Media Contact: Taylor Poisall
(559) 513-1656 | taylor.poisall2@redcross.org

KERN COUNTY, JULY 29, 2024 – The American Red Cross and our partners have been working tirelessly to make sure that the people who have been impacted by the Borel Fire have a safe place to stay and are being provided disaster services with expert care.

RED CROSS RESPONSE Dozens of trained Red Cross disaster workers continue to support nearly 40 evacuees at the emergency shelters located at Tehachapi Education Center and Burroughs High School, where they are providing safe shelter, food, emotional and spiritual support, health services, relief supplies and other services. The Central California Animal Disaster Team and Kern County Animal Services are onsite to provide shelter to more than 30 small household pets.

Everyone is welcome at a Red Cross shelter and all disaster assistance is free. We provide aid to all those in need, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or citizenship status. We don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a Red Cross shelter, just their name and where they were living before the disaster. The Red Cross is also committed to helping people with a wide range of needs, including people with disabilities and mental illnesses, whether they are children or seniors. As the wildfire continues to grow and impacts additional neighborhoods for extended periods of time, the shelters can serve as a cool place to rest, charge devices, pick up meals or gather information. Residents are not required to stay overnight at our shelters to receive services.

Find shelter information on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-
800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). You can also find shelters by following your local Red Cross and local emergency officials on social media, or by monitoring local news.

If possible, we encourage people who plan to stay in a shelter to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents. Don’t forget to bring any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, or for family members who have unique needs.

YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like fires, hurricanes and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer today to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up for opportunities across the Kern County and the Eastern Sierra Chapter.

DONATION OF GOODS We know that people are generous and want to do everything they can to help after a disaster. Our first priority is to provide shelter and support to those affected — and financial donations are the quickest and best way to help those who need it most. When possible, the Red Cross partners with organizations that manage donations of goods as part of their primary mission. In all cases, due to health code regulations, the Red Cross cannot accept donations of homecooked meals or food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen.

If you are affected by wildfires? You can find safety steps here. Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.