LOS ANGELES, September 10, 2020 — Effective immediately, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region will close the temporary evacuation point at Santa Anita Park (285 W Huntington Dr. Arcadia, CA 91007) and will provide virtual assistance for anyone impacted by the Bobcat Fire. The Red Cross will continue to monitor the situation and has teams on standby to reopen the evacuation site, if needed.

SEE: Photos from the Santa Anita Park evacuation point (Flickr)

To date, the Red Cross has helped 10 people affected by the Bobcat Fire, providing each person overnight hotel accommodations, including serving meals and snacks and providing resources to help get back on their feet and address the evacuation.

Residents impacted by the Bobcat Fire in need of assistance, can contact the local Red Cross via the Disaster Distress Hotline at 800-675-5799.

The Red Cross sets up evacuation points as a rest site for those affected to assess their needs and present lodging options. Volunteers provide snacks, water and COVID-19 safety resources, all while following DPH and CDC COVID-19 safety protocols. Red Cross volunteers maintained social distancing, sanitizing routines and health checks.

Red Cross LA is dedicated to helping those affected by disasters. We work closely with local emergency management teams and our partners to coordinate relief efforts. Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff are on call round-the-clock and ready to assist in aspects such as providing shelter, meals, disaster assessment, resources and more.

WILDFIRE SAFETY: RETURNING HOME

• Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
• Do not enter your home until fire officials say it is safe.
• Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up without warning.
• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles and downed wires.
• Watch for ash pits and mark them for safety — warn family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits also.
• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control. Hidden embers and hot spots could burn your pets’ paws or hooves.
• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks.
• Wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.
• Wear leather gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect hands and feet.
• Cleaning products, paint, batteries and damaged fuel containers need to be disposed of properly to avoid risk.
• Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for more preparedness tips and safety checklists, localizable alerts, Shelter Locator and more.

Please follow @RedCrossLA on Twitter for the latest updates. Visit redcross.org/wildfire for information on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from wildfires.

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.