Vero Beach, Fla., March 6, 2018 — Local American Red Cross volunteers responded to seven home fires in four counties within the last week. The Florida’s Coast to Heartland Chapter assisted families in the following counties: Indian River, Highlands, St. Lucie and Okeechobee.
American Red Cross responded to three single-family home fires in Indian River, one multi-family home fire in Highlands, two single family home fires in St. Lucie and one single-family home fires in Okeechobee.
“This is the first time in three years that are Disaster Team has attended to seven fires in a week,” said Sarah Ruwe, Chapter Executive Director, “this is only possible with the support and assistance from our local Red Cross volunteers.”
The teams of Red Cross volunteers helped coordinate emergency aid for the families involved. The Red Cross assessed the immediate emergency needs such as food, temporary shelter/lodging and clothing.
Red Cross volunteers on the scene were members of the Florida’s Coast to Heartland Chapter’s Disaster Action Team, a group of specially trained volunteers who respond to the scene of a local disaster when called upon at any time – day or night. Red Cross disaster assistance is free of charge, a gift made possible by donations to the Red Cross.
WHAT PEOPLE CAN DO People can visit redcross.org/homefires to find out more about how to protect themselves and their homes from fire. They can also become a volunteer at their local Red Cross by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.
RED CROSS APPS People can download the all-inclusive Red Cross Emergency app which combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep the user safe. And there is a special mobile app -Monster Guard - designed for kids, teaching them to prepare for emergencies at home by playing an engaging game. Users can find the apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
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/southflorida or visit us on Twitter at @SFLRedCross.
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