Red Cross house fire response – a well-kept secret
“Six buildings have been affected in the Erlton condominium fire. Approximately 300 to 500 people were evacuated... all residents of Ashbury Place were evacuated shortly after the blaze broke out, along with residents of the two neighbouring apartments...fire broke out this morning at the Christian Science Church; 400 people had to be evacuated from the surrounding apartment building and two schools have been closed for the day...”
Stories in the news about fires – in houses, apartment buildings, or other dwellings – are tragic, yet all-too-common across Canada. Hardly a day goes by that somewhere in the country an individual, a family, or an entire community isn’t affected by a fire. News cameras are quick to capture the images of a devastating fire and its aftermath – but what happens behind the scenes, after the fire? Where do the people affected get the help they need?
Fortunately, there are agencies that fire survivors can turn to in their hour of need – including the Canadian Red Cross.
Even families with sufficient resources to look after themselves can be suddenly faced with this scenario.
A house fire engulfs a home quickly in the middle of the night. The first thought, naturally, is ensuring everyone gets out safely. Within minutes, a family can find themselves on the curb in their pyjamas. No wallet, no credit card, no ATM card, no insurance papers, no car keys. You need care and support to deal with this traumatic event -- and you need it right away.
Red Cross is there to help. In those critical 72 hours following a personal disaster, Red Cross volunteers can help you get a hotel room, warm clothes and nourishing meals, giving you the time you need to contact your bank, your insurance agent and call in assistance from friends and families.
In a typical year, the Canadian Red Cross responds to over 2,000 disasters ranging from house fires to floods, forest fires, and tornados. Just last week, Red Cross disaster response volunteers met the needs of Ottawa residents forced from their homes by a five-alarm fire.
Sean and Candy Bonin of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan lost their home to a fire in August 2006. "I never had to deal with Red Cross before so I didn't know what they did. The help I got from Red Cross was stupendous,” Sean says. “Whether it was providing vouchers (for shelter, food and clothes), or just sitting down to talk, Red Cross offered an unbelievable amount of help. We needed help and we got it."
The Red Cross needs your help in order to assist people made vulnerable by fire and other emergencies. Please donate now or volunteer by contacting your local Red Cross office.
