Colder months ahead, home fires increase
PARIS, TEXAS — With fall upon us and colder months ahead, families begin using their heaters, fire places, stoves and even candles to warm up – all increasing the chance of a home fire. For American Red Cross in Lamar County, this means the beginning of a busy season, when Disaster Action Teams respond with help for those who lose their home to fire.
“November and December are usually our busiest months,” said John Davis, Executive Director of the Red Cross in Lamar County. “Folks haven’t used their heating systems in many months, and they may have fallen into disrepair over summer. Unfortunately with the first few cold snaps comes a spike in home fires, which means we must continually recruit and train new volunteers to join the Red Cross Disaster Action Team in Lamar County.”
On October 13th and 14th, as part of the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, the American Red Cross Lamar County Chapter will host two open house events to raise awareness about the risk of home fires, and to recruit interested volunteers, highlighting opportunities to volunteer as a Disaster Action Team member, sheltering volunteer, logistics volunteer or casework volunteer.
Both events will be held at the Chapter office at 2673 N. Main, Ste. J, Paris, TX 75460.
- Monday, October 13, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
- Tuesday, October 14, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Home fires in the United States kill more than 2,500 people annually and cause an average of 13,000 injuries. The total cost for treating fire related injuries and burns amounts to $1.3 billion per year, while lost productivity due to injuries leads to an additional $6.2 billion.
Last year, the local Red Cross Disaster Action Team responded to 40 home fires in Lamar County, helping 72 families begin recovery after losing their home.
Through preparedness education, the Lamar County Chapter hopes to decrease the amount of damage that occurs from home fires, and by continuing to build the trained Disaster Action Team, be able to respond immediately with help.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.