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

                                                                     

With Mandatory Evacuation Orders Lifted for the Southern Fire, American Red Cross Closes Temporary Evacuation Point at Agua Caliente Campgrounds

SAN DIEGO — May 3, 2021 — In response to all Southern Fire evacuation orders being lifted, the local Red Cross closed the temporary evacuation point at Agua Caliente Campgrounds (39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route). Any individuals affected by the Southern Fire can call 1-800-RED CROSS for assistance.

Since requested by authorities, the local Red Cross has provided for the immediate needs of more than 120 people affected by the Southern Fire with emergency lodging in hotels, meals and snacks, health services, disaster mental health services, and more. Red Cross temporary evacuations points provide a safe place for people to get access to emergency lodging, health services, emotional support and more for all those displaced. 

We continue to work closely with our local partners and emergency management officials to coordinate recovery efforts moving forward. Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff are on call round-the-clock and stand ready to assist in various aspects including sheltering, feeding, disaster assessment, casework, and more. The American Red Cross Southern California Region responds to about one disaster every 24 hours.

The Red Cross shares the following tips:

Returning Home After a Wildfire

• Do not enter your neighborhood or 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.
• 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.

How to Help

DONATE: The first priority for the Red Cross is to provide shelter and support to those affected, and financial donations are the quickest and best way to get help to those who need it most. Financial donations to the Red Cross help provide shelter, meals, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance during disasters and other emergencies. Help people by visiting redcross.org, calling 800-RED CROSS.

VOLUNTEER: If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review our most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

STAY INFORMED: 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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