Red Cross Opens Shelter For Those Displaced Due to Chariot Fire

Posted 2013-07-08

SAN DIEGO - July 8, 2013 – In response to the Chariot Fire evacuations, American Red Cross disaster workers have transitioned the Temporary Evacuation Point into an overnight shelter at Joan MacQueen Middle School, located at 2001 Tavern Road, Alpine.

The shelter is providing immediate needs of those affected, including a safe place to stay, food and clothing, emotional support and health services. The shelter will remain open until all residents can be relocated or return to their homes.

The San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross is dedicated to assisting those affected by disasters. Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff are on call round-the-clock and are ready to assist in various aspects including disaster assessment, casework, shelter, feeding and more. The local chapter responds to a disaster every 24 hours.

IF A WILDFIRE THREATENS

Wildfires can spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. The Red Cross has important steps people to follow that can lessen the threat of a wildfire. If a wildfire is burning near your neighborhood, back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Confine your pets to one room so you can find them if you need to get out quickly. Listen to local radio and television stations for updated information, and be ready to leave at a moment's notice. These steps will help limit your exposure to smoke:

Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.

Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you do not have air conditioning and it is too hot to stay inside with closed windows, seek shelter elsewhere.

Do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves. Avoid running the vacuum cleaner because it stirs up particles that are already inside your home.

If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your health care provider's advice and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.

More information about how to prepare should a wildfire threaten your community is available on the Red Cross web sites – www.preparesandiego.org or www.redcross.org/sandiego.

About the American Red Cross, San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter

The American Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on the generosity of the American people to provide our programs and services. The San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter is the most trusted community service organization in education, preparation and response to natural disasters and human emergencies. With the public’s ongoing support we provide lifesaving preparedness training; disaster relief services; 24-hour emergency services to deployed military personnel and their families; and nutritional counseling through our Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. For more information about or to support the chapter please contact (858) 309-1200 or visit www.redcross.org/sandiego. Please also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.