LOS ANGELES, August 17, 2020 — Effective immediately, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region will close the temporary evacuation point at Highland High School (39055 25th St. West Palmdale, CA 93551) and provide virtual assistance for anyone impacted by the Lake Fire. The Red Cross will continue to monitor the situation and has teams on standby to set up an evacuation site at Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536), if needed.

To date, the Red Cross has helped 15 people affected by the Lake Fire, providing 25 overnight hotel stays and serving more than 70 meals and snacks.

Residents impacted by the Lake Fire in need of assistance, can contact the local Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS.

SEE: Photos from the Highland High School evacuation point (Flickr)

ALSO SEE: B-roll form the Highland High School evacuation point (Vimeo)

The evacuation point is a rest site for those affected to assess their needs and for the Red Cross to 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

• Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
• Check emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply. Keep it nearby. Add masks, hand sanitizer and gloves to your kit as well to protect you from COVID-19.
• If you have time, take photos and videos of the inside and outside of your home.
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. You don’t have to wait for an official evacuation order. If you feel threatened, be sure that you leave with time to spare.
• Confine all pets to one room so you can quickly and easily take them and go if you need to evacuate. Keep pets on leashes or in carriers, as they can scare easily and run-away during disasters like this one.
• Back your car into the driveway for a safer and more efficient way out. Park in an open space facing the direction of escape. Make sure you have at least a ½ tank of gas.
• Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• 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.