“We are seeing a tremendous increase over the number of fires from last year” said Jenine Daly, spokesperson for the chapter. “And with [such cold] temperatures we are deeply concerned. A lot of families
have been impacted in just over a week and we want to do everything we can to
encourage residents to take every precaution to protect themselves and their
families.”
The American Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters annually, and of
those, single and multi-family fires top the list. The West Alabama Chapter
like other Red Cross chapters determines the needs of the individuals affected
by disaster and provide immediate assistance.
By communicating closely with first responders Red Cross volunteers are many
times at the actual scene of the fire to make sure the needs of the residents
are met and facilitating referrals to the other agencies so that families can
begin the process of long-term recovery.
The West Alabama chapter serves seven counties including Fayette, Tuscaloosa,
Lamar, Pickens, Hale, Sumter and Green.
“Obviously the last week has placed a tremendous strain on our budget” said Daly. “We are asking people to please make donations to the local disaster fund. The
Red Cross is not an agency in the community, the Red Cross is an agency of the
community, and we need everyone’s help.”
Residents are encouraged to visit www.redcross.org or to contact the chapter to
learn more about fire safety. Those wishing to make a financial contribution to
the local disaster fund can call (205) 758-3608 or mail a gift to the chapter
at 1100 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Tusc-aloosa, AL 35404.
About the 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 or join our
blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
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