American Red Cross volunteers responded to four home fires in the past week in Belvidere, Rochelle and Rockford and provided assistance to 17 people by supplying people 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.

INCREASING SUPPORT AMID EXTREME DISASTERS The Red Cross responds to approximately 60,000 disasters each year, ranging from home fires to large-scale events like wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes, impacting thousands of lives.

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, hundreds remain in emergency shelters across affected states. The Red Cross is working closely with these individuals, providing essential support on their road to recovery. This work requires immediate support, and we can’t do it alone.

HOW TO HELP

·       VOLUNTEER: Disaster volunteers help provide assistance to individuals and families impacted by home fires and other disasters. Approximately 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce is made up of volunteers. Opportunities are available, now. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to join the team.

·       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 and other disasters. 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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