El Nino Storms

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

As El Nino continues to batter our county, we here at the American Red Cross Ventura County Chapter would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers and donors and the many agencies that have pitched in to help individuals and families driven from their homes by flood or mud. That help, in the form of food, shelter and recovery assistance, has made a difference to hundreds of people most severely affected by the storms.

Since the flooding began Feb. 3, we’ve had a lot of help. Volunteers from the Seventh Day Adventist Church prepared nearly 1,000 meals for disaster victims and relief workers. Food Share also lent support. Our local police officers, firefighters, emergency services workers and medical personnel deserve high praise for the outstanding job they did when needed most. The media helped people know where to go when evacuated and how to get help.

We are especially proud of the 114 disaster volunteers who came together quickly when help couldn’t wait. While most were from Ventura County, we were joined by Red Cross volunteers from other parts of California, as well as Washington, Utah and Virginia. Red Cross emergency response vehicles that distribute food and hot drinks drove in from Utah and Washington.

We cannot forget that Red Cross can only help disaster victims thanks to the generosity of individuals and corporations that send in their hard-earned dollars. Many companies have generously contributed to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. For this, we thank you.

Thanks to the hundreds of people volunteering their time and donating their money, the American Red Cross Ventura County Chapter has been and will continue helping the most needy flood victims. With everyone working together, the Red Cross will continue to be a strong part of this community during the weeks and months ahead.

PATRICIA RUMPZA

Chairman, Board of Directors

Ventura County Chapter

American Red Cross

* Thank you for your thorough coverage of the El Nino storms, floods and mudslides that are occurring throughout much of California. We at the Federal Emergency Management Agency are concerned, however, about misinformation that was published Feb. 11 regarding flood problems and agricultural losses in Ventura County.

Agricultural losses are not covered under the FEMA programs. For low-interest loans for the repair or restoration of disaster-damaged farm property, farmers should contact the Farmers Home Administration. For help in agricultural stabilization and conservation, farmers should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Farmers or farm workers who suffered damage to homes or other personal losses may apply for FEMA assistance. They should call (800) 462-9029 to apply. Farm workers and others not normally eligible for unemployment benefits can apply for a special disaster unemployment program through their state employment office. To qualify, these workers must be displaced from their jobs as a result of storms, floods and mudslides that began Feb. 2.

Because of the serious and ongoing nature of this disaster, it is essential that farmers and farm workers receive correct information.

DOROTHY M. LACEY

Coordinating Officer, Federal

Emergency Management Agency