Red Cross Helps 29 People Affected by Home Fires

Local Chapters of the American Red Cross Bringing Comfort to 29 People Affected by Home Fires in Utah this Week


Salt Lake City, UTAH (Thursday, July 7, 2010) — The American Red Cross Utah Region has helped 29 individuals so far after six home fires this week. Four fires occurred in the Greater Salt Lake Area, one in St. George and one in Logan, Utah. The disaster action teams are still working with many of the affected individuals to provide meals, clothing and assistance in finding a new place to live. Utah Region CEO, Maxine Margaritis said, “We’ve had a busy week. The Red Cross is here to help people in all kinds of disasters and home fires are the most common disaster we respond to here in Utah. We help people recover with immediate essential needs after they’ve lost everything unexpectedly. We want to remind everyone to think about fire prevention and to practice fire escape plans. Contact your local chapters of the Red Cross to learn more about fire prevention and visit our Web site for fire safety tips.”

The American Red Cross in Utah responded to 114 incidents during the past year, some of them rendering multiple families homeless. This year, the number will be even higher. Nationwide, the local chapters of the American Red Cross 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.

Help people affected by disasters, like these fires, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, or your local Chapter. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.