LOS ANGELES, March 12, 2025 — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region and our partners are working tirelessly to support those most susceptible from the recent wildfire burn scar, where debris flow, landslides and flooding are being forecasted by the National Weather Service as a possibility to impact the area. Red Cross LA has opened two emergency shelters providing shelter, food, water, health and emotional support services. 

Emergency shelters are located at: 

• Stoner Recreation Center (1835 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025).  
• Pasadena-YMCA Sierra Madre (611 E Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, CA 91024). 

For those seeking refuge, please bring your emergency kit and any supplies you need to help make yourself feel comfortable and safe, such as medication and pet food. Flooding, debris flow and mudslides can move quickly, and it is important to prepare now and have your car ready; do not wait until there is not enough time to grab your essentials. 

If someone needs to find a shelter, they can call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit redcross.org, or download the free Red Cross Emergency App. The Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps. They can also check with their local officials or monitor local media for information on where to find a shelter. 

The LA Atmospheric River is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for disasters big and small. The Red Cross offers these safety tips you should follow: 

LANDSLIDE SAFETY 

• If you suspect imminent danger, evacuate immediately. Inform affected neighbors if you can, and contact your public works, fire or police department.  

• Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.  

• If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy. Such changes may mean there is debris flow activity upstream so be prepared to move quickly.  

• Be especially alert when driving— watch for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of possible debris flow.  

• If you are ordered or decide to evacuate, take your animals with you.  

FLOOD SAFETY 

• During a flood, be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Don’t return home until officials say its safe. Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Turn around, don’t drown! 

• Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.  

• Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 inches can carry your car away.   

• Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.  

• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, quickly get out of the car, move to higher ground and stay there.   

POWER OUTAGE SAFETY 

• Use flashlights in the dark — not candles. 

• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will likely be congested. 

• Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment and appliances. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment. 

• Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored. 

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outside away from doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.  

• During a prolonged outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to protect your food. Use perishable food from the refrigerator first, then, food from the freezer. If the power outage continues beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items. Keep food in a dry, cool spot and cover it at all times. 

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. 

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