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

SAN BERNARDINO &  RIVERSIDE — August 29, 2021 — The American Red Cross continues to aid those affected by wildfires in the region, including the South Fire in San Bernardino County and the Chaparral Fire in Riverside County.

Evacuation Orders Lifted

Since the outbreak of the South Fire on August 25, Red Cross disaster workers have continued to support those that have been displaced by providing a safe place to stay, along with food, hydration, health services, and more. As evacuations orders are being lifted by local authorities,  the shelter at Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center at 15556 Summit Ave, Fontana will close.

The Red Cross continues to work closely with local partners and emergency management officials to coordinate recovery efforts moving forward. Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff are on call around-the-clock and stand ready to assist in various aspects, including disaster assessment, casework and more.

Individuals affected by the South Fire in need of Red Cross assistance can call the local Red Cross casework line at 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Shelter Remains Open for Chaparral Fire Evacuees

Since requested by authorities at the outbreak of the Chaparral Fire on August 28, Red Cross disaster workers are supporting a shelter located at Murrieta Valley High School, 42200 Nighthawk Way, Murrieta. Small animals can be taken to Animal Friends of the Valleys at 33751 Mission Trail, Wildomar. Large animals can be taken to San Jacinto Animal Shelter located at 581 S. Grand Ave., San Jacinto.

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. All services are being delivered in accordance with COVID-19 safety precautions.

Right now, California is experiencing devastating wildfires, which have displaced thousands from their homes. A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving little time to get to safety. The Red Cross urges everyone to get ready for disasters by making preparedness a priority and shares the following tips:

How to Help

Volunteer: This year’s wildfire season is already extremely active, and the Red Cross of Southern California needs volunteers to help. If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Volunteers are urgently needed to help with a busy wildfire and disasters season. The Red Cross has a special need right now for shelter volunteers and health professionals to help care for people affected by disasters. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Prepare: You can also help your family, friends and community prepare for disasters. Wildfires can spread quickly. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice, and leave if you are told to do so.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and preparedness and safety 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. If you have time, gather items for pets, like leashes, bowls, toys, and food, and take them with you when you evacuate.
• 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.

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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