VENTURA COUNTY (NOV. 6, 2024) – In partnership with the Ventura County Human Services Agency, the American Red Cross Pacific Coast Chapter is supporting an evacuation center at Padre Serra Parish (5205 Upland Rd, Camarillo, CA 93012) for evacuees affected by the Mountain Fire in Ventura County. The Temporary Evacuation Point has transitioned to an overnight shelter.
Red Cross volunteers and County personnel will provide evacuees safe refuge from the wildfire, water, meals, snacks, health services and additional resources. We encourage anyone who needs assistance to come to the shelter, and residents in nearby areas to be ready to evacuate. Small pets are welcome at the shelter, and pet owners are encouraged to bring water, food, pet carriers and leashes if possible.
If they have time, evacuating residents are also encouraged to bring the following for each member of their family: prescription and other emergency medication, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items. Additionally, special items for children and infants, such as diapers, formulas and toys, should be brought along with other items for family members who may have other needs.
Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free.
WILDFIRE SAFETY TIPS
- You may have to leave your home quickly to stay safe during a wildfire. Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. Have different escape routes from your home and community.
- Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Listen to local media for updated emergency information and sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
- Gather your pets to one room so you can easily grab them and go in the event of evacuation. Keep your animals under close supervision during evacuation.
- Back your car into the garage or park it outside in the direction of your evacuation route.
- If time allows, check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Make sure you include a mask and hand sanitizer with your kit. Keep it in the car.
- When you evacuate or head to a shelter, remember to bring special items for children, like food/formula, diapers, extra clothing, toys, etc.; items for pets, including a leash, pet medications and pet food; prescription medications and medical devices you may need; comfort items like personal hygiene items and pillows, blankets, towels, change of clothing or other items you may want to have with you at the shelter, and remember to bring your cell phone charger or external battery packs as well.
- Don’t wait – evacuate: if you feel threatened or unsafe, you can choose to evacuate at any time. If you receive an official evacuation order, heed the orders of local authorities, and follow instructions.
- Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for safety information and weather alerts right at your fingertips, including what to do before, during and after disasters. The app is available in English and Spanish.
WILDFIRE SAFETY FOR PETS AND ANIMALS
- Please be prepared to evacuate with your pets. If it’s not safe for you to stay in your home during an emergency, it’s not safe for them either!
- If you are near an evacuation area, bring your companion animals indoors and maintain direct control of them.
- Confine pets to one room so you can quickly grab them and go if you need to evacuate.
- When evacuating, consider taking items for your pets including leashes, food, medications, toys or other helpful items to have with you.
- When possible, Red Cross shelter workers will do all they can to accommodate domesticated pets comfortably, however, depending on the situation, pets may need to be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups.
- Service animals are always welcome in Red Cross emergency shelters and are not considered pets.
Click here to find tips for pet preparedness and evacuating with pets.
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.
