Red Cross Opens Safe And Well Website For Southern California Wildfires

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 23 Oct 2007 - 6:00 PDT

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Wildfires continue to rage across Southern California, forcing thousands to evacuate the area. During this ongoing crisis, the Red Cross offers help for those who may feel confused and anxious about the safety of their families and their homes.

The Red Cross urges all those who have evacuated or who expect to evacuate to register their well being on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, available at http://www.redcross.org. This Internet tool allows people in disaster-affected areas to register their well-being using several pre-scripted messages. Family and friends can then log on and search for registered individuals to learn of their whereabouts and safety. People without access to a computer or without electricity or connectivity can call the Red Cross (1-800-REDCROSS) for help registering, or contact a loved one to register on their behalf.

Please note that the Safe and Well site safeguards the privacy of the disaster victim. Although these messages will be viewable by friends or family members who conduct a successful search, the site does not reveal a specific location or contact information.

At this time, all residents in Southern California should monitor local news reports and prepare themselves, their families and their homes for a possible evacuation. Residents should be prepared to comply immediately should authorities ask them to evacuate. If you are asked to evacuate, or decide on your own to do so, follow the steps below:

- Wear protective clothing--sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
- Take your Disaster Supplies Kit. If you do not have a kit, make sure to bring your prescription medicines, essential papers (such as the deed to your home and insurance policies) and identification. - Lock your home.
- Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
- Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke

For complete information on how everyone can prepare themselves in the event of a disaster, including all the items that should be included in a disaster supplies kit, please visit http://www.redcross.org. Here you will find information on how to Be Red Cross Ready:

- Get (or re-supply) a Disaster Supplies Kit
- Make a family communication plan in case of emergency
- Stay informed by listening to newscasts and local authorities during a disaster

More information on specific steps you can take to protect your family and your belongings in the event of disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes is available on http://www.redcross.org.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting http://www.redcross.org.

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