NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. October 7, 2022 – Disaster-trained volunteers with the American Red Cross are responding to an apartment fire that occurred early this morning at the Cedar Grove Apartments located at 8710 Evangeline Dr in North Charleston.

An estimated 24 units are displaced, with potentially eight or more units with major damage. The Red Cross of South Carolina has opened cases to provide immediate financial assistance to support the impacted families’ immediate needs such as shelter, food, and clothes.

"As our teams work with the families impacted, we are certainly thinking about them and want to provide all the support we can," said Brint Patrick, the Executive Director of the Lowcountry Chapter. "This devasting event reminds us that fires can happen anywhere at any time, and we must always be prepared for such disasters. Ahead of Fire Prevention Week in October, we encourage families to practice their home fire safety plan and test their smoke alarms."

In addition to immediate needs, Red Cross team members are providing mental and spiritual care assistance to anyone that may need it. The Red Cross will continue to stay in contact with its partners to see if any additional assistance is needed.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE Help protect your family against home fires by taking two simple steps: Practice your two-minute escape drill and test your smoke alarms monthly. Visit SoundTheAlarm.org for more information and to pledge to prepare your family against home fires.

• Create an escape plan with at least two ways to exit every room in your home. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor's home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.
• Practice your escape plan until everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes.
• Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Change the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.

DISASTER ACTION TEAM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The American Red Cross of South Carolina needs the community's help to respond to our neighbors in need. More than 2,000 people volunteer with the Red Cross throughout the state. These volunteers answer the call in the middle of the night to comfort a family down the street impacted by a home fire. You can make a difference by turning tragedy into hope. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started today.

HOW TO HELP: The American Red Cross of South Carolina responds to six home fires every day on average, and in many cases, the families impacted lose everything. Help families get back on their feet by giving the gift of a second chance. Gifts from local "Hometown Heroes" provide financial assistance so families can pay for their immediate needs such as food, clothes, personal care items, and a safe place to stay. Become a Hometown Hero by clicking here or visiting www.redcross.org/HometownHero.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.  The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC.

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