00:00 We've got a lot to talk about when it comes to Vegas because we are just a few days away
00:04 From the big game and so many sports fans are probably going to host a party get ready for this big end to the season
00:11 Well, Joyce Squire chief communications and marketing officer of the Illinois Red Cross joins us now to talk about some simple safety precautions that you should take
00:20 During game time. Thank you so much for joining us this morning
00:26 Absolutely, it's such an exciting week in the world of sports in the world of weather. Let's talk about safety though
00:31 Because the Red Cross does promote emergency preparedness, of course
00:34 So what are some situations that viewers should be ready for over the weekend as things get busier?
00:38 Well, a lot of people are probably having parties and hosting family and friends
00:43 And you got to be safe when you're cooking and making food for your family and friends
00:48 So we recommend everybody wash their hands their utensils their workstations before starting to prepare their food
00:54 And then also keep poultry raw meats
00:59 Seafood away from ready to prepare items like salads
01:03 dips
01:05 Fruits that kind of thing and use separate utensils and serving platters for that kind of food, too
01:10 It's always important not to cross contaminate when having a meal for a big group for the big game
01:16 We also recommend you download our first aid app
01:20 You never know when you might need it or consider longer-term taking a CPR first aid class
01:25 To help your family or somebody when in need so smart
01:28 I feel like those are the kinds of things not just good for this weekend, but good for everyday life, right?
01:32 I mean in terms of that basic medical knowledge that that could save a life, right?
01:36 Absolutely, you never know when you can save a life, you know
01:40 It that's what the Red Cross is all about being safe in the face of emergency helping in the face of emergency
01:46 We love to see it. We love working with you guys for just that reason such a priority to help people out now
01:51 Let's talk a little more about maybe some festivities for the weekend speaking of helping people out
01:56 I mean, I'm sure people are gonna be tailgating firing up the grill any thoughts on winter grilling tips
02:03 So it goes right for our viewers
02:05 Yeah, you know the grill can't be used in the winter, but it's important that it's used right never use a grill indoors
02:13 Also keep the grill away from you know an enclosed area like a garage or something like that
02:18 If you are going to use your grill also use a meat thermometer to make sure the temperatures of varying items are
02:25 appropriate
02:27 You know and use the recipe in the cookbook to guide you and what those temperatures should be
02:32 Also, always make sure the grill is supervised and never ever use lighter fluid or charcoal fluid
02:39 Once the grill is already lit that should be done in advance of lighting the grill
02:44 Um, we also want to make sure you keep the grill out in the open away from your decks
02:49 Branches anything that could ignite because a grill even in the winter can cause a fire
02:56 So important any time of year look once upon a time
02:59 I worked in local news and if I had a dollar for every time I had to cover a house fire in the middle of
03:03 Winter. Oh, it's so dangerous, especially not just for you your own home, but the first responders who have to come help out
03:09 That's not good news. Now. Let's talk a little more about game time, you know weather permitting things are going great
03:14 But maybe you're not feeling so hot. What do you do in that case?
03:16 well
03:19 Certainly in this season wash your hands constantly wash it, you know for 20 seconds
03:25 Make sure you get under the nails under the jewelry. It's really important to continually wash with soap and hot water
03:30 But if you're not feeling good the day of the game, you know, this is the season of colds RSV flu
03:36 COVID it's all still out there. I'm sure your family and friends would appreciate you staying home and
03:41 Watching the big game from your couch and not being there with the rest of the crew
03:47 Absolutely. Now one last question for you here whether your team wins or loses no matter how this weekend turns out for you
03:53 Maybe an idea of a great way to celebrate after the big game
03:55 You know, we really would appreciate it the Red Cross were under urgent need for blood
04:02 So we need people to come out and donate
04:06 In Clement weather has caused the cancellation of more than 500 blood drives across the country
04:12 Losing more than 15,000 units of blood and you never know when you know blood doesn't take a holiday
04:18 You never know when you're gonna need blood cancer patients
04:20 People who have surgeries people in accidents people suffering from conditions like sickle cell need blood constantly
04:27 So we hope your viewers will consider after they're celebrating after their team wins
04:32 Coming out and potentially donating blood at a blood drive near you
04:36 You can go to Red Cross blood or put in your zip code and find a blood drive near you
04:40 Joy Squire from the American Red Cross. Thank you so much for joining us and for the great tips this morning
04:45 We appreciate you being here
04:47 Thank you so much
