Wilmington, DE – February 26, 2006 – A family of three in Centreville was being helped by the American Red Cross after they lost all their possessions in an early morning fire at their trailer, Sunday. Disaster Action Team volunteers from the Red Cross met with the family around 9:3-0am to make sure they had a safe place to stay, and provided them with their immediate needs for food, clothing and a crib for the infant. The family was also provided with information on recovering from disaster and referred to community partners for longer-term recovery assistance.

The American Red Cross takes care of the immediate basic needs – including shelter, food and clothing – of all those affected whenever disaster strikes – free of charge. Volunteers and staff are on call 24/7 to meet with those affected by disaster and ensure that they are helped in the immediate hours following the disaster, and afterwards as they get back on their feet. Since the Red Cross is not a governmental agency, it relies on the contributions of time, talent and financial donations from the American public to respond to disasters wherever they occur.