AUBURNDALE, FL (JULY 6, 2008 ) — American Red Cross volunteers helped a family of six in Auburndale on Sunday, July 6, after fire had damaged their home.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter received a call at 9:48 p.m. Sunday that the fire had burned one of the bedrooms of a family of two adults and four children living on McKean Street in Auburndale. In less than an hour, volunteers had provided the family with emergency assistance for groceries, clothing, and shoes for two people; a Red Cross clean up kit; odor-control concentrated cleaner to help salvage items from the home; and stuffed animal toys to help comfort the children.
The family plans to stay with relatives while recovering from the fire.
Local Red Cross volunteers have averaged about one fire call each day for the new service year, which began on July 1. Over the previous 12 months, the local Red Cross assisted 207 Polk County families who had been affected by local disasters, almost all of which were home fires, either individual houses or apartment buildings. Whenever called, considerate and compassionate volunteers respond to help those in need.
Home fires are the most common disaster that Red Cross volunteers witness. Volunteers urge families to follow fire prevention tips and to make and practice fire escape plans to ensure all family members escape a fire safely. Information on preventing fire and planning for home fires is available at http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_242_,00.html.
