American Red Cross volunteers responded to 6 home fires in Danville, Potomac, Waynesville, Rantoul and Peoria in the past week and provided assistance to 28 people, including 13 children, by supplying them with items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form of health and mental health services and one-on-one support.

Visit redcross.org/fire for information on setting up your home fire escape drill and to learn more about home fire safety. Download our free Emergency app by searching for “American Red Cross” in app stores or visiting redcross.org/apps.

Please call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) if you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster.

JOIN US ─ VOLUNTEER While volunteers of all types are needed, the Red Cross has a critical need for three specific positions. These roles are a great fit for those who are team-oriented and want to make an immediate difference. Free online training will be provided. 

As a Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer, people can be a source of refuge and comfort for neighbors when they need it most. DAT team members provide emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.

As a Shelter Services volunteer, people can support the day-to-day activities within an emergency shelter. This includes helping residents in different shelter areas such as reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information or others.

As a Disaster Health Services volunteer, people can use your professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands-on care to people in shelters. Volunteers also provide additional support including health assessments, health education and much more.

Just like the people served by the Red Cross, the organization is proud its volunteers represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, gender identities, lifestyles and beliefs. Everyone is welcome.

Communities across the state count on the Red Cross to be there and volunteers are needed to help families devastated by disasters. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers, inspired to give back. Join us and help turn tragedy into hope. Visit RedCross.org/Volunteer.

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.