Media Contact: Taylor Poisall
(559) 513-1656 | taylor.poisall2@redcross.org

PACIFIC COAST, NOV. 5, 2024 — The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings and Potentially Dangerous Situations for parts of the Tri-County area due to strong winds, low humidity and high temperatures. The American Red Cross urges everyone to make their preparations now.

GET READY NOW To prepare for wildfires that may impact your community, make a plan to stay safe and know how you’ll stay connected. Contact your local office of emergency management to learn what hazards may affect your community.

Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation. Don’t forget to include pets in your plans.

Plan how to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you. Plan how to monitor local weather and news reports even if the power goes out. Have a backup battery or another way to charge your cell phone, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

GATHER SUPPLIES It’s important to gather critical supplies like food, water and medicine and organize them into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.). Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications and medical supplies.

Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, water, bowls, litter, litterbox and photos of you with your pet in case you are separated. Keep personal, financial and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.

GET RED CROSS APPS Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts, open shelter locations and expert advice in both English and Spanish. For more information on how to assemble a pet first aid kit and take care of your pet during emergencies, download the free Red Cross Pet First Aid app.

In addition to taking these preparedness steps, there is additional important wildfire safety information available for residents at redcross.org/wildfire.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.