Elkton, MD – November 15, 2006 - Our local American Red Cross is recruiting disaster volunteers in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties, Maryland to assist families should severe weather impact our area this winter, when the risk of home fires tend to increase. Find out how YOU can help by attending a Disaster Action Team (DAT) Volunteer meeting on Tuesday, November 28th from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM in the Conference Room of the Kent County Public Library, 207 Calvert Street, Chestertown, MD. 21620.

Disaster Volunteers

Be an active participant in RESPONDING to local disasters, to take care of the immediate needs – shelter, food and clothing – of affected families. FREE training is offered and includes an Introduction to Disaster course, which can be taken on-line, followed by a combination of additional disaster courses. We especially need volunteers who can help with local disasters such as fires and floods during the day. After training and gaining experience at local disasters, you could be deployed on national Red Cross disaster jobs, providing emergency assistance to families all over the United States

This is an excellent opportunity to meet with Terri Abegglen, the new Administrator of Emergency Services and Christine Godek, Manager of Volunteers, to get more information about volunteering with the Red Cross and share ways that the Red Cross can be involved in your community including representation at parades, community days, open houses, etc.

Minimize the risk of a home fire - The American Red Cross urges you to follow the safety tips below to ensure everyone a happy holiday season.

• Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Avoid using candles during parties. If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check in between and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
• Beware of holiday candles. Take special care when burning candles and make sure they are never left unattended. Be sure they are kept away from decorations and other combustible materials. Never leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children.
• Install and check smoke alarms. The Red Cross recommends a smoke alarm on each level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside bedrooms. Also, install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.

 The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country and across the world—in emergencies.