It's wildfire season! And California is once again experiencing devastating wildfires, which have displaced thousands from their homes.

A wildfire can spread very quickly, often leaving very little time to get to safety. The Red Cross urges everyone to get ready for disasters by making preparedness a priority and shares the following tips:

Before a Wildfire

• Be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• Back your car into the garage or park it outside in the direction of your evacuation route.
• Confine pets to one room so you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.If you have time, gather items for pets, like leashes, bowls, toys, and food, and take them with you when you evacuate.
• Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information including your safest escape route. 
• Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Make sure you include a mask and hand sanitizer with your kit. Keep it in the car.
• Don’t wait – evacuate: if you feel threatened or unsafe, you can choose to evacuate at any time. If you receive an official evacuation order, please heed the orders of local

Visit redcross.org/wildfire for information on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from wildfires.

Interested in volunteering? 

Volunteers are urgently needed to help with a busy wildfire and disasters season. And the Red Cross has a special need right now for shelter volunteers and health professionals to help care for people affected by disasters. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteertoday