WILMINGTON, DE – October 27, 2006—Two adults were assisted by the American Red Cross after a fire caused damage to their home in Chestertown, early Thursday morning. The Red Cross assisted them with their immediate needs of food, clothing, shoes and seasonal garments, after the fire victims decided to stay with family members. They were also given referrals to local community agencies for their longer term needs, and provided information on the steps that should be taken to begin recovery from this disaster.

Home fires are the most common disaster in the United States, and only 26 percent of families have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Since fires kill more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined, the Red Cross urges families to develop a fire escape plan and to take steps toward fire prevention and safety.

As the cold season commences, families should take simple steps to avoid preventable fires, which are frequently caused by heating sources. The Red Cross recommends that all potential fuel sources, including newspapers, matches, clothing and bedding, are kept at least three feet away from heat sources such as a space heater or fireplace. On average, more than twice a week, the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula helps families left homeless by fire with assistance for food, clothing, prescription medications, temporary shelter and other special needs an affected family might have.