LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With residents of the evacuated areas of Lake County waiting to hear if their homes have been damaged or destroyed by the Valley fire, officials said assessments are getting started.

The Lake County Office of Emergency Services said that teams began rolling out on Monday to assess the homes and structures, noting the assessment could take up to five days. 

In the meantime, the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site can help people notify friends and family who are concerned for their well being.

You can list yourself at the Safe and Well website by clicking the "List Myself as Safe and Well" button at the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site, https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php .

If you need to search for loved ones you can click the “Search Registrants” button on the Web site to view your loved one's first name, last name and a brief message. 

Evacuated residents that need to check on the status of pets and other animals can call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

If you have been evacuated and are in need of critical medication there are registered nurses and licensed mental health providers at all Red Cross and County of Lake operated shelters who can provide three-day prescriptions that can be filled at nearby pharmacies. 

The listing of pharmacies, along with other resources, is available on the Lake County Local Assistance Center Web site, www.lakecountylac.com .

At this time Lake OES is assessing the need for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering to help with the Valley fire you can register online with North Coast Opportunities at www.ncoinc.org . 

Click on “Lake County Valley Fire Volunteer” under “Most Recent Opportunities” and then hit “Apply.” You will be contacted when a volunteer need arises that meets your availability and skillset. 

For additional updates please follow Lake County OES on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LakeCountyOES and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/LAKECOUNTYOES .