Red Cross Responds as Storms Impact Central California

American Red Cross Supporting Around-the-Clock Relief Efforts at Local Shelters

Updated 4/11: In California, the 15^th atmospheric river will cause heavy rain and snow across the region over the next few days. Hundreds of Red Crossers from all over the country have been helping in California since these atmospheric rivers began.

If an emergency threatens your neighborhood, be prepared to evacuate quickly and leave the area if local officials tell you to do so.

Have your disaster kit ready. Review your emergency plan with everyone in your household. Plan your evacuation route and alternates in case main roads are impassable. Where will you go and how will you get there? Will you go to a hotel, a friend or relative’s home, or an emergency shelter. Don’t forget your pets.

SHELTERS ARE OPEN:

In coordination with the City of Porterville and County of Tulare, the Red Cross will be supporting a shelter at the California National Guard Armory (29 North Plano Street, Porterville) for residents still displaced by the March Storms and the flooding that followed.

The shelters at Porterville College and Tulare Fairgrounds will be closing at noon on April 11, 2023. We are thankful for our sheltering partners in the community who made their facilities available in times of great need.

If you need a safe place to stay or a hot meal, find open shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) and selecting the disaster option.

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.
• Red Cross shelters will remain open for as long as they are needed. The Red Cross remains in close contact with emergency management partners to assess response needs.
• Everyone is welcome at Red Cross shelters, and anyone affected by the storms can always stop by the shelter to access Red Cross services, whether or not they are staying overnight at the shelter.  
• Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff remain on call around-the-clock and are ready to assist in various aspects including sheltering, feeding and more.  
  

Evacuation Personal Items

When you come to a Red Cross shelter, you are welcome 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, as well as a face mask. 
• Comfort items like pillows, blankets, towels, change of clothing or other items you may want to have with you at the shelter. 

County Websites Across Affected Areas

Fresno County: fresnocountyemergency.com

Kern County: readykern.org

Inyo County: ready.inyocounty.us

Madera County: ReadyMadera.com

Mariposa County: mariposacounty.org

Mono County: ready.mono.ca.gov

Tulare County:  tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies

San Luis Obispo County: emergencyslo.org

Santa Barbara County: readysbc.org

Ventura County: vcemergency.com

Safety Information and How You Can Help:

Preparedness is key: Pack your emergency kit, know your routes and destinations, and listen to the advice of emergency officials. Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and expert advice on storms and flooding. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.

Flooding Safety:

• Stay off the roads and away from floodwaters. If you must drive, avoid flooded roadways. If power lines are down, don’t step in any puddles or standing water.
• Follow evacuation orders and don’t return home until officials say it is safe.
• Be cautious when cleaning up your home and wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and boots. Throw out items that absorb water and can’t be disinfected, and dispose of all food, drinks and medications.
• For more information, visit redcross.org/flood.

Power Outage Safety:

• Monitor alerts. Check local weather reports and any notifications. by phone, television or radio. Utility officials may come to your door to alert you of a planned power outage.
• Keep food cold and when in doubt, throw it out. Eat your fresh, perishable foods first. Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer to preserve cool temperatures. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. Throw out food that has been warmer than 40 degrees F.
• Prevent power overloads and fire hazards. Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid power overloads or damage from power surges. Use flashlights, not candles. If any circuit breakers have been tripped, contact an electrician to inspect them before turning them on.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t use a gas stove to heat your home and do not use outdoor stoves indoors for heating or cooking. If using a generator, keep it outside in a well ventilated area away from windows.
• Decide if you need to stay or go. Evacuate if your home is too hot or too cold, or if you have medical devices that need power. Communities often provide warming or cooling centers and power charging stations.

Potential Landslide Safety:

• Stay informed about the risk of landslides in your area. Most landslides are caused by events like heavy rain, snowmelt, earthquakes or wildfires.
• If you suspect you are in danger, evacuate immediately. Take your pets with you, inform your neighbors and contact emergency officials.
• Listen for unusual sounds like trees cracking or boulders knocking together that could indicate moving debris.
• For more information, visit redcross.org/landslide.

Read stories here from some of the people impacted, as well as details of the Red Cross response to the California storms.

Help Those in Need

• You can help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Sign Up to Volunteer

• While volunteering needs are in flux as the current weather event passes through our region, we are likely going to need more volunteers to support our response in the coming days. Sign up to volunteer at redcross.org/volunteer

Stay Up-to-Date on Social Media

• Updated information on the Red Cross response to this storm, and preparedness information is continually updated on regional social media channels:
  • Twitter: @redcrossccr
  • Facebook: @redcrossccr
  • Instagram: @redcrosscentralca