Waco, TX - The American Red Cross Heart of Texas Chapter is continuing to help meet the urgent needs of over 30 residents who were displaced by the Northgate Apartment fire that occurred on the evening of July 16 in Lacy Lakeview.

Disaster-trained volunteers have opened over a dozen cases to provide immediate financial assistance to support the impacted families’ immediate needs, such as shelter, food, and clothes. During this time, we also have Disaster Mental Health volunteers work with community resources to ensure that individuals, families, and groups get the mental and spiritual care support they need as they rebuild their lives. In addition, the Red Cross is working with local partners to provide any additional assistance that is needed.

"As our teams work with the families impacted, our hearts go out to them, and we want to provide all the support we can," said Jennifer Young, the Executive Director of the Heart of Texas Chapter. "We’re grateful for all the first responders and community partners who are helping with recovery efforts.”

This devasting event reminds us that fires can happen anywhere, at any time, and we must always be prepared for these devastating and unfortunately frequent disasters. The Red Cross encourages families to practice their home fire safety plan and test their smoke alarms. For more information on home fire safety, please visit www.redcross.org.

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 Heart of Texas Chapter needs the community's help to respond to our neighbors in need. 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

Help people affected by disasters, like home fires, and countless other crises by making a gift to 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.  People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

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.