American Red Cross evacuation centers are now open in Napa and Vallejo for anyone affected by Sunday’s early morning 6.1 magnitude earthquake near American Canyon, California.
EVACUATION CENTER LOCATIONS
- In Napa: Crosswalk Community Church, 2590 1st Street, open for overnight stays
In Vallejo: Florence Douglas Center, 333 Amador Street, could become an overnight shelter, if neededVallejo shelter closed as of 5:00pm 8/24
“The shelters offer safety for people who were literally shaken awake,” said Tim Miller, Regional CEO, American Red Cross California Northwest Region. “The Red Cross will be here for as long as we can offer our services.”
As the community continues to assess the extent of the damage from the quake and the aftershocks that are still coming, the Red Cross reminds everyone to use caution.
HOW TO HELP
The Red Cross currently has enough supplies to assist those affected by the quake. In-kind donations of water, clothes, and other material goods is NOT needed and will not be accepted at Red Cross shelters.
Help people affected by disasters like earthquakes in California and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
HOW TO COPE – STAY ALERT
- Watch for downed power lines
- Stay away from any buildings or infrastructure that may be unsafe
- Check on neighbors
- If you smell gas in the home, turn the gas off at the meter (once you do this your gas will need to be turned back on by the power company)
The community is also reminded to use social media sparingly, avoiding the urge to watch live streaming and the like so as not to clog the system for more important communications.
“In Northern California we are vulnerable to quakes,” said Miller, “and we could have an even stronger one in the future. If there was ever a time to think about being prepared, it is now.”
WAYS TO PREPARE NOW
Download the American Red Cross Earthquake App. If you have power (or when you do), download this free app for iphones, Androids and ipads. You will find information on how to prepare for and what to do during an earthquake, and how to check your home after the earthquake is over. You can also set up alerts for letting your loved ones know you are okay via Twitter or Facebook.
Debrief with your family or housemates. Talk with your family members or housemates about their experience with this earthquake, and what worked and what didn’t work about your family plan. Now is the best time to fix any issues with the plan, whether it is choosing a place to meet or finding an out of the area contact to call if local lines are down. You can also make a list of the items it is now obvious you would need the next time there is an earthquake.
Stay aware of current news reports. Rely only on reputable sources for your information, whether it be TV, radio, or social media. After disaster comes chaos at times, and it can take a while for everyone to get on the same page with critical information.
About American Red Cross
As a community-based, humanitarian organization, the American Red Cross provides relief to those affected by disasters and empowers individuals in our community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. By helping people learn how to take care of their families and neighbors, the Red Cross strengthens the community and makes it ready for all types of disasters, including home fires, earthquakes, wildfires and health emergencies. Visit redcross.org to learn more. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
###
Gold Country News and Notes 