Disaster Action Team Responds to Multi-family Fire in Richmond

(Burlington, Vermont – November 1, 2010)  At this hour, Red Cross Disaster Services personnel are responding to the scene of an apartment building fire on Main Street in Richmond.  “The responding personnel are all members of the Northern Vermont Chapter’s Disaster Action Team program,” said Timothy Stetson, Regional Chief Response Officer for the Red Cross, “they are responding to meet the needs of multiple families displaced by the early morning fire and to support the rehabilitation needs of fire fighters and other emergency personnel on the scene.”

“Even with the cooler temperatures of late fall, fighting a major fire such as this one takes a toll on those emergency responders conducting firefighting and lifesaving tasks,” says Mass Care Activity Lead Steve Pernicka, “Our mass care/rehabilitation personnel are there to help with the rehydration and electrolyte replacement so desperately needed by them as they conduct their fireground operations.”  Pernicka, a veteran disaster volunteer goes on to say, “Our role is to help them stay safe as they perform their very important jobs.” 

The call came in to the Northern Vermont Chapter’s Disaster Duty Officer at approximately 12:48 am this morning and immediately volunteer personnel, including team members skilled in mass care, and client assistance were dispatched to the incident scene.

At every scene, families are interviewed to determine their immediate emergency needs.  The Red Cross is primarily able to assist with emergency shelter, food, clothing, medical and disaster mental health services where a verified need exists and will support the families further by providing referrals to other community support resources.

The mission of the American Red Cross is to provide relief to victims of disasters and help our community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The chapters also teach children and adults how to save lives through first aid, CPR and AED training, water safety instruction, and community safety education.

All emergency assistance provided by the American Red Cross is provided free of charge and made possible by donations from fellow community members.  To help the victims of these and other disasters, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross by sending a contribution to the American Red Cross, Northern Vermont Chapter, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT  05401-3323.  Please specify Disaster Services in the memo of your check.