In the past week alone, Red Cross volunteers have provided critical support to 133 people impacted by 21 home fires across communities including Joliet, Streator, Waukegan, Aurora, Park Forest, Des Plaines, Chicago Heights, and multiple neighborhoods in Chicago.

Families affected by these devastating fires received emergency financial assistance, comfort kits with essential items like toiletries, food, health and mental health services, and personalized recovery support to help them begin rebuilding their lives..

Red Cross volunteers — who make up 90% of our workforce — are the driving force behind this lifesaving work. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, visit redcross.org/volunteer to explore volunteer opportunities in your community.

“Our hearts go out to our neighbors who were impacted by these fires,” said Tony Lasher, Division Disaster Director. “Because these disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, please help stay safe by testing your smoke alarms each month and practicing your home fire escape plan until everyone in your household can escape in two minutes or less.”

For home fire safety resources and tips, visit redcross.org/fire or download the free Red Cross Emergency App (search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps).

OUR CAMPAIGN TO #ENDHOMEFIRES Home fires take seven lives each day in the U.S., most often in homes without working smoke alarms. That’s why the Red Cross is working with partners to install free smoke alarms in high-risk communities and help families create escape plans through its Home Fire Campaign — which has saved at least 2,393 lives across the country since launching in October 2014.

If you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster, please call 1-800 Red Cross (800-733-2767).

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.