Human Resources

Mass Care Shelters - Evacuation Centers

You've evacuated due to evacuation orders and/or the impact of a catastrophe; where do you and you family go now. These types of shelters provide life sustaining services to disaster survivors. Even though mass care shelters often provide water, food, medicine and basic sanitary facilities, you should plan to take your emergency supply kit with you so you will have the supplies you need. Mass care sheltering can involve living with many people in a confined space, which can be difficult and unpleasant. Be prepared to take cleaning items with you like, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces. All shelters accept service animals, but many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.

• Search for open shelters by texting SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362. Example: Shelter 01234 (standard rates apply). Learn more by visiting: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/.
• Emergency Shelter - DisasterAssistance.gov

The following counties offer evacuation centers to provide temporary emergency housing:

• Riverside County
• San Bernardino County
• Los Angeles County
• University of California (UCR)
• California Statewide Alerts

Sheltering in Place

Whether you are at home, work or anywhere else you frequent regularly, there may be situations when it's best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside.

Here are some indicators and steps to take if the situation arises:

• Use common sense and available information to assess the situation and determine if there is immediate danger.
• If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated you may want to take this kind of action.

Here are some tips for sheltering in place:

• Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do.
• Pay attention to local media outlets for official news and instructions as they become available.
• Bring your family and pets inside.
• Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers.
• Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems.
• Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated.
• Go into an interior room with few windows if possible.
• Seal all windows, doors and air vents with thick plastic sheeting and duct tape.
  • Consider measuring and cutting the sheeting in advance to save time.
  • Cut the plastic sheeting several inches wider than the openings and label each sheet.
  • Duct tape plastic at corners first and then tape down all edges.
  • Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to seal gaps so that you create a barrier between yourself and any contamination.

Animal Shelters - Evacuation Centers

During a catastrophic event, your pets and other animals in your care need the same attention for their safety as you in your family - if it's not safe for you to stay behind then it's not safe to leave pets behind either. Many evacuation centers including those by the Red Cross do not accept pets/animals in their centers (service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed). If you do not know where to shelter your pets or animals, the following are resources that may be able to help you during a catastrophic event.

Animal/Pet Safety

The following tips are offered during a catastrophic event:

Your pet's and animal's behavior may change dramatically during and after a disaster, becoming aggressive or defensive. Be aware of their well being and protect them from hazards to ensure the safety of other people and animals.

Shelter/Safety Resources

• Riverside Emergency Animal Rescue System (REARS)
  6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA | (888) 636-7387 (PETS)
  • REARS is the primary system: It's responsible for all aspects of animal care during disasters and extraordinary emergencies. 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA
    • Countywide deployment: REARS can be activated anywhere in Riverside County to support emergency efforts. Includes all animal types:
    • REARS handles both domestic pets and livestock.
    • Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) is the lead agency: RCDAS is responsible for rescue, care, and welfare of animals.
• Moreno Valley Animal Services
  14041 Elsworth Street, Moreno valley, CA | (951) 413-3790
  • Under the umbrella of the City of Moreno Valley government, this agency will be able to help with their wide range of partners, to help with sheltering needs and also with finding a lost pet or animal during due to a catastrophic event.
• San Bernardino Emergency Regional Animal Care Resources
  • This county agency offers information and resources during catastrophic events. They will be able to direct you to animal sheltering locations as well as help with finding and caring for lost animals and pets.
• OC Animal Cares
  This Orange County agency will help you during a catastrophic event with resources to direct you to sheltering locations, information to keep you animals safe during and after a disaster.
• Orange County Animal Services
  The Orange County Government offers four pet-friendly shelters which are announced by the Office of Emergency Management during catastrophic events. In addition, lists of pet-friendly hotels will be available online.
• LA County Animal Care & Control Emergency Response
  This Department is prepared to respond to most disasters within their service area. They have Mutual Assistance Agreements with other animal care and control agencies within and outside of Los Angeles County. To help ease the anxiety (of both the pet and pet owner) during these times, the department utilizes rescue trailers that can house displaced animals near their owners at Red Cross centers.

Emergency Hospitals/Centers

During a catastrophe, emergency care involves assessing the situation, calling for help, and providing basic care to those affected, including first aid and CPR. It also includes preparing for emergencies by having essential supplies and developing a disaster plan.

Follow these steps:

1. Basic Emergency Procedures: Remain Calm
2. Assess the situation and make sound decisions
3. Call for Help: If needed, call the local emergency number
4. Protect Yourself and Others: Take action to protect yourself and others
5. Follow Instructions: Follow instructions from emergency personnel

Regional counties have comprehensive systems for handling catastrophic medical events, encompassing emergency medical services (EMS), trauma centers, and disaster response. All counties partner with fire and police departments for rescue and medical support. In the event you require emergency assistance, dial 911 and visit your regional emergency medical hospital: