Another active wildfire season is impacting the country as long-term drought and scorching temperatures combine to raise the threat. Already this year the number of wildfires and acres burned are above the national 10-year average.
Presently there are 93 large wildfires burning in 15 states. One new large fire was reported in each of these states: Alaska, Arizona, Nebraska, Nevada and Texas. Working closely with our partners, the American Red Cross is there to help ensure people have a safe place to stay, food to eat and other critical support.
CALIFORNIA A fast-moving wildfire near California’s Yosemite National Park has forced thousands of people to evacuate. The Oak Fire has burned more than 16,700 acres and is 10% contained. The blaze has destroyed as many as 10 structures, damaged others and is threatening more than 3,200 buildings. The Red Cross is providing shelter, food and compassionate care to help people with medical or disability needs, as well as emotional support during these challenging times.
TEXAS, Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 10 counties in North Texas in response to the Chalk Mountain Fire which has burned more than 6,700 acres so far and is 20% contained. Some 16 homes have been destroyed and five others damaged in the fire. The Red Cross is in touch with emergency managers in these high-risk areas and stands ready to respond when called.
COVID-19 To help keep everyone safe, we are requiring our Red Cross staff to wear face masks regardless of vaccination status. We’re also strongly encouraging shelter residents to wear masks indoors. In addition, we’re using health screenings, enhanced cleaning procedures and encouraging social distancing as much as possible.
FIND A SHELTER It’s critical that those in the path of wildfires listen to the advice of local authorities and evacuate immediately if asked to do so. To find an open shelter, go to the nearest temporary evacuation point, visit redcross.org or view open shelters through the Red Cross Emergency app. If you don’t have access to a computer or smart phone, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to be connected to your local chapter, try calling 211 if this service is available in your area, or your local emergency management office.
YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like fires, storms 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.
Financial donations are the quickest and best way to support people impacted by disaster. Donations of clothing and household items divert resources away from our mission, whereas financial donations can be directed to those in need more quickly. In all cases, due to health code regulations, the Red Cross cannot accept donations of home-cooked meals or food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen.
It is essential to have an emergency kit and evacuation plan in place for you and your family.
- Your emergency kit should contain food, water and other basic supplies to last at least three days for each family member. Also, don’t forget to include essential medications, copies of important documents and special items for children and pets.
- Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans.
- Include your pets in your emergency plans. Remember, if you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. It’s important to plan to know which pet-friendly hotels are in your area, and where your pets can stay in an emergency.
Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all evacuation orders from officials.
- Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe to do so.
- Back your car into the garage or park it outside, facing the direction of your evacuation route.
- Keep your pets in 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.
- Don’t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.
- If you’re trapped outdoors, crouch in a pond, river or pool. If there is no body of water, look for shelter in a cleared area or among a bed of rocks. Lie flat, face-down and cover your body with soil. Breathe the air close to the ground to avoid scorching your lungs or inhaling smoke.
- Download the Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and expert advice on wildfires. The app includes an “I’m Safe” feature that help people check on loved ones. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
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July 25, 2022 at 11:57PM
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Red Cross Responds as Wildfire Season Heats Up - American Red Cross
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