BUFFALO, NY — Volunteers from the American Red Cross have responded to 45 separate fires across the Western and Central New York Region since December 23, 2019, providing immediate emergency assistance for 132 people. Red Cross assistance typically includes funding for temporary housing, food and clothing, and health services as needed, and specially-trained Disaster Mental Health volunteers are available to help those affected deal with the emotional aspect of their disaster. Affected families will meet with caseworkers in the coming days to work on a long-term recovery plan.
Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers responded to fires in the following counties during this holiday season, listed by Chapter:
- Central New York Chapter (Five total cases):
- Onondaga County: Three cases
- Oswego County: Two cases
- Finger Lakes Chapter (Five total cases):
- Chemung County: One case
- Schuyler County: Two cases
- Wayne County: Two cases
- Greater Rochester Chapter (14 total cases):
- Monroe County: Ten cases
- Ontario County: Four cases
- Southern Tier Chapter (One total case):
- Chenango County: One case
- Western New York Chapter (20 total cases):
- Allegany County: One case
- Chautauqua County: Four cases
- Erie County: 12 cases
- Genesee County: Two cases
- Orleans County: One case
In a typical year, home fires kill more people in the United States than all natural disasters combined. The Red Cross encourages everyone to take two steps to help keep their families safe: Test your smoke alarms every month and practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year. Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for additional fire safety information and resources.
You can help people affected by disasters like home fires and countless other crises by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
