CHICAGO, IL (MARCH 27, 2018) — The American Red Cross has responded to a large fire that occurred last night in an apartment building on Kenmore in Edgewater. This fire affected more approximately 100 people with nearly 50 needing shelter.
Nine 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 also opened a shelter last night at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement at 5749 N. Kenmore.
The Red Cross will continue to work with the tenants impacted, as well as with the Chicago 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.
Red Cross volunteers responded to five fires and assisted residents in the Chicago and suburban area in the past 24 hours.
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.