Volunteer disaster responders with the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois responded to 26 fires from Monday, November 18 through today in the Chicago & Northern Illinois area including fires in Blue Island, Calumet Park, Evanston, Freeport, Libertyville, North Chicago, Waukegan, including a home fire in Chicago that resulted in the loss of life.  

The Red Cross helped 145 individuals, including 107 adults and 38 children. Our volunteers helped with temporary housing, food, clothing and comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services and health and mental health services.

The American 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. The Red Cross installs FREE smoke alarms year-round. To schedule an appointment to get a free installation in your home, visit www.getasmokealarm.org.

In addition, Thanksgiving is only a few days away
and many people are travelling to spend the holiday with friends and family. The American Red Cross has the following safety tips to help everyone stay safe
this holiday.

THANKSGIVING TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS 

Highway Safety

1. Make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip.

2. Pack an emergency preparedness kit, supplies and a first aid kit in the trunk.

3. Share travel plans with a family member or friend.

4. Check the weather before departing and along your route. Plan for travel around any storms that may be coming.

5. Be well rested and alert.

6. Buckle up, slow down and don’t drive impaired.

7. Follow the rules of the road and use caution in work zones.

8. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.

9. Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.

10. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

The Flu and your travel plans 

1. Handle your own belongings.

2. Wash your hands often with soap and water.

3. Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces, such as armrests.

4. Bring your own pillows and blankets. They can act as a shield against the seat itself.

5. Avoid touching your face or eyes. If you have a cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.

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.