Volunteers from the American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin have opened a shelter for residents affected by the fire at the Patrick Cudahy plant. Red Cross volunteers are also providing meals, snacks and water to emergency responders fighting the fire and managing the evacuations.

Approximately 10,000 residents are being asked to evacuate to Mitchell Elementary School, 5950 S. Illinois Ave., where they will be registered and then transported to South Milwaukee High School, 801 15th Ave. As of 2 p.m., almost 225 people were staying at the shelter. Volunteers will be on hand to assist affected residents until officials decide it is safe for them to return to their homes.

To make sure your family is prepared to evacuate quickly if a disaster like this hit your area, visit our Get Prepared page for a list of items you need to have in your go kit.

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.