News Archives 2003
Red Cross Reflects on a Week of Disaster
Response
PORTLAND, Ore.—June 20, 2003—Red Cross volunteers
were quite surprised at the number of times they heard their pagers
this week. There were many needs in the community and the volunteers
were ready to step in and help.
It started last Saturday when the tragic events of the Taki-Tooo
were unfolding. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
contacted the Oregon Trail Chapter about the incident and asked
emergency services director Bert Kile to coordinate volunteers
and resources. More than ten Red Cross staff and volunteers were
on call during the weekend, ready to help emergency crews and
provide support to the survivors, families and the community.
Health services, mental health volunteers and canteen services
were ready to be deployed if Tillamook County needed the Red Cross.
On Monday, June 16 at about 10:15 a.m., the Red Cross was contacted
to provide direct support to emergency responders battling a three-alarm
apartment fire in Beaverton. The Red Cross called upon 49 volunteers
to canteen for more than 70 firefighters battling the blaze; set
up a shelter ready to handle the residents who were displaced;
and help assess the immediate needs of the residents so they could
quickly recover from the sudden and tragic incident. Staff and
volunteers worked eight to twelve hour days this week assisting
individuals who were affected by the fire.
On Wednesday, June 18 at about 5:30 a.m., Red Cross volunteers
were paged to respond to a four-alarm commercial fire in Southeast
Portland. Seven volunteers rushed to the scene to provide meals
and a constant flow of beverages to more than 80 firefighters.
At around 7:30 p.m., volunteers packed up the canteen, only to
activate it again less than twelve hours later.
On Thursday, June 19 at 5:45 a.m., Red Cross volunteers were
back on the road, this time heading to Northeast Portland to feed
and hydrate more than 50 firefighters tackling a three-alarm fire.
As some volunteers were working with firefighters at this incident,
others were still staffing a service center that was open throughout
the week for displaced residents of Monday’s apartment fire.
In total, more than 60 volunteers worked long hours this week
to help Oregon residents respond to and recover from disaster.
Many of the volunteers had just returned from the Midwest where
they helped communities recover from devastating tornadoes.
“We never know where or when the Red Cross will be needed,”
said Sue Hildick, executive director of the American Red Cross
Oregon Trail Chapter. “I am truly humbled by the hard work
of our local volunteers and am thankful for the support our communities
provide. It enables us to respond quickly, anytime and anywhere.”
This assistance was offered at no charge to Red Cross disaster
clients, who are served thanks to the generosity of Oregonians
supporting the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross.
To become a volunteer or support Red Cross services with a charitable
contribution, call (503) 284-1234.
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2003 Archives
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American Red Cross, Oregon
Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call
(503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters,
go to www.PrepareOregon.org
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