American Red Cross volunteers have responded to three separate fires in the City of Buffalo Monday, providing immediate emergency assistance for 19 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 locations:

·         Busti Avenue: 11 adults and four children assisted
Volunteers: Diane Sargent and Dennis Scott

·         14th Street: Two adults assisted
Volunteers: Vincent Jacobs, Dennis Scott and Rebecca Wedgewood

·         Cambridge Avenue: One adult and one child assisted
Volunteers: Vincent Jacobs and Dennis Scott 

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.