Riverside, CALIF. – September 5, 2019 — The American Red Cross shelter located at Murrieta Mesa High School will remain open tonight. The shelter is located at 24801 Monroe Ave., Murrieta, Calif., 92562.

Red Cross shelter workers are providing for the immediate needs of those affected by the fire. Services include a safe and clean place to stay, food, hydration, comfort kits with personal hygiene items, emotional support and health services. The shelter will remain open as long as there is a need.

Domestic/small crated pets can be brought to the shelter and Riverside County Department of Animal Services will make arrangements for their care. Large animals are being accepted at the San Jacinto Animal Shelter.

If you’re affected by the fire, you do not need to be staying overnight at the shelter to take advantage of Red Cross shelter services. The Red Cross encourages those living near the Tenaja Fire to stay alert and follow evacuation orders.

The local Red Cross is dedicated to assisting those affected by disasters. 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, feeding, disaster assessment, casework, and more.

Tips - During a Wildfire

• Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
• Check emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply. Keep it nearby.
• If you have time, take photos and videos of the inside and outside of your home.
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. You don’t have to wait for an official evacuation order. If you feel threatened, be sure that you leave with time to spare.
• Confine all pets to one room so you can quickly and easily take them and go if you need to evacuate. Keep pets on leashes or in carriers, as they can scare easily and run away during disasters like this one.
• Back your car into the driveway for a safer and more efficient way out. Park in an open space facing the direction of escape. Make sure you have at least a ½ tank of gas.
• Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• Visit redcross.org or download the free Red Cross Emergency App for more preparedness tips and safety checklists, localizable alerts, Shelter Locator and more.
• Follow @RedCrossDTS on Twitter for the latest updates on our disaster relief efforts, shelter information, and more.

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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