Elkton, MD – March 28, 2006 – Two American Red Cross volunteers were on the scene to assist a local family after a fire destroyed their Iris Road home in Chestertown on Friday evening, March 24th. The volunteers from the Red Cross Disaster Action Team made sure that the family - an adult and a child - had temporary lodging, and provided food, and clothing as needed. The American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula refers all families affected by disaster to community partners to help with their other disaster-caused needs.

The American Red Cross takes care of the immediate basic needs 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 and financial donations from the American public to respond to disasters wherever they occur.