SEVERAL
FAMILIES DISPLACED BY CANAAN, VT FIRE
Support
to families and first responders provided
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE … (Canaan, VT
– March 24, 2013) As we know all too well
in this region, the arrival of spring is often just a date on a calendar. For the American Red Cross, a busy winter
fire season appears to continue unabated, despite the calendar, with two fire
responses in just the past two days. The
latest being an overnight fire in Canaan, VT.
Around midnight, members of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team working
out of the Northeast Kingdom received the call that fire had struck a
multi-unit apartment building located at 10761 Route 253 in Canaan, VT. Quickly, they responded and drove directly to
the scene of the blaze. Before the sun rose,
three families, totaling more than 10 people, had sat down with those Red Cross
volunteers and had begun their road to recovery. Each family was provided temporary lodging
and financial support to help with food and clothing.
Across the country, the American Red Cross responds to a disaster every 8
minutes, most are fires like the one suffered in Canaan overnight. Our trained volunteers know that for the
devastated families, recovery begins the moment disaster strikes. It is through our corps of volunteers, who
comprise 90% of the Red Cross workforce, that we can ensure that help and
compassion are there for those whose lives have been turned upside down.
In addition to the lodging and other direct assistance provided by the Red
Cross, our volunteers make referrals to state, local and other charitable
resources that can help a disaster victim take that next step in their recovery. As noted, in Canaan last night, our
volunteers also supported the first responders by providing food and hydration.
To maintain the ability to respond quickly and with the help that is needed, the American Red Cross constantly works to build the ranks of its volunteer corps. No prior experience is necessary and any training that is needed is provided without charge. Anyone interested in learning more about the Red Cross volunteer experience is urged to go to www.redcross.org/vermont or to call locally at 802-660-9130, ext. 107.
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.
