California Wildfires Rage On

The wildfires continue to rage on in California, with a devastating death toll of 44 people and growing. Authorities have not yet pinpointed the actual “cause” of the 143-square-mile blaze but have confirmed that at least 435 structures have been destroyed, including the Malibu estates of movie stars such as Kim Basinger and Gerard Butler. Due to intense 40-60mph winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures, the fires continue to spread at a rapid pace and have triggered a red flag warning for several areas in Los Angeles County. These “red flag” warnings are issued by The National Weather Service to alert fire departments in the area to the possibility of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to dramatic increases in wildfire activity within the next 24 hours. With firefighters already spread thin throughout California and funding on the brink of elimination, it is imperative that we all do our part to remain safe and informed during these disastrous times. To assist in the preparation of potential wildfires, the State of California has published these helpful guidelines to help you in planning your family’s “Wildfire Action Plan.” BE PREPARED:

• Make sure your wildfire action plan includes evacuation routes for your home, family, and pets
• Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit for each in person in your household
• Complete a Family Communication Plan that indicates pertinent evacuation and contact information.

EVACUATION CALL:

• Review your evacuation plan checklist
• Ensure your emergency medical kit is in your vehicle
• Cover yourself to protect against heat and flying embers.
• Locate your pets and take them with you

In an effort to contain this expansive wildfire, California’s fire chief has stated that prescribed burns could be an effective way to thin forest and brush to alleviate future wildfire outbreaks. Although this course of action will come with its trials and tribulations, California’s fire chief states that “We can prevent these large catastrophic fires or at least reduce the intensity when fires do occur,” he says. “So a little bit of smoke now and a little bit of inconvenience now is well worth offsetting these large damaging fires.” HOW WE ARE HELPING: Presco’s non-flammable, non-toxic flagging tapes have long been associated with the forestry industry and assisting firefighters and first responders in flagging proper escape routes and safety zones. When faced with mother nature’s wrath, Presco products will hold their own on the front lines of any detrimental situation. Below are a few standardized colors of roll flagging to be aware of during wildfire evacuation. 1) Red and White ” Candy Stripe” flagging= Life Safety Hazards such as downed power lines, hazard trees, mineshafts, etc 2) Red and white fl agging with black letter= “DANGER DO NOT ENTER” or “DO NOT CROSS.” 3) Hot pink (Pink Glo) flagging= “ESCAPE ROUTE” or ” SAFETY ZONE” (Lime Glo may also be in addition to hot pink). 4) Orange or pink= “SPOT FIRE.” 5) Orange or pink= “KILLER TREE.” 6) Yellow= “FIRE LINE” or “CRIME SCENE.” 7) Circus Flags or Pennant Flags= mark the Helibase DONATE TODAY: Our thoughts and prayers are with all the heroic men and women continuing to fight the blazes across the state of California, along with those who have lost their homes and been relocated to safe zones. If you would like to help those who have been impacted by this tragedy here is a list of organizations that make it possible: The Red Cross has opened multiple shelters to house some of the thousands of wildfire victims and others who were forced to evacuate as the flames neared their neighborhoods. Those wishing to donate to the Red Cross can do so by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The United Way of Greater Los Angeles is partnering with United Way of Ventura County to collect donations for its its Disaster Relief Fund. The Salvation Army of Northern California has deployed disaster response teams to Auburn, Roseville, Eureka, Redding, and Santa Rosa. You can donate money to help the Salvation Army feed evacuees on the organization’s website. The Haven Humane Society is raising money on Facebook to support its efforts to house animals displaced by the fires. Those in the area can also donate dog and cat crates, food, and water bowls. The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation supports the first responders fighting on the frontlines of the wildfires. They are currently requesting donations to put towards hydration backpacks for the firefighters. Baby2Baby is working to get high-need items to children affected by the ongoing Camp, Hill, and Woolsey fires in California. Help them supply diapers, wipes, blankets, and other basic baby essentials to families in need by purchasing from their registry. Facebook has activated its Crisis Response feature for those in Shasta County. Victims can use the feature to post individual requests for aid, and those looking to help can also offer their services. For more information on how Presco’s flagging products could help your company save lives, please contact one of our knowledgeable Customer Service Reps today at customerservice@presco.com or 1-800-527-3295.