Riverside, Calif. – November 1, 2019 — In response to evacuation orders being lifted throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and with needs of shelter residents met, the local Red Cross has closed the shelters and care & reception centers that were operated throughout the Hillside and 46 Fires.

Anyone who lost their home in one of these fires can seek Red Cross assistance by calling the American Red Cross Disaster Dispatch at (855) 243-3815.

Since requested by authorities on Wednesday, October 30, the local Red Cross has provided for the immediate needs of people affected by the Water Fire, Hill Fire, Dexter Fire, Hillside Fire and 46 Fire. Red Cross shelters and care & reception centers offer displaced individuals a safe place for people to stay, meals, snacks, beverages, comfort kits, emotional support and more.

We continue to work closely with our local partners and emergency management officials to coordinate response efforts moving forward. Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff are on call round-the-clock and ready to assist in various aspects including sheltering, feeding, disaster assessment, casework and more.

Returning Home After a Wildfire

• 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.
• 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.
• Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Inspect the roof immediately and extinguish any sparks or embers. Wildfires may have left burning embers that could reignite.
• Take precautions while cleaning your property. You may be exposed to potential health risks from hazardous materials.
• Debris should be wetted down to minimize health impacts from breathing dust particles.
• Use a two-strap dust particle mask with nose clip and coveralls for the best minimal protection.
• Wear leather gloves to protect hands from sharp objects while removing debris.
• 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 @RedCrossDTS on Twitter for the latest updates on our disaster relief efforts, shelter information, and more.

About the American Red Cross Desert to the Sea Region: 
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. The American Red Cross Desert to the Sea Region has proudly served Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for more than 100 years. For more information, please visit redcross.org/dts or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossDTS or Facebook at facebook.com/RedCrossDTS. 

# # #