SEBRING, FL (Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008) — Red Cross volunteers have helped a family of five who lost their home to fire on Christmas Eve.
A Sebring couple and their three daughters were away from their home on Seventh Street in East Sebring on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 24, when their home caught fire. No one was hurt and no pets were injured in the fire. A neighbor was able to rescue the family’s Christmas gifts from the flames.
The house was destroyed, according to Highlands Red Cross Director Art Harriman. Reportedly, the fire started from an electrical short in a space heater that wasn’t on, but was plugged in.
Fortunately, the family has a place to stay the night. Local Red Cross volunteers have provided immediate emergency assistance for groceries and clothing, as well as comfort kits (personal hygiene kits) and teddy bears to comfort the children.
Home fires are still the most common local disaster for Red Cross volunteers, and are expected to increase as weather turns colder and people begin using alternative forms of heat. The American Red Cross asks every family to use all precaution with space heaters, to check smoke detector batteries, and include fire prevention as part of their disaster planning during this season. Information on preventing home fires is online at http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org or at the Highlands County office at 106 Medical Center Avenue in Sebring by calling (863) 386-4440.
The American Red Cross will respond to help people affected by disaster, whether that disaster is a severe storm, flood, tornado, or house fire. Please support your local Red Cross. In Highlands County, please call (863) 386-4440 to support your local Red Cross office, or e-mail hcarc@vistanet.net.
