Southern California Wildfires Continue to Threaten Residen...( American Red Cross encourages evacuee...),Health

American Red Cross encourages evacuees to register on Safe and Well Website

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Wildfires continue to rage across Southern California, forcing thousands to evacuate the area. During this ongoing crisis, the Red Cross offers help for those who may feel confused and anxious about the safety of their families and their homes.

The Red Cross urges all those who have evacuated or who expect to evacuate to register their well being on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, available at http://www.redcross.org. This Internet tool allows people in disaster affected areas to register their well-being using several pre-scripted messages. Family and friends can then log on and search for registered individuals to learn of their whereabouts and safety. People without access to a computer or without electricity or connectivity can call the Red Cross (1-800-REDCROSS) for help registering, or contact a loved one to register on their behalf.

Please note that the Safe and Well site safeguards the privacy of the disaster victim. Although these messages will be viewable by friends or family members who conduct a successful search, the site does not reveal a specific location or contact information.

At this time, all residents in Southern California should monitor local news reports and prepare themselves, their families and their homes for a possible evacuation. Residents should be prepared to comply immediately should authorities ask them to evacuate. If you are asked to evacuate, or decide on your own to do so, follow the steps below:

-- Wear protective clothing--sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing,

long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to

protect your face.

-- Take your Disaster Supplies Kit. If you do not have a kit, make sure to

bring your prescription medicines, essential papers (such as the deed

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