Members of the Bennington Disaster Action Team (DAT) were on the scene of yesterday’s tragic fire in Shaftsbury. Team members are disaster services volunteers with the Green Mountain Chapter of the American Red Cross. The role of the Red Cross was to provide mass care support to the six responding fire departments, including hydration and food. Disaster Action Teams (DATs) are volunteers who respond, day or night, to assess the needs of disaster victims and first responders. Sadly, the couple who lived in the home died as a result of the blaze.
Today, DATs across Vermont and New Hampshire’s Upper Valley are keeping an eye on the winter mix that is already blanketing much of our region. With the potential for ice and sleet, the risk of power outages increases. Working with state and local officials, the Red Cross will be prepared to address any shelter and mass care needs that may arise.
