Red Cross Opens Shelter for Local Residents Affected by Rainstorms

January 20, 2017

"We will continue to work closely with our government and community partners to provide assistance"

The American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast has opened a shelter for residents affected by today’s flash flooding. The Red Cross shelter is located at San Marcos High School, 4750 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93110 and open to anyone facing evacuation orders. Volunteers will be on scene to provide lodging, water, meals, health services, and comfort.

"Our disaster teams have been ready to respond in case of a disaster like this one," said Red Cross Executive Director Kimberly Coley, "We will continue to work closely with our government and community partners to provide assistance for as long as there is a need."

Additional shelter teams and locations are on alert and ready to respond throughout the region as severe weather continues to move through the area.

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.

Click here for more flood or landslide safety tips.

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.