Red Cross Funds Stretched Thin After 100+ People Burned out of Their Homes in Past 72 Hours

Community Can Help by Texting, Clicking or Sponsoring

DFW, TEXAS, February 28, 2012 — It’s rare to get a rash of fires that displaces nearly 100 people in a three-day period, but here in the Metroplex, that’s exactly what’s happened over the past 72 hours.
Four major apartment fires, along with 12 single-family homes fires, one causing a critical injury, had the organization responding around the clock; and depleting resources at a rapid pace.

Now, the Red Cross is asking the community to help replenish their funds as they gear up for spring storm season. 

“We’re concerned about this barrage of home fires, coupled with the start of spring storm season,” said T.D. Smyers, regional chief executive officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “We’ve had so many fires and any day now, spring storms will be here and we have to be ready to respond to those too.” 

Smyers said the organization has distributed about three weeks worth of aid in a three day period, but with support from the community, those funds can be replaced quickly. 

Ways people can give include texting the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate $10; jumping on www.redcross.org to give a gift in any amount; or by sponsoring a “Piper the Puppy” at the $100 level. This Dallas-created stuffed animal brings comfort when he’s handed to a child at the curb of a house fire, while the financial donation ensures that the Red Cross is ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Home fires are the most common disaster responded to by the local Red Cross chapters. An average of five families in the Metroplex experience a house fire every day. The American Red Cross responds every time they’re called and assists with safe shelter, new shoes and clothing, groceries, seasonal items, bedding and more. Without the support of the American people, the American Red Cross would be unable to respond. 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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Home Fire Victims Become Red Cross Volunteers

Carl Nappier received help from the Red Cross when fire destroyed his home. Now he helps others when disaster strikes.

Carl Nappier and Michelle Muth have gone from receiving American Red Cross help after losing their homes in fires to becoming very active volunteers.

October is Fire Prevention Month, a time to both recognize those who have offer help after fires – as well as to remind people to take steps now to help ensure fire does not strike their home.

Nappier’s home in Moniteau County, Missouri, was destroyed by fire in 2007. Red Cross volunteers from the Capital Area Chapter in Jefferson City responded and ensured Carl received the emergency help he needed to begin to rebuild his life.

In 2009, Nappier became a Red Cross disaster volunteer and began responding to numerous home fires within the chapter’s 21-county service area. He is now a national volunteer, deploying when disaster strikes across the United States. This year he has worked on five national disasters for a minimum of two weeks away from home, including traveling to the East Coast to help those affected by Hurricane Irene.

Michelle Muth never forgot how the Red Cross helped her and today helps others as a Red Cross volunteer.

Several years ago, Michelle Muth’s apartment was destroyed by fire. She awoke on a bitter cold morning to smoke and flames, fleeing her home with little or nothing. The Red Cross from the Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Regional Chapter was there with warm blankets, cups of hot coffee and words of sympathy and encouragement.

Over the years, Muth never forgot how the Red Cross helped her and decided it was time to give back. She became a disaster volunteer to help other victims learn they can rise from the ashes.

To help prevent a fire in your home, check each smoke alarm by pushing the test button at least once a month and replace batteries every year, or as needed. Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes from every room in the home and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the home. Practice the escape plan at least twice a year and revise as necessary. Families are encouraged to pay particular attention to developing and regularly practicing escape plans for children and older adults.

Additional recommendations include:

• Keep matches and lighters away from and out of reach of children.
• Don’t leave the kitchen, and don’t leave the home while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food.
• Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.

For more information on how to lessen the risk of a fire in your home, visit http://www.redcross.org/ for more steps you can take to remain safe.

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