Red Cross Mobilizes State-wide Residents are urged to Prepare Now for Wildfires Eureka and Crescent City, August 27, 2013 — The American Red Cross has declared a Disaster Relief Operation (DRO) for the entire state of California as each of its regions are impacted by the 15 wildfires currently burning. The largest sheltering operations are taking place in the Capital Region with the Rim Fire, preparing to shelter more than 1,200 people. The State DRO headquarters will be located in Sacramento, with Regional coordination from Santa Rosa and Humboldt. The Humboldt County Chapter has been actively involved in discussions with local partners in the affected area,” said Barbara Caldwell, executive director of the Humboldt County Chapter. “We are working closely with the tribes and Office of Emergency Services as we prepare for this possible relocation of people affected by the Corral Complex and Butler Fires. Volunteers from throughout the region, which includes Lake, Sonoma, Mendocino, Napa, Humboldt and Del Norte counties will assist with staffing.” With seasonal wildfires raging across the state, the Red Cross is urging residents to take steps now to stay safer when wildfires threaten. “By preparing together for wildfires, we make our families safer and our communities stronger,” Regional Communications Officer Kristie Fry said. “Creating a wildfire preparedness plan now is critical.” As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death, and between surviving and thriving after the disaster is over. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for wildfires: Create and Practice a Home Wildfire Plan – Learn about wildfire risks. Make sure everyone in the household knows what the plan is if a wildfire occurs. Select a place for family members to meet outside the area in case people cannot get home or need to evacuate/relocate. Identify two routes out of the neighborhood in case the primary route is blocked. Set aside household items that can be used as fire tools (e.g. a rake, ax, shovel, bucket, chain or hand saw). Friends or relatives outside of the threatened area can be notified as possible places to temporarily relocate. Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit – This kit can go into the car now. Include first aid supplies and medications for each family member. Write down essential phone numbers, especially the ones not committed to memory, and put that in the kit along with copies of legal and identifying documents. Have bottled water, some food, a change of clothing, and include something that is special to children in the -family. Plan for pets - include a leash or carrier, food, and a food bowl. Add maps of the area, flashlights, and a wind up or battery powered radio. Heed News Reports - Listen to local radio and TV stations, pay attention to social media, and check such internet sites as inciweb.org for updated information. If threatened, be ready to leave at a moment’s notice as wildfires can be unpredictable. Prepare the Home –Regularly clean the roof and gutters to remove flammable debris. Identify and maintain an adequate water source outside the home to saturate the home’s perimeter if needed. Make sure there is at least 100 feet of defensible space around the home. When remodeling or building, choose fire resistant materials and plants. For more information on wildfire preparedness, contact the Humboldt County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 707-443-4521, download the American Red Cross Wildfire app to Droids, IPhone or Ipads, visit redcross.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS. Share these tips with every member of the household, family and friends. The best protection is to be prepared ahead of time. You can help people affected by disasters like floods, fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes, as well as countless other crises, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your donation not only supports the costs associated with a disaster response, like food or the deployment of volunteers, but also supports our year-round readiness and maintenance costs such as our vehicle fleet, warehouses, IT systems and volunteer training. Your support enables us to continue providing the critical and unparalleled American Red Cross services on which Americans depend in times of crisis. To learn more, please call Barbara Caldwell at 707-443-4521.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 22:30:19 +0000
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