espositol posted on June 15, 2010 13:05
American Red Cross disaster volunteers responded to an apartment fire affecting eight Triangle families. The Triangle Red Cross will provide direct financial assistance to families in the form of funds for groceries, temporary lodging, new clothing, possibly rental assistance at a new residence and medical needs.
Unexpectedly, the month June has been a particularly busy month for the Triangle American Red Cross. A total of 13 fires in the first two weeks of this month have affected 86 Triangle residents. Before last night, the American Red Cross had provided more than $15,000 in direct financial assistance to families affected by disasters in June. Estimates from last night’s fire will bring the June financial assistance total to $25,000.
“The important thing to remember about home fires is that they can happen to anyone, at any time,” said Barry Porter, Regional Executive of the Triangle Red Cross. “It is essential that residents know and understand how to prevent fires in the home. But not all fires can be prevented by the home-owner or renter. The best preparedness activity that home owners and renters can have is purchasing insurance. Having renter’s insurance can make a huge difference in a family’s recovery from unexpected disasters.”
Although Red Cross volunteers will provide assistance, many apartment residents do not understand that their landlord’s insurance does not protect their personal property, it only protects the building. All Triangle residents who rent an apartment or a house should consider low cost renters insurance to reduce the financial hardship of a fire or other disaster.
Triangle Red Cross Regional Executive, Barry Porter, will be available for interviews this week. You may also contact Lu Esposito, Director of Marketing and Communications, 919-235-8769 or espositol@triangleredcross.org.
Triangle residents can find out more about how to stay fire safe at home, as well as how to prepare for other emergencies, at http://triangleredcross.org/prepare.