LAKELAND, FL (July 13, 2008 ) — On Sunday night, July 13, American Red Cross volunteers helped a family in Lakeland whose home was damaged by fire that night.
American Red Cross Polk County Chapter learned at 8:10 p.m. Sunday about a house catching fire on Flat Road on Lakeland. Volunteers responded and provided two adults and an infant with temporary shelter, emergency assistance for groceries and infant supplies, odor-control concentrated cleaner to help salvage items from the home, and a Red Cross clean-up kit.
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.
