LOS ANGELES, DECEMBER 8, 2018 – One month later, the American Red Cross continues to support relief and recovery for those affected by the Woolsey wildfire. The Red Cross has joined with a large team of partners to help residents move through the recovery process and access the critical services and resources they need to get back on their feet.

On Thursday November 8, 2018, a devastating wildfire began in Woolsey Canyon in the San Fernando Valley. By November 11, the Woolsey Fire covered 96,949 acres, destroying 1,500 homes and damaging 341 others.

After the devastating fire ravaged large areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, more than 700 trained Red Cross workers helped thousands of people affected. With local community partners, the Red Cross was able to provide:

• More than 3,000 overnight shelter stays 
• More than 20,000 meals and snacks
• More than 15,000 relief items 
• More than 4,000 health and mental health services

Red Cross caseworkers continue to connect with people impacted by these wildfires one-on-one, helping them create recovery plans and providing them an opportunity to share their needs, ask questions, and—for the most severely impacted residents—obtain financial assistance. The Red Cross has opened hundreds of cases for those who need extra recovery help.

Anyone seeking additional assistance should call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

In a year when disasters upended the lives of people across the country, the American Red Cross is asking everyone to support its 2018 Holiday Giving Campaign and Give Something That Means Something to bring comfort and hope to those who need it most. You can help by making a financial donation through the Holiday Campaign at redcross.org/gift. Consider making a symbolic gift in honor of the special people in your life.

Your gift of $250 can deliver hot meals for 25 people who need nourishment after a disaster. A donation of $100 can provide a family of two with a full day’s worth of emergency shelter with meals, snacks, blankets, a cot and hygiene supplies. Help provide warmth with a gift of $50, which can provide blankets for 10 people.

You can give online, by mail or phone—details are available at redcross.org/gift. Your gift is a tax-deductible donation to the American Red Cross. When you make your donation, you can use free holiday greeting cards with friends and family to share your gift in their honor. 

MUDSLIDE SAFETY

Rain is possible for the region around the Woolsey Fire which could lead to flash flooding and mudslides in the burn areas. Know the warnings. A flood/flash flood watch means a flood/flash flood is possible in your area. A flood/flash flood warning means flooding/flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground. Follow any evacuation orders. You should also:

• Listen to local radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates. People should keep informed about weather conditions and listen to the advice of local officials.
• Consider leaving if it is safe to do so.
• If you suspect imminent danger, evacuate immediately. Inform affected neighbors if you can, and contact your public works, fire or police department.
• Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
• If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy. Such changes may mean there is debris flow activity upstream so be prepared to move quickly.
• Be especially alert when driving— watch for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of possible debris flow.
• If you are ordered or decide to evacuate, take your animals with you.
• Consider a precautionary evacuation of large or numerous animals as soon as you are aware of impending danger.
• Stay alert and awake. Many deaths from landslides occur while people are sleeping.
• Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same event.

About the American Red Cross:

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. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross or @CruzRojaLA.