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Red Cross Responds to Disasters on Both Coasts as Midwest Faces Extreme Heat
The American Red Cross provides services to survivors
of more than 70,000 disasters annually
Amanda Mark, staff, RedCross.org
Friday, July 14, 2006 — More than a month into the 2006 hurricane season, Hurricane Bud and Tropical Storm Carlotta are spinning in the Pacific Ocean posing no threat of landfall while wildfires, tornados and extreme heat tax the nation and spur American Red Cross responses.
Although news coverage may focus on its hurricane response, the American Red Cross is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week in communities across the country – providing support to survivors of disasters such home fires, tornadoes and wildfires.
“The Red Cross is positioned to aid families and individuals at a moment’s notice,” said Renita Hosler, spokesperson for the American Red Cross. “Through our chapter network, we are prepared for multiple disasters to occur simultaneously – supplies are stocked and volunteers are on standby throughout the United States.”
Currently in California, the Sawtooth-area wildfire has consumed more than 40,000 acres and triggered mandatory evacuations in Morongo Valley. The Red Cross continues to shelter evacuees as they move to safe ground, while it also provides support to emergency workers and firefighters. More than 1,000 firefighters are attempting to halt this growing wildfire.
Across the coast, Red Cross chapters in Connecticut and New York are offering aid as residents recover from a series of heavy storms and tornadoes that swept through the region last night.
There is no respite in the Midwest. Scorching temperatures are expected to topple 100 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend and an excessive heat watch is in effect across the region. Red Cross experts recommend that individuals – especially the young and elderly – avoid extended time outdoors. Additionally, widespread flooding in Ohio has prompted local officials to issue a flash flood watch through this evening. The local Red Cross continues to provide clean-up kits and other services as residents grapple with the flooding.
While each type of disaster carries its own set of risks and recommendations, Red Cross preparedness expert Keith Robertory advises families and individuals to begin their preparations for whatever may come by making a plan and building a kit.
“No matter what type of disaster you face, there’s a good chance that your planning will help you through it and make it easier to reach a loved one,” explained Robertory.
“Create a plan detailing how to contact your family, out-of-town contacts, several meeting places and your exit routes ahead of a disaster and you minimize chaos during the emergency,” said Robertory. “And packing a kit with three days worth of basic supplies such as food and water will ensure that you and your loved ones can survive after a disaster.”
Create a plan
- Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
- Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
- Pick two places to meet: (1) Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, and (2) outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
An emergency preparedness kit should contain the basic supplies needed to survive for the first three days after a disaster. Buy an emergency preparedness kit at the RedCross.org Store and customize it to meet your specific needs. (Photo Credit: American Red Cross) |
- Ask an out-of-area friend, who won’t be impacted by the same disaster, to be your designated family contact. They can focus on helping locate your loved ones by having each person call them and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number. If you cannot reach your loved ones or designated contact(s), make use of the Red Cross Safe & Well List on Redcross.org to register yourself or searched for a loved one.
- Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pets.
- Write down all of these phone numbers and information on the emergency contact card.
Build a kit
- Your kit should contain at least six basic types of supplies: water, food, first aid supplies, medicines and other medical items, a radio to listen to local AM, FM and NOAA weather radio broadcasts and a flashlight with batteries.
- Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container.
- Create a checklist for your kit and revisit it every three to six months to ensure that all items are included and nothing needs to be replaced.
Residents affected by disaster and in need of shelter or assistance should contact their local Red Cross.
Editor's Note: Story updated July 19, 2006, to correct typographical error.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
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