2012 Wild Fire Response March

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 1107 Contact:  Nigel Holderby holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Red Cross Regional Response to Wild Fires

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 3/7/12

 

Overnight the American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region handled multiple responses in Hickory, Dallas and Laclede Counties with canteening for Firefighters who were working hard to contain large wild fires. This is a terrifying reminder about how quickly the wind can turn a tiny spark into a disaster. Be sure you always check local wind and burn advisories before doing any “controlled” burning.

 

More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings in or near forests and rural areas. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire. The Red Cross reminds you to follow the steps listed below to protect your family, home, and property.

 

• Regularly clean roof and gutters.
• Use 1/2-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof, and attic.
• Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
• Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
• Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
• Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and shovel.
• Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind by choosing building materials and plants that resist fire. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir tree

• Rake leaves, dead limbs, and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
• Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures and dispose of them properly.
• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
• Remove vines from the walls of the home and mow grass regularly.

 

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby: holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

In Service,

 

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

 

American Red Cross

Southern Missouri Region

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p) 

(417) 207-6349 (c)