Evacuation Shelter Open for Flash and Bolt Fire Evacuees

Fires raging in Fresno County have forced evacuations, leading the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter to establish an evacuation shelter at Reedley College to accommodate evacuees affected by the Flash and Bolt wildfires.

The shelter is now operational in the Reedley College Gymnasium, located at 995 N Reed Ave. in Reedley.

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If they have time, the Red Cross encourages residents to bring the following for each member of their families:

• Prescription and other emergency medication.
• Extra clothing.
• Pillows.
• Blankets.
• Hygiene supplies.
• Important documents and other comfort items.

Additionally, special items for children and infants, such as diapers, formulas, and toys, should be brought along with other items for family members who may have other needs.

If time permits, the Red Cross recommends to follow these steps when residents need to evacuate:

• Shut all windows and doors. Remove flammable window shades, and curtains and close metal shutters.
• Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
• Shut off the gas at the meter; turn off the pilot lights. Shut off the air conditioning.
• Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, toys, trash cans).
• Turn off propane tanks. Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
• Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running, they can affect critical water pressure.
• Back your loaded car into the driveway and keep all doors and windows closed.
• Ensure your emergency supplies kit is in your vehicle.
• Locate your pets and take them with you.

The Red Cross says all disaster assistance is free.

Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT)

Contact number for those who need help with animal evacuation: 866-333-3822

We will direct calls to the number listed above but if they are too busy to respond, here’s the information we can offer:

Owners of animals should stay nearby to help feed/walk their pets.

Dogs

• It is preferred that they come in their own crate that is large enough for them to stay in all day, not just for travel.
• Crates are not required; at minimum, the dog/s need to be on leash

Cats

• Must be in crates

 Donations

The CCADT accepts donations (food or donation; link below)

Donate to CCADT

Volunteer

Although people would like to help walk the dogs, only CCADT is authorized to do so.  What they would need help with is cleaning the crates. A CCADT member can walk any of the dogs while the crate/s are being cleaned.