Volunteer disaster responders with the American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois responded to 24 fires in the Chicago & Northern Illinois area from Monday, May 11 through today in Aurora, Bolingbrook, Freeport, Naperville and more, with eight of these fires occurring in Chicago. Sadly, one of these fires resulted in the loss of life.
In the past week, the Red Cross assisted 100 individuals, including 61 adults and 39 children with temporary housing, food, clothing and information about recovery services and health and mental health services.
The American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois continues to carry out its mission, but because of COVID-19, the way we deliver assistance looks different. Our volunteers have been working to respond virtually to fires whenever possible, connecting with families by phone or video calls. We are providing support with lodging, health and mental health services and information about recovery services.
In Chicago and Northern Illinois, the Red Cross responds to 3 to 4 home fires every day. If you need assistance, please call our dispatch Line: 1-877-597 0747. You can take two easy steps to protect your home and loved ones from a fire: get a smoke alarm and create a fire escape plan. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a home fire in half.
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.