The Red Cross responds to 60,000 disasters a year — and the vast majority of these are home fires. For disasters big and small, our volunteers provide comfort during what can be the worst days of people’s lives.
In September 2021, our mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of disasters was once again on full display in the Central California Region as Red Cross Disaster Action Team members and caseworkers supported 144 residents affected by 27 home fires across Central California.
Sheltering teams also opened three temporary evacuation centers for those impacted by wildfire evacuations in Santa Barbara and Tulare Counties in September. While some Temporary Evacuation Points (TEP) were opened and closed within a short period of time, like the Caballo Fire, help and assistance was immediately offered to the communities in need.
Red Cross volunteers continue to shelter and support community members displaced by two major wildfires, the KNP Complex and Windy Fire, and have been for the last three weeks.
Practice makes perfect! On September 11, Red Cross volunteers from our Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo teams practiced how to set up a shelter with COVID-19 safety protocols in mind to be ready to respond this wildfire season.
Red Cross Central California Blog 