I had to evacuate my home, what do I do next?

Personal safety comes first, officials have stressed as thousands of people in Southern California have evacuated their homes.

If you're told to leave have to leave, go immediately. If you're told you might need to leave, get ready.

Making an evacuation plan

• Cheat sheet: Your very short guide to getting packed up right now to evacuate
• Cheat sheet: A very short guide for how to leave your house if you need to evacuate

If you have more time:

• Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you

Things to consider

• Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
• This is why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home

Where is my nearest shelter?

To locate shelters near you, text "SHELTER" and your zip code to 43362. You can also call the Red Cross at (800) 733-2767. You can also call 211 for services that might match fire victims with temporary housing.

Check this CalFire page for more information on Southern California centers. The following shelters are among those operating now:

Palisades Fire:

• Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd. (accepts small animals)
• Pasadena Convention Center: 300 E Green St, Pasadena
• El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills

Eaton Fire (Pasadena, Altadena)

• Pasadena Convention Center — 300 E. Green St., Pasadena | Parking is available at the parking structure across the street, at 155 E. Green St.
• Westwood Recreation Center — 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles
• El Camino Real Charter High School — 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills
• Pomona Fairplex — 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona

Hurst Fire (Sylmar)

• Ritchie Valens Recreation Center —10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima

What about my animals, small and large?

The Red Cross says if you’re able to drop off your pet at an animal shelter, that’s the best move. If not, some community shelters will be able to help you place your animal.

Samuel Vasquez, community organizer at Nature for All, said you should leave your horses’ stalls unlocked and tag the animals so the rescue effort is easier. He also shared these Facebook groups that help horse owners; Southern California Equine Emergency Evacuation; Burbank-Glendale-Griffith Park Equestrian.

Some vets and animal hospitals are housing their clients' pets for free. Call your vet and ask if they have free housing for your pup or cat.

Small Animals:

• El Camino High School, 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills American Red Cross Sheltering Site with mobile animal shelter for small animals only
• Agoura Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills
• Baldwin Park Animal Care Center, 4275 Elton St., Baldwin Park
• Carson Animal Care Center, 216 W Victoria St., Gardena
• Castaic Animal Care Center, 31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic
• Downey Animal Care Center, 11258 Garfield Ave., Downey
• Lancaster Animal Care Center, 5210 W Ave. I, Lancaster
• Palmdale Animal Care Center, 38550 Sierra Hwy., Palmdale
• Pasadena Humane Society, 361 S Raymond Ave., Pasadena

Large Animals:

• Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona
• Industry Hills Expo, 16200 Temple Ave., City of Industry
• LA Equestrian, 480 Riverside Dr., Burbank
• Castaic Animal Care Center, 31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic
• Pico Rivera Sports Arena, 11003 Sports Arena Dr, Pico Rivera

What do I bring to the shelter?

The Red Cross recommended the following:

• Prescription medication
• Extra clothing
• Pillows and blankets
• Hygiene products
• Important documents
• Diapers, formula, toys if you have children

What will I find at the shelter?

The Red Cross put out the following list:

• Meals, snacks and water
• Health services (for disaster-related conditions), such as first aid, refilling lost prescriptions or replacing lost eyeglasses
• Emotional support and mental health services
• Charging stations for cell phones and medical devices
• Emergency supplies to help clean up after a disaster
• Access to multi-agency disaster-related resources in the community
• Access to caseworkers to help you with disaster recovery planning and financial assistance for those who qualify

Other services offered at Red Cross centers:

• Spiritual care
• Help reconnecting with loved ones
• During some emergencies, they may also be able to provide other important services, such as;
  
  • Childcare
  • Laundry

When can I go back home?

Experts have said red flag conditions will continue until Thursday and it may not be safe to go back home until extreme weather is over.

For the most up-to-date information about the fires you can check:

• CalFire incident page
• L.A. Fire Dept. via X
• Latest evacuation map

Listen to our Big One podcast

Resources to prep and cope with wildfire

• Wildfires are getting worse. What you need to know
• Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you
• Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
• How to keep yourself safe from wildfire smoke
• This is why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home
• What does 'containment' of a fire mean, exactly
• What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
• If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer