News Release: Red Cross Prepares Enhanced Response Plan
April 15, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Just five months after the devastating wildfires, the American Red Cross is implementing an innovative response strategy that will dramatically boost the services provided to the community. In the event of another disaster, like a wildfire or earthquake, the new “4x5x100” concept will provide the organization with the ability to open four evacuation shelters, for five days, with 100 people in each. The new plan was rolled-out at an “all-hands” drill in Camarillo at the Ventura County Fire Training Center on Saturday, April 13, 2019.
“Red Cross volunteers assisted thousands of area residents during the Hill and Woolsey fires last year,” said Scott O’Connell, Disaster Officer for the Central California region. “But this new system will enable us to work even faster getting resources and supplies into our communities when a disaster strikes.”
Veteran volunteers from the Thomas and Woolsey fires, some with experience from national deployments, worked alongside a cadre of new volunteers in the full day of training. These sessions covered the incorporation of the 4x5x100 concept into the first phases of a disaster response, which includes sheltering operations, mass feeding, reunification of families, and disability integration.
“The people we see in our shelters are having their worst day ever,” relates Craig Chambers, who volunteered during the Thomas fire. “A hot meal and a place to sleep are the first things the Red Cross does to help, but there’s much more. We provide referrals to help individuals ease the emotional trauma of a disaster and help families manage the financial impact as well.”
The American Red Cross and Ventura County communities are fortunate to have volunteers who are trained, ready and willing to respond - more than 700 volunteers responded to the Hill and Woolsey fires. Individuals and community groups who would like to support this effort are encouraged to register to become new volunteers to help with future disasters. You can learn more and register online at redcross.org/volunteer and complete the online application.
Photo caption: Team Lead, Dick Bellman, trains new local Red Cross volunteers in sheltering operations
“Red Cross volunteers assisted thousands of area residents during the Hill and Woolsey fires last year,” said Scott O’Connell, Disaster Officer for the Central California region. “But this new system will enable us to work even faster getting resources and supplies into our communities when a disaster strikes.”
Veteran volunteers from the Thomas and Woolsey fires, some with experience from national deployments, worked alongside a cadre of new volunteers in the full day of training. These sessions covered the incorporation of the 4x5x100 concept into the first phases of a disaster response, which includes sheltering operations, mass feeding, reunification of families, and disability integration.
“The people we see in our shelters are having their worst day ever,” relates Craig Chambers, who volunteered during the Thomas fire. “A hot meal and a place to sleep are the first things the Red Cross does to help, but there’s much more. We provide referrals to help individuals ease the emotional trauma of a disaster and help families manage the financial impact as well.”
The American Red Cross and Ventura County communities are fortunate to have volunteers who are trained, ready and willing to respond - more than 700 volunteers responded to the Hill and Woolsey fires. Individuals and community groups who would like to support this effort are encouraged to register to become new volunteers to help with future disasters. You can learn more and register online at redcross.org/volunteer and complete the online application.
Photo caption: Team Lead, Dick Bellman, trains new local Red Cross volunteers in sheltering operations
