The American Red Cross Central California Region is monitoring additional rainstorms as they move through the state this weekend. Multiple shelter locations are on standby throughout the ten county region so that volunteers will be able to respond as soon as possible in the event of any evacuations.

The Red Cross of Ventura County will open a shelter at the Leisure Village Recreation Building, 1200 Leisure Village Drive, Camarillo, CA 93012 at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday to assist residents impacted by the voluntary evacuation.

“Red Cross disaster responders around the region are working closely with each other and partner agencies to monitor the situation,” said Red Cross Public Information Officer Jessica Piffero, “Our number one priority is to make sure that affected families are safe and comfortable.”

An evacuation center at San Marcos High School was also opened on Friday due to flash flooding in the Santa Barbara area, but transitioned to standby mode that evening as the evacuated campers made other accommodations. Volunteers were on scene providing lodging, water, snacks, health services, and more.

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.