American Red Cross Providing Food, Shelter To Victims And Responders Of Colorado Wildfires

American Red Cross
Thursday, 13 June 2002

Drought conditions across the country raise risks, residents of vulnerable areas urged to be prepared

As the worst wildfire in Colorado's history rages out of control, the American Red Cross is on the scene providing relief for residents who are evacuating and those whose homes have been destroyed by the inferno. At the same time, the Red Cross is urging those who live in drought-affected areas around the country to make preparations now that can save lives and reduce damage.

In Colorado, the Red Cross is continuing to offer safe refuge for evacuees at numerous shelters throughout the threatened region, including around the Denver area. As winds shift and the blazes draw closer to populated areas, the Red Cross is opening new evacuation shelters and moving relief operations as needed. Officials are advising as many as 40,000 residents to prepare for evacuations as the fires ravaged as much as 140,000 acres throughout the state.

Fires have been burning in Colorado for the past two months, but the current fires are most severe in their scope and proximity to heavily populated areas. Already, more than 100 homes have been destroyed and the Red Cross is working with families as they are able to head back into fire-affected areas to provide for disaster-caused needs.

Families can call 1-800-417-0495 to learn up-to-date information on shelter and service center locations.

With much of the western and southern United States under wildfire threat due to drought, just one spark could set off another disaster. Following are safety tips and evacuation procedures that families can use to prepare:

Wildfire safety tips:

- Meet with your family to decide what to do and where you could evacuate in case of a wildfire. Plan several escape routes away from your home by car and by foot. Be sure to include pets in your evacuation plans.

- Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit containing: first aid kit and essential medications, battery-powered radio and flashlight extra batteries, can opener and canned food and water for each family member.

- Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances. Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on roofs and exterior structures.

- Create a "defensible space" by clearing flammable vegetation, debris and brush around your home and pruning branches 30-100 feet around your property and near your roof. Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on roofs and exterior structures. Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.

- Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source such as a small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool, or hydrant. Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.

Planning for Evacuation:

- If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.

- Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.

- Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area. Activate your evacuation plan for your pets as well.

- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Take your Disaster Supplies Kit. Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

- Wear protective clothing--sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.

- Lock your home. Tell someone when you left and where you are going.

The American Red Cross is dedicated to saving lives, easing suffering and restoring hope at home and around the world. The Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to the victims of more than 67,000 disasters nationwide and has been the primary supplier of lifesaving blood and blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. Last year, the Red Cross also trained almost 12 million people in vital lifesaving skills and delivered more than 21 million locally relevant community services. The organization also assisted international disaster and conflict victims in close to 40 locations around the globe, and its emergency communication centers processed 1.2 million calls in support of U.S. military families.

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org