RED CROSS ON STANDBY IN SOUTHERN OREGON
News Release from American Red Cross - Cascades Region
Posted on FlashAlert: August 4th, 2014 12:32 PM
MEDFORD - As wildfire activity in Jackson and Klamath counties continues, the American Red Cross is prepared to assist families and individuals who may be affected by the fires. Yesterday, volunteer teams offered wildfire preparedness information in Keno, Ashland and Pinehurst. Teams will continue providing preparedness information in those locations and will be participating in the National Night Out in Eagle Point on Tuesday evening
According to Dianne Mekkers, Red Cross disaster response team volunteer, Red Crossers are on standby to open shelter facilities if needed, and today will conduct preparedness outreach in Ashland at local community stores. "It's an opportunity to discuss some key things with residents about staying safe if the need to evacuate occurs," said Mekkers. "For example, make advance arrangements for temporary housing at a friend or relative's home, and contact your local vet or animal shelter if you have pets to take care of."
Mekkers also offered the following tips for safe and quick evacuation:
* Park your car outside toward an exit path; have at least a half-tank of gas
* Put an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle; be sure to include prescription medications, eyeglasses, important papers, child or pet supplies, etc.
* Turn off propane gas service valves
* Secure your home as you normally would when leaving for an extended period; closing and locking doors and windows
* Get in touch with your out-of-area contact person and let them know where you are going and when you expect to get there
Additional wildfire and other disaster preparedness information is available in the Prepare! Resource Guide, complied by the American Red Cross Cascades Region. It can be viewed by visiting the Preparedness Toolkit page on regional website: www.redcross.or/portland/preparedness-toolkit.
According to Dianne Mekkers, Red Cross disaster response team volunteer, Red Crossers are on standby to open shelter facilities if needed, and today will conduct preparedness outreach in Ashland at local community stores. "It's an opportunity to discuss some key things with residents about staying safe if the need to evacuate occurs," said Mekkers. "For example, make advance arrangements for temporary housing at a friend or relative's home, and contact your local vet or animal shelter if you have pets to take care of."
Mekkers also offered the following tips for safe and quick evacuation:
* Park your car outside toward an exit path; have at least a half-tank of gas
* Put an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle; be sure to include prescription medications, eyeglasses, important papers, child or pet supplies, etc.
* Turn off propane gas service valves
* Secure your home as you normally would when leaving for an extended period; closing and locking doors and windows
* Get in touch with your out-of-area contact person and let them know where you are going and when you expect to get there
Additional wildfire and other disaster preparedness information is available in the Prepare! Resource Guide, complied by the American Red Cross Cascades Region. It can be viewed by visiting the Preparedness Toolkit page on regional website: www.redcross.or/portland/preparedness-toolkit.
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