Disasters occur almost every day. Some are small and affect one family. Others are large and affect entire communities. Statistically, the American Red Cross responds to a disaster in the United States every 8 minutes.
As we enter the variable spring weather of Colorado, our focus often changes to spring weather threats. However, it is important to remember that not all threats are weather-related.
In February, the town of Mancos experienced a significant water shortage because of a pump failure. Recently, the town of Minturn had to deal with a leaking natural-gas pipe. In the Denver area, there were three large multifamily fires in less than 12 hours.
Communities all across Colorado and the nation face threats that can paralyze a city for days or weeks.
Because you never know what might affect you and your family, it’s important to stay “Red Cross Ready.” March is Red Cross Month, and this is a perfect time to emphasize the importance of thinking ahead and being prepared.
We urge everyone to change the batteries in smoke detectors and weather-alert radios. Check your 72-hour emergency kit and adjust it for the coming warm season. Make sure your family, school and business have an updated emergency plan.
To help people become better informed and better prepared, the Red Cross offers free apps for mobile phones and tablets. The newest one is the Red Cross Flood app. This free app can alert you to a flash flood or river flood warning issued by the National Weather Service. Audible alert tones will sound if one of those events is imminent or occurring in your area. It includes directions to the nearest Red Cross shelter and, most importantly, a smart link to the Red Cross Safe and Well system where you can send messages to loved ones about your status.
The Red Cross Flood app is available in Android and iPhone formats and downloadable free from the Red Cross website (www.redcross.org/mobileapps) and from iTunes and Google Play.
We urge everyone to download the Flood app and any of the other apps you feel will be useful to you and your family in a disaster situation.
Finally, we encourage you to take charge and get involved.
The American Red Cross will always be there for you in times of disaster. We currently need additional volunteers for the Southwest Colorado chapter. We need people who have skills in nursing, mental health and communications (writing, speaking, social media). We also are looking for people who are open to learning new skills that can be applied to disaster response.
If you are interested in applying for a volunteer position with the Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org/colorado. Once there, click on the Volunteer link and then scroll down to select the Southwest Colorado Chapter.
Bill Werner is disaster program manager for the Southwest Colorado chapter of the American Red Cross. Email him at bill.werner@redcross.org.
