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Western Wildfires: Red Cross Responds as Critical Fire Conditions Continue


WEBWIRE

Critical wildfire conditions continue in several western states, fueled by strong winds, extremely parched woodlands and numerous dry lightning storms. In some areas, people have been ordered to leave their homes and the American Red Cross is monitoring the situation and opening or supporting shelters where needed.

The National Interagency Fire Center reports so far this year 32,798 wildfires have burned more than 1.7 million acres across the country. In Oregon, the Bootleg Fire near Sprague River has burned more than 16,800 acres and is only one percent contained. Level 3 evacuation orders (GO NOW) have been issued which affect as many as 1,500 homes. Red Cross disaster workers are assisting Klamath County officials at a temporary evacuation point for those evacuated.

In northern California, the Beckworth Complex Fire has burned more than 14,000 acres and is only 30% contained. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for several areas and the Red Cross is working with officials to respond as needed.

WILDFIRE SAFETY

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS Keep track of the weather, fires near you and listen to instructions from local authorities. Be ready to leave quickly with your emergency kit. You might not get an official notice to evacuate. Be ready to leave if local authorities tell you to evacuate, or if you feel you are in danger

  • Make sure driveway entrances and your house number are clearly marked so fire vehicles can get to your home.
  • Shut all windows and doors. Remove flammable window shades, curtains and close metal shutters.
  • Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
  • Shut off gas at the meter; turn off pilot lights. Shut off the air conditioning.
  • Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, toys, trash cans).
  • Turn off propane tanks. Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
  • Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running, they can affect critical water pressure.
  • Back your loaded car into the driveway and keep all doors and windows closed.
  • Ensure your emergency supplies kit is in your vehicle.
  • Locate your pets and take them with you.


IF YOU NEED TO GO TO A SHELTER  Follow any evacuation orders from officials. To find an open shelter, visit redcross.org or download the free Red Cross app “Emergency” and view open facilities. If you don’t have access to a computer or smart phone, call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).

We encourage anyone coming to a Red Cross emergency shelter to bring personal items for each member of their family, including prescription and emergency medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items. It’s also important to bring special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, and other items for family members who have unique needs.

In addition to the free Red Cross app “Emergency”, the Red Cross First Aid app gives you instant access to information on handling common first aid scenarios, including heat emergencies. Download for free here or search for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store.

RED CROSS WILL PROVIDE SAFE SHELTER The Red Cross will continue to make sure people have a safe place to stay, food to eat and resources to help them recover after a disaster, a critical part of the Red Cross mission, but how we support sheltering efforts may be different in each community, depending on local emergency plans and the scale of the disaster. In most cases this year, we will open group shelters. However, in some communities, hotels may still be more appropriate if the risk of COVID-19 is particularly high. The Red Cross will also keep many of the safety precautions implemented in 2020. These include masks, health screenings, enhanced cleaning procedures and encouraging social distancing.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.


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