American Red Cross volunteers responded to five home fires from June 14 through today in Indianola, Peoria, Pekin, Ridge Farm and Sidney.
In the past week, Disaster Action Team members provided assistance to 13 individuals including nine adults and four children with financial assistance and information about recovery planning. A fire can take a home in as little as two minutes.
Therefore, escaping in less than two minutes can be the difference between survival and tragedy. The American Red Cross encourages everyone to talk to their children about fire safety to help families stay safe and prepared.
If you need assistance after a home fire or disaster, please call our dispatch line: 1-844-319-6560.
Severe Blood Shortage: Sign Up to Give Blood Today
Right now, the Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.
As a thank-you, those who come to give June 14-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)
Become a Red Cross Volunteer - Join us to provide relief and care wherever it’s needed — today and for years to come by becoming a volunteer. To find out more about available positions, and sign up today visit redcross.org/volunteer
There are multiple positions available, including the ones listed below:
Disaster Action Team Volunteers - Home fires and other disasters can occur any time, any place. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you’ll provide emotional support and information to help families begin the process of recovery. After your initial training, your shifts will include responding to emergencies within 2 hours, coordinating remotely to provide immediate compassion and care.
Blood Donor Ambassadors and Blood Transportation Specialists - Blood Donor Ambassadors welcome visitors to the Red Cross facilities or blood drives and take their temperatures before they enter. Visitors could include potential blood donors, people seeking help, course participants and Red Cross employees and volunteers. Blood Transportation Specialist volunteers deliver lifesaving blood products from Red Cross distribution facilities to hospitals, using a Red Cross-owned vehicle. You’ll also need to meet these important qualifications: Have a valid state driver’s license and proof of insurance, have three years driving experience and a clean driving record.
About the American Red Cross of Illinois The American Red Cross of Illinois serves 12.4 million people in 88 counties in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri including Adams, Bond, Boone, Brown, Bureau, Carroll, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cook, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, DeKalb, De Witt, Douglas, DuPage, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Franklin, Fulton, Green, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Iroquois, Jasper, Jefferson, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox, LaSalle, Lake, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Marion, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, McLean, Menard, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Ogle, Peoria, Perry, Piatt, Pike, Putnam, Richland, Rock Island, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Stark, Stephenson, Tazewell, Vermillion, Warren, Washington, Whiteside, Will, Williamson Winnebago, Woodford. Iowa: Lee, Muscatine, Scott and Van Buren. Missouri: Clark, Lewis, Marion and Ralls. 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 us at Redcross.org/Illinois or visit us on Twitter @RedCrossIL.