×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

In California, Labor Day Weekend Brings Dangerous Heat Wave

Temperatures are expected to rise 20 to 25 degrees above normal, according to the National Weather Service.

News

Extreme Weather

Credit: NASA Worldview
By Amarica Rafanelli

A dangerous heat wave is predicted to smother California this Labor Day weekend, increasing the risk of fire as crews continue to tackle record-setting blazes across the state.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for much of the state, with temperatures predicted to rise 20 to 25 degrees above normal, outdoing a mid-August heat wave that scorched the western United States and precipitated rolling blackouts across California.

The state’s grid operator has issued a flex alert urging customers to conserve energy throughout the three-day weekend.

Fire crews are on high alert as dry conditions and gusty winds threaten to exacerbate dozens of wildfires burning across the state, three of which have become some of the largest in California state history. The SCU Lightning Complex Fire, burning in the San Francisco Bay Area and parts of the Central Valley, is now the 2nd largest wildfire in California history, having torched nearly 400,000 acres since igniting August 18, according to Cal Fire.

With soaring temperatures comes an acute risk of heat related illness, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke — conditions that can be deadly, particularly for elderly populations and those who work outdoors. In the United States, heat is the leading cause of weather related deaths.

The National Weather Service is recommending people stay in air-conditioned rooms to prevent overheating — a measure that may now carry health consequences amid the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a group of Harvard epidemiologists, air conditioning may accelerate the spread of Covid-19 by re-circulating viral droplets and is a likely contributor to the case spike that tormented the South in June, as people migrated indoors to avoid hot weather.

In addition, officials are encouraging people to drink plenty of water, stay of out of the sun, and check in on neighbors and relatives, particularly the elderly and very young.

Direct Relief is prepared to deploy emergency medical supplies overnight in response to fire-related health conditions. In addition, the organization has equipped several health facilities with backup power units to increase resiliency in the case of an electrical outage.

Direct Relief will continue to monitor the situation throughout the weekend and respond to health needs, should they arise.

Filed Under: , , ,

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.