The American Red Cross is helping more than a dozen people after a fire in Aberdeen, SD on Saturday night. The fire happened at the Malchow’s Home Furnishings building, which includes several apartment units on the second floor.
Red Cross volunteers responded to the scene and met with families and individuals who were displaced. As of 12:30 p.m. Sunday, October 20, the Red Cross has helped 17 people who are affected.
Volunteers who are providing care and comfort to the families are offering emergency lodging at a local hotel and financial assistance to help meet immediate needs – such as food, clothing and other essential items that may have been lost in the fire. The Red Cross can help people get prescription medications or eyeglasses replaced and have also distributed blankets and comfort kits with basic toiletry items to all affected.
Each individual or family will be assigned a Red Cross caseworker who can help develop a plan for recovery and connect folks with other community resources.
Anyone affected who has not met with a Red Cross representative can call our 24-hour disaster assistance hotline at 1-844-292-7677. Red Cross disaster assistance is free and available to all.
SIMPLE STEPS TO SAVE LIVES The Red Cross is asking everyone to take two simple steps to help save lives: create and practice their home fire escape plan and check their smoke alarms. If a household does not have working smoke alarms, the Red Cross will install them at no cost. Anyone can make a request for free alarms at getasmokealarm.org.
Want to volunteer? The Red Cross could have just the opportunity you’re looking for from responding to disasters, to educating the public at community events, to supporting your local office. Click here to explore local volunteer opportunities.
