Officials: Sheltering assistance still available for LNU Lightning Complex evacuees

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As the LNU Lightning Complex fires continue, county officials said they want to ensure that evacuees are aware of the sheltering support available through the Lake County Department of Social Services, Lake County Health Services Department and the American Red Cross, as well as any additional services that may be of help during these difficult times.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the county can’t safely open large congregate shelters as has been the case during previous fires.

“We are appreciative of the number of people who have found shelter alternatives, leaving county-run sheltering available to those most in need,” said Crystal Markytan, director of the Lake County Department of Social Services.

If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone and need shelter, the Social Services Department has partnered with the American Red Cross to open a shelter at Kelseyville High School. Report to the temporary evacuation point in the Kelseyville High School parking lot.

At the temporary evacuation point you will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure by Social Services personnel. Where you are directed to shelter will depend on whether you are COVID-19 positive or symptomatic or in a high-risk or vulnerable category for COVID-19.

Other current sheltering counts are as follows:

– 62 vehicles have passed through the temporary evacuation point.
– 52 evacuees have been screened for shelter placement.
– 45 evacuees in American Red Cross supported shelter locations.
– Multiple evacuees have visited the temporary evacuation point for shelter information.

The Lake County Health Services Department continues to provide shelter assistance to those individuals requiring COVID-19 isolation or quarantine.

The Area Agency on Aging for Lake and Mendocino Counties continues to operate under COVID-19 restrictions with staff working remotely. Area senior centers continue to follow their operating plans with COVID-19 adjustments in place.

Please note – if you are a recipient of home-delivered meals and you remain in an area that is under a mandatory evacuation order (not an advisory evacuation warning) your center will not be able to deliver meals to you. Home-delivered meal drivers cannot enter an area that has been deemed unsafe by local officials.

Adult Services is reaching out to their most vulnerable clients and referring to additional services if needed.

If you are evacuated and your animals are within the evacuation order zone, please call the Lake County Animal Shelter at 707-263-0278.

Visit http://gispublic.co.lake.ca.us/ for updated evacuation and fire maps.

Individuals and business owners who have sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance registering online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.