Red Cross Opens Shelters for Those Evacuated from Wildfires

The American Red Cross volunteers have opened two emergency evacuation shelters in Jasper County and a shelter in Tyler County. As the fire continues to rage out of control in our Southeast and Deep East chapter area our teams are there ready to support those in need.

As of last night, we had many people show up at our evacuation center in Ebenezer Baptist Church for comfort and support and had 7 stay overnight. In Tyler County we also had 7 people show up last night looking for a place to stay and we were happy to be able to provide that shelter for them at Colmesneil High School. Our shelters will remain open as long as the community needs us.

Jasper County:
Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1277 CR 44, Jasper, TX 75951
Jasper Harvest Church, 1501 South Wheeler, Jasper, TX 75951

Tyler County:
Colmesneil High School, 610 W Elder St, Colmesneil, TX 75938

Anyone is welcome at Red Cross shelters, including those with service animals. Our shelters provide visitors with a place to sleep, meals, beverages, snacks, comfort, and care.

The Red Cross urges everyone to follow evacuation orders from local law enforcement and to have an emergency kit ready to go. Find a shelter by visiting redcross.org/shelters or download the free Red Cross Emergency App, which includes wildfire safety tips. The app is available in app stores by searching for American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

If possible, people who stay in a Red Cross shelter should bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents. It is also recommended to bring special items for children such as diapers, formula, and toys.

The Red Cross delivers help to anyone regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or citizenship status. People who have disaster-caused needs do not need to be American citizens to access Red Cross services.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Help people affected by disasters by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small. Call, click, or text to give: visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.