LAKELAND, FL (July 17, 2008 ) – Thursday night, July 17, 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 7:58 p.m. Thursday about a one half of a duplex catching fire on New Tampa Highway on Lakeland. Fortunately, their apartment complex was able to relocate the two adults and two children to another apartment. Red Cross volunteers responded by 9:15 p.m. and provided the family with emergency assistance for groceries, clothing, and shoes; comfort kits (personal hygiene kits) and two Mickey Mouse stuffed toys to comfort the children.
Since July 1, 2008, local American Red Cross volunteers have helped 13 families: 31 adults and 29 children, in Polk and Highlands Counties. 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.
