LOS ANGELES, February 4, 2024 — In coordination with Los Angeles County emergency officials and partners, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region has opened two emergency shelters for residents affected by storm evacuation orders and warnings at:

• ONEgeneration Senior Enrichment Center (18255 Victory Blvd., Reseda, CA 91335)
• Marie Kerr Recreation Center (2723-A W Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale, CA 93551)

At Red Cross shelters, Red Cross volunteers and partners provide a safe place to stay, along with meals and snacks, hydration, emotional support, health services and more. The Red Cross remains in close contact with emergency management partners to assess response needs and we are prepared to open additional shelters as needed.

Everyone is welcome at a Red Cross shelter and all disaster assistance is free. We provide aid to all those in need, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or citizenship status. The Red Cross is also committed to helping people with a wide range of needs, including people with disabilities and mental illnesses, whether they are children or seniors.

WHAT TO BRING TO A SHELTER

When you come to a Red Cross shelter, you are welcome to bring:

• Special items for children, like food/formula, diapers, extra clothing, toys, etc.
• Items for pets, including a leash, pet medications, pet food and a pet carrier or crate.
• Prescription medications and medical devices you may need.
• Comfort items like pillows, blankets, towels, change of clothing or other items you may want to have with you at the shelter. 

People can find information for open Red Cross and partner shelters on redcross.org/shelter, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Download the app by searching “American Red Cross” in your app store or by going to redcross.org/apps.

PREPARE NOW The Red Cross is coordinating with Los Angeles County officials to respond to the storm’s impacts as needed. We encourage the community to take time to be prepared to evacuate and gather essential supplies now.

 FLOOD SAFETY

• Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway, turn around immediately and go another way. 
• Follow evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts, they may be blocked. 
• Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home. 
• Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwaters. 

• Offer to help people who require special assistance including older adults, those without transportation, large families, people with disabilities and the people who care for them.  

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. 

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 emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org/LA or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.