Media Contact:
Christine Welch, Communications Director
Email: christine.welch@redcross.org
Phone: 909-374-0376
ONTARIO, Calif.— March 22, 2021 — Nearly one week after the Ontario home explosion and initial evacuations in San Bernardino County, the American Red Cross Southern California Region disaster workers continue to help those displaced. Those needing assistance can call the City of Ontario Public Information Hotline at 909-395-2970.
Since requested by authorities at the onset of the Francis Incident on Tuesday, March 16, disaster workers have supported and provided meals, safe shelter in hotel rooms, health services, mental health services and more. Currently, the Red Cross is assisting 23 families, 90 individuals who were displaced by the disaster.
During the response, from March 16-March 21, the Red Cross has:
The provision of life-sustaining sheltering and feeding in disasters is a mission focus for the Red Cross, and during COVID-19 we have adjusted our planning to make sure we can safely deliver those essential services. Volunteers provide snacks, meals, water and COVID-19 safety resources, all while following DPH and CDC COVID-19 safety protocols.
The local Red Cross is dedicated to helping those affected by disasters with the help of partners and volunteers. We are working closely with local emergency management and our partners to coordinate relief efforts. Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff are on call round-the-clock and ready to assist in various aspects including sheltering, emergency lodging, feeding, disaster assessment, casework, and more.
Please follow @SoCal_RedCross on Twitter for the latest updates. Visit redcross.org/socal for information on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.
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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