7th Response in 9 Days for VT & NH Valley American Red Cross
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE . . .(Colchester, Vermont – February 9, 2011) For the third time in 24 hours, and seventh in the last nine days, Red Cross volunteers are responding to a local disaster. Disaster services volunteers with the Northern Vermont Chapter’s Chittenden County Disaster Action Team are en route to the scene of a fully-involved structure fire on Red Rock Road in Colchester.
In response to a call from the Colchester Fire Department for mass care services, the Disaster Action Team Volunteers will provide rehabilitative services to first responders. Hydration and food will be provided in support of the firefighters and others on the scene.
This assistance is on the heels of the support provided last night at the scene of a fire in East Burke, VT and the support supplied yesterday to over 50 first responders at the scene of a barn collapse in Chester, VT. “The demand for Red Cross services traditionally sees a spike in the winter months,” said Tim Stetson, Chief Response Officer of the American Red Cross in Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley. “This winter, however, we have seen a larger than normal call for our services.”
Red Cross disaster services volunteers are organized in Disaster Action Teams throughout the Vermont & New Hampshire Valley Region. In addition to the rehabilitation services provided to firefighters and other first responders, individuals and families affected by disaster are interviewed to determine their immediate, emergency needs. The Red Cross primarily assists 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.
As a non-governmental organization, the American Red Cross relies upon the donations of community members to ensure that disaster services are available when called upon. American Red Cross emergency assistance is provided without charge to those in need. To help victims of disaster, donations can be made to the American Red Cross by sending a contribution to the American Red Cross, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401-3323. Please specify Disaster Services in the memo of your check.
