In response to the Day, Bald and Eiler fires currently affecting Modoc, Shasta and Siskyou counties, volunteers from the American Red Cross have opened three shelters. The shelters are located at:
Jackson School
405 Jackson St. Yreka, CA
Adin Community Center
609 Main St. Adin, CA
Fall River High School
44215 Walnut St. McArthur, CA.
“As these fires continue, we will be here to provide support to the communities affected,” says Kathleen Weis, CEO for the Red Cross Capital Region, “The health and safety of the residents of these communities is our number one priority and we encourage those residents that have received a request for evacuation to follow that request.”
Wildfire season is upon us in full force. With the current drought conditions and high temperatures, the risk for wildfire is heightened. It is important for people to be prepared and also to stay informed.
The Red Cross provides tips and resources to help you prepare for wildfires.
- Learn about wildfire risk in your area.
- Create and maintain defensible space around your home- remove all dead plants, grass and weeds.
- Use powered lawn equipment early in the day and not on hot or windy days.
- Clearly post emergency numbers in your home.
- Make sure driveway entrances and your house number or address are clearly marked.
- Set aside household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, ax, hand saw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.
- Select building materials and plants that resist fire.
- Regularly clean roofs and gutters.
- Assemble or replenish family emergency kits
- Plan ahead and stay as safe as possible during a wildfire
- Make an evacuation plan for your home.
- Plan and practice two ways out of your neighborhood in case your primary route is blocked.
- Select a place for family members to meet outside your neighborhood in case you cannot get home or need to evacuate.
- Identify someone who is out of the area to contact if local phone lines are not working.
More information on wildfire safety is available on the preparedness section of www.redcross.org.
The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year and helps people get ready to respond to emergencies. The Red Cross needs the help of the public to continue this lifesaving effort. People can make a donation to the Red Cross by going to redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.
