Media Contact:       

Christine Welch, Communications Director 
Email: christine.welch@redcross.org
Phone: 909-374-0376     

                                                     

Volunteers Supporting Around-the-Clock Relief Effort 

SAN DIEGO — May 2, 2021 — The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties continues to aid those affected by the Southern Fire. Since requested by authorities at the outbreak of the fire, disaster workers are supporting a temporary evacuation point at Agua Caliente Campgrounds. To access this temporary evacuation point, evacuees should travel to 39545 Great Southern Overland Stage Route, near the Agua Caliente General Store. Once at this address, signage will direct evacuees to continue traveling south about 1/4 mile, where they will see the ranger station where Red Cross volunteers are located, ready to provide assistance to anyone who has been displaced by the fire. A virtual assistance line is also available at 571-595-7910.

The Red Cross is currently providing food, emergency lodging in hotel rooms, health services and more for more than 70 individuals who were displaced by the fire. All services are being delivered in accordance with COVID-19 safety precautions.

Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff remain on call around-the-clock and are ready to assist in various aspects including sheltering, feeding, disaster assessment, casework and more. The Red Cross shares the following tips:

Before a Wildfire

• Be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• Back your car into the garage or park it outside in the direction of your evacuation route.
• Confine pets to one room so you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information including your safest escape route.
• Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Make sure you include a mask and hand sanitizer with your kit. Keep it in the car.
• Don’t wait – evacuate: if you feel threatened or unsafe, you can choose to evacuate at any time. If you receive an official evacuation order, please heed the orders of local authorities and follow all instructions.

Please follow @SoCal_RedCross 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 Southern California 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 public to perform its mission. The Red Cross Southern California Region proudly serves San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial Counties. In addition to carrying out disaster preparedness and response programs, blood collection, health and safety training, international services programs and supporting the military community, the Southern California Region provides nutritional counseling through its Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in San Diego and helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters through its Prepare SoCal and Prepare San Diego initiatives. For more information, please visit redcross.org/SoCal or cruzrojaamericana.org, or connect with us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube. 

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