Red Cross Announces Mobilization to Aid California Wildfire Victims

The Red Cross has stepped up its mission and has begun a massive movement of relief for California wildfire victims. On Tuesday, the Red Cross issued a statement declaring a number of supplies that will be made available to those victims.

Among the list of supplies are the following:

* 25,000 cots

* 50,000 blankets

* 50,000 pre-prepared meals

* 25,000 toiletry items and comfort kits

* 75 mobile feeding trucks

* 2 Southern Baptist Kitchens

Since early Sunday morning, over one dozen wildfires have been started in southern California in an area stretching from Los Angeles to San Diego. At last report, over half a million people have been evacuated from their homes. Large buildings such as Qualcomm Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers, have been housing thousands of displaced residents. 600 square miles of land have been burned, along with over 1,200 homes. Arnold Schwarzenegger, California's Governor, stated that 68,000 additional homes are being threatened from the flames.

"We have had an unfortunate situation that we've had three things come together: very dry areas, very hot weather and then a lot of wind," Schwarzenegger said. "And so this makes the perfect storm for a fire."

More than anything, the Red Cross has gathered thousands of people to aid California. 1000 shelter workers have been called up to manage sleeping arrangements. An additional 1000 workers to distribute supplies feed victims and attend to health issues and offer first aid. More than 500 volunteers for the Red Cross have been working since Sunday to get these items and services in order.

The Red Cross notes that thousands have already sought shelter at Red Cross stations. Last night they counted that more than 3,000 slept in Red Cross shelters. Mental health technicians were also on hand to help clients manage their suffering and spiritual well-being amongst this disaster.

The Red Cross has also been helping those who have joined in the battle against the raging wildfires. They have managed to also distribute water and food to firefighters from all across the region as well as emergency responders.

Red Cross officials encourage people to leave messages in the affected California wildfire areas on their website. People can leave status indicators to let loved ones know they are doing well through their Red Cross Safe and Well Website. You can access it through http://www.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross disaster assistance is free. It is made possible solely through donations of time, money and resources from the American People.

SOURCE:
PR Newswire

URL:
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-23-2007/0004688147&EDATE=