Around 12:15 am Wednesday morning the Greater Salt Lake Area Red Cross was dispatched to Tooele to support the opening of an evacuation center following a fast moving fire that destroyed 10 homes and damaged many others.
Red Cross volunteers quickly mobilized operations at West Elementary School to provide immediate care and comfort for families displaced. Initially there were 40 ” 50 residents that were offered a hot breakfast and many of the other offerings mostly provided by the generosity of local businesses. The Red Cross also had mental health volunteers available to ease the initial shock that stunned the local community. The shelter remained fully staffed and operational all day and though the night to provide help as needed.
Case work currently stands at 8 families with projected assistance for at least 8 more. Thanks to the generosity of donors funds were readily available for temporary lodging, food, clothing and other replacement needs such as prescriptions, eyeglasses and the like. Donor dollars also provided support (food, water, snacks etc.) to first responders including the 100 firefighters on the ground battling the blaze.
As is always the case in larger responses, this was a collaborative effort calling on many existing relationships that included interfaith organizations, as well as government and business partners. The community also played a vital role as they came together to provide whatever help they could. At 5 pm, Red Cross training was provided for over 60 generous locals that wanted to volunteer in some capacity.
As the operation transitions into the recovery phase, there is still much to do in the upcoming weeks to help affected families get back on their feet.
These efforts and the initial response come at considerable cost to the Red Cross who are now asking the public for help to insure adequate funds are available for this and future operations. For in-kind donations contact the city of Tooele at 435-833-8100.
This disaster also illustrates the need for preparedness education offered as part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign that includes the installation of free lifesaving smoke alarms across the state and nation. To date over 3,000 alarms have been installed in Utah alone.
Disaster related needs can be addressed through 801-323-7000. Anyone interested in donating can call 1-800-RECROSS or visit www.redcross.org.
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