American Red Cross volunteers have responded to six separate fires in Western New York since Sunday, April 16, providing immediate emergency assistance for 23 people. Red Cross assistance typically includes vouchers for temporary housing, food and clothing as needed, and Disaster Mental Health volunteers are available to help with the emotional aspect of disaster. Those affected will meet with caseworkers in the coming days to work on a longer-term recovery plan. 

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

·         Sunday, 4/16: Tonawanda Creek Road, Clarence Center
Four people assisted
Volunteers: Rob Blume, Diane Sargent 

·         Sunday, 4/16: Sherwood Avenue, North Tonawanda
Four people assisted
Volunteers: Rob Blume, Diane Sargent 

·         Monday, 4/17: Lasalle Avenue, Buffalo
Four people assisted
Volunteers: Diane Sargent and Brian Universal 

·         Monday, 4/17: Erie Street, Irving
Four people assisted
Volunteers: Fran Heath and Jean Shiffer 

·         Monday, 4/17: Calumet Street, Depew
Six people assisted
Volunteers: Jim Matyjasick and Stacey Sowinski

·         Tuesday, 4/18: Pearl Street, Buffalo
One person assisted
Volunteers: Sharon Daut and Stacey Sowinski 

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.