CHICAGO, IL (NOVEMBER 19, 2017) — The American Red Cross has responded to a large apartment fire that occurred early this morning in an 18-unit apartment building in Bensenville. This fire affected approximately 35 people.
Seven volunteer members of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team arrived on scene to provide disaster assistance, including shelter, food, clothing medications and casework. The Red Cross will continue to work with the tenants impacted, as well as with the Bensenville Fire Department on immediate needs, including emotional support for the residents and the community. Red Cross caseworkers will work with those impacted over the coming weeks to help meet long-term recovery needs.
This was the 10th Red Cross home fire response in the Chicagoland area since Friday.
Volunteers on the scene are members of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team, a group of specially trained volunteers who respond to the scene of a disaster when called upon at any time of the day or night.
The Red Cross responds to 3 to 4 home fires every day in Chicago and northern Illinois. The Red Cross recommends two easy steps to help protect your home and loved ones from a fire: get a smoke alarm and create a fire escape plan. For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.redcross.org/prepare.
About the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois:
The American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois serves 9.5 million people in 21 counties including Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lake, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Putnam, Stephenson, Whiteside, Will and Winnebago. 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/il/chicago or visit us on Twitter @ChicagoRedCross.