Weather and Wildfires Keeping Red Cross Busy Across Texas

On Friday, fire officials fighting fires near Possum Kingdom Lake in Texas sought help from the American Red Cross by asking our teams to provide bottled water and Gatorade around the clock to their teams protecting life and property. Within hours, Red Cross volunteer had trucks loaded and hit the road. As those crews continue their work near the lake, new crews are loading other trucks and getting ready to assess storm damage across Tarrant and Johnson Counties. The work never ends, and we can't do it without you. To become a volunteer or make a financial donation to help the Red Cross always be ready to roll, go to www.redcross.org.

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EXTREME CAUTION NEEDED: Don't Let High Winds Lead to Disaster

What should I do if there are reports of wild fires in my area?

With high winds whipping from one end of the state of Texas to the other, it's critical that we all use extreme caution until the danger passes. Do not use anything outdoors that could create a spark such as outdoor grills or welding machines. Avoid discarding cigarette butts from car windows and extinguish cigars/cigarettes only in safe containers. One spark could create a disastrous situation for our communities so use caution!

If a wildfire should occur, read the steps below to get out safely.

Be Red Cross Ready - Wild Fire Safety Checklist [PDF]

• Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
• Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
• Always back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
• Confine pets to one room so that you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area.

Limit exposure to smoke and dust.

• Listen and watch for air quality reports and health warnings about smoke.
• Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• Use the recycle or re­circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you do not have air conditioning and it is too hot to stay inside with closed windows, seek shelter elsewhere.
• When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves. Do not vacuum because it stirs up particles that are already inside your home.
• If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your health care provider's advice and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen. 

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Chemical Emergency: Do You Know What to Do?

Today's massive chemical plant fire in Waxahachie was a spectacular site...in all the wrong ways. Flames shot out of control, engulfed a fire engine and released unknown chemicals into the air. If you were in Waxahachie today, would you know what to do to stay safe? Would you have the right supplies on hand to shelter in place? Emergencies like today's can happen anywhere so follow these links to assemble your disaster supplies kit and to brush up on how to safely shelter in place.

http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/cdc_english/kit.html

http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/cdc_english/dskit.asp

Thankfully, no one was injured in today's chemical plant fire. Residents, while displaced temporarily, were able to return to their homes rather quickly. The American Red Cross had shelter locations standing by and provided rehabilitation support like water, Gatorade and snacks to firefighters at the scene.

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Pets need to breathe too

If you've been reading this blog long, you know that we love quirky new preparedness items. Well, this one will have you running down to your local fire station (or staying indoors and going to petmask.com) in search of one of the only preparedness items man's best friend needs, a pet mask.

Monica Plumb, a determined 12-year-old, conducted research and raised some money to get the five firetrucks in her county specially-designed oxygen masks for pets.

"I hope at some point, every fire department has these kits," said Monica in an article posted by USA Today.

Experts estimate from 40,000 to more than 100,000 animals die each year, most from inhaling poisonous gases. Of course, firefighters will often go the extra mile and perform nose-to-mouth breathing or use human oxygen masks. But, this new mask - created especially for pets - works the best.

Until the masks make their way down here, check out the American Red Cross dog first aid safety series.

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Get your grill on!

So, what gets you going this summer on the grill - a juicy, perfectly seasoned hamburger? Or are you more of an All-American hot dog kind of griller? Do you prefer a cedar-planked salmon filet?

Before you hit the burn(er), do you have a fire extinguisher? Is it up-to-date? What do you do if you can't contain an unruly fire in your grill?

These are probably (not probably, definitely) a few things to consider before you begin your summertime grilling.

If you have a charcoal grill, close the vents and put the lid on the grill. A fire can't last without oxygen and you will be able to snuff it out.

If you have a gas grill, turn off the burners and propane cylinder valve. Use a ABC chemical fire extinguisher to put the fire out. Note: It is not recommended to eat the food if you used a fire extinguisher on it.

If it gets out of control, call 9-1-1.

To further increase your preparedness IQ, check out these fire safety tips from our good friends at the American Red Cross. Yes, we're very friendly here.

"And then," cried Max, "Let the wild rumpus start!"

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Preparedness tip of the week: Safeguard your documents

It's three o'clock in the morning and you are awakened by the deafning sound of your alarm. You are already jolted out of bed and have started grabbing your kids, pets, and spouse, to get them safely outdoors.

Did you remember to call your boss and tell him you most likely will not make it in today?

Did you even get your phone?

Do you have your money on you?

Were you able to get your notes for tomorrow's presentation?

Did you remember to grab your birth certificates, diplomas and passports?

What about your wedding pictures, baby photos and family memorabilia?

Is your computer backed up? Is the external hard drive in your burning house?

These, and many more, questions will stream through your mind once you and your family are safe.

This week's tip is remember to back your computer up to an off-site location and consider purchasing a fire proof safe to store important documents and irreplaceable photos memorabilia.

You can't always prevent a fire, but you can be prepared in case you have one.

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My Shoes are Hot!

My husband is a die-hard Lakers fan. He has been working to convert me from the day we started dating. So, when the Kobe Bryant/Lebron James commercials started... I got to watch them all - over and over. Good thing they are funny!

One of the most recent commercials brings up the topic of fire preparedness.

As you know, fires happen. When they do, we will be there. Although, it is always better to be prepared and avoid a fire, if possible.

To up your game (no pun intended), keep a fire extinguisher near where fires are like to occur such as a kitchen, near a fireplace or your hot new shoes.

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Preparedness tip of the week: Practice, Practice, Practice!

At least twice a year, conduct fire drills and tornado drills. Try evacuating your home and drive your planned escape route. Also, check your back-up route in case an emergency blocks you main choice.

While you are doing all this practicing, you should also update you phone numbers, supplies and review your plan with everyone.

Now go and practice, practice, practice!

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Preparedness Tip of the Week - When deep frying your thanksgiving turkey, know how to put out a grease fire.

With turkey day upon us, I thought it would be a good idea to include a preparedness tip on how to put out a grease fire. You never know when it could happen, but if it happens to you, you will want to be prepared.

Grease fires are dangerous because the liquid grease can be splashed and spread easily and quickly throughout the kitchen or your backyard.

To prevent a grease fire, stay near the pot while it is cooking. If you keep an eye on it, it is less likely to get out of control without you noticing.

How To Put Out a Grease Fire

1. If a fire has started, DO NOT THROW WATER ON A GREASE FIRE! DO NOT TRY TO CARRY THE FIRE OUTSIDE!

2. Try to smother the fire with a pan lid. Fires need oxygen to thrive and spread, so stop the oxygen supply and you stop the fire. Beware of glass lids, they could break in extreme heat.

3. Call 9-1-1. Do this immediately, even if you think you can get the fire under control. It is better to have the fire truck on its way in case the fire spreads.

4. You can also smother the fire with baking soda. It takes a lot, but is worth a shot if it is closer than a pan lid.

5. Always, always, always have a fire extinguisher available. A dry chemical fire extinguisher will contaminate your kitchen and food, but can be very effective. If possible, purchase a Class K fire extinguisher. They are usally found in commercial kitchens, but will put out grease and other kitchen fires.

6. If the fire spreads, start evacuating. Treat burns when you are safely outside and firemen are on their way.

To see how quickly the fire can spread, watch this terrifying and realistic video.

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It's a burning! Now, stop it!

I love this time of year. It isn't only because November has Thanksgiving, football or my birthday. I love November because the leaves are beginning to change colors, it's the kick off to the holiday season, and it's time for one of my favorite treats - S'mores!

There is nothing like grabbing two sticks, or a lighter and some lighter fluid (in my case) and making a campfire with friends.

The oozing marshmallows...

The melted chocolate...

All neatly squished between two graham crackers.

Once the fun is over and it's time to head back indoors or to the tent, don't forget to put out the fire.

Remember what our friend Smokey the Bear says, "Only you can prevent forest fires."

To help you get your Smokey on, the America Red Cross would like to pass on a few tips from Smokey on how to put out your campfire:

Maintaining Your Campfire

• Once you have a strong fire going, add larger pieces of dry wood to keep it burning steadily
• Keep your fire to a manageable size
• Make sure children and pets are supervised when hear the fire
• Never leave your campfire unattended
• Never cut live trees or branches from live trees

Extinguishing Your Campfire

• Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible
• Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones
• Pour until hissing sound stops
• Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel
• Scrape and make sure everything is wet and they are cold to the touch
• If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool. Remember: do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

REMEMBER: If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave!

Don't burn dangerous things!

• Never burn aerosol cans or pressurized containers. They may explode.
• Never put glass in the fire pit. Glass does not melt away, it only heats up and shatters. Broken slivers of glass are dangerous.
• Aluminum cans do not burn. In fact, the aluminum only breaks down into smaller pieces. Inhaling aluminum dust can be harmful to your lungs.

Photo credit: http://www.insiderspassport.com/images/smores.jpg

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National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4-10)

Next week is National Fire Prevention Week. The American Red Cross has reported fire response is up 10 percent in six years. While I have included a link on how to prevent fires, I would like to take a moment to tell you a story.

When I was about six, my father responded to disasters for the American Red Cross. On one specific occasion, he took me with him to work a fire that had devastated a home. The walls were now a few posts, the roof a skylight. I remember the ash on the floor and the harsh stench of ash. When we entered the home, we met a couple, overwhelmed by the loss they had just endured.

When my father offered them lodging and care packages of toothbrushes, razors and other basic necessities that we take for granted, their dark demeanor changed to one of overjoyed gratitude.

A young girl joined us in what used to be the living room. She must have been about 16, maybe 17 years old. She asked for her parents’ car keys. She needed to get her volleyball uniform out of their car. She wanted to go support her team… the night after she lost everything.

I looked over my shoulder towards the bedrooms. I tried to figure out which one was hers. I imagined all of her clothes were burned – now ashes on the floor.

Pictures of memories with family and friends were gone. Her clothes were gone. They were left with nothing but what they carried out the night of the fire.

They were starting over – Holding on to the life they had, holding on to what they hoped. They left with their family and memories of a life undisturbed.

I still remember that girl. For that, I am thankful she reminds me of what really matters.

I have included a beautiful song by Imogen Heap. “Fire” sounds like Heap knows about that kind of loss – perhaps like the young girl from my childhood.

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My First Fire

My name is Aliza and I am a communications and marketing intern at the American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter this summer. This is the story of my first fire.

I was eating lunch on the first floor of the Red Cross building and watching the news. There was a breaking story about a 5-alarm fire at the Indigo apartment complex. I watched the flames rise 40 feet above the roof and I worried about the 300 people inside. I wondered what was going on in the building, behind the scenes, beyond the reach of the cameras. I wanted to help. Then I remembered that I work at the Red Cross.

After lunch, I found out that I was going to the fire. I had no idea what to expect, but I must have had some expectation in the back of my mind because it was nothing like I expected. I would not do the scene justice if I said it was chaotic, although I can’t think of a better word. There were people everywhere, who could probably be classified into three categories: the media, people in uniforms, and evacuees and bystanders. The fire was actually put out by the time we got there, so thankfully I didn’t have to see the flames in person because I probably would have run away. I also did not expect, or maybe had just never considered before, that there would be water everywhere. Not fire, water. Huge streams of it were pouring down the sidewalks, hills, and grass. The parking lot was an obstacle course of fire hoses which I struggled not to trip over.

At first I was scared to go inside the building because I had seen the flames on TV and it just seemed…dangerous. In the lobby, firefighters were helping the elderly descend the eleven flights of stairs safely and guiding them to the waiting DART buses. There were babies, teenagers, younger people, and older people. Some were holding kittens or leading dogs on leashes.

After we told everyone that the Red Cross was opening a shelter at Keist Recreation Center and that people should go on the air-conditioned buses, we left for the shelter. Inside was this large and wonderfully cold room with nothing in it except tables and chairs. After the disaster response vehicles arrived, everything happened quickly. Nurses, EMT’s, firefighters, and Red Cross case workers set up the room to prepare to help the fire victims. By the time we left about an hour and half later, the room was transformed into a shelter. It was amazing to talk to the evacuees, normal people just like you and I, some of whom were at work or shopping when they heard their home was on fire. And the most incredible thing was watching families being reunited at the shelter; everyone was so happy that their loved ones were okay.

Back at the apartment complex, I filmed a Red Cross team assessing the extent of the fire’s damage. Fortunately, there was no damage to the interior of any of the apartments. However, there was water damage in the hallways and the faint smell of smoke. As I walked down the eleven flights of wet, slippery stairs, I thought about how thankful I was that not one resident lost their possessions. Thanks to the work of many dedicated people, every resident was safe.

By the time I got home, I was exhausted—but that didn’t stop me from staying up for the 10:00 news to show my family where I was and point out the people that I had spoken to at the scene of the fire and the shelter. What an amazing experience!

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Recent Apartment Fires in Dallas Deplete Red Cross Resources

Agency Turns to the Community for Help

The past week has taken an emotional toll on hundreds of Dallas residents as flames tore through their apartment homes leaving behind charred remains of their former lives, and not much else.

Three times in four days last week, the Red Cross dispatched large teams of volunteers and many resources to help those standing on the curb at the Indigo, Dilido and Abrams Rd. fires. More than 90 people have received some $32,000 in direct financial assistance and the numbers are still rising.

The Red Cross is appealing to the community for financial donations to cover the cost of these disasters, and for the ones that are sure to happen in the coming days.

See Full Press Release

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Red Cross Responds to 4-Alarm Fire

Last night, the Dallas Area Chapter responded to a 4-Alarm apartment fire in Dallas. We helped at least 30 people find a place to stay. We also provided financial assistance so the families could purchase groceries, new clothing, bedding, shoes and other needed items.

Thank you to those who make this all possible and help us change lives by donating time, money and blood. If you would like to change a life, visit www.redcrossdallas.org to learn about volunteer opportunities, make a donation or donate blood.

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