Volunteer disaster responders with the American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois responded to 33 fires from June 1 to today, including an incident in Park Forest that sadly resulted in the loss of a young life. Our volunteers also assisted families affected by home fires in Freeport, Hanover Park, Plainfield, Sterling, Streator and more, with 15 of these fires taking place in Chicago.
Since this coronavirus pandemic, Red Cross volunteers have been responding virtually to fires whenever possible. In this past week alone, the American Red Cross helped 140 individuals, including 102 adults and 38 children with temporary housing, 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.
Volunteers Distribute Supplies at COVID-19 Testing Sites
In addition to responding to fires, Red Cross volunteers have been also providing support to 10 state-run COVID-19 testing sites across Illinois. Volunteers are distributing snacks, water and other hydrating drinks to testing staff, including 400 members of the Illinois National Guard. This past week, the Red Cross provided over 6,500 bottles of water, more than 4,300 bottles of Gatorade and over 4,300 snacks.
Red Cross Provide Supports during Clean-up Efforts
Volunteers have also been out in the community providing clean-up supplies to seven community clean-up sites in the Chicago area to help with their cleaning efforts after the civil unrest that impacted those communities. The Red Cross also provided water and snacks.
Red Cross in Urgent Need for Blood Donations
The American Red Cross continues to be in urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage. In recent weeks, the demand for blood product has increased as hospitals resume non-urgent and elective procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate in the weeks and months ahead by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Blood Drive Safety Measures
It’s important to emphasize that each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
All those who give through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.
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.