Red Cross Central California Blog
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Wildfires can be nearly as impossible to prevent, and as difficult to control, as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. The fall wildfire season typically begins mid-October and continues through December. Fires can happen any time of year, but there is a higher risk during this period because of low-humidity and other fire-conducive conditions. With millions of homes near … Continue reading Wildfire Preparedness During a Pandemic
by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer In the spring of 2019, Nadine Frankel found herself at a Red Cross shelter in Little Rock, Arkansas, volunteering as the nurses’ supervisor. As the flood waters began to recede, she was asked to join an outreach team that was heading out to assess health and safety needs in … Continue reading Red Cross Nurses in Action
By Skylar Karle, Public Affairs Intern At the American Red Cross, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. Our volunteers always answer the call to serve the community, whether that be by responding to a home fire or installing smoke alarms in homes. In Central California, volunteers like Armando Soliz of the Kern … Continue reading Volunteers Continue Disaster Response During COVID-19
Helping the Red Cross Help the Community By Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer Volunteering with the Mass Care team in 2013, David Dees was the only Spanish speaking worker at a Red Cross emergency shelter set up for victims displaced by a structure fire in Oxnard. “I was completely overloaded,” David recalls. “The fire had … Continue reading ¿En Qué Puedo Ayudarle?
by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer I immediately spotted J.D. as I approached the coffee shop for our meet up – he kind of sticks out from the crowd. I mean he’s literally a whole head taller than everybody else. I also noticed that he was looking down - just like everyone else sitting at … Continue reading Writer, Motivational Speaker, and Red Cross Volunteer – Meet J.D. Slajchert
By Diane Concannon The American Red Cross continues to provide relief to people affected by the Woolsey Fire in southern California with shelter, food and comfort. As evacuation orders are lifted and people are able to return to affected areas, the Red Cross is there with them. Drew and Amanda Haver are two of the … Continue reading Red Cross Volunteers Helping Their Neighbors Affected by California Wildfires
Red Cross and CCADT shelter over 500 pets of wildfire evacuees [Photo Credit: American Red Cross] Fleeing from wildfires can be traumatic and having pets close has been proven to reduce stress and comfort owners driven from their homes by fire. This inspired Katrina Poitras, Central Valley Red Cross Disaster Program Manager, working with Naomi … Continue reading Keeping Pets and Owners Together in Wake of the Ferguson Fire
By Will Washburn & Jillian Robertson Firefighters come from far away to battle wildfires burning across the state. This means faster response to out of control blazes, but it also means long separations from friends and loved ones. The Red Cross Central Valley chapter is working to change that. Katrina Poitras, Red Cross Central Valley … Continue reading Red Cross Delivers Letters of Love to Firefighters Battling the Ferguson Blaze
With an unprecedented amount of large-scale natural disasters over that last several months, many striking right here in California, we’re even more grateful for our volunteers, donors and partners. This incredible level of response demonstrates the need for preparedness and what it means to have a kit, make a plan and be informed. And, while … Continue reading Get Prepared California! Auction
On a bright and sunny Saturday, March 31st at Oak Canyon Community Park in Ventura County, CA, I had the honor of joining local Red Cross event-base volunteers Anurag Karra (North Hollywood Highly Gifted Magnet High School), Sriram Potluri (Oak Park High School), and Aneesh Ankareddy (Oak Park High School) for a 5K Walk-a-Thon. The youth-led … Continue reading Youth Volunteers Raise Money for Disaster Relief
Red Cross Central California Blog 