Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 8, 2022) — American Red Cross of Utah Disaster Action Team staff and volunteers today assisted more than 15 people displaced by a Murray apartment fire Friday evening, providing for their immediate needs, and making sure they have access to safe lodging tonight.
The Murray Fire Department responded to the blaze that damaged or destroyed 15 apartment units, displacing the families. Another 21 units had to be evacuated for the night when the gas was shut off to the building, according to fire officials.
Those in need of assistance will receive help with essentials such as temporary lodging, food, clothing, personal care/health items, and in some cases, financial support. “Our volunteers are meeting with the families to provide emotional, and emergency needs support,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Red Cross caseworkers will continue to work with the families in the days and weeks ahead to help them get back on their feet with recovery guidance and support."
Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers and staff often respond to home fires, which can leave a family devastated and in need of immediate assistance – and are the nation’s most frequent disaster, Lafranca said. “Last year, Red Cross of Utah team members responded to 175 home fires and helped more than 300 Utahns, providing emotional support, access to financial assistance, and valuable information to help families begin to recover,” he said.
With tomorrow marking the start of the 100th National Fire Prevention Week (oct. 9-15), Friday’s apartment fire is a reminder that everyone should have a two-minute home fire escape plan, as two minutes is the amount of time that fire experts say you have to safely escape a home fire before it could be too late. “Our staff and volunteers are also trained to provide preparedness education so families can know how to evacuate safely if a fire breaks out in their home,” Lafranca said.
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers and community partners will also share information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan.
Home fire campaign saves lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save more than 1,300 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans, and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
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.