Red Cross Opens Temporary Evacuation Point for South Fire Evacuees at Ventura Community College

News Release

The American Red Cross Pacific Coast Chapter has opened a Temporary Evacuation Point at Ventura Community College (4667 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93003) for evacuees affected by the South Fire in the Somis area. In partnership with Ventura County, Red Cross volunteers will provide safe refuge from the wildfire, water, snacks and additional resources to evacuees. We encourage anyone who needs assistance to come to the Temporary Evacuation Point.

A Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) is a centralized location used as a gathering point for individuals required to leave their residence during a disaster. In many cases, temporary evacuation points may also have emergency congregate shelters established at the same location.

If they have time, evacuating residents are encouraged to bring the following for each member of their family: 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.

Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free.

WILDFIRE SAFETY   BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE and obey all evacuation orders from officials. Follow these steps (if time allows):

• Shut all windows and doors. Remove flammable window shades, curtains and close metal shutters.
• Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
• Shut off gas at the meter; turn off 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.

Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

You can find more wildfire safety information here.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/centralcalifornia or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossCCR.