Volunteers from the American Red Cross have responded to three separate incidents in Ontario and Wayne Counties in the past 24 hours, providing immediate emergency assistance for 14 people. Red Cross assistance typically included funding for temporary housing, food and clothing as needed, and specially-trained Disaster Mental Health volunteers are available to help those affected deal with the emotional aspect of their disaster. Affected families will meet with caseworkers in the coming days to work on a long-term recovery plan. 

Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers responded to fires at the following times and locations:

·         Saturday: Silver Creek, Clifton Springs (Ontario County)
Four people assisted

·         Saturday: Lima (Ontario County)
Seven people assisted 

·         Sunday morning: Trimble Road, Ontario (Wayne County)
Three people assisted 

The Red Cross is asking every household in America to take two simple steps: check their existing smoke alarms and practice fire drills at home. As part of the Home Fire Campaign, the Red Cross is joining with fire departments and community groups nationwide to install free smoke detectors in homes that need them. For more information or to schedule an installation appointment, please visit http://www.redcross.org/local/new-york/western-central-new-york/homefires. The Home Fire Campaign is generously supported in Western New York by National Fire Adjustment Company, Inc. (NFA). 

You can help people affected by disasters like home fires and countless other crises by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.