Lakeland, FL (March 5, 2008 ) — American Red Cross Polk County Chapter volunteers responded Wednesday to help survivors of a fire that took one life, displaced five people, and damaged two apartments in Lakeland.
Two men living in an upstairs apartment had survived the fire. One had lost nearly everything. Based on their needs, the Red Cross provided them with assistance, including temporary shelter, emergency assistance for groceries and clothingand other aid.
The downstairs apartment was also affected. Volunteers provided the family – two adults and one child – with temporary shelter, emergency assistance for groceries, and other aid.
The fire marked the fourth home fire in five days in Polk County during an eight-month response period that has now seen 153 families displaced by fire. Recent fires included one Winter Haven resident whose home loss has sparked a flood of generous support from the community.
Home fires are one of the most common, deadly, and preventable disasters. Red Cross volunteers urge all families to take precautions to prevent home fires and to practice escape plans to ensure all loved ones get out of a fire safely.
To learn more about fire safety, please call your local Polk County Red Cross at (863) 294-5941. In Highlands County, call (863) 386-4440.
Entries from March 2008
Red Cross responds to fatal fire in Lakeland
March 5, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Categories: Home Fires
Tagged: American Red Cross, charity, CPR, CPR/AED, cross, Disaster, donations, donor, emergency, fire, firefighters, help, Home Fires, humanitarian, prepare, Preparedness, red, Red Cross, rescue efforts, safety, Volunteer
