MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The American Red Cross has opened an Emergency Aid Station in the parking lot of the Barefoot Resort Clubhouse located at 4980 Barefoot Resort Bridge Road in North Myrtle Beach. Red Cross volunteers are offering assistance to meet health and emotional care needs as well as snacks and information. Anyone affected by the wildfires should stop by the Station set up from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily until further notice.

Client caseworkers will be in the affected neighborhoods in both North Myrtle Beach and Conway from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. this week also. They will assist clients whose primary homes were damaged with their emergency, immediate needs. Any fire victims who have not made contact with the American Red Cross about their disaster-caused needs should call the Coastal South Carolina Chapter at 843-477-0020.

“We are taking care of people affected by disaster, and we are taking care of the emergency responders. It’s what we prepare for, and it’s what we do when the time comes. We are proud to serve our community in this role,” said Angela Nicholas, Coastal South Carolina Chapter Chief Executive Officer.

The American Red Cross has served more than 15,000 meals and snacks and delivered more than 300 clean-up and comfort kits since the wildfires in Horry County began Aug. 22.

The aid stations are not drop-off points for goods. If you have goods to donate, please call 2-1-1, the United Way community information line for social services.

The American Red Cross continues to assist area residents displaced by the Horry County wildfires with shelter, food and mental health counseling. In addition, Red Cross volunteers are keeping firefighters and other rescue workers hydrated and fed.

“I don’t know what we would do without the Red Cross, they are providing us with water and food and helping us make sure our guys are well taken care of,” said Horry County Fire Rescue Chief Gary Alderman.

The American Red Cross distributed 455 meals this morning and prepared lunch.

Shelters remain open at the following locations:

• House of Blues, 4640 Highway 17, North Myrtle Beach, 843-272-3000‎ (Note, this information is subject to change at any time. Call 1-800-Red-Cross to verify)

Pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters, but the shelter at Barefoot Community Church, 701 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, has room for 100 people with pets.

Additionally, pets can be brought to the following locations:

• Altman Animal Clinic, 246 9th Avenue Ext., Aynor, 843-358-6745
• Animal Supply House 523 Highway 17 N., North Myrtle Beach, 843-280-8471 – dogs less than 40 pounds and other caged animals
• Meadowlawn Animal Services, 715 Highway 701 S., Loris, 843-756-6560
• Murrells Inlet Veterinary Hospital, 3928 Highway 17, Murrells Inlet, 843-651-3355
• Saint Francis Animal Hospital, Olde Highway 17, Little River, 843-249-1988

Red Cross volunteers and Emergency Response Vehicles are being deployed from across the state to aid in relief efforts.

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• Wear protective clothing–sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.

• Take your pets. The American Red Cross cannot accept pets in shelters due to FDA regulations; however the Red Cross has partnered with local animal hospitals and rescue organizations to make arrangement for pets. There is limited space for evacuees’ pets at either the Murrells Inlet Veterinary Hospital at 843-651-3355 or the Saint Frances Animal Hospital at 843-249-1988.

• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.

• Lock your home.

• Tell someone when you left and where you are going. Also, register on the Red Cross website, Safe and Well.

• Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

We urge all those who have evacuated or who expect to evacuate to register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website.

• This tool allows people in disaster-affected areas to register their well-being using several pre-scripted messages. Family and friends can then log on and search for registered individuals to learn of their whereabouts and safety. People without access to a computer or without electricity or connectivity can call the Red Cross (1-800-REDCROSS) for help registering, or contact a loved one to register on their behalf.

• Please note that the Safe and Well site safeguards the privacy of the disaster victim. Although these messages will be viewable by friends or family members who conduct a successful search, the site does not reveal a specific location or contact information.

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South Carolina - A wildfire started in Conway is being spread rapidly by 30 mph winds causing over 2,500 people in the area to be evacuated.

The Red Cross had three shelters opened last night and will provide additional shelters if needed. We are also providing food to the effected residents and emergency workers. We are currently mobilizing additional supplies and workers to assist in relief efforts.

If you need Red Cross services, please contact 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767).

Chapters Responding:

• ARC of Central South Carolina
• Coastal South Carolina Chapter
• Pee Dee Chapter