Texas Interagency Interfaith Disaster Response
e-Buzz
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24 October 2007 |
IF THERE IS A HELL ON EARTH,
THIS IS IT.
Quote from CNN reporter
NEARLY 1 MILLION HAVE BEEN EVACUATED
We have all been shocked at the size of these
fires, the number of families evacuated, the 1,555
homes destroyed (and counting) and many homes still
in danger. Covering some seven counties from
Santa Barbara all the way to Mexico-19 separate fires,
1 death, 50+ injuries and complications from breathing
smoke rising hour by hour. Interstate 5 in
San Diego recently closed in both directions; traffic
is backed up for miles. All the while an army
of exhausted firefighters struggle to contain these
wild, seemingly untamable, fires. One firefighter
described the flames of the fires as "flowing like
lava." The greatest toll remains in San Diego
where more than 12,000 persons have evacuated to
Qualcomm Stadium. And in those places that
fire spared, ashes fell like snow, blanketing the
landscape in a grayish powder.
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THE SALVATION
ARMY RESPONDS TO IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF SURVIVORS AND RELIEF
WORKERS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
Agency Providing 10,000 Meals per Day, Emotional & Spiritual
Care
The response from volunteers and volunteer
organizations continues to be strong. Along with the
American Red Cross, another significant first responder is,
of course, the Salvation Army. The following is an account
of their significant work in Southern California.
ALEXANDRIA, VA (October 23, 2007) - Having completed
recovery efforts surrounding the 2003 southern California
wildfires only weeks ago, The Salvation Army has
once again mobilized to provide assistance and support
to relief workers and survivors in the wake of the
latest series of blazes. To date, nine mobile canteen
units have been deployed throughout the area and
six additional units have been mobilized. Thus far,
the canteens have provided more than 15,000 meals
and 15,000 drinks to thousands of individuals impacted
by the disaster. In addition, the Army is providing
cots, cups and personal care kits to responders and
survivors, along with emotional and spiritual care.
"
Our primary goal is responding to the immediate needs
of the thousands of evacuees and relief workers in
the area," said Lt. Col Doug O'Brien, Divisional
Commander, The Salvation Army's Sierra Del Mar Division
covering San Diego County. "Over the long-term, we
expect to have many thousands of people who will
need our help with long-term recovery to rebuild
their homes and lives."
Specific Salvation Army activities include:
Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego, CA): Two Salvation Army
mobile kitchen units have provided thousands of meals
and drinks at the stadium evacuation site. Earlier
this afternoon, San Diego Padres third baseman Kevin
Kouzmanoff, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and about
a dozen front office staff assisted The Salvation
Army in serving food to evacuees. The players and
staff also visited with evacuees and children after
lunch and handed out toiletries and packaged foods,
accompanied by a Newsweek photographer.
Additional Canteen Units (San Diego area): Canteens
are also serving at Steel Canyon High School, Santana
High School, Campo Community Center, Lakeside Hanson
Ranch, Escondido High School and Fallbrook (mobile).
Orange County, CA: A mobile feeding unit served more
than 250 commanders of the Orange County Fire Authority
at their command post at Irvine Park on Monday. Today,
the canteen served fire evacuees in the Albertson's
shopping center parking lot in the city of Orange.
Los Angeles, CA: Four canteen units have been dispatched
in Los Angeles providing food, drinks, 300 cots and
3,000 personal care kits to fire survivors. The care
kits include a toothbrush, wash cloth, comb, shampoo
and other items.
Elsewhere: In Los Angeles County, where fires continue
to burn in Malibu Canyon, Santa Clarita, and other
areas, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster personnel
remain on standby, ready to respond when requested
by County authorities.
The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those
affected by the California wildfires to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or
call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Please designate your gift for
California wildfire relief. Monetary donations are
needed to meet survivors' most immediate needs. Donations
are used to purchase necessary items that are most
needed at that moment in time based on the unique
needs of affected individuals and families.
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DONATE:
Again, if you are seeking a way to assist,
financial support is needed by all organizations that are currently
responding. Many faith communities have a process by
which you can donate directly to your house of worship and
the funds will get to persons in need.
VOLUNTEER:
If you would like to volunteer, go to www.californiavolunteers.org.This excellent website provides links to
volunteer opportunities and information. See
if your skills match current or future needs. Volunteer
only through accepted organizations that have a clear
role in the recovery effort.
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CENTERS FROM DISEASE CONTROL
(CDC) and PREVENTION
INFORMATION ABOUT HEALTH CONCERNS IN WILDFIRES
TIDR was contacted
by Scott Santibanez, MD MPHTM, of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, asked TIDR to share
the following information to faith-based, volunteer
and non-profit organizations that may be working
in the area.
For more information you may call the CDC Hotline
at 1-800-CDC-INFO (toll free).
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
is keeping an active watch of the devastation resulting
from the wildfires in Southern California. As
always, CDC is supportive in assisting state, local
and community health agencies in their communication,
education and outreach needs.
Below are links to additional information and resources
available on the CDC Web site:
For wild-fire health-related information (smoke inhalation,
respiratory effects, injuries, worker safety, evacuation
safety, and other health protection information)
please see: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/
For information about health and safety issues for
people in evacuation centers please see: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/evaccenters.asp
For information related to mental health issues and
coping with disasters please see: http://emergency.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/
If you have any additional questions or concerns
that are not addressed in this information you may
call the CDC Hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO (toll free)
for calls originating in the United States.
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