Wildfires: Threat Continues Through This Week

The California wildfires that scorched thousands of acres and prompted mass evacuations are largely under control, but experts warn that hot and dry conditions will continue to elevate the fire risk throughout the week. California residents are urged to stay on high alert in the coming week.

The American Red Cross is still there, providing relief supplies and helping people plan their next steps as they return home.

HOW TO HELP The Red Cross depends on financial donations to be able to provide disaster relief immediately. You can help people affected by disasters like wildfires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

With the fire danger still imminent, the Red Cross offers these steps people should take now:

GET A KIT, MAKE A PLAN, BE INFORMED.

• Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate. Full details are available here.
• With your family or household members, discuss how to prepare and respond to the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play. Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and how you will work together as a team. Practice as many elements of your plan as possible. Check here for help with making your emergency plan.
• Learn the types of disasters or emergencies that may likely occur in your area. These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like a wildfire or landslide. Learn how to be informed here.

WILDFIRE SAFETY STEPS

A wildfire can spread very quickly, giving you little time to evacuate to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Obey evacuation orders from officials.

• Back your car into the garage or park it outside in the direction of your evacuation route.
• Confine pets to one room so you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust - keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• Do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor pollution such as candles, fire places and gas stoves.
• DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS The Red Cross app “Emergency” can help keep you and your loved ones safe with real-time alerts, shelter locations and safety advice on wildfires.. The Red Cross First Aid App provides instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies. Download these apps for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps

Full wildfire safety details are available here.