Send a Holiday Card to a Hero Via Red Cross

The Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign is under way through December 7

The American Red Cross is collecting and distributing cards that send words of encouragement, gratitude and cheer while military deployments and hospital stays may keep many of our nation’s heroes away from their families this holiday season, Through December 7, Americans can give something that means something by sending a card of thanks and support to members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. “It just takes a moment to sign a card to share your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the military community make,” said local Red Cross officials. “You say thanks, we’ll do the rest.” The Red Cross is inviting the public to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer until December 7 by mailing them to: Holiday Mail for …

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Hurricane Shelters to Be Consolidated at Dieruff in Allentown

The Lehigh Valley's two current hurricane shelters will be shut down and a new shelter opened at Dieruff High School in Allentown.

The American Red Cross will consolidate its two Lehigh Valley shelters (on City Line Road and at Ag Hall) on Friday at 8 a.m. into one shelter at the Dieruff High School gymnasium, 815 N. Irving St. in Allentown. The shelter is open to residents and their pets in need of a safe place to stay due to prolonged power outages or damage to their homes from storm Sandy. The consolidation allows the Red Cross to turn the two original shelters back to their owners and also allows the agency to pool its resources at one location. Current residents at both shelters were briefed this afternoon about the move. Transportation to Dieruff will be provided by LANTA to current shelter residents, if needed. Lehigh Valley CART (County Animal Response Team) …

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Red Cross Shelter Will Open at Noon Monday in Bethlehem

The first Lehigh Valley shelter for residents affected by Hurricane Sandy will open at noon Monday in Bethlehem.

The American Red Cross will open an evacuation shelter at noon Monday, Oct. 29, at 2121 City Line Road in Bethlehem to help residents affected by Hurricane Sandy. The shelter is a joint regional effort with Lehigh and Northampton counties emergency management services.   The Red Cross will provide cots and blankets, breakfast, snacks and beverages. The local Salvation Army will serve lunch and dinner. The building entrance and parking lot will be clearly marked with Red Cross signs. Anyone evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family: People may bring their pets, which will be housed in a pet shelter co-located with the Red Cross shelter and operated by Lehigh Valley CART (County Animal …

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Get New Red Cross App for Your Smart Phone

Need life-saving information at your fingertips? The Red Cross has an app for that.

The American Red Cross has launched its official first aid app, putting free and simple lifesaving information right in the hands of smart phone users. This app is the first in a series to be created by the American Red Cross, the nation’s leader in first aid and emergency preparedness information. It’s also the only first aid app created or endorsed by the American Red Cross for use on both the Android and iPhone platforms. It gives instant access to information on how to handle the most common first aid situations, and includes videos and interactive quizzes. Users who take quizzes can earn badges they can share with friends through social media to show off their lifesaving knowledge. Due to the rapid increase in smart phone users, the …

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Red Cross Helping Emmaus Family After Fire

Fire victims are staying with relatives

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley was called at 4:19 p.m. Wednesday to assist a family displaced by a fire at their twin home at 627 Furnace Street in Emmaus. The Red Cross provided clothing, meals and personal care items to two adults. The family is staying with relatives. Volunteer crews put out the fire in less than an hour. The cause has not yet been determined.

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Hurricane Irene

Tips for Storm Preparation

Planning ahead can make all the difference in weathering a big storm.

Hurricane Irene is expected to bring heavy rain and winds gusting up to 60 mph to Emmaus Patch Saturday night into Sunday. More rain dousing our already saturated ground could cause downed trees and power outages. The Red Cross and utility companies advise residents to have a storm kit handy. Your kit should include: You can also visit www.health.state.pa.us and get a copy of Pennsylvania’s Emergency Preparedness Guide. Check back for more information and storm coverage on Patch. Share your storm photos and experiences by e-mailing

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Investigators Target Source of Allentown Blast But City Still on Edge

Fire Chief fears effects of freeze, thaw on aging infrastructure.

Crews have identified the section of aging cast iron gas pipe that may have caused last Wednesday’s deadly explosion, but Allentown’s fire chief still isn’t sleeping easy. “This time of year, I’m concerned all the time as the ground constantly freezes and thaws,” Chief Robert Scheirer said Monday. “A water main break could lead to a gas main break. I’m always worried about it.” Scheirer said UGI crews responded “very quickly” to reports of two small gas leaks in the 600 block of North 11th Street on Sunday evening. Some residents were evacuated for about 10 minutes, he said. Scheirer gave reporters an update on the investigation after Governor Tom Corbett toured the disaster scene at 13th and Allen Streets Monday afternoon. The gas pipe …

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