Three Families Being Assisted By Red Cross After Elkton Apartment Fire

Elkton, MD – December 11, 2006 – After an early morning fire in Hollingsworth Manor, Elkton, on Sunday morning (December 10th), three families were receiving assistance from the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula. Disaster Action Team volunteers provided the families with emergency needs for food, clothing and a safe place to stay after one apartment was destroyed and two others received smoke and water damage. The families 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.

As winter begins, families are urged to 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.