(Barre Town, Vermont – April 13, 2011) In response to a fire this morning in Barre Town, Red Cross Disaster Action Team members are providing support to displaced residents. The fire victims were residents in a 2-unit apartment building on Richardson Road. “With more than two months left in our fiscal year, our Central VT/NH Valley Chapter disaster volunteers have already responded to 50% more calls than all of last year,” said Tim Stetson, Regional Chief Response Officer for the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley Region of the American Red Cross. “On a day like today, when our teams respond to multiple calls, it is wonderful to see that the dedication of our volunteers is clearly up to the challenge,” Stetson added.
The disaster services volunteers responding in Barre Town are members of the Berlin Disaster Action Team (DAT). This is the second DAT from the Central VT/NH Valley Chapter called into service today. The Upper Valley Team responded earlier to a fire in Lebanon, NH. The Disaster Action Teams are volunteers who, when requested, provided client assistance for victims of disaster and can also assist first responders with rehabilitative services in the form of hydration and food. The client assistance takes the form of temporary housing and financial support for food, clothing and other emergency needs. The Disaster Action Teams respond day or night.
American Red Cross emergency assistance is provided without charge to those in need and is made possible by donations from fellow community members. To help victims of disaster, contributions can be mailed to American Red Cross, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401-3323. Please specify Disaster Services in the memo of your check. Additionally, donations can be made on-line at www.redcrossvtnhuv.org.
