LOS ANGELES, September 1, 2021 — The impact of climate change is being felt by families across the country as we see more intense storms, higher temperatures, severe droughts and record-setting hurricanes and wildfires. The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region urges everyone to get ready by making preparedness a priority this September during National Preparedness Month.
In California, wildfires this year have already outpaced what we experienced in 2020 — some 860,000 more acres of land have burned than at the same time last year. The threat isn’t over. Experts say there could be an above normal threat of wildfires through September. Along with preparing for the danger of wildfires, disaster volunteers in Los Angeles continue to respond to home fires every day.
In 2021 alone, local volunteers have assisted more than 1,500 people following more than 230 home fires with urgent needs such as emergency sheltering, financial assistance and recovery planning.
“Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime. We urge people to prepare now and be ready if an emergency occurs in their home or in our community,” said Guillermo Sanchez, Disaster Preparedness Manager for Red Cross LA. “Helping people during disasters is at the heart of our mission and climate change is a serious threat we are all facing. Keep your loved ones safe — get Red Cross Ready today.”
During National Preparedness Month, help protect your family and sign up for one of our free virtual emergency preparedness classes in English or Spanish.