 2 – Jono Anzalone, Executive Director, The Climate Initiative and alumni of Red Cross -Youth Engagement and the Climate Crisis

December 7 – Dr. Pampee Young, Chief Medical Officer, Biomedical Services – current trends in the biomedical world

January 11 – Rebecca Locke, Executive Director, Gift Planning - Development Planning and Insight

Becky McCorry, ARCRA Board and Chair of the Advocacy & Education Committee, is leading the webinar program.  If you have ideas for future webinars-topics, book authors, Red Cross issues- please send Becky an email at admin@arcretireeassoc.org.

Luis Alberto Urrea is the author of a just released novel “Good Night, Irene,” which is based on his mother’s experiences with the Red Cross Clubmobile Services in WWII..  

The author knew that his mother had been a "Donut Dolly" during World War II.  His mother was injured at the end of WWII after a jeep accident in the Bavarian Alps.  Like many soldiers returning after the war, his mother never talked about her experiences and suffered with nightmares and unexplained outbursts of anger. 

Urrea's mother was one of a team of three women travelling with the troops in a GMC truck fitted with a galley with huge electric urns for making coffee and a doughnut machine, a record player, and sometimes letters from family to deliver to soldiers. The women were trained to always be a friendly face, ready to listen, comfort and encourage. But the Donut Dollies were also witnesses to everything that happened during the war. And they suffered from PTSD and all the battle issues endured by soldiers.

Following her death, Urrea looked through his mother's mementos in an Army trunk and began to research her Red Cross experience. He located and interviewed one of the women who had served with her as a Donut Dolly and traveled to the locations where his mother had served.  "Good Night, Irene" is the fictionalized accounting of the dreams and experiences of Donut Dollies, Irene and Dorothy,  young women in WWII who joined the Red Cross Clubmobile Service and traveled to the front to support the Allied Troops.

Read about the book in the New York Times My Mother Returned from WWII a Changed Woman

Read The New York Times book review.

Join the ARCRA and ARCOA co-sponsored webinar Friday, July 28, 2023 at 12:00 noon to 1:30 PM ET.  Luis Alberto Urrea  will share his mother’s story and his challenge in researching the book, as there are few official records for the women in WWII and few of the “Greatest Generation” still with us.

Click here to the link for the webinar information..