Every eight minutes, generous donations enable the American Red Cross to respond to a disaster in the U.S. when help can’t wait for families who need emergency shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance. In California, the Red Cross is responding as millions of people face the latest flooding threat. This week’s weather brings the 12 th atmospheric river to hit California since late December.

Since December, almost 1,300 trained disaster workers have deployed to help people affected by severe weather. The Red Cross and partners have provided more than 13,800 overnight stays for more than 2,500 residents in 138 emergency shelters. With the help of partners, more than 84,600 meals and snacks have been provided, and more than 16,700 relief items including comfort kits and other supplies have been provided to people in need. More than 6,600 total households have been served. In addition, trained Red Cross volunteers have also helped more than 1,000 people with support such as the replacement of eyeglasses and medical needs like prescriptions.

Be safe and listen to the advice of emergency officials. If you need a safe place to stay, find open shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) and selecting the disaster option.

1. Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or citizenship status, and all disaster assistance is free.
2. We don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter, just their name and where they were living before the disaster.
3. Our workers will do all they can to accommodate service animals and domesticated pets comfortably. If you go to a shelter, please bring your own animal crate, supplies, medications and food whenever possible. Depending on the situation, pets may need to be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups.
4. We encourage people who plan to stay in a Red Cross shelter to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents. Don’t forget to bring any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, or for family members who have unique needs.

HOW YOU CAN HELP On March 22, Red Cross Giving Day, unite with thousands of compassionate people and celebrate Red Cross Month by donating at redcross.org/givingday. A gift of any size makes a difference to provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance.

You can also donate toward our Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) campaign. The ERV is essential to the local community, delivering disaster relief within our local service area. We live in one of the most disaster-prone communities within Northern California and needs continue to grow year over year. When you donate, you’re not just underwriting a vehicle. The ERV that you sponsor will be a community asset, one that can truly save lives! 

If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review our most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.