American Red Cross volunteers responded to 25 home fires in Blue Island, Chicago, Des Plaines, Dolton, Kankakee, Melrose Park, Naperville, Ottawa, Round Lake Beach, Streator, and Waukegan in the past week and provided assistance to 68 individuals, through supplying them with basic items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form of health and mental health services and one-on-one support.
If you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster, please call our dispatch line: (877) 597-0747.
Home fires are the most frequent disaster and claim seven lives every day in the U.S. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death in a home fire by 50 percent.
Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for detailed home fire prevention and safety tips. Visit redcross.org/apps or search “American Red Cross” in app stores to download the app, which is compatible with Apple Watch and Android wearable devices.
If you would like to help people affected by home fires and other disasters, please visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up as a disaster volunteer.
Give Blood
Between Christmas and the new year, we typically see a big drop in blood and platelet donations. Help overcome seasonal shortfalls and we’ll thank you with a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while they last, when you come to give by Jan. 2.
It’s important for donors, especially type O blood donors and platelet donors, to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need through the end of the year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
–American Red Cross of Illinois