With wildfire season around the corner, authorities in Walnut Creek held a drill to test their response in case the Rossmoor neighborhood had to be evacuated because of a rapidly advancing fire.
The Tice Valley gymnasium was converted into an emergency shelter, complete with cots and medical assistance. American Red Cross authorities say the needs of this community are different than other areas.
"Rossmoor has a 55 and above age limit. So by definition there are quite a few elderly people there. There are schools nearby. There are a few assisted living centers nearby," said Red Cross volunteer Rick Palmer.
The Red Cross is also preparing to provide assistance for pets, simulated on Thursday with stuffed animals. It's a lesson they say they learned after the chaos of Hurricane Katrina.
