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.
Showing posts with label fire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fire. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
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 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.
- 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.
Monday, October 3, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
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.
Friday, June 18, 2010
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!"
Friday, May 28, 2010
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
