LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2020 – Yesterday, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region responded to two fires providing support in the form of shelters and food to affected families and Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters. Even during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, emergencies don’t stop and neither does the Red Cross.

SEE: Photos of Red Cross LA Disaster Team Response to Downtown LA structure fire (Flickr)

Saturday night a team of Red Cross disaster workers provided water, snacks and coffee to the firefighters who responded to a fire and explosion at a hash oil manufacturer in downtown Los Angeles.

“Yesterday's events are a reminder that while we are Safer at Home, fires will still happen and we are thankful for the quick actions of our volunteers and employees to provide as much support as possible,” said Jarrett Barrios, CEO for the Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “We are facing a new normal, and the Red Cross has had to readjust how we respond while keeping all safety precautions in mind. Thank you LAFD for your continued bravery and for keeping LA safe.”

Earlier that day, Red Cross disaster workers also provided comfort and care to 76 individuals affected by an apartment fire in the 4000 block of Main Street. The disaster workers practiced social distancing as they provided affected families warm meals and a safe place to stay. The families received hotel stays, and the Red Cross is continuing to provide food and will work with individuals to begin the recovery process.

Since February, Red Cross workers have helped more than 53,000 people recover from more than 13,000 home fires nationwide. While Red Cross volunteers have adapted their physical response to home fires, their commitment to helping people in need remains unwavering.

TEST SMOKE ALARMS AND PRACTICE YOUR TWO-MINUTE DRILL

As we continue to stay home practicing social distancing, Red Cross LA encourages everyone to take this time to test their smoke alarms and practice their home fire escape plans.

Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half and having a home fire escape plan further increases the odds of survival. In fact, fire experts say that you have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly. Place them inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Create and practice your home fire escape plan until everyone in your household can get out in two minutes or less. Include at least two ways to escape every room. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.

Learn more about home fire safety and preparedness at preparesocal.org.

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.