The Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross reminds people to “fall back” with daylight-saving time on Nov. 2 and change the batteries in home smoke detectors and other battery operated devices. Make sure that your radios and flashlights are “juiced” up in anticipation of winter snowstorms and power outages.

October is National Fire Safety Month. The local Home Depot is offering a series of free workshops to help people recognize the importance of home fire safety, planning and prevention from 1 to 2 p.m. the next two Saturdays, Oct. 18 and 25. Chapter staff is available to offer Be Red Cross Ready, a free one-hour educational program, which focuses on self-preparedness for disasters and emergencies. Contact the chapter for times and dates or to schedule a free session for your school, club, business, church or any other civic group.

A great way to celebrate the bounty of autumn is to give blood and then enjoy a slice of apple pie a la mode at the Annual Apple Pie Blood Drive to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at the First United Methodist Church, 99 South St., Auburn.

Additional drives are: the Union Springs Fire Department hosted by the U.S. Academy National Honor Society from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15; and at the Moravia United Methodist Church from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 1. Contact the chapter for a calendar of all blood drives and first aid classes at 252-9596 or chapter@ccredcross.org.

Donors must be 17 or older, weight 110 pounds or more and be in good general health. A Photo ID is required at registration. All donors have their blood pressure and temperature checked while, in about six weeks, new donors receive a card listing their blood type.

All of the Red Cross chapters in central New York are hosting a special evening at Vernon Downs Race Track at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the door or at the chapter. All proceeds will benefit the National Disaster Relief Fund and our southern neighbors affected by the recent hurricanes in Texas and Louisiana.

The fundraiser includes admission to the race track and an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring a carving station in the Gold Cup Room of the Upper Clubhouse in the Grandstand. All evening long, guests may enjoy live harness racing on the 7/8-mile racetrack, simulcast racing and video gaming. The facility is located near Exit 33/Verona/Rome on the NYS Thruway.

As the Red Cross continues helping individuals and families battered by the 2008 storms and hurricanes, the organization has launched a national fundraising campaign to raise an initial $100 million to fill a Disaster Relief Fund depleted by an active year of disasters. The Disaster Relief Fund allows the Red Cross to provide emergency assistance to help victims of disasters meet their immediate needs for food, shelter, counseling and other critical services.

In collaboration with Cosentino Florist, the chapter is hosting The Holiday Open House: An Evening of Hospitality and Good Cheer from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Cosentino's, 144 Dunning Ave., Auburn. Right in time for fabulous holiday decorating ideas and gift giving inspiration, the evening features hors d'oeuvers and wine tasting, 10 percent off purchases and orders placed that night, Red Cross holiday cards and more. Tickets are $10 per person in advance or $12 at the door and are available at the chapter office or Cosentino's.

Lastly, as the holiday approach and family gathers, there might be the need for a wheelchair, commode or walker on a short-term basis. Remember that the chapter has a supply of these items to loan out for free. Just give us a heads up that you are coming for something.

Susan Marteney is executive

director of the Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross