The American Red Cross Southern California Region, serving San Diego, Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, is providing support for those affected by Tropical Storm Hilary. Please see below for shelter information, storm safety tips, and more.

SHELTER INFORMATION

With the immediate needs of those staying in shelters being met, all Red Cross shelters have now closed. Anyone in need of support can always call 1-800-RED CROSS. Our caseworkers, damage assessment volunteers and others will continue to support those affected. 

The following shelter locations are now closed: 
 

• San Diego County (Southwestern Community College and Corky Smith Gymnasium)
• Imperial County (El Centro Community Center)
• Orange County (Norman P. Murray Center)
• Riverside County (Desert Mirage High School and Banning Community Center)
• San Bernardino County (Redlands East Valley High School and Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel)
   

Red Cross shelter locations can always be found at redcross.org/shelters.
 

ABOUT RED CROSS SHELTERS

• At Red Cross shelters, Red Cross volunteers and partners provide a safe place to stay, along with meals and snacks, hydration, health services and more.
• Red Cross shelters will remain open for as long as they are needed. The Red Cross remains in close contact with emergency management partners to assess response needs.
• Everyone is welcome at Red Cross shelters, and anyone affected by the storms can always stop by the shelter to access Red Cross services, whether or not they are staying at the shelter.  
• Trained Red Cross volunteers and staff remain on call around-the-clock and are ready to assist in various aspects including sheltering, feeding and more.  
  
  

WHAT TO BRING TO A RED CROSS SHELTER

When you come to a Red Cross shelter, you are welcome to bring:

• Special items for children, like food/formula, diapers, extra clothing, toys, etc.
• Items for pets, including a leash, pet medications, pet food, etc.
• Prescription medications and medical devices you may need.
• Comfort items like pillows, blankets, towels, change of clothing or other items you may want to have with you at the shelter. 
  
  

RETURNING HOME AFTER A STORM

• Don't return home until officials say it is safe. 
• Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.  Remember: Turn around, don’t drown.
• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires. They can electrocute you. 
• Do not touch floodwaters because they may contain sewage, bacteria and chemicals that can make you ill. 
• Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.  
• Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and its contents, for insurance purposes. 
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper – or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can't be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay. 
• If the power is out, use a flashlight. Don’t use candles or any open flame for lighting.
• Clean up safely. Wear appropriate protective equipment including gloves, goggles and boots. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. When cleaning heavy debris, work with a partner. Make sure that you have proper training before using equipment, such as chainsaws. Heart attacks are a leading cause of deaths after a hurricane. Be mindful of overworking. 
• Stay healthy. When in doubt, throw it out! Throw out food that got wet or warm. Ask your healthcare provider for guidance if you have refrigerated medicines that got warm. Avoid drinking tap water until local officials say it is safe.  
• Take care of yourself. It’s normal to have a lot of feelings. Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress. You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs’ to 66746. 
• Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for localized updates, step-by-step storm safety tips and more.
   

HOW TO HELP

• At this time, we have everything needed, including donated items like water, to support our storm response efforts. In all cases, due to health code regulations, the Red Cross cannot accept donations of homecooked meals or food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen. 
• If you have a desire to help people impacted by disasters, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteer.
• You can help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief.  Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make a donation. 
  
  

UPDATES

Please follow the American Red Cross Southern California Region on Twitter at @SoCal_RedCross for additional information and disaster response updates.