American Red Cross volunteers responded to nine home fires in Charleston, Chrisman, Christopher, Decatur, Sandoval and Springfield in the past week and provided assistance to 27 individuals including 11 children, through supplying them with basic 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.

If you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster, please call our dispatch line: (877) 597-0747.

Home fires are the most frequent disaster and claim seven lives every day in the U.S. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death in a home fire by 50 percent.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for detailed home fire prevention and safety tips. Visit redcross.org/apps or search “American Red Cross” in app stores to download the app, which is compatible with Apple Watch and Android wearable devices.

If you would like to help people affected by home fires and other disasters, please visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up as a disaster volunteer.