Category: disaster relief

CA Gold Country Region Red Cross Continues to Operate Shelter in Sonora; Mobile Feeding Begins in Chinese Camp

NOTE: This post will be updated regularly as our sheltering situation evolves.

Volunteers with the California Gold Country Region continue to run an evacuation shelter in Sonora in response to this week’s wildfires.

2-7 Wildfire (Calaveras County):

Shelter: Sonora Senior Center, 540 Greenley Rd., Sonora, CA 95370

A livestock shelter is open at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 101 Frog Town Rd., Angels Camp, A 95222

Today, the Red Cross is partnering with the Salvation Army to provide meals, water and ice to Chinese Camp, which was evacuated when the fire broke out.

Blue Fire and Dillon Fire (Siskiyou County):

Animal shelters are open at the following locations:

Cat and large animals: Siskiyou Golden Fair, 1712 Fairlane Rd., Yreka, CA 96097

Dog shelter: Rescue Ranch, 2216 East Oberlin Rd., Yreka, CA 96097

Everyone is welcome at Red Cross shelters, including those with service animals. The Red Cross delivers help to anyone regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or citizenship status. Volunteers are onsite to provide visitors with a place to sleep, meals, beverages, snacks, comfort and care.

If possible, those who stay in a Red Cross shelter are encouraged to bring the following items to make their stay as comfortable as possible: prescription medications, items for pets, extra clothing, pillows, hygiene supplies, or comfort items. It is also recommended to bring special items for children such as diapers, formula or toys.

For more information on Red Cross disaster relief, recovery services and how to prepare for disasters, visit redcross.org/gethelp.

Red Cross shelter locations can be viewed here.

Support Red Cross disaster relief efforts by volunteering or by way of financial support.

Volunteer Darren Courtney Honored with Spirit of the Pacific Award

California Gold Country Region volunteer Darren Courtney has been honored with the Spirit of the Pacific Award for the month of December.

Courtney, whose regional volunteer roles include Sheltering Coordinator, Yuba/Sutter territory Disaster Action Team Lead, and Communications team photographer, has been a Red Cross volunteer for more than 25 years.

“He has consistently answered the call to deploy more than any other volunteer that is in my territory,” noted Community Disaster Program Manager Daryl White, who nominated Courtney for the award.

“Darren embraces all of our core values and delivers our mission with the upmost compassion and respect for our clients, those who have been displaced by a disaster and are probably at one of the lowest times in their lives. Several years ago, Darren saved a life in the shelter he was working in by giving a client Narcan, he recognized the need and stepped in.”

All Red Cross team members are encouraged to work together and personify a set of cultural values and behaviors that exemplify these Pacific Division ideals. The Spirit of the Pacific Award is specifically designed to acknowledge and reward these outstanding efforts on the part of employees and volunteers.

Northwest Region Community Disaster Program Manager Kelsey Smith deployed has alongside Courtney. In his nomination she said, “Darren has truly been one of the most impactful relationships that I have made on any deployment and probably throughout my entire time in the organization I think I can speak for many others, as well. When I think of my ideal version of a Red Crosser, Darren is the first person who comes to mind.”

In a note to the California Gold Country Region, Courtney said, “I am deeply honored to have received the Spirit of the Pacific Award from you and our amazing organization. This recognition is a testament to the shared efforts, unwavering dedication, and tireless spirit of the American Red Cross. I couldn’t do it without the support of leadership, staff, and fellow volunteers.”

Celebrating Resilience: A Volunteer’s Impact at the Red Cross Shelter

Written by Marcia Antipa, Red Cross Volunteer

Carla A. Gunning celebrating the birthday boy, Harley Johnson

On a recent day inside the Red Cross Shelter in Cameron Park, volunteers helped one young man celebrate his 20th birthday.  Harley Johnson and his family evacuated from the mountain community of Volcanoville during the Crozier Fire.  Staff and shelter workers arranged for birthday cake and a balloon and sang “Happy Birthday”.  One volunteer drew Harley out of his shyness, dancing and singing with enthusiasm.  “I’m real big on morale-boosting,” says Carla A. Gunning.  “When people are in a situation like this, it’s easy to get discouraged, to feel lost, not having that sense of normalcy or routine.”

Carla first volunteered for the Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina.  Then, after time in the military, she recently returned to the Red Cross.

Carla has a message for anyone who is thinking of volunteering for the Red Cross.  “Just do it!  It’s very rewarding, and you’re able to see the difference you can make in peoples’ lives, whether it’s getting them something to eat, or giving them a hug or a smile, or saying ‘Hey!  happy birthday!’”

If you are interested in volunteering with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

Red Cross volunteer, Carla A. Gunning | Photography by: Marcia Antipa, American Red Cross

Park Fire Evacuee: ‘All I can do is pray’

By Peg Taylor/Volunteer

The Neighborhood Church in Chico, a joint Red Cross/Butte County shelter, was opened in response to the rapidly expanding Park Fire. The shelter currently houses dozens of evacuees, primarily from small communities in the hills above Chico. All are hoping they will soon hear that they can return to their homes.

I chatted with one evacuee under a shade tree outside the shelter. She told me her story, as many evacuees are apt to do in difficult times such as this. She asked that her name and photo not be used in this article.

She told me of having to evacuate six years ago during the Camp Fire in Paradise. She lost everything in that fire. Four years ago, she returned to her community in Paradise. When asked why she returned, she explained to me that Paradise is her home, her community. Simply put, she belongs there.

Yesterday, she was again evacuated from her home. The Park Fire had exploded over the course of a few days and her community of Paradise was again under evacuation watch. She made the decision to immediately leave her home. “Better safe than sorry, and I remember so clearly how quickly the Camp Fire overran our homes. I headed for this shelter to be safe and to wait.”

As we sat under that tree, she smiled and knew she was okay for now. “All I can do is pray.”

If you are interested in helping evacuees of the wildfires in California, please make a financial donation at redcross.org/donate.

You can also roll up your sleeves and become a Red Cross volunteer by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.

Red Cross Continues to Respond as Bomb Cyclone Impacts California

This information was last updated on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8:00 a.m. Please check back regularly for updates.

Flooding, along with the potential for power outages and landslides, will impact the state through this weekend into next week. The American Red Cross has mobilized resources and is collaborating with government and community partners to respond to this storm. Nearly 400 Red Cross workers from across the country, along with shelters and supplies, have been activated to accommodate residents evacuated from their homes.

This online story map offers a look at the ongoing response to California floods; this map is updated as more information and stories from the ground are available.

Statewide Red Cross, County and Partner Shelter Information by County:

Everyone is welcome at a Red Cross shelter. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free. Current list denotes open shelters managed and/or supported by the Red Cross, county or community partners.

  • Amador County
    • Evelynn-Bishop Hall (located in Charles Howard Park)
      • 701 CA-124, Ione, CA 95640. MAP
  • Santa Clara County
    • Seven Trees Community Center
      • 3590 Cas Drive, San Jose, CA 95111. MAP
    • Camden Community Center
      • 3369 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124. MAP
    • San Martin Lions Club
      • 12415 Murphy Avenue, San Martin, CA 95046. MAP
  • San Mateo County
    • San Mateo County Event Center
      • 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403. MAP
  • Santa Cruz County
    • Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds – JJ Crosetti Building, Fine Arts and Harvest Hall
      • 2601 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076. MAP
    • Cabrillo College – Cafeteria
      • 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003. MAP
  • Merced County
    • Merced County Fairgrounds – Yosemite Hall, Half Dome Hall, Pavilion Hall
      • 900 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Merced, CA 95341.MAP
    • Merced County Spring Fair
      • 403 F Street, Los Banos, CA 93635. MAP
    • Atwater City Community Center
      • 760 E. Bellevue Road, Atwater, CA 95301. MAP
  • Monterey County
    • Prunedale Grange Hall
      • 17890 Moro Road, Salinas, CA 93907. MAP
    • Monterey County Fairgrounds-Monterey Hall
      • 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, CA 93940. MAP
    • King City High School
      • 720 Broadway Street, King City, CA 93930. MAP
    • Sherwood Hall
      • 940 North Main Street, Salinas, CA 93906. MAP
  • Sacramento County
    • California State Fairgrounds-Cal Expo
      • 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815. MAP
  • Stanislaus County
    • Yolo Middle School
      • 901 Hoyer, Newman, CA 95360. MAP
  • Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Tulare and Ventura Counties

Click here for an updated list of all shelters.

Safety Information and How You Can Help 

Pack your emergency kit, know your routes and destinations, and listen to the advice of emergency officials. Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and expert advice on storms and flooding. Search “American Red Cross” wherever you download apps or go to redcross.org/apps. 

Flooding Safety

  • Stay off the roads and away from floodwaters. If you must drive, avoid flooded roadways. If power lines are down, call 9-1-1 and don’t approach or step in any puddles or standing water near the downed lines. 
  • Follow evacuation orders and don’t return home until officials say it is safe to do so. 
  • Use caution when cleaning up your home and wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and boots. Throw out items that absorb water and can’t be disinfected, and dispose of all food, drinks and medications that have either spoiled or been damaged. 
  • For more information, visit redcross.org/flood. 

Landslide Safety 

  • Stay informed about the risk of landslides in your area. Most landslides are caused by events like heavy rain, snowmelt, earthquakes or wildfires. 
  • If you suspect you are in danger, evacuate immediately. Take your pets with you, inform your neighbors and contact emergency officials. 
  • Listen for unusual sounds like trees cracking or boulders knocking together that could indicate moving debris. 
  • For more information, visit redcross.org/landslide. 

Blood During Disasters 

  • The Red Cross is working to maintain a stable blood supply amid the threat of storms and winter weather across the country, as severe weather often causes widespread blood drive cancellations. Where it is safe to do so, we encourage donors to make and keep blood donation appointments by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Help Those in Need 

You can help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

Sign Up to Volunteer 

While volunteering needs are in flux as the current weather event passes through our region, we are likely going to need more volunteers to support our response in the coming days. Be on the lookout for more information on ways you can help as needs evolve! 

Stay Up-to-Date on Social Media 

Updated information on the Red Cross response to this storm, and preparedness information is continually updated on regional social media channels. Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ARCGoldCountry. We’re on LinkedIn here.

Red Cross Nurse Helps Humboldt County Resident Stay Calm and Even Fix Water Heater After Earthquake

Mark Mowrey is a volunteer nurse with the California Gold Country Region of American Red Cross.

By Nate Russell, Disaster Program Manager

Mark Mowrey is a retired nurse and spends much of his time with the American Red Cross plying his skills as a Disaster Health Services volunteer.

When disaster struck Mark’s community in southern Humboldt County this week, Mark donned his Red Cross vest and sprung to action.

Shortly after Mark arrived at the shelter, a woman had registered for assistance who was visibly distraught. As Mark observed her talking with the shelter staff, he could see that she was becoming overwhelmed with worry so he did exactly what he did with his patients in his former job as a nurse. He sat down with her and asked her to tell her story.

The 6.4-magnitude earthquake had shaken a pipe free from her water heater and had started to leak water all over her basement. For some, this might be a minor inconvenience and a quick fix, but for a disaster evacuee, there are myriad invisible compounding stressors that can make even the smallest problems seem daunting.

“I’ve done it many times in the ER and in the Red Cross,” Mark said. “Asking people to tell their story relieves some of that pressure that they are feeling. It allows them to vent, to process, and to problem solve.”

The woman was able to start at the beginning and tell Mark about all the factors, large and small, that were contributing to her stress. It all culminated to a broken water heater that she hadn’t the slightest idea how to fix.

“She told me what kind of water heater she had, so I was able to help her figure out what part she needed, and gave her directions to a local hardware store.”

Armed with a plan and a clear path forward, the evacuee’s spirits were visibly raised as she set out from the shelter.

“That’s what I love about being a nurse and what I love being a Red Cross volunteer,” Mark said. “I love helping people find a pathway to help solve their problems. It feels good to help someone else tackle that overwhelming dilemma so they can take back that sense of control and, well, take a shower!”

Consider supporting our volunteer nurses and our disaster responders in your community by making a donation today. You can also sign up to volunteer!

Firefighters Lose Vehicles, Equipment in Six Rivers Lightning Complex, Walk Out of Fire Zone and Find Refuge at Red Cross Shelter

By Peg Taylor, Volunteer

It was all hands on deck for firefighters in Humboldt and Trinity counties over the weekend.

Twelve fires began Friday, August 5, sparked by thunderstorms that moved across the region. Due to efforts of firefighters, eight fires remained active, earning the name Six Rivers Lightning Complex.

(When there are two or more wildfires burning close together in the same area, they are often called a complex and attacked by firefighters under a unified command).

Firefighters from hundreds of miles around rolled into the region to help fight the fires. Among them were the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians’ Red Hawk Crew of 19 firefighters. The crew from El Dorado County traveled six hours to report for duty.

The 19 firefighters were on the fire line when the fire took an unexpected run and destroyed their two crew transport vehicles. Fortunately, the vehicles were far from the crew and no one was hurt.

Personal items, food, tents, sleeping bags, as well as equipment and gear needed to continue fighting the fire had been in the transport vehicles and were all destroyed. 

The crew was left with only the clothes on their backs.

They were in the forest with no transportation out and nowhere to stay.

That night, after walking to a U.S. Forestry Service ranger station, the group could only find lodging an hour away but still had no transportation.

When the American Red Cross was made aware of the firefighters’ situation, they reached out to offer the firefighters a safe place to sleep.

Arrangements were quickly made to transport the group to the Red Cross shelter in Willow Creek. 

“I am very proud we were here to be able to assist the firefighters,” said Red Cross shelter manager Angi Irmer. “In a sense, they were also evacuees and lost what personal belongings they had with them. They were so gracious and very thankful for our help.”

Nineteen firefighters who lost equipment and vehicles in the Six Rivers Lightning Complex spent the night at a Red Cross shelter while they waited for transport back home to El Dorado County, Calif.

“The Red Cross really saved our butts and we can’t thank them enough,” said Chris McClendon, Fire Lead of the Red Hawk crew. “We got beds and help as soon as we walked in.

“They set us up in our own little area in a gym and we were able to sleep all night. We were really well taken care of. The next morning, we met some of the evacuees and got to talk to them. They seemed pretty grateful we had traveled so far to help them. That felt pretty good.”

The 19 firefighters were waiting for a bus to take them home to El Dorado County so they could regroup, restock their equipment, replace lost personal items, and get ready to redeploy to the fire, if needed. 

With all that happened to them, they’re ready to go back.

“We go to this neck of the woods multiple times a year,” McClendon said, “So we’re ready to help, if needed.”

‘It’s all about perspective’

By Michelle Hogue, Volunteer

Bob Dunham and Patty Girdner evacuated from Yreka and got acquainted through their stay at the Red Cross shelter in Weed.  Neither had been in a situation of needing to shelter away from home previously, so they had no idea what to expect when they got there.

Bob and Patty both said they have been “blessed and amazed” by the care they have gotten from the Red Cross volunteers. 

Bob, who has lived in Siskiyou County for 44 years, was not in an area of town that was under a mandatory evacuation, but the unpredictability of the situation and his health concerns affected by the smoke brought him to the shelter.

While he was at the shelter, Bob’s dog, Scooter, was being cared for at the Rescue Ranch dog shelter. His growing up as a military dependent and going through earthquake drills when he was a kid in Japan and Hawaii taught him to be prepared always to “go on a moment’s notice.”

Patty was in a similar situation as Bob.  She said she would love to be a volunteer when she gets back on her feet, health-wise.  Patty said she is very grateful for the support she has received at the Red Cross shelter.

“I’ve never seen the over-abundance of giving like this. I want to volunteer and give back.” 

Both Patty and Bob repeatedly expressed how much they appreciated having the shelter available. Both could often be seen trying to help out in some way around the shelter.

Bob said, “I’m happy for what little I’ve been able to do around the shelter.”

“We’re all in the same boat.  Everybody has come together,” said Patty. “We are all helping each other.”

As Bob and Patty talk about their evacuation experiences, they remain hopeful and eager to get back to their homes. They both noted, “It’s all about perspective,” that “choosing to live in Siskiyou County means choosing to live with the possibility of wildfire.”

Bob said, “Everyone encounters disasters. Each area has its own kind of potential disaster. How you get through it is with the relief from the Red Cross and other organizations – the people showing up just to make donations was unbelievable.  To be hands on with the Red Cross…you guys are wonderful. 

“It’s the heart and empathy that makes people want to be Red Cross volunteers and do the amazing things you’re doing here.”

You can support Red Cross disaster relief efforts by making a financial donation at redcross.org/donate.

First-time Disaster Volunteer Awarded Red Cross Challenge Coin for Exemplary Service

Diedre Cazneaux took it upon herself to run the kitchen at the Red Cross shelter in Siskiyou County.

By Judith Lester, Volunteer

Deidra Cazneaux’s deployment with the California Gold Country Region of the American Red Cross to the McKinney Fire was her first, but it wasn’t obvious.

The McKinney Fire in Siskiyou County displaced some 2,000 residents in late July. That’s when Cazneaux looked straight into the face of the disaster and went right to work.

“I just walked into the shelter kitchen and took over,” she said.

In her days at the shelter, Cazneaux always did her job with a smile, chatting with each evacuee and even advocating for them to ensure partner agencies who provided meals were offering nutritious options.

Shelter manager Bill Hart described Cazneaux, saying, “Deidra is an incredibly positive force in the face of controlled chaos.”

In recognition of her work at the shelter and her positive attitude while on the job, Cazneaux was presented with a Red Cross Disaster Cycle Services challenge coin.

“It’s always been in my heart to serve people,” Cazeneaux said, adding: “It’s an avenue for me to be who God wants me to be.”

Visit redcross.org/volunteer to explore the many opportunities to serve as a Red Cross volunteer.

McKinney Fire Evacuee Pledges to Volunteer for the Red Cross After Her Shelter Experience

Harlene Schwander lost her home in the McKinney Fire and regularly expressed her gratitude for the help she’s received since she evacuated.

By Judith Lester, Volunteer

Harlene Schwander hadn’t driven in years. But she drove herself to the American Red Cross Shelter at the Weed Community Center when her home was destroyed in Siskiyou County’s McKinney Fire.

Schwander was not shy about expressing her appreciation for people who gave her clothing, comfort and care while she was at our shelter.

She told her life story and the circumstances of her evacuation to several news reporters who visited the Weed shelter.

Schwander said she’s planning to volunteer for the American Red Cross after this experience.

“I am amazed at how much you help people mentally and physically— you just buoy people!”

“I am overwhelmed by your kindness,” Schwander said, adding that is why she is planning to join the Red Cross team.

The Red Cross always needs volunteers! Join us by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.