The American Red Cross Lubbock staff and volunteers, AmeriCorps/FEMA Corps interns and Ransom Canyon Fire Department.
(Photo: American Red Cross)
By: Alexis Gonzalez
Volunteers from the American Red Cross and AmeriCorps/FEMA Corps interns joined forces with the Ransom Canyon Fire Department and community members on Saturday, April 12, for a Firewise event aimed at reducing wildfire risk and strengthening community ties.
The Lubbock-area Red Cross team responded to an invitation from the fire department to participate in the cleanup effort. Eleven Red Cross and AmeriCorps volunteers arrived at 8:45 a.m. to help thin dead and dying trees, remove debris and collect trash in targeted areas of the canyon.
“It was a day full of physical work and meaningful connection,” said Laura Davis, community disaster program manager for the Red Cross. “We were honored to support a community that’s taking proactive steps to stay safe.”
Davis was invited to speak to residents during the event. She shared the commitment of the Red Cross to building a lasting relationship with Ransom Canyon, which was met with applause. Davis also shared a commitment to strengthening resiliency within the community by returning for a smoke alarm installation campaign and in training local Disaster Action Team members and shelter volunteers to ensure a sustained Red Cross presence in the area.
City officials welcomed the idea. A local pastor offered his church as a future meeting and training site and expressed interest in establishing a shelter agreement with the Red Cross.
The day’s efforts exceeded expectations. What was initially believed to be a weeklong project was completed in just a few hours thanks to the combined energy of volunteers and community members.
A city council member requested a summary of the event for the town newsletter to inform residents about the growing partnership with the Red Cross.
“This was a hugely successful day,” Davis said. “We’re excited to continue working alongside Ransom Canyon and getting to know our future volunteers.”
To learn more about how to prevent wildfires in your area, visit our Wildfire Safety page.
To see our collaboration with Ransom Canyon, visit our Flickr album.
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