LAKE COUNTY— As the LNU Lightning Complex fires continue, Lake County officials noted that they want to ensure that evacuees are aware of the sheltering support available through the Lake County Department of Social Services (LCDSS), Lake County Health Services Department (LCHS), and the American Red Cross (ARC) as well as any additional services that may be of help.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not able to safely open large congregate shelters as we have during previous fires,” noted Crystal Markytan, director of Lake County Department of Social Services in a news release. “We are appreciative of the number of people who have found shelter alternatives, leaving county run sheltering available to those most in need.”
Markytan added that If you are a resident in a mandatory evacuation zone and need shelter, LCDSS has partnered with the American Red Cross to open a shelter at Kelseyville High School. Officials are asking evacuated residents to report to the Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) in the Kelseyville High School parking lot, stating that at the TEP they will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure by LCDSS personnel. She added that “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.”
County officials reported current sheltering counts are as follows:
- 62 vehicles have passed through the TEP.
- 52 evacuees have been screened for shelter placement.
- 45 evacuees in American Red Cross supported shelter locations.
- Multiple evacuees have visited the TEP for shelter information.
LCHS 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. Officials noted: 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.
Other resources available to evacuees:
- If you are evacuated and your animals are within the evacuation order zone, please call the Lake County Animal Shelter at (707) 263-0278.
- Sheriff Brian Martin’s Facebook Page is updated often with evacuation and fire information.
- Visit http://gispublic.co.lake.ca.us/ for updated evacuation and fire maps.
- Listen to KPFZ 88.1 FM radio for official updates on air.
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.
Community Meeting
Tonight at 6 p.m., CAL FIRE and the County of Lake will be hosting a second virtual community meeting.
Participants in the event are expected to include representatives from CAL FIRE and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and also partnering agencies that have been crucial to Lake County’s response to this wildfire event; representatives of the Red Cross, County Health and Social Services Agencies, Lake County Behavioral Health Services, and more, will be available to answer constituent questions. Elected representatives have also been invited.
“Responding to the wildfire threats in our region and keeping people and property safe are our top priorities right now,” noted Lake County Sheriff, Brian Martin. “A significant part of that is making sure people have the information they need as the situation continues to develop. The professionals that are participating in this meeting are carrying a lot of responsibility right now, and we are glad they have again answered the call, and will be available to provide information and answer questions on Thursday night.”
A live stream will again be posted at http://www.facebook.com/lakecountycagov/. Officials ask that most people listen in via this feed.
Questions can be emailed ahead of time, to vision@lakecountyca.gov, or posted as comments in the Facebook live stream.
A limited number of County residents can also participate and ask questions in real-time via Zoom:
https://lakecounty.zoom.us/j/94612629840?pwd=Y3pONVN5VnQ1YlFmSnZSRkI2U044dz09
Meeting ID: 946 1262 9840
Passcode: 288749
One tap mobile:
+16699006833,,94612629840#,,,,,,0#,,288749# US (San Jose)
Lake County residents that don’t have a reliable internet connection can listen or participate by dialing 1-669-900-6833. Please be prepared to enter the Meeting ID and Passcode listed above.
This is a fully virtual meeting; the County is not providing a physical location where people can attend.
“Please join us Thursday evening at 6 p.m.,” said Martin. “We have a great panel, and they are there to ensure you have the information you need. Send us your questions ahead, if you can, and we’ll look forward to taking your questions via Zoom and Facebook during the event, as well.”
