Kansas Red Cross

Emergency blood shortage: The Red Cross blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors — especially those with types O+ & B- blood — and platelet donors are urgently needed to help ensure lifesaving medical care isn't delayed for patients. Book now: rcblood.org/donate

What to watch for this month: Hurricanes continue to be the major threat of the coasts. Wildfires and heatwaves will go hand-in-hand as temperatures increase across the country. Fires spread quickly and start suddenly, so adding a wildfire kit to your car might be wise.

When the power goes out, turn off and unplug everything to avoid power surges. • Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored. • Keep your fridge doors closed as much as possible to preserve your food. • Never use a generator inside. MORE: redcross.org/poweroutage

Pfeiffer Hall shelter is managed by Saline County Kansas Emergency Management; check in 7-10 p.m. tonight (June 9). Shelter will reopen for new check-ins at 8 a.m. tomorrow. Please bring your own bedding and pillow along with anything you will need overnight. 2/3

Shelters are available for Kansans dealing with power outages after severe storms. Lincoln County: Vesper Community Center 1247 N 120th Road Saline County area Pfeiffer Hall at Kansas Wesleyan on campus at Highland and Claflin Avenues 1/2

With hot, humid conditions in store this week, it's a good time to remember that extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. each year than all other weather events combined. Your plan to stay cool must include spending time in air-conditioned places. MORE: redcross.org/heat

Come to give blood 6/1-28 for a $15 e-gift card + chance to win a $7.5K prize! See rcblood.org/June

What to look out for this month: While tornado season tapers off in the Midwest, the coasts prepare for hurricanes. Wildfires can happen anywhere, especially in droughts or dry areas.

Get summer ready! Come to give blood May 18-31 for an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, ltd. qty!

Between end-of-school madness, milestone celebrations and summer prep, don't forget your blood donor appointment! Get a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email, courtesy of our partners at Amazon, when you come to give May 1-17. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Amazon for details.

Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for kids 1-4 years old in the U.S. Never leave children alone around water, whether it's a pool, lake or river. May is National Water Safety Month. Head to redcross.org/watersafety for help making your family water activities safer.

Severe storms are possible multiple days this week. Plan to shelter in the basement or a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building in case a thunderstorm hits. Practice getting everyone to that safe place. More tips at redcross.org/thunderstorm.

Life is Good 😎 NEW MERCH: Come give March 30-April 12 for an exclusive Red Cross x Life is Good T-shirt, ltd. qty!

Since the early 1900s, Ford Philanthropy, the global philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, has partnered with the American Red Cross to support communities when they need it most. What began with providing Model T ambulances during World War I and supporting the Red Cross Motor Corps in World War II has grown into a long-standing partnership focused on showing up for communities as they respond to and recover from crises. Today, Ford Philanthropy continues this legacy of collaboration. On Red Cross Giving Day, Ford Philanthropy will match donations up to $250,000. Your gift can go twice as far in providing shelter, food, and emergency assistance to people affected by disasters. Double your impact. Donate today: rdcrss.org/4dE7Sna

Did you know 20% of people we screened in 2025 had levels in the diabetic or prediabetic range? We're screening for A1C again this March for every successful blood donation. Make an appointment at redcrossblood.org

A housefire puts a family out of their home. A tornado forces someone and their pets to evacuate. A chronic blood disease prevents someone from living their life to the fullest. Emergencies happen every day. We are always here.

If your home was damaged during recent wildfires, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767). The Red Cross delivers help to whoever needs it. The Red Cross is not a government agency, and people do not need to be American citizens to access Red Cross services.

Spring is near, but it isn't quite here - we're still on alert for these winter emergencies. Are you prepped for what's on the calendar below?

Even if you live alone, you need an emergency plan. You're important too. 💗 Check out these tips below:

We're all in this together. Donating blood saves lives. Make an appointment on your Blood Donor app, at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.