LOCAL RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS HELP 28 PEOPLE AFFECTED BY HOME FIRES IN PAST WEEK

Red Cross volunteers responded to nine home fires across South Central Illinois from December 27 through January 3. Volunteers responded to incidents in Leansboro Springfield, Centralia, Riverton, Tuscola, Paris, Decatur and more. During the past week American Red Cross provided assistance to 28 individuals, including 15 adults and 13 children with a temporary place to stay, emergency financial assistance, food, relief items like toiletries, health and mental health services, and one-on-one support to connect people to available recovery assistance.

Call the Red Cross dispatch line at 1-877-597-0747, if anyone knows if someone needs assistance after a home fire or disaster. Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster. To keep the family safe, test smoke alarms and practice a two-minute home fire escape drill. For additional information about home fire safety, visit redcross.org/fire. Download the free emergency app (search American Red Cross in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps).

Children can also learn what to do during a home fire and other emergencies with free resources at redcross.org /YouthPrep.