Luther Red Cross Shelter to Remain Open, Others Close

March 16 — The American Red Cross of Oklahoma continues its disaster relief efforts after wildfires in multiple counties.

Over 50 Red Cross disaster workers are currently on the ground to support impacted communities. Since Friday, we have provided approximately 160 overnight shelter stays and served almost 1,220 meals.

With residents allowed to return to areas under threat of wildfires, all evacuation centers are now closed. Several shelters remain open for Oklahomans displaced from their homes or needing services.

Payne County Fairgrounds Community Building
4518 Expo Circle E, Stillwater

Luther Community Center
18120 Hog Back Road, Luther

First Methodist Church of Mannford
100 Greenwood E Ave., Mannford

Grand Casino Grand Eagle Room
777 Grand Casino Blvd., Shawnee

You can access these services even if you don’t need a place to sleep; anyone with a disaster-related need can visit the shelter to learn about available resources. Everyone is welcome at a Red Cross shelter, and all disaster assistance is free.

The Red Cross continues to work with emergency management officials to understand and meet communities’ needs. If you need assistance, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) 24 hours a day. During large disasters, it can take time to connect with all impacted communities. Calling this toll-free number can help us and other relief organizations provide support to those who need it.

CRITICAL to EXTREME fire danger returns to Oklahoma on Monday and Tuesday. You may have to leave your home quickly to stay safe. Have a go-kit with three days of supplies ready. Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. Have different escape routes from your home and community. Practice these routes so everyone in your household is familiar with them. Be sure to understand how your community will respond to a wildfire. Visit redcross.org/wildfire for preparation info and resources.

How to help
Families need support today. Please click, text or call to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like wildfires, storms and countless other crises. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Staying safe after a wildfire

• Wait for officials to say it is safe before going back home.
• Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire.
• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires. They can electrocute you.
• Watch for pits in the ground filled with ash. They may have hot embers underneath that could burn you. Mark them for safety, and warn your family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits.

Clean up safely:

• Follow public health rules and wear safety equipment.
• Avoid direct contact with ash.
• Protect yourself against ash when you clean up. Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks to protect your skin. Wear goggles to protect your eyes. Wear an N95 respirator to limit how much ash you breathe in.
• Wash off ash that gets on your skin or in your eyes or mouth as soon as you can.
• Children, pregnant women, and people with asthma, heart, or lung conditions should not breathe in dust from ash

Tips to stay healthy:

• Wildfires can make drinking water unsafe. Check with your local health department about drinking water safety.
• When in doubt, throw it out! Do not eat food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, fumes, or chemicals.
• Ask your healthcare provider or doctor about using refrigerated medicines.

Take care of yourself:

• It’s normal to have a lot of feelings.
• Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
• You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs’ to 66746

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