The American Red Cross is on the scene offering evacuees a safe place to stay as wildfires in California force people from their homes and scorch thousands of acres. So far, nearly 500 people took refuge from the smoke and fire in Red Cross shelters.

“If you are ordered to leave your home, please do it immediately,” said Joe Becker, Red Cross senior vice president for disaster services, “These wildfires can be very dangerous. You will find a safe place to stay, a warm meal, and a shoulder to lean on at your community’s shelters.”

Find your loved ones
Those affected by the fires can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well web site, an easy way to notify loved ones of their well-being. People can either place the call themselves, or have someone do it for them. Registration can be done by visiting www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Friends and family can then search for their message by using their phone number or address.

How you can help
Help people affected by disasters like the current wildfires, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for disasters and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution.