Easton, MD – March 30, 2006 – Trained and experienced Red Cross disaster volunteers assisted an Easton family this morning, after fire destroyed their home on Shirley Drive. The volunteers – members of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team – were on the scene before 7:00am this morning to take care of the immediate needs of the family. One of the adults was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

The family –three adults and for a 2-year-old granddaughter who had a room in the home – was provided with accommodation, food and clothing, including seasonal wear, as well as information on beginning the process of recovery. The American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula assists with immediate disaster-caused needs, and collaborates with community partners to help affected families with their other needs to help get them back on their feet.

Individuals who are ready to be trained free of charge so they can help families affected by disasters such as fires and floods, whenever they occur are encouraged to become Red Cross volunteers. After training, volunteers can gain local experience and be deployed either locally, to other counties on the eastern shore of Maryland or even nationally. Please contact Betsy Tuttle at 1-800-777-6621, btuttle@redcrossdelmarva.org to learn how to become a Red Cross volunteer, or apply on-line at www.redcrossdelmarva.org/volunteer.htm.

A recent poll found that found that eighty percent of Americans do not know that home fires are the most common disaster in the United States. What’s more, half of the families polled are using high-risk methods to heat their homes this winter. For fire safety tips and ideas on how to stay safe, please visit www.redcrossdelmarva.org.