Riverside, CALIF. – October 12, 2019 — With immediate needs of shelter residents met, the local American Red Cross will close its shelter at Mesa Grande Academy on Sunday, October 13 at 2:00 p.m. Red Cross caseworkers will continue to work with those affected by the fire as they begin the recovery process. 

Since requested by authorities, the American Red Cross Desert to the Sea Region has provided for the needs of people affected by the Sandalwood Fire, Wolf Fire and Reche Fire. Since the fires began, two Red Cross shelters and two care & reception centers have offered evacuees a safe place to stay, meals, snacks, beverages, comfort kits, emotional support and more.

Any individuals affected by the Sandalwood Fire in need of Red Cross assistance can call the local Red Cross casework line at (951) 571-8681.

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
• 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.

How to Help – Make a Donation

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to provide disaster relief to those who need it most, both during disasters and throughout the long recovery process. Help people affected by disasters like wildfires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Clothing donations are being accepted by the Salvation Army at 1000 Calimesa Blvd., Calimesa, CA 92320. 

For more information about the American Red Cross Desert to the Sea Region please visit redcross.org/dts.

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. 

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