SEAFORD, DE – May 3, 2006 – A couple and their seven children, ages six to seventeen, were being helped by the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula today after fire swept through their log cabin home in Greenwood, Sussex county. Luckily no-one was injured in the mid-morning fire, although the family lost all their possessions. Five members of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team went to the scene of the fire and assisted the family with temporary housing, food and clothing. They also provided guidance and advice, in conjunction with community partners, on the steps the family should take to start their recovery from this disaster.

The American Red Cross has provided emergency assistance, free of charge, to 39 families in Sussex county since the beginning of this fiscal year (July 2005), of which 18 families were helped since the beginning of this year. This disaster relief usually consists of food, clothing and temporary accommodation and guidelines on disaster recovery, well as referral to other community agencies for help with longer-term needs. Where mental health services are needed, trained Red Cross volunteers are available to help.

Delaware residents and those in the counties of Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot in Maryland can count on the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula twenty-four hours a day to assist with their disaster-caused needs by calling 1-800-777-6620. Since the American Red Cross is not a government agency and does not receive federal funding, it relies on the generosity of the American people to be able to provide emergency services to those left homeless by fires, floods and other catastrophes. The organization is committed to meeting, and exceeding, donors’ expectations, to spend donated dollars wisely and to demonstrate good stewardship and accountability. Through partnerships with donors, volunteers, emergency and security organizations, government and community agencies, the Red Cross pledges to make the Delmarva Peninsula one of the safest places to live, work and raise our families.