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

American Red Cross
Wednesday, 29 October 2003

Residents of vulnerable areas urged to be prepared; Victims should call 866-GET-INFO for help

As devastating wildfires rage throughout Southern California, the American Red Cross is on the scene providing relief for residents who are evacuating and for those whose homes have been destroyed by the inferno. The Red Cross is urging those who live in vulnerable areas near the fires to make preparations now that can save lives and reduce damage.

More than 6,400 evacuees have found refuge at 23 shelters throughout the threatened region. As strong Santa Ana winds and blowing embers cause unpredictable shifts in direction, the Red Cross is opening new evacuation shelters and moving relief operations as needed. More than 50,000 residents have evacuated as the fires have ravaged nearly 560,000 acres throughout the state.

The fires, which continue to be dangerously close to heavily populated areas, have robbed hundreds of families of their homes and belongings. As the situation stabilizes, the Red Cross is prepared to provide food, clothing, shelter, and counseling to help those families begin to rebuild their lives and regain hope.

Families can call 1-866-GET-INFO to learn up-to-date information on evacuation shelters and Red Cross services available. Callers to this toll-free hotline can get information about:

• Current shelter locations


• Safety tips and what to do if asked to evacuate


• Where and how to receive Red Cross assistance


• Ways to reduce potential damage to your home


• Information for families seeking loved ones


• Referrals to emergency and mental health services


• Tips for talking with children about disasters


• How you can help with a gift of time, blood, or money

With the changing winds and fires still out of control, just one ember 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.

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