Polk Red Cross helps Haines City family after fire

HAINES CITY, FL (Oct. 11, 2008) — American Red Cross volunteers went out Saturday to help a local family in need.

At noon on Saturday, Oct. 11, two volunteers with the Polk County Chapter helped a couple on Bradbury Road in Haines City whose home was damaged by fire. They provided the two adults with temporary shelter, emergency assistance for groceries and clothing, landlord verification forms to assist in relocation, Red Cross Ride for the Red T-shirts, and a teddy bear to comfort them.

Since the beginning of July this year, the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter has helped more than 40 families after small local disasters — roughly one family every two days. The American Red Cross provides immediate emergency assistance based on need, thanks to donations from people in the local community. Each local chapter has a Disaster Action Team of volunteers taking turns to go out on fire calls at any time of the day or night to ensure that those who need American Red Cross help can get it as soon as possible.

Home fires are still the most common local disaster for Red Cross volunteers. The American Red Cross asks every family to include fire prevention in their disaster plans by using extra caution around any open flame, cooking surface, electrical appliance, or flammable-fuel appliance. Look for information on preventing home fires at http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org, or visit the main office at 147 Avenue A, NW, in Winter Haven. To make a monetary contribution, please call your local American Red Cross Polk County Chapter at (863) 294-5941.