FROM CANADIAN TO MASSACHUSETTS BORDERS, VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN BUSY THIS WINTER
Response Rate Steadily Climbing Over Past 4 Years
As we start our day
amidst sleet and rain, complaints will cross many of our lips. However, for too many of our neighbors, this
winter that never ends has been a lot tougher than just cold temperatures and
cloudy skies. It seems, at times, that house
and apartment fires have been as much a part of the season as snowballs and
skiing. Last night was no different.
Red Cross disaster services volunteers from Franklin County were on scene
last night at a single-family house fire at 4356 West Berkshire Road in
Berkshire, VT. The family of four (parents,
their adult daughter and a grandchild) were all displaced from the home that
sustained major damage. The family made
arrangements for their own lodging, but the Red Cross assisted with financial
support to help with food, clothing and storage containers. In addition, the volunteers provided
rehabilitative support in the form of food and hydration to the first
responders at the scene.
Late Wednesday, members of our Bennington County Disaster Action Team
assisted a gentleman left homeless after fires struck his 60 Lincoln Street
home in Pownal. He had a place to stay
locally, but the Red Cross volunteers extended a helping hand through financial
assistance for food, clothing and bedding.
Just three years ago, Red Cross volunteers in our region responded to 106
events, predominately house and apartment fires. Those numbers have steadily climbed. For our fiscal year 2011, that number climbed
to 117, in 2012 the number hit 137 and this year it is projected to be in the
range of 155 to 160 responses.
The American Red Cross is always
seeking new volunteers, an effort that helps the organization maintain its
ability to provide timely and compassionate assistance to people across our
region impacted by disaster. To be a
part of our group of dedicated volunteers, no prior experience is necessary and
all the training you will need is free and will be provided. To find out more about becoming an American
Red Cross volunteer, go to www.redcross.org/vermont
or contact Angela Russell at 802-660-9130, ext. 107 or angela.russell@redcross.org.
To help people affected by fires
as well as devastating natural disasters, a donation can be made to support
American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your
gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional
support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org, call 802-660-9130, text
REDCROSS to 90999, ext. 111, or mail your contribution to American Red Cross,
29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.
