LOS ANGELES — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region has closed its two overnight shelters for residents affected by the Getty Fire following the announcement that evacuation orders have been lifted.

More than 250 Red Cross volunteers donated their time to help staff and support five evacuation centers and then transition them to two overnight shelters for more than 450 residents. The staff served more than 3,000 meals and snacks and handed out more than 400 comfort kits with personal hygiene items.

The Red Cross has closed the following two shelters:

• Westwood Recreation Center 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025
• Palisades Recreation Center 851 Alma Real Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

With this closure, the Red Cross is shifting into recovery activities by delivering emergency supplies to those directly affected by the Getty Fire. Caseworkers also will be assessing the damage and meeting with families individually to help them plan their recovery. The Red Cross will have mental health and spiritual care workers available for those feeling the need for extra support. Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff are on call around-the-clock and ready to assist in various aspects including sheltering, feeding, disaster assessment, casework, and more.

“As our work begins to move into recovery mode, the work is far from over for our neighboring regions, who are still providing safe spaces for those affected” said Jarrett Barrios, CEO of the Red Cross LA. “For most of the month of October, the Red Cross has been responding to wildfires that have been erupting all around our county, the latest being the Getty Fire. Though it’s been exhausting, we’ll continue to band together and serve all those affected because the Red Cross is committed to helping all those in need. Just this week as we responded to the Getty Fire, we also sent 13 of our volunteers and staffers to Northern California to help with the Kincaid Fire.”

The Red Cross is continuing to aid those affected by the Tick Fire by taking part in the Local Assistance Center that brings together community organizations to discuss disaster recovery services. Red Cross caseworkers will continue to reach out to families displaced by the Tick Fire, assessing damages and linking resources to those in need.

Returning Home After A Wildfire

• Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe to do so.
• Inspect the roof immediately and extinguish any sparks or embers. Wildfires may have left embers that could reignite.
• Check your home for embers that could cause fires. Look for signs of a fire including smoke or sparks.
• Avoid damaged or downed power lines, poles and wires.
• Keep your animals under your direct control. Hidden embers and hot spots could burn them.
• Wet down debris to minimize breathing in dust particles. • Wear leather gloves and shoes with heavy soles.
• Throw out any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Visit redcross.org or download the free Red Cross Emergency App for more preparedness tips and safety checklists, localizable alerts, Shelter Locator and more. 

Follow @RedCrossLA on Twitter for the latest updates on our disaster relief efforts, shelter information and more.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.