It has been a busy few weeks around the state as wildfires have taken full advantage of the dry conditions, moving swiftly and placing communities in danger. In the Capital Region, the Rim Fire in Tuolumne County and the Clover Fire in Shasta/Tehama Counties have threatened homes and led to the opening of Red Cross evacuation shelters. Continue reading When Disaster Strikes, Volunteers are Ready to Help
For more than two weeks the Rim Fire has raged through the wooded terrain of Tuolumne County, fast becoming one of the largest wildfires in California history (as of this writing, the fire is the 4th largest recorded in California). The fire has ravaged the landscape, and sent smoke as far north as Canada. Continue reading Community Gives Back to Support Neighbors Impacted by Rim Fire
As firefighters from around the state continue to battle the rapidly expanding Rim Fire in Tuolumne County, volunteers with the American Red Cross Capital Region are working hard to meet the needs of evacuated residents. Since Tuesday, Red Cross volunteers have been operating an evacuation shelter in the Manzanita Building at the Sonora Fairgrounds – 220 Southgate Drive in Sonora – where there has been a steady increase in residents as evacuation orders continue to expand. Continue reading Red Cross Prepares for more Evacuations as Rim Fire Continues to Burn
~Donations Going to American Red Cross and Salvation Army for Oklahoma Victims~
On Monday, August 12, 2013, Raley’s Family of Fine Stores announced that $74,220.44 was raised in just four weeks through its Food For Families collection boxes that were designated for the Oklahoma Tornado Relief effort during the month of June. Continue reading Raley’s Customers Contribute more than $74,000 to Tornado Relief Effort
It happens all the time. You’re not sure what you want to do with something, but you know you don’t want to throw it away. So instead you put it in a box and hide it somewhere out of the way thinking that eventually you will come back to it. But deep in your heart, you probably know you’re never going to see that something again until you have to pack up and move. Continue reading Woodland Uncovers Red Cross Time Capsule
Well, the mild weather was nice while it lasted. Delta breezes, comfortable evenings where you’re not sweating while standing still. Maybe you even took a walk through the neighborhood without feeling you might spontaneously burst into flames at any moment.
Those were the days. Continue reading Hot Enough for Ya?
Several counties in the Capital Region have requested Red Cross support as they open cooling centers to provide area residents with shelter from the current heatwave. Record-setting temperatures are creating the potential for health emergencies if people are not careful. Stay tuned to the blog for updates as additional centers open. Also check out this list of local Offices of Emergency Services for local updates and of course see the Red Cross resources available to help you beat the heat. Continue reading Red Cross Supporting Cooling Centers Throughout the Region
The tornado hit Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, May 20. On Tuesday, May 21, Capital Region volunteer Cynthia Olson was on a plane heading into the heart of the devastation to comfort those that had lost everything in an instant.
For the next 10 days, Cynthia would travel the impacted areas as part of a Red Cross Spiritual Care Team, providing a helping hand to those in need. Whether offering a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or simply offering a hug, Cynthia and her team found ways to bring hope to neighborhoods that had been literally blown off the map. Continue reading Capital Region Volunteers Help Out Oklahoma
By Carla Brown, Red Cross Volunteer, Stockton
On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, in the wake of the devastating tornado that roared through Moore, Oklahoma, the American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter partnered with KCRA 3 Sacramento to host a fundraising telethon to support the disaster relief efforts. Volunteers from the Red Cross and several local organizations – PG & E, Grainger, Vision Service Plan, Servpro, Cal EMA, and more – answered calls from viewers looking to get involved and help Oklahomans get back on their feet. And for 14 hours – from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm – the phone calls and donations poured in. Continue reading Capital Region and KCRA 3 Team Up for Oklahoma Tornado Relief Telethon
Even though nearly two-thirds of families with small children plan on swimming in areas without lifeguards this summer, many people don’t know the right thing to do in water emergencies or how to keep their loved ones safe in the water, according to a new American Red Cross poll.
The survey findings show that people mistakenly believe some steps such as having a swimming buddy or flotation device will keep them safe. For example, while the Red Cross recommends that people always swim with a buddy in designated swimming areas supervised by lifeguards, buddies alone are not enough to keep swimmers safe. Continue reading Red Cross Survey Finds People Unclear about How to Stay Safe in Water
Gold Country News and Notes 