S Services Provided on Sliding Scale/Reduced Fee Basis
$ Cost for Services
SP Spanish-Speaking Staff or Volunteers (Se habla Español)
TTY Teletypewriter for the Hearing-Impaired
When it comes to your life and family, safety should always come first. Evaluate
your household and lifestyle to ensure your life and well-being are protected
– no matter what the situation.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
American Red Cross Dallas County (www.redcrossdallas.org) 24 hrs/214-678-4800 Denton County (www.redcrossdallas.org) 972-219-4860 Ellis County 972-875-6520 Fort Worth (www.redcross-tarrant.org) 817-335-9137 Kaufman County (www.redcrossdallas.org) 972-563-1030 Navarro County 24 hrs/903-874-4551 North Texas (www.arcnotx.org) 24 hrs/972-562-0601
Provides disaster relief, service to military families, training in first aid, CPR, water safety and small craft training, plus first aid and safety courses for children and youth. (F $ SP)
Crime Prevention Resource Center, Fort Worth 817-314-7400
Provides awareness and prevention programs for the community, a resource library,
education and training. (F $ SP) (www.tccrime.com)
Crimestoppers Dallas County 214-373-8477 Denton County 800-388-8477 Tarrant County 817-469-8477
Investigates reports of information connected to local crime. Pays rewards for information leading to arrests. (F SP)
Fort Worth Crime Prevention Resource Center 817-314-7400
Greater Dallas Crime Commission 214-965-9000
Provides programs to prevent youth and gang violence and crimes against the elderly. (F SP)
North Texas Poison Center 800-764-7661
Provides information and recommendations for treatment of poison exposure. (F
SP)
(www.tdh.state.tx.us/epidemiology)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 800-638-2772
Provides information on unsafe products, including toys; receives reports on
product-related injuries. (F SP) (www.cpsc.gov)
After the events of September 11, 2001 safety has taken on a new meaning in our lives. One never knows when a tragic event will occur, but the following are some tips and guidelines to help cope and to be prepared.
Safely Preparing for the Unexpected
Prepare for an emergency by creating your own disaster preparedness kit. Store these supplies in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a duffle bag, backpack or covered trash container. Keep a smaller version in your car. The kit should include the following:
· A three-day supply of non-perishable food and water
(one gallon per person per day)
· A change of clothing and shoes per person
· A blanket or sleeping bag per person
· A first aid kit that includes prescription medications and sanitation supplies
· Battery-powered emergency tools such as a TV, radio, flashlight and extra batteries
· Extra car keys, cash, credit card or traveler’s checks
· Important family documents stored in a waterproof container
Disaster can strike anytime. Be ready to react. Prepare by following these guidelines:
· Remain calm and patient
· Check for injuries. Give first aid and get medical assistance for those who are seriously hurt
· Watch a battery-powered TV or radio for news and instructions. If ordered to evacuate, wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes
· Check for damage to your home. Turn off damaged utilities, clean up spills and sniff for gas leaks. If you suspect damage, don’t light matches or turn on electrical switches. Use a flashlight instead
· Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled
· Stay away from downed power lines
· Check water supplies in case service is shut off
Source: American Red Cross
Safely Communicating the News with Children
When a traumatic event occurs, children especially need help processing their emotions.
· Control what children watch. Watching disasters over and over can fuel a child’s fear
· Discuss what children are watching on the news
· Remain calm and let children explain their fears
· Reassure safety
· Encourage questions. Provide simple, brief, reassuring answers
Source: Children’s Defense Fund
Safely Dealing With Your Own Feelings
It’s crucial to care for kids during a crisis, but you also need to deal with your own feelings, which may range from numbness and fear to grief and anger. Some people experience guilt, anxiety, depression and problems with memory. All of this is normal. Following are ways you can help yourself and others:
· Recognize that physical and emotional stress are a normal part of trauma
· Focus on the positive responses by rescue workers, volunteers and community
· Seek help from others, especially those trained to handle such crises
· Reach out to others and offer to listen or help
· Connect with family, friends, social groups or religious/spiritual leaders
Source: American Red Cross
Safely Identifying the Signs of Depression
Depression is a normal reaction to a traumatic event of any kind. Look for these symptoms:
· Sadness or crying for no obvious reason
· Loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities
· Trouble getting to or staying asleep, or trouble getting up in the morning
· Weight loss or gain due to appetite changes.
· Heavy drinking or drug use
If you see these signs in someone you care about, assist them in seeking help. Some of the organizations in the Counseling (page 6) and Mental Health (page 19) sections specialize in assisting those with depression.
