Red Cross assists Edmonton families affected by house explosion
Volunteers also supporting those affected by flooding in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan
EDMONTON (June 22, 2010) – Disaster volunteers with the Canadian Red Cross have assisted 10 people from four families impacted by a June 20 house explosion in Edmonton that left two people dead, two houses destroyed and nine homes damaged.
Members of a Personal Disaster Assistance Team along with an emergency response vehicle provided seven adults and three children with accommodations, food and water, clothing and blankets. Red Cross volunteers provided similar help the same day to five adults forced out by fire in a south Edmonton home.
These responses were in addition to Canadian Red Cross support to communities across southern Alberta and Saskatchewan impacted by more than 150 millimetres of rain over the course of a week, causing widespread destructive flooding, evacuations of homes, farms and businesses, and washing out a section of the Trans-Canada Highway linking the two provinces.
Thanks to donations by Walmart, RONA and Home Depot, the Red Cross will be distributing more than 100 cleanup kits to Alberta households to help with the difficult task of flood recovery. Red Cross volunteers also remained on standby in communities such as Medicine Hat and Lethbridge in case of additional flooding or evacuations. Coping with evacuation is made easier by preparing in advance with a household emergency plan and kit. Tips on creating them are available here.
Every year, the Red Cross helps thousands of Canadians impacted by disasters or emergencies such as flooding or events like the Edmonton explosion. Our services are provided at no charge thanks to generous support from donors. If you wish to donate to support disaster services in your area, visit your local Red Cross office, call 1-800-418-1111 or click here to donate now.
Related:
- Red Cross mobilizes as floods inundate Southern Alberta
- How Red Cross supports municipalities, provinces and territories
