If ordered to evacuate, listen to officials and leave the area if they tell you to do so.<\/p>\n
Wildfire season has come early to California where several fires have forced thousands of people to leave their neighborhoods under mandatory evacuation orders. The American Red Cross is responding across several counties, working with partners to open shelters and offer a safe place for people to go.<\/p>\n
The Sandy Fire in Ventura and Los Angeles counties has forced as many as 17,000 evacuations, down from an earlier 43,000 people ordered to leave their homes. The fire has consumed almost 1,700 acres and is 15% contained. There are several other fires burning which have also led to evacuation orders \u2500 \u00a0the Bain Fire, also in Ventura County; the Foothills Fire in Santa Barbara County, the Verona Fire in Riverside County and the Tusil Fire on tribal lands in San Diego County.<\/p>\n
The fire danger isn\u2019t over \u2013 high winds, dry vegetation and warm temperatures will continue through this week. Find information here on how to get your household ready should an emergency situation threaten.<\/a><\/p>\n HOW YOU CAN HELP These fires have impacted thousands of people who need assistance now.\u00a0Help people affected by disasters like wildfires, storms and countless other crises by\u00a0making a donation\u00a0to Red Cross Disaster Relief. You can donate by visiting\u00a0redcross.org<\/a>, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)\u00a0or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.\u00a0Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, whenever and wherever they occur across the country.<\/p>\n NEED A SHELTER?<\/a> Several shelters are open across the affected counties. You can find shelters by visiting redcross.org<\/a>, using the free Red Cross Emergency app<\/a> or by calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also check with local officials and monitor local news for information on where to get help.<\/p>\n Anyone who has been affected is welcome to stop by a shelter for a hot meal, to charge their phone and get other support.\u202fWe don\u2019t ask for identification, and you don\u2019t have to stay overnight. If you are coming to a shelter, if possible, bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents with you. Don\u2019t forget any special items for family members, pets or children, such as diapers, formula and toys.<\/p>\n IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE Listen to officials and evacuate if they tell you to do so. Plan in advance where you\u2019ll go, how you\u2019ll get there and where you\u2019ll stay. If you need help leaving or use public transportation, you may need extra time to evacuate. Follow evacuation routes and don\u2019t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget your pets. If it\u2019s not safe for you, it\u2019s not safe for them to stay behind. Take your emergency go-kit<\/a> with three days of supplies like food, water and medicine. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.).<\/p>\n WILDFIRE SAFETY<\/a> A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment\u2019s notice and obey all instructions from officials.<\/p>\n If you feel you\u2019re in danger, leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.Know where you\u2019ll go, how you\u2019ll get there and where you\u2019ll stay. Plan well in advance if you\u2019ll need help leaving or use public transportation.If you have a car, ensure the gas tank is full and park it facing the direction of your evacuation route.Keep your pets in one room, so you can find them quickly if you need to evacuate.\u00a0Monitor local weather and fires near you. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.Stay up to date on evacuation routes and road closures that could impact your plans.Limit exposure to smoke and dust. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in. Don\u2019t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.Don\u2019t return home until officials say it\u2019s safe to do so.<\/p>\n