WINTER HAVEN, FL (July 12, 2008 ) — On Saturday morning, July 12, American Red Cross volunteers helped a family in Winter Haven whose home was damaged by fire the previous night.
At 9:48 a.m. Saturday, the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter learned about the fire Friday night on Avenue H, SE, in Winter Haven. The two adults living there had already arranged to stay with family. Volunteers with the local Red Cross Disaster Action Team provided them with comfort kits (personal hygiene kits); emergency assistance for clothing, shoes, groceries; odor-control concentrated cleaner to help salvage items from the home, a Red Cross clean-up kit, and both Mickey Mouse and teddy bear stuffed animal toys to help comfort them.
Since July 1, Polk Red Cross volunteers have averaged one fire call per day. Whenever called, day or night, considerate and compassionate volunteers respond to help people in need. Over the previous 12 months, from July 2007 to June 2008, the Polk County Chapter assisted 209 Polk County families affected by local disasters. Almost all of those were fires in houses and apartment buildings.
Home fires are the most common disaster seen by Red Cross volunteers. The Red Cross urges families to follow fire prevention tips and practice fire escape plans to ensure every family member escapes fire safely. Information is available at http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_242_,00.html.
