More than 2,000 families were affected by a home fire in Fiscal Year 21
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 11, 2021 – The East Tennessee, Southeast Tennessee and Northeast Tennessee Chapters of American Red Cross have responded to 464 home fires and assisted 2,148 families in the area over the last seven months. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, home fires across the Tennessee Region have risen by as much as 25 percent. A staggering number that has prompted Delta Dental of Tennessee to step up for support while challenging other businesses.
Following a fire, families need finances for immediate needs such as food, clothing, emergency shelter and medicines. The Red Cross is there to help alleviate both the emotional and financial strain families face in the first days after fire.
“Nearly every family needs assistance following a home fire,” said Joel Sullivan, regional executive director of the American Red Cross Tennessee Region. “The Red Cross provides this help in the form of a financial assistance card, which can be used anywhere that accepts credit cards to purchase life’s essentials. These funds come from generous donors and community partners like Delta Dental.”
The average home fire in the United States causes $19,600 in property damage and loss. When facing an unexpected $400 expense, nearly 40 percent of American adults would borrow money or sell personal items to cover it. “For families facing this kind of financial pressure, home fires can push them into financial insolvency or even homelessness,” Sullivan added.
Sullivan noted that Delta Dental of Tennessee has been a tremendous supporter of the Red Cross, and will support a “Sponsor a Week of Families” Their efforts will provide dollars to support just over 18 East Tennessee families with direct financial assistance to help with immediate emergency financial necessities.
“Delta Dental of Tennessee has been a long-time supporter of the Red Cross because of the good they do in the community,” says Dr. Phil Wenk, president and CEO. “Their work with victims of house fires and natural disasters puts them on the front lines to take care of Tennesseans who need it most. Sometimes fire victims don’t have so much as a toothbrush to call their own, and it means the world to them to get back even that small amount of normalcy. It is important to do what we can to help them get back on their feet.”
The company and Red Cross urge Tennesseans to be sure to check their smoke alarms this weekend during what is known as “Turn and Test” time in home fire prevention. Delta Dental is also encouraging others in the community to consider making a donation to local Red Cross chapters to help support families during a disaster, like home fire.
“We need the support of our donors to do the good work our volunteers provide in the community,” said Sullivan. “Red Cross is 100 percent funded by the generosity of our donors and we are proud to serve all of Tennessee 365 days a year when we are needed the most.”
If you are interested in learning about volunteering with the Red Cross, or to make a financial donation, check out RedCross.org/Tennessee or call 1-800-RED CROSS.