Your Red Cross Update

Today, the American Red Cross will begin distributing food and relief supplies as people begin to return home when the evacuation orders are lifted. These new services are in addition to the ongoing meals, shelter and comfort to residents impacted by the Valley and Butte fires.

“Red Cross volunteers are loading trucks and traveling to affected neighborhoods with food and supplies. Our disaster workers are doing whatever we can to reach more people who need help,” said Jeff Baumgartner, American Red Cross of the California Northwest CEO. “We understand that people are living in very tough conditions. The uncertainty of whether people will have homes to return to makes this an emotionally draining time. Red Cross mental health volunteers are supporting residents as they learn the status of the homes.”

Red Cross volunteers will be handing out cleaning, hygiene and comfort items in hardest-hit neighborhoods devastated by the Valley and Butte fires when the evacuation orders are lifted. These items include water, snacks, non-perishable meals, and clean-up items such as gloves, buckets, trash bags and dust masks over the weekend.

The American Red Cross is proud to be a part of the community’s response to these devastating wildfires, working closely with local residents and partner organizations to provide safe and comfortable places to stay as well as access to resources to meet their emergency needs.

Shelters

In addition to delivering relief supplies, the Red Cross is operating the following shelters for displaced residents.

Valley Fire

• Napa County Fairgrounds, 1435 N. Oak Street, Calistoga.

• Grace Church, 6716 Live Oak Dr., Kelseyville (As of 3 pm 9/18)

• Clear Lake Senior Center, 3245 Bowers Avenue Clearlake (As of 7 pm 9/18)

• Twin Pine Casino, 22223 CA-29, Middletown (when Highway 29 opens)

Butte Fire

Red Cross shelters are also open on both the Amador and Calaveras sides of the Butte fire:

• In Amador, Jackson Rancheria has graciously hosted shelter and feeding operations.

• Calaveras area:

o Good Samaritan Church, 4684 Baldwin St, Valley Springs

o Jenny Lind Veterans Hall, 189 Pine Street, Valley Springs

Additional Resources

In the coming days, Red Cross caseworkers will also begin to meet with individuals and families to help them develop their recovery plan and connect them with a variety of resources.

People affected by the Valley, Butte and Rough fires can also (855) 224-2490 to learn about Red Cross services available.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP People can download the all-inclusive Red Cross Emergency App which combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep the user safe, including information about what to do in case of wildfires and more. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

People can help by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations to Disaster Relief will be used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. We respond to nearly 70,000 other disasters every year, from home fires to wildfires and more. Learn more about how Disaster Relief donations have helped people affected by previous disasters including home fires.

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 or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.