LOS ANGELES, August 17, 2022 — American Red Cross Los Angeles Region volunteers from the Greater Long Beach and South Bay Chapter responded to an apartment complex fire impacting as many as 60 people in Torrance on Tuesday evening. In partnership with the City of Torrance, the Red Cross is providing emergency shelter, food, water, health and emotional support services to anyone impacted by the fire. The shelter is located at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Dr., Toyota Meeting Hall.

Every day, people are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters. Single- and multi-family fires account for 90 percent of all disaster responses. Trained and available disaster response volunteers are ready for these emergencies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From offering a caring and compassionate ear, to meeting immediate needs for shelter or supplies, to connecting people with recovery services, our volunteers ensure that families do not have to face tough times alone.

STAY SAFE FROM HOME FIRES

Since the beginning of 2022, Red Cross volunteers responded to 703 home fires in Los Angeles, providing more than 1,990 residents support and guidance through their disaster recovery journey. We want everyone to be safe with working smoke alarms — which can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. The Red Cross urges everyone to follow these safety tips to prevent fires and keep everyone safe:

1. Test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home before it is too late.
2. In your escape plan, include at least two ways to exit every room in your home. 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.
3. While practicing your escape plan, teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.
4. Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.
5. Also check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they likely need to be replaced. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.

For home fire safety resources and tips, visit redcross.org/fire or download the free Red Cross Emergency App (search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go 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/la or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.