Red Cross Responds to Severe Flooding Across the Pacific Coast

American Red Cross volunteers are working around-the-clock to provide comfort and care to neighbors displaced by record flooding.

The American Red Cross is currently responding to assist those impacted by storms throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Please find our latest storm response information below. If you need Red Cross assistance, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit our shelter locations below. To find open shelters near you, you can always visit redcross.org/shelter.

SHELTERS

If you need a safe place to stay, find information for open Red Cross and partner shelters on redcross.org/shelter, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Download the app by searching “American Red Cross” in your app store or by going to redcross.org/apps.

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

Officials are urging residents to prepare now. The Red Cross offers these steps people should follow to help them stay safe:

• Register for emergency updates from your local government or emergency response agencies. Download the free Red Cross Emergency App, which you can customize to receive local weather alerts, access preparedness information, Red Cross shelter locations and more. 
• Understand the types of flood alerts that you may receive and have a plan to respond: A WATCH means Be Prepared! A watch means a flood or flash flood is possible. A WARNING means Take Action! A warning means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon. Take immediate precautions!
• Sandbags: Fire departments usually offer free sandbags and sand before a storm where flooding is expected. Contact your local fire department or County Emergency Services website (below) for more information.
• Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Just 6 in (15 cm) of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 in (30 cm) can carry your vehicle away.
• If you evacuated, wait for officials to say it is safe before going home.
• Avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires. They can electrocute you. Watch out for falling trees and other debris.
• Stay away from floodwaters. They may contain sewage, sharp items, and chemicals that can make you ill.
• Take care of yourself. You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
• For additional flood safety information, visit redcross.org/flood

Local County Emergency Websites Across Affected Areas

Ventura County: vcemergency.com

After the Storm Passes

Flood Recovery Resources

• If you have been displaced from your home by a flooding disaster, please do these things immediately.
• Contact family and let them know you are safe.
• Contact your landlord.
• Contact your employer.
• Check your prescriptions. Were they damaged in the disaster? Do you have enough for a few days?
• Contact utility providers.
• Contact your insurance company. Find the phone number at https://bit.ly/APCILIST.
• Contact your children’s school.
• Secure your pets and home.
• Stop mail and delivery services.

Protect Your Health

• Flooding can contaminate drinking water. Check with your local public health department about drinking water safety.
• Don’t get sick from eating spoiled food. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Stay away from floodwaters. They may contain sewage, sharp items, and chemicals that can make you ill.
• If your home was flooded:
  • If possible, dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can within 24 to 48 hours.
  • If you cannot return to dry your home within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. When it is safe to return home, completely dry everything, clean up the mold and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.
  • Keep wet areas well-ventilated. Throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper – or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay

Safety Information and How You Can Help:

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.

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/X: @redcrossccr
• Facebook: @redcrossccr
• Instagram: @redcrosscentralca