With temperatures heating up across Southwest Colorado, the American Red Cross and all fire and emergency entities in the region are actively preparing for the imminent danger of wildfires.
More than 100,000 wildfires erupt annually in the United States, scorching millions of acres of land, forcing thousands of people from their homes and calling the Red Cross out in emergency response efforts. There already have been numerous wildfires in Colorado this spring including the one last week in Lightner Creek. It was a reminder that we all live in a high desert that has been affected by drought.
The Red Cross is urging Southwest Colorado residents to take steps to educate themselves and their families about wildfire prevention and to actively prepare their homes and property for the potential of an active wildfire season.
At the Southwest Colorado chapter, our goal is to completely prepare this region for disasters. With wildfire season rapidly approaching, we are offering numerous disaster-preparedness courses to the public in an effort to broaden our disaster volunteer network.
Our 75 registered disaster volunteers have been trained in shelter operations, family services, damage assessment and much more. These dedicated individuals regularly respond to disasters across the region. When called to duty during fires in the community, our volunteers spring into action, providing food and shelter to hundreds of Durango residents as well as our local firefighters.
If you would like to be a part of our extraordinary disaster team, please call our office at 259-5383 to obtain a schedule of our disaster-preparedness classes. You also can sign up online to become a Red Cross volunteer through our website at www.coloradoredcross.org.
The Red Cross promises to support the community in the event of a wildfire, but you can help prevent such a catastrophe from occurring. More than four of every five wildfires are the result of human negligence, with the remainder usually caused by lightning. Please take the opportunity this month to educate yourself about fire prevention and learn how to protect your family and home.
There are many organizations that will provide you with information you can share with your friends and family about fire safety. We have handouts and brochures we can mail you, or you can access the information online at www.coloradoredcross.org. There are other organizations in the area also provide information on the Web such as www.southwestcoloradofires.org and www.dola.colorado.gov.
Together, let’s work to make this summer safe and wildfire-free for Southwest Colorado.
Cindi Shank is executive director of the Southwest Colo-rado chapter of the American Red Cross.
