As massive wildfires continue to burn across several western states, the American Red Cross is supporting people who have had to leave their homes due to the fires.

Fires burning across the Northwest are creating smoky conditions this week that may travel thousands of miles from the Northwest as far south as the Gulf Coast. The danger in the region isn’t over as elevated to critical fire conditions continue.

Oregon has been hit particularly hard, the state Department of Forestry reporting there are 34 active large fires burning across the state, involving more than a million acres. Thousands of people have had to evacuate and major highways are closed, leaving people unable to travel.

The National Interagency Fire Center reports there are large fires burning in Oregon, California, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

BLOOD SUPPLY CRISIS Meanwhile, the American Red Cross has declared only the second national blood supply crisis in its history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low, deepening an emergency shortage that threatens the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country. Despite thousands of people answering the call to give, blood donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand — which is up during the summer trauma season. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout this summer, further straining the nation’s blood supply. Don’t wait. Those who may be eligible are urged to book an appointment now at RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.

RED CROSS RESPONDS TO FIRES Red Cross disaster teams have shelters open in California, Oregon and Washington.

In Oregon, the situation is constantly changing with shelters opening and closing as needed ─ 15 shelters have been opened in the last 10 days. Working with partners, six shelters are currently open where people can stay or just stop by for food, health and mental health services, to take a shower or get information about the current situation.

Air quality is poor throughout the area and the Red Cross is providing air scrubbers and N95 masks. Red Cross teams are supporting damage assessment in the affected communities which will help determine what help is needed in the weeks to come.

IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE  See her story ─ Red Cross volunteer evacuates from wildfire after getting a call at 3:00 a.m.

Listen to officials and evacuate if they tell you to do so. Plan in advance where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay. If you need help leaving or use public transportation, you may need extra time to evacuate. Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.

Don’t forget your pets. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them to stay behind. Take your emergency go-kit with three days of supplies like food, water and medicine. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.).

NEED A SHELTER? You can find shelters by visiting redcross.org, using the free Red Cross Emergency app 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.

Anyone who has been affected is welcome to stop by a shelter for a hot meal, to charge their phone and get other support. We don’t ask for identification, and you don’t 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’t forget any special items for family members, pets or children, such as diapers, formula and toys.

WILDFIRE SAFETY The Red Cross offers these steps people can take to help keep them safe should a wildfire occur.

•  A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all instructions from officials.
• If you feel you’re in danger, leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
• Know where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay. Plan well in advance if you’ll 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. •
• 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.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in. Don’t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.
• Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe to do so.
• Download free Red Cross apps by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps. The Red Cross Emergency app includes short guides to help you prepare, National Weather Service alerts, help locating Red Cross shelters. Our First Aid App puts expert advice for common emergencies at your fingertips. You can access new lifesaving First Aid content and locate your nearest hospital in case of emergency. Both apps are available in English or Spanish.