Red Cross Helps WVC Family Find New Place To Live Today

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH ( Friday, January 23, 2009)— The Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is helping a West Valley City family this morning after a 4 am fire ripped through their home at 3556 W. Westlake Road (3195 S.) Two adults and a 5-year-old were at home at the time. Two other children were not at home when the fire struck. The 5-year-old was transported to IHC for smoke inhalation.

The American Red Cross disaster volunteers provided the family with immediate necessities: shelter, food, clothing and shoes. Today, Red Cross volunteers will assist the family as they try to find a new place to live. The family’s dog made it out of the fire and is staying with a neighbor. The duplex fire displaced the one family, the other side of the duplex is ok.

The Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross responds to up to 100 incidents each year, some of them render multiple families homeless. Statewide, the Red Cross responds to about 200 incidents each year. Nationwide, the American Red Cross’s local chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing and other life necessities. Volunteers give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and a toy for children.

If you’d like to help, financial donations are always accepted to help victims of this fire and other disasters in your community. For more information about donating to the Chapter Emergency Services please go to www.utahredcross.org or call 801.323.7000.

About the American Red Cross, Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; provides blood to 30 area hospitals; and supports military members and their families. The organization also provides emergency utility assistance and international family tracing services. The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization, not a government funded agency, which depends entirely upon volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. Donate your time or resources to the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross by calling 801-323-7000 or visit www.utahredcross.org.