The American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast is opening an evacuation center at noon on Wednesday, located at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Anyone evacuated or otherwise affected by the incoming storm is welcome to find relief and comfort at this location. If needed, the Red Cross is prepared to transition to a full sheltering operation.

Additional volunteers and locations are on alert and ready to respond throughout the region, should severe weather continue to move through the area. The Red Cross is working closely with government and community partners to provide relief and comfort for anyone affected by evacuations. Residents are encouraged to follow evacuation orders from local law enforcement and stay informed on the latest updates by visiting readysbc.org.

GET PREPARED

The Red Cross wants residents to be ready for disasters big and small, including landslides and flooding. Follow a few safety tips to prepare for, respond to, and recover from severe winter weather:

• Create and practice an evacuation plan for your family or business.
• Assemble and maintain an emergency preparedness kit.
• Watch the patterns of storm water drainage on slopes near your home.
• Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
• Before re-entering your home, look outside for loose powerlines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks, or other damage.

Find these and more flood or landslide safety tips online at redcross.org, or download the Red Cross Emergency App, free for smartphones and tablets.

HOW TO HELP

You can help people affected by disasters like landslides, wildfires, and countless others by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

About the American Red Cross Central California Region

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The American Red Cross Central California Region provides services to the ten counties across Central California that is home to more than 4 million people. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.