Residents of Oregon and SW Washington are in the middle of a busy wildfire season as the climate crisis threatens to upend more communities. The American Red Cross Cascades Region opened our first shelter in La Pine on June 25th due to the Darlene 3 Fire and we have not stopped since. We are currently operating in 4 different locations in our region plus we are helping support or neighboring Red Cross regions in Washington, Idaho and Montana.

“This is part of a nationwide trend where natural disasters are becoming more frequent and intense. In 2023, an estimated 2.5 million were forced from their homes by weather-related disasters— with more than a third displaced for longer than a month,” says Red Cross Cascades CEO Priscilla Fuentes.

The best defense in an emergency is to be prepared and the American Red Cross, Cascades Region advises everyone to get ready now.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSEHOLD

Build an emergency kit. Stock it with bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and battery-powered radio. Also include medications, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers and emergency contact information. If you have pets or kids, consider packing items for them.
Make an evacuation plan. What will you do if you are separated from your family during an emergency? Where will you go and where will you meet? Know evacuation routes in your community and make sure you have gas in your car.
Know how to stay informed. Watch the local news, follow first responders on social media, check the websites of emergency managers, transportation agencies, and law enforcement to learn how you can receive evacuation orders and evacuate safely.
Plus, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and more safety tips. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

PAY ATTENTION TO EVACUATION ORDERS:

Level 1-Be Ready

Level 2-Get Set

Level 3-Go Now

Follow evacuation guidelines set by emergency managers. Level 3 evacuations mean “GO NOW.” Don’t hesitate to leave when instructed.
If you are elderly or have access and functional limitations, consider leaving during a level 2 “GET SET” evacuation.
Be aware of road closures so you know how to leave the affected area safely.
Make sure you have gas in your car in case you must leave.
Bring masks or other devices to help protect you from wildfire smoke.

WHO ARE WE HELPING?

Everyone is welcome in our shelters, and we are hearing incredible stories like this one from Marc Berry. Read more HERE.

VOLUNTEER TODAY The Red Cross is seeking new volunteers who are team-oriented and want to make an immediate difference. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up. Free online training will be provided.

Source: American Red Cross Cascades Region

Scott Tom