Media Advisory: American Red Cross Shares Multi-Media Resources for California Wildfire

Spokespeople, Audio Clips, Safety Tips, and Service Information Available to Media

WASHINGTON, Thursday, July 31, 2008 — The American Red Cross is responding to the Telegraph wildfire, located west of Yosemite in California. Two shelters are open and Red Cross workers are providing support and comfort to Californians in need. The Red Cross offers the following resources for media usage:

1. Subject matter experts and spokespeople available to facilitate interviews in California: call our 24-hour media line at 202-303-5551.

2. Downloadable audio files on wildfire preparedness: www.videobluemoon.com/default.php?token=0eee2fc30cc6779b392b5d15779354d8

3. Downloadable public service announcements: http://www.redcross.org/press/psa/psa.html

4. Share the below safety tips (additional information available at www.redcross.org):

When a Wildfire Threatens

• Listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information.
• Follow the instructions of local officials.
• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
• Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
• Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area.

If Advised to Evacuate, Do So Immediately

• Wear protective clothing--sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
• Take your disaster supplies kit.
• Lock your home.
• Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

If You're sure You Have Time, Take Steps to Protect Your Home

• Inside:
• Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings, and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
• Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights. Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
• Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass doors.
• Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.
• Outside:
• Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Place combustible patio furniture inside.
• Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
• Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof.
• Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like wildfires, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.