The American Red Cross Pacific Coast Chapter has opened an evacuation shelter at Arroyo Grande High School, 495 Valley Road, Arroyo Grande, for evacuees displaced by the Gifford Fire burning in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
Red Cross volunteers will provide evacuees safe refuge from the wildfire, water, meals, snacks, health services and additional resources.
The Red Cross encourages anyone needing assistance to come to the shelter, and residents in nearby areas to be ready to evacuate.
Small pets are welcome at the shelter, and pet owners are encouraged to bring water, food, pet carriers and leashes if possible.
Since the Gifford Fire began, Red Cross disaster workers have been working with government officials and partners to make sure people will have a safe place to stay, food to eat and critical relief supplies as needed at multiple Temporary Evacuation Points throughout the affected region.
Anyone who needs a safe place to stay can find shelter information at redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app, or by calling 1-800-733-2767). Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free.
“We don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter — just their name and where they were living before the disaster,” the Red Cross said.
“If possible, we encourage people who plan to stay in a shelter to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents,” Red Cross said. “Don’t forget to bring any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, or for family members who have unique needs.”
Wildfire Safety Tips
A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving little time to get to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all instructions from officials. Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe to do so, the Red Cross advises.
• Know where you will go, how you will get there and where you will stay. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
• If you have a car, be sure the gas tank is full and park it facing the direction of your evacuation route.
• Keep pets in one room, so you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Monitor 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.
• If you feel you are in danger, leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• To help keep your indoor air clean, don’t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.
To ensure people have the help they need, the Red Cross said it depends on public support. Click, text or call to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like fires and countless other crises.
Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-733-2767, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation.
For more about the Red Cross, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org.