Media Contact: Melissa Duplantier
504.881.9090 | Melissa.Duplantier2@redcross.org

[SHREVEPORT, LA] August 11, 2026 — In just two minutes, a house fire can sweep through a home, erasing years of cherished memories and leaving a family with only the clothes on their backs.

While major disasters like hurricanes dominate the headlines, home fires are the quiet, frequent emergencies impacting families across Shreveport and North Louisiana every single day. The American Red Cross responds to these crises around the clock, making sure that no neighbor faces unimaginable loss and uncertainty alone.

Behind every response is a dedicated team of local volunteers who show up when help is needed most, providing immediate shelter, financial assistance for clothing and food, health services, emotional support and guidance on the road to recovery.

“When a family watches their home go up in flames, it’s devastating. They've lost their safety, stability and a lifetime of memories in an instant,” said Karen McCoy, executive director of the American Red Cross North Louisiana Chapter. “So far this year alone, Red Cross teams across Louisiana have responded to more than 650 home fires, wrapping our arms around frightened families when they have nowhere else to turn. But we cannot do this compassionate work without our community. We urgently need local neighbors to join our volunteer teams and help us make sure no one in Shreveport walks through their darkest hour alone.”

The Red Cross is inviting community members from all walks of life to answer the call to help. No prior disaster or emergency experience is needed; the Red Cross provides all necessary training free of charge. Whether responding to fire calls, assisting behind the scenes, or helping install free smoke alarms in local neighborhoods, every volunteer is a vital support for a family in crisis.

Volunteers are Needed Now

When disaster strikes, Shreveport families need local heroes ready to answer the call. Joining our Disaster Action Team is simple, and the Red Cross provides all the training you need to make an immediate difference. Be the lifeline a neighbor needs on their hardest day. Register now at redcross.org/volunteer.

NOTE TO NEWSDESKS & EDITORS

Karen McCoy, executive director of the American Red Cross North Louisiana Chapter, is available for in-person or remote interviews to discuss the continuing need for local disaster response volunteers, recent home fire response efforts in Caddo and Bossier parishes, and how community members can get involved.

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.