(FLAGSTAFF) June 20, 2010 – The Red Cross shelter opened yesterday (Saturday) in response to the Hardy Fire, will remain open until further notice. Eleven area residents stayed in the shelter overnight Saturday. The shelter is located at Mount Elden Middle School, 3223 N. Fourth St., in Flagstaff. Red Cross volunteers are on hand to ensure those evacuated have a safe place to sleep, food and emotional support until they can safely return home. The Red Cross has partnered with The Salvation Army who is providing meals at the shelter for shelter residents.

The Eagle Rock and Hardy Fires are a reminder of how important it is to be ready in the event of an evacuation. The Red Cross encourages people to prepare ahead of time and offers these three simple steps:

Build a Kit: Pack three days of food, water and supplies in a bag. Also include medications, important documents, contact information, battery-operated radio, first aid kit, map, money, tools, personal supplies, pet supplies.

Make a Plan: Establish responsibilities to each member of your family and work together as a team. Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept. Develop a family communication plan.

Be Informed: Know your region and the types of disaster that can happen in your community. Also determine how you would get information during a disaster or emergency.

More information is available at www.arizonaredcross.org. Click here to view an online video presentation.

About the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter

The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter is where volunteers from across central, western and northern Arizona come together to help people in need every day. The volunteer-led organization serves more than 5.2 million people in communities across Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the financial generosity of Arizona neighbors to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.arizonaredcross.org or call 1-800-842-7349. To give blood, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.