Shelter opens at Arroyo Grande High School for Gifford Fire evacuees
– The American Red Cross Pacific Coast Chapter has opened an evacuation shelter at Arroyo Grande High School, 495 Valley Road, for people displaced by the Gifford Fire burning in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
As of Saturday morning, the fire is at 104,402 acres and is 21% contained. Click here for more information about the fire and for evacuation zones.
Red Cross volunteers are providing evacuees with shelter, water, meals, snacks, health services, and other resources. Small pets are welcome, and pet owners are encouraged to bring water, food, carriers, and leashes if possible.
Since the Gifford Fire began, Red Cross disaster workers have worked with government officials and partners to provide shelter, food and relief supplies at multiple temporary evacuation points throughout the affected region.
Anyone who needs shelter can find information at redcross.org, on the free Red Cross Emergency app, or by calling (800) 733-2767. Information is also available from local Red Cross social media pages, local emergency officials, government emergency alerts and local news outlets.
Red Cross shelters are open to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or citizenship status. No identification is required to enter — only a name and pre-disaster address.
People staying in shelters are encouraged to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene items, comfort items, important documents and supplies for children or family members with unique needs.
The Red Cross reminds residents that wildfires can spread quickly, and people should be ready to evacuate immediately. Officials advise residents to follow evacuation instructions, keep pets in one room, ensure vehicles have full gas tanks and are parked facing evacuation routes, monitor weather and fire updates, and sign up for free government emergency alerts. People should leave immediately if they feel in danger, even without an official evacuation notice.
To reduce smoke exposure indoors, residents should close windows and doors and avoid using items that burn, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.
The Red Cross depends on public donations to provide disaster relief. Donations can be made at redcross.org, by calling (800) 733-2767, or by texting REDCROSS to 90999.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to disaster victims; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. More information is available at redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org.
