Help is Now Offered in Trona, But Not Enough or Fast Enough

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TRONA, Calif. – The frustration and the anguish of those in Trona, as well as some in Ridgecrest is finally slowly being met with assistance. Assistance, but not yet to all areas for those without adequate transportation, those without funds for fuel or those who are elderly or disabled.

The Red Cross, other organizations, and groups of people have gone out attempting to get to all areas affected by the earthquake. Trona is the main area in need of attention at this time.

Most people can not imagine being forced out of their home with nowhere to go or having to forget all privacy to take your family to an emergency shelter. This is what happened to many people in the areas where the earthquake hit the hardest. Several mobile homes were deemed unsafe as they swayed off of their raised foundations as a result of both of the earthquakes.

Almost all of Trona has lost water, power, and gas. Gas was the first to be restored, but still, some are without water and power. For those who do not understand the magnitude of the issue, this means no showers, no toilet flushing, no hand washing, no cleaning, no laundry, no lights, no television, no way to charge phones, and no light. San Bernardino County Supervisor Lovingood’s office reported that the delay in water service restoration is due to extensive damage to the water main. This is being repaired and there is no estimate for water service restoration at this time.

Since all natural gas has been restored to the Trona area, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Barstow Station officials. Pacific Gas & Electric customers needing gas restoration should call 1-800-743-5000. Residents calling should mention that they are calling for earthquake restoration services in order to expedite service. Bulk water was delivered to Trona High School for those needing water for their livestock.

Caltrans is diligently repairing roads that were damaged during the earthquakes. They reported on Monday, July 8, 2019, that the repairs are expected to be completed earlier than expected. The Los Angeles County Fire Department is assisting in surveying the damage, both structural and infrastructure.

Beginning Monday, transportation is being provided from Trona High School located at 83600 Trona Road at 10:00 a.m. each day. The shuttle will return from the Red Cross Shelter back to the high school at 12:00 p.m. The San Bernardino County Emergency Operations Center is handling calls reporting damage or specific needs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday through Friday at 909-356-3998.

The needs are still great, but resources are moving in slowly as Trona residents experience record heat today. Temperatures of over 100 degrees are expected to last throughout the week.

The County of San Bernardino is offering free Mental health services for those affected by the earthquake from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on until Friday at Trona High School.

The Red Cross is feeding warm meals to those in need. Anyone needing assistance with a warm meal or a place to stay can go to the Kerr McGee Community Center at 100 W. California Avenue in Ridgecrest. All assistance at the Kerr McGee Community Center is from the Red Cross and is offered free of any charge. Those with pets can bring pets as long as you have a crate for your pet to stay in. If you do not have a crate, they may have one there for you, call (760) 499-5151 to ask.

Groups from the Trona area, as well as those from out of the area are providing items to those in need. They are in need of things like fresh fruit, water, pop tarts or other packaged foods, diapers, dry shampoo, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, diapers, larger wipes for adults to clean up without showers, and pet food. They also need blankets for humans and pets that were scared off from their homes and in shelters. Puppy pads and dog crates are needed at both area rescues and at the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter.

The City of Ridgecrest is asking for Engineers and Contractors who are able to volunteer some time. They would like to use these knowledgeable individuals to answer phones and evaluate inspection priorities. Anyone able to assist should call 760-499-5100.