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

Casework volunteers will continue to assist those affected as recovery begins

Riverside, Calif. — August 11, 2020 — With evacuations lifted and the needs of residents met, the American Red Cross Southern California Region has concluded its immediate Apple Fire relief operations. Virtual caseworkers will continue to support those affected by the fire as they begin the recovery process.

Since the beginning of the Apple Fire, the Red Cross has mobilized its disaster workers to provide assistance to those affected. Red Cross volunteers supported a Temporary Evacuation Point at Beaumont High School, where volunteers provided food, hydration and more. Additionally, volunteers supported a virtual Temporary Evacuation Point, remotely providing assistance to those impacted by the Apple Fire. The Red Cross also provided emergency hotel lodging for evacuees. Once safely at their hotels, Apple Fire evacuees received constant care from Red Cross volunteers, who provided daily health checks, disaster mental health support, and who delivered breakfast, lunch and dinner to each hotel room.

The Red Cross has helped 183 people affected by the Apple Fire. The Red Cross and partners have served over 2,196 meals and snacks and provided more than 300 overnight hotel stays for evacuees since the Apple Fire began. All services were delivered in accordance with COVID-19 safety precautions.

Any individuals affected by the Apple Fire that are in need of Red Cross assistance can call the National American Red Cross Disaster Dispatch line at 855-891-7325.

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
• 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.

Please follow @SoCal_RedCross on Twitter for the latest disaster updates, preparedness tips and more. 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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