Disaster relief workers from the Red Cross in New Jersey and Pennsylvania have been deployed to assist the population that has been affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles, write Tim Jimenez and Mike Dougherty for KYW Newsradio.
Two wildfires have claimed five lives so far and forced 130,000 people under evacuation warnings.
“Just the sheer volume of homes that were engulfed in such a short time, you know, for every home that’s damaged, that’s a family or many families who have to find another place to go,” said Rosie Terravella, the regional executive of the New Jersey Red Cross. “That’s our job, to provide that space.”
The local Red Cross has volunteers with diverse and valuable skills, essential in such situations. However for some, this will be their first time deployed to assist in an active disaster.
Upon arrival, the volunteers will be assigned to emergency shelters being set up for those fleeing the fires. There they will distribute food, water, and other supplies, as well as offering health services and emotional support to residents during this traumatic experience.
Read more about the Philadelphia Red Cross relief workers and how they’ll help those affected by the Los Angeles fires at KYW Newsradio.
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