Red Cross opens shelter at North High School for extended Oildale power outage

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — An emergency shelter has opened at North High School in Bakersfield to help residents affected by an extended power outage in Oildale.

The American Red Cross, in partnership with the Kern County Human Services Agency, opened the shelter on June 16, 2026, at North High School, 300 Galaxy Avenue. Red Cross volunteers and county personnel are providing a place to stay along with water, meals, snacks, health services, emotional support and other resources.

Small pets are allowed at the shelter with support from Kern County Animal Services. Pet owners are encouraged to bring water, food, pet carriers and leashes if possible.

The Red Cross also urged residents to take safety steps during the outage, including unplugging appliances and electronics to prevent damage from power surges and leaving one light on to signal when power is restored. Residents are encouraged to check on loved ones and neighbors, use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns instead of candles, and avoid driving unless necessary because traffic lights may be out and roads could be congested.

Officials also advised residents to decide whether they need to leave home if indoor temperatures become unsafe or if medical devices require power.

Food safety guidance includes keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible, using coolers with ice if needed, eating fresh perishable foods first, and discarding perishable food that has been warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

For generator safety, the Red Cross advised keeping generators dry and not using them in wet conditions. It also warned never to use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area, and to keep such equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents. Appliances should be plugged directly into the generator, and generators should never be plugged into a wall outlet. The Red Cross also advised operating generators on a dry surface and not touching them with wet hands.

Residents can download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts and shelter information in English and Spanish by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores or visiting redcross.org/apps.

Shelter information is also available at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). The Red Cross said shelters are open to everyone in need, and all disaster assistance is free.