The Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up shop at the Fresno Fairgrounds to assist the thousands of people in the Central Valley who have been affected by the recent storms.
FEMA’s aid comes amid new evacuation orders in Tulare County on Wednesday.
The big picture: FEMA set up 60 trailers at the fairgrounds that provide water, food and shelter to house around 20,000 people for three days.
- FEMA’s use of the fairgrounds offers a central location to help those in need from Fresno, Madera and Tulare Counties.
Driving the news: On Wednesday Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux issued an evacuation order for parts of Porterville.
- The evacuation order is for all residences, businesses and structures on both sides of the Tule River from Richard L. Schafer Dam at Lake Success to the east side of Road 284.
- Tulare County deputies went door-to-door to notify residents throughout the night.
- The entire city of Porterville is also under a state of emergency due to the storms.
State of play: Along with the FEMA site at the Fresno Fairgrounds, Tulare County has set up emergency shelters for anyone ordered to evacuate their homes.
- The shelters are located at the Exeter Veterans Memorial Building, the Porterville College Gym and the Dinuba Memorial Hall.
What they’re saying: The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office posted a message from Boudreaux encouraging people to not panic.
- “I want to reassure you that we have many people in place that are working hard each and every day. We are prepared for this, as I have told you before, but it’s important for everyone not to panic,” Boudreaux said. “What is important is to listen to the information that we’re giving when it comes to evacuation warnings or evacuations please take them seriously. When roads are blocked off please don’t go around those road signs. Listen to the information that’s coming out. I promise you that we’re going to be OK, but we need everyone to really use good judgment, good common sense. Pay attention to the information we’re putting out there.”
