Cold temperatures keep coming back and every time they do comes an increase in the number of home fires. The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is recruiting new volunteers to help respond to these local emergencies by supporting people in their time of greatest need.
Across Southeastern Pennsylvania – which includes Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties - trained Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) members have responded to more than 115 home fires since 2022 began, providing assistance to more than 450 people impacted by a fire in their home. Several of these fires have turned deadly, including the devastating fire in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia that claimed a dozen lives.
LOCAL RESPONSE HELP NEEDED
DAT volunteers help families with their immediate needs after a fire in their home and offer support during a very difficult time. As a DAT team member, you will provide emotional support, access to financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover. DAT team members respond to emergencies to provide immediate compassion and care. Training will be provided.
“Our Red Cross volunteers support their community and neighbors in need each and every day by responding to local emergencies,” said Guy Triano, regional CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “We need more help so no one faces this heartbreaking situation alone.”
BLOOD SERVICES VOLUNTEERS ALSO NEEDED
The Red Cross also needs volunteers to support blood collections as the country faces an ongoing critical need for blood products and platelets. Blood transportation specialists provide a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood to hospitals in our communities.
COVID-19 AND STAYING SAFE
The need for volunteers is constant and continues to evolve as the Red Cross navigates the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The safety of everyone is our top priority and our guidelines reflect the latest CDC safety recommendations. COVID-19 vaccination is required for in-person volunteer roles. Please consider joining the Red Cross as a volunteer today and bring help and hope to people in need. Find out more at redcross.org/volunteertoday.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.