Oregon Trail Chapter Lastest News

PORTLAND, Ore. - November 8, 2004 - Four American Red Cross volunteer Disaster Action " DAT" members responded to an early morning fire Monday, November 8, at 174th and Stark that destroyed a single family residence and claimed the life of the 38 year old man who lived there with his wife and two children.

An American Red Cross grief counselor also responded to the incident and Red Cross officials said that they would were prepared to provide additional support to the family such as temporary housing and special debit cards for food, clothing and other immediate needs.

The American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter encourages families, especially as cold weather returns, to make sure their heating systems are working properly and to also make sure that no combustible materials are positioned next to base board heating elements. Be sure to have working smoke detectors and to have and practice an evacuation plan. The plan should include two means of escape from a burning home, if at all possible, and to regularly practice this plan to include meeting at a prearranged location to make sure that all family members are accounted for.

Red Cross disaster assistance teams volunteer to serve more than 70 hours of their time every eight weeks. These volunteers stand by to support disasters which occur on average every 32 hours in this region. This assistance provided by volunteers is offered at no charge to Red Cross disaster clients, who are served thanks to the generosity of Oregonians supporting the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter. To become a volunteer or support Red Cross services with a charitable contribution, call (503) 284-1234.

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American Red Cross, Oregon Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call (503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters, go to www.PrepareOregon.org