American Red Cross volunteers responded to 3 home fires in the past week in West Point, IA; Hannibal, MO and Lewistown, IL and provided assistance to 8 people by supplying them with items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form of health and mental health services and one-on-one support.

Visit redcross.org/fire for information on setting up your home fire escape drill and to learn more about home fire safety. Download our free Emergency app by searching for “American Red Cross” in app stores or visiting redcross.org/apps.

Please call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) if you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster.

NEED FOR DISASTER VOLUNTEERS The American Red Cross of Illinois is issuing an urgent appeal for volunteers who are willing to travel this fall to support emergency shelters for major national disaster relief efforts.

Interested volunteers are urged to sign up today at redcross.org/volunteer. All candidates must complete necessary training and be able to commit to a two-week deployment.

Applicants who don’t have disaster experience, but have supervision, management or organization skills; a strong desire to help others; and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO HELP Beyond becoming a Red Cross volunteer, people can help in other ways too following disaster such as Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton:
• DONATE FINANCIALLY: Financial donations are the quickest and fastest way to get help to people who need it. Visit redcross.org to make a donation to help people affected by these hurricanes. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
• GIVE BLOOD: The hurricanes have caused thousands of blood donations to go uncollected in the Southeast — yet the need for blood remains constant for patients in need. Those outside the affected areas are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or using the Blood Donor App to help restock the shelves.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org or follow us on social media.
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