Emergency Services Newsletter - Southeastern PA

August 2^nd was another hot, steamy night, but the weather did not keep the people in Phoenixville away from participating in National Night Out.  There were lots of fun things to do and see, including a hula-hoop contest, face painting, lots of fire engines and rescue equipment for the people to visit.

We strategically placed our table next to Petrucci’s Water Ice, knowing all the kids would want water ice.  Ed Bitner, Andy Brakman and Debbie DeRito were on hand to give out American Red Cross disaster coloring books and boxes of crayons to the children, and while we were placing them in a plastic Red Cross bag, we talked to their parents about disaster preparedness and gave them a quick disaster tip, such as the proper way to clean dryer hoses and having a family disaster plan.  We then placed brochures in the kids’ bags for their parents. 

We constructed a three-fold display, using pictures we had taken at various Red Cross functions, such as the military supply drive we did at the beginning of the war in Iraq and information from the American Red Cross Internet site.  Several people read the information we had about dehydration signs and symptoms and commenting about it.  We also handed out the telephone number for blood drives to several people who requested it.

The evening was a lot of fun and we were able to disperse American Red Cross disaster information to many people in a short period of time.  We look forward to going again next year.

Personal Reflections

National Night Out Kick-Off -August 1st– Philadelphia  

Martin Strom, Kathleen Sutphen

“There were many visitors to the table and most of the pamphlets and information were given out.  I ran out of coloring books (there was a huge demand...many kids).  I was shocked that there were so many visitors and that they were genuinely interested in what we do.” – Martin Strom

Pottstown - August 2nd 

John Garczynski,  Jeanne Laird,  Kelly Boettlin

“We had a pretty good location (near the food and near the play pavilion).  All in all, the NNO was and continues to be a good opportunity to present ourselves, hand out information, and be a part of the community -- a definite event to continue to support!” – John Garczynski

Coatesville – August 2^nd      

Liz White

 “It was not well attended, maybe 10 people came.  I did however make a radio statement about fire prevention and the importance of having a prepared drill and information planning of what to do in case of a fire. I did make some community contacts with the police dept. chaplain and the chief of police.  I let the chaplain know that in a mass casualty incident that we can support her work with the police.”  Liz White