• Take the Preparedness Challenge (pdf)
• Be Red Cross Ready Module
• Preparedness Resources
• Volunteer for National Preparedness Month
• BuyaBlanket.org

From earthquakes to volcanoes, floods to home fires, disasters have been heavily featured in recent news headlines.  The American Red Cross is committed to teaching our community members the skills they need to prepare for and help keep their families safe in a disaster or emergency.

This September - National Preparedness Month - Fred Meyer, the Red Cross and our Media Partners will be working together to get families from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska ready for anything.  This will include in-store distribution of disaster supply checklists and preparedness brochures and “Build a Kit” Workshops presented by our disaster volunteers. 

We will also be encouraging shoppers to support local Red Cross disaster response by purchasing a “Virtual Blanket” at a store register or online at www.BuyABlanket.org.

Volunteering is as easy!  Please help us by signing up for a two-hour shift.  Learn More

The Red Cross responded to four home fires in Lane County this weekend.  Not all of the victims of the home fires required our assistance, but one family in Eugene needed our help.  We provided temporary housing, comfort kits, and financial assistance for food and clothing. Disaster Assistance

The toll of home fires on American families and communities is staggering.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, each year nearly 400,000 families are affected by home fires.  A home fire is approximately reported every 80 seconds, and someone dies from a home fire every 204 minutes.  Young children are the most at risk as fire is the leading cause of unintentional death for those under the age of five. 

Last year, the Oregon Pacific Chapter responded to over 220 home fires.  Learn how you can be prepared by following the link below. 

Home Fire Prevention  

The heat is on here in Oregon and as a result there are heat advisories, thunderstorm warnings and critical fire weather conditions across most of the state.  Learn how you can be prepared by following the links below.

• Heat Waves
  
• Thunderstorms
  
• Wildfires
  
• Power Outages
  
• More Preparedness Resources
  

The Register-Guard printed a great article today called, "Playing it Safe: Required or not, most say life jackets are must have river gear ".  The McKenzie River is fast moving, extremely cold and there are hazards like strainers that can be difficult to avoid.  It is better to be safe than sorry and to wear a life jacket.

Life jackets aren't just for boats and they only work when they are worn. Young children and weak swimmers should wear life jackets whenever they are in, on or around the water, even at a pool or waterpark.  Put it on at the dock, deck or shore and don't take it off until you are on dry land. 

Learn more about life jackets and other water safety tips on our Red Cross Water Safety Page.

Welcome to the Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It’s a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work…

Local Health Advisory

A toxic algae bloom advisory is in effect for Lemolo, Diamond and Fish Lakes in Douglas County.  Blue-green algae produces toxins that are harmful to humans and animals.

People and their pets should avoid swallowing or inhaling water droplets, and should also avoid skin contact with the water.  Campers and other visitors need to remember that the algae toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water.

For more information visit:  DHS Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance Program.

Thursday 7/22, a grass fire spread to the Sierra Oaks Residential & Memory Care building.  Thirty residents were evacuated and 15 were unable to return to their rooms due to extensive fire damage.  There were no injuries in the fire.  The cause of the fire was most likely a cigarette butt left in the adjoining field. 

The displaced residents were placed in other rooms at the facility or transferred to other care facilities.  Red Cross volunteers responded to the incident and provided clothing, blankets and comfort kits to the residents affected by the fire.  Register-Guard Coverage 

Disaster Assistance, Home Fire Prevention

Update: Monday 7/19 , firefighters battled a 3-alarm fire at the Saddle Butte Apartments in Winchester.  There were 15 apartment units affected by the blaze.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Oregon Pacific Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to the fire with 10 volunteers.  A canopy was set up to provide food and water to the affected residents and the responding fire crews.  The volunteers also provided client assessment and assistance.

There are seven families from this fire currently receiving immediate needs assistance, such as food, clothing, shelter and counseling.  We expect that number to rise as residents return home from their vacations.

The Red Cross did have a shelter agreement arranged on standby at Umpqua Community College.  This shelter was not needed.  KPIC Coverage

A Winnebago caught fire near the University of Oregon on Tuesday.  It was totally destroyed and the family is now homeless.  The Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary housing, food and clothing assistance. 

Register-Guard Article

Home Fire Prevention

The Register-Guard has a great article in today's paper about H2O and healthful food can keep you well hydrated.  

Make sure you and your family stay safe and hydrated on these sweltering days.  Check out our Red Cross Heat Wave Safety Checklist (pdf)

Small wildfires have been popping up on the Willamette National Forest and the Umpqua National Forest.  Learn how you can be prepared for wildfires:

Wildfire Safety Checklist (pdf).