PLACER COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The American Red Cross is supporting an emergency shelter at 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. The shelter is open to support 8,800 households without power due to winter weather.

Volunteers are on hand to provide evacuees with food, water and a safe place to sleep. Red Cross services are free and available to all.

For up-to-date information and alerts about emergencies in your area, download the Red Cross emergency app from your app store. It’s free and available to both iPhone and Android users.

The Red Cross urges everyone to be prepared for cold weather emergencies. Follow the steps below to keep your family safe:  

Assemble an emergency kit to take with you when you evacuate. For a detailed list of items to include visit www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html.

Prepare an information kit with important documents like medical, banking and insurance records.

Save a list of emergency numbers on every cellphone.  

Plan ahead for your pets and livestock. Ask local officials where you can bring them.

Plan and practice several evacuation routes from your neighborhood.

Tune in to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.  

Put your emergency kit in your car. Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape, with windows closed and keys in the ignition.

Put your best driver at the wheel. Turn on lights, drive slowly and watch out for emergency vehicles.