ABOUT RED CROSS SHELTERS
- At Red Cross shelters, Red Cross volunteers and partners provide a safe place to stay, along with meals and snacks, hydration, health services and more.
- Everyone is welcome at Red Cross shelters, and anyone affected by a disaster or emergency can always stop by the shelter to access Red Cross services, even if they are not staying overnight at the shelter.
- As the wildfire continues to grow and impacts additional neighborhoods, these shelters can serve as a cool place to rest, charge devices, pick up meals or gather information. Household pets are also welcome at the shelters with care provided by animal care partners.
- Red Cross shelters remain open for as long as they are needed. The Red Cross is in close contact with emergency management partners to continuously assess response needs.
- Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff remain on call around-the-clock and are ready to assist in various aspects including sheltering, feeding, health services and more.
- Click here to find open Red Cross shelters, learn about what to bring to a Red Cross shelter and more.
HOW TO HELP
- Right now, we have all the physical items needed to support those displaced by the fire. We know that people are generous and want to do everything they can to help after a disaster. Our first priority is to provide shelter and support to those affected — and financial donations are the quickest and best way to help those who need it most.
- Financial donations can be used right away to directly help those affected, such as sheltering, meals, relief supplies, medications, and more. Donate to disaster responses like the Davis Fire at RedCross.org/HELP call 1-800-RED CROSS.
- In all cases, due to health code regulations, the Red Cross cannot accept donations of homecooked meals or food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen.
- If you have a desire to help people impacted by disasters, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteer.
SAFETY TIPS WITHOUT CELL SERVICE
You may not have access to cell service during an emergency like a wildfire.
- Before the emergency begins, download the free Emergency Red Cross App to have access to extensive first aid and emergency response information even without a cell connection.
WILDFIRE SAFETY TIPS
You may have to leave your home quickly to stay safe during a wildfire. Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. Have different escape routes from your home and community.
- Listen to local media for updated emergency information and sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
- If time allows, check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Make sure you include a mask and hand sanitizer with your kit. Keep it in the car.
- When you evacuate or head to a shelter, remember to bring special items for children, like food/formula, diapers, extra clothing, toys, etc.; items for pets, including a leash, pet medications and pet food; prescription medications and medical devices you may need; comfort items like personal hygiene items and pillows, blankets, towels, change of clothing or other items you may want to have with you at the shelter, and remember to bring your cell phone charger or external battery packs as well.
- Don’t wait – evacuate: if you feel threatened or unsafe, you can choose to evacuate at any time. If you receive an official evacuation order, heed the orders of local authorities, and follow instructions.
- Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for safety information and weather alerts right at your fingertips, including what to do before, during and after disasters. The app is available in English and Spanish.
WILDFIRE SAFETY FOR PETS AND ANIMALS
Please be prepared to evacuate with your pets. If it’s not safe for you to stay in your home during an emergency, it’s not safe for them either.
- If you are near an evacuation area, bring your companion animals indoors and maintain direct control of them.
- When evacuating, consider taking items for your pets including leashes, food, medications, toys or other helpful items to have with you.
- When possible, Red Cross shelter workers will do all they can to accommodate domesticated pets comfortably, however, depending on the situation, pets may need to be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups.
- Service animals are always welcome in Red Cross emergency shelters and are not considered pets.
RETURNING HOME AFTER A WILDFIRE
Safety Basics:
- Wait for officials to say it is safe before going back home.
- Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire.
- Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires. They can electrocute you.
- Watch for pits in the ground filled with ash. They may have hot embers underneath that could burn you. Mark them for safety, and warn your family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits.
- Keep an eye on pets to ensure they don’t wander into unsafe areas or hot embers.
Take Care of Yourself:
Disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved. It’s normal to have a lot of feelings. When we experience a disaster or other stressful life event, we can have a variety of reactions, all of which can be common responses to difficult situations. Try to accept whatever reactions you may have.
You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs’ to 66746.