HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmail from Amanda Ree, Red Cross - Local Red Cross Wildfire Response Menchaca, Clarissa
From: Clerk of the Board
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 2:35 PM
To: Menchaca, Clarissa
Subject: FW: Local Red Cross Wildfire Response
From: Mathis, Connie (Contractor)
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 2:35:16 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: REE, AMANDA
Subject: Local Red Cross Wildfire Response
Good Afternoon,
My name is Amanda Ree—I am the Executive Director for the American Red Cross covering 14 counties in Northeastern
California. I write to you today to ensure that our partners and local government officials have the most up-to-date
information about the American Red Cross response to the current wildfires in California.
As you know,over a dozen wildfires have ignited and consumed tens of thousands of acres in both northern and southern
California,with exceptionally explosive fires on Monday due to dry conditions and strong winds. Hundreds of homes have
been destroyed,and tens of thousands of homes remain threatened.Officials report 11 people have been killed due to this
disaster and more than 100 have been hospitalized.At least 20,000 people have been evacuated. Governor Jerry Brown has
issued an emergency proclamation for at least three California counties so far—Yuba,Sonoma and Napa.
While we are responding across California,we have hundreds of volunteers and staff supporting the local response.The
American Red Cross is currently providing safe shelter to nearly 400 residents who have been forced to evacuate. In support
of these residents,the Red Cross is operating three shelters in the local impacted area:
1. Butte County—Cherokee/LaPorte Fire:Church of the Nazarene on Monte Vista in Oroville,2238 Monte Vista Ave.
2. Yuba County—Cascade Fire:Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City,442 Franklin Ave.
3. Nevada County—McCourtney Fire:The First Baptist Church in Grass Valley, 1866 Ridge Rd.
In addition to lodging,the American Red Cross is:
• giving feeding support
• providing both critical mental health and health services to all impacted
• helping with family reunification through our Safe and Well system
As fire behavior is unpredictable,the Red Cross will remain ready to help in the event further evacuations are issued.
If you would like to schedule a tour of one of our shelters and see our work in action for the affected communities, I would be
happy to facilitate. Please give me a call to schedule directly.
We have established valuable resources to assist affected communities—in the case you find them relevant in your own
communities, I invite you to share them widely: (1)To find shelter locations,follow local media or go to redcross.org and
check our shelter map. (2) People can also find a local shelter by downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app.The
Emergency App puts wildfire safety tips at your fingertips and is available in the app store or at redcross.org/apps. (3)The Red
Cross hosts redcross.org/safeandwell—an easy-to-use online tool that allows loved ones to reconnect in the case they have
been separated during a disaster.The Safe and Well website also allows individuals to notify loved ones that they are safe
during an emergency.
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Your partnership is greatly appreciated.Should you have questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate
to contact me. In any case, my team,will continue to reach out and ensure that your off ice is updated with the latest
information.
Your local Red Cross chapter is present 365 days a year and the American Red Cross stands ready to continue to provide hope
and comfort 10any inneed.
Best,
Amanda
Amanda Kee I Executive Director
American Red Cross,Northeastern California Chapter
530.673-1460(direct) 1 S3Q.Z17.796I(ce||)
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