Since November 1, the American Red Cross New Jersey Region has responded to 37 home fires throughout the state. Red Cross volunteers have provided emergency assistance to 330 people in 146 families affected by home fires. In addition to financial assistance, our volunteers are at the scene with blankets, comfort kits and emotional support as people face a difficult time in their lives.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 20% more home fires during November and December than at other times of the year, assisting an average of 40,000 people during these two months alone. New Jersey saw an uptick in fires during the first ten days of November. Our responses included a large fire at the Autumn Ridge Apartment Complex in Blackwood.

The massive fire in Blackwood broke out in the early morning hours on November 1, forcing all residents of the 41-unit building out of their homes in the middle of the night. Working together with local officials, a reception center was made available to help provide comfort and care for the residents.

Cassandra Smith was part of the team of American Red Cross volunteers who met compassionately with those affected, opened cases and provided emergency financial assistance and additional resources to the 61 people displaced by the fire.

After retiring from a long career with the Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement in New Jersey, Cassandra wanted to give back to the community. “I remember seeing the Red Cross at disaster scenes, but I didn’t have any intimate knowledge of what they did,” said Cassandra. “Then I started speaking with people and I visited the website and thought, this is the work of angels and signed up to volunteer.”

Cassandra began volunteering with the Red Cross less than a year ago. She joined as a Disaster Action Team member, took the required training courses supplied by the organization, was mentored by an existing volunteer as she began responding to home fires.

“Early on, I responded to a home fire with the volunteer team and after meeting one of the residents and providing emergency financial assistance for her and her family, the resident began crying and thanking us for the help. This really touched my heart," Cassandra added.

_{"There are times when people need some compassion. At a time when they feel most vulnerable, you can say ‘listen, we’re here to serve you, we’re here to help you with resources, and we're going to help you get your feet back on the ground so you can figure which way to go.”}

Since November 1, our Red Cross disaster volunteers have responded to home fires across New Jersey in other communities like Mount Laurel, North Brunswick, Camden, Paterson, Skillman, Atlantic City, Matawan, Ridgefield, and Jersey City, providing care and comfort while helping displaced families with emergency assistance, Disaster Health and Disaster Mental Health Services as needed. Our work is possible through the generosity of our volunteers and supporters.

HEATING SAFETY

As temperatures drop, households are turning their heat back on and some families may use alternative ways to heat their homes, like space heaters. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires and space heaters are responsible for almost 30% of these fires. 

• Provide at least three feet of space for all heating equipment. This is critical because most home heating fire tragedies occur when flammable items like furniture, rugs and drapes are too close.
• In addition, never leave space heaters unattended — as they’re involved in most fatal home heating fires.
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Don’t place it on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes. And turn it off every time you leave the room or go to sleep.

Especially going into the colder months, the American Red Cross urges everyone to test their smoke alarms each month and then, practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes. 

Visit redcross.org/PrepareNJ for free tools and resources to help you and your family prevent, and be better prepared for, home fires.