RED CROSS RESPONDS TO CHESTERFIELD SQUARE FIRE

December 2, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bill Harrison

804-780-2256

harrisonb@usa.redcross.org

RED CROSS RESPONDS TO CHESTERFIELD SQUARE FIRE

Shelter Housed 48 Displaced Residents

The American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter, is responding to the needs of residents displaced by a fire at Chesterfield Square, a subsidized retirement community in South Richmond. The Chapter coordinated a shelter last night, providing housing and food for 48 people. The Red Cross also provided canteen services for firefighters and other emergency workers throughout the night.

As of this morning, Red Cross caseworkers were meeting with the displaced to map out recovery plans. A major issue is medications as at this time, no one has been allowed to enter their apartments to retrieve their medicines or other personal belongings. It is hoped that some residents will be allowed access by the end of the day.

“We had two Red Cross nurses stay overnight at the shelter and they were kept busy,” stated Paul Hundley of the Red Cross. “All the residents are elderly and many have on-going medical issues.”

The Red Cross has received offers of other property management companies to help with housing but with Chesterfield Square being a subsidized community, the rents required for other homes are more than the displaced can afford.

“Our plan today is to meet with the management of Chesterfield Square, Richmond City Social Services, the Capital Area on Aging and other organizations to look at options. This operation presents many challenges all the displaced are elderly and most have medical conditions,” said Hundley.

To help these and other disaster victims, please mail financial contributions to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 655, Richmond, Va. 23218, call 804-780-2250 or www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org

Red Cross urges simple house fire tips that can save lives

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2009

Contact: Bill Harrison

804-780-2256 (O)

804-396-0162. (cell)

 

RED CROSS URGES SIMPLE HOUSE FIRE TIPS THAT CAN SAVE LIVES

House Fires Can Happen to Anyone

 

“Every three hours in the United States a home fire claims a life and every thirty minutes someone is injured in a home fire,” shared Reggie Gordon, CEO of the American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter.

 

Injuries related to fires and burns costs $1.3 billion in 2000 and in 2006 residential fires cost nearly $7 billion in property damages. The sentimental value of lost personal items and keepsakes cannot be estimated.

 

“Loosing one’s home is always devastating,” continued Gordon, “And it can be especially difficult for the elderly who may have lived in a home for many years or for children who cannot comprehend the damage.”

 

There are measures that businesses, schools and families can put into place that arm people with lifesaving skills in the event of a fire or other emergency.

 

American Red Cross recommendations:

 

Install smoke alarms

 

Install an alarm on every floor of the home, even in the basement and outside every sleeping area. Test the alarms monthly. Change the batteries at least twice a year.

 

Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do if they hear- get out and crawl under the smoke.

 

Having a smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a home fire in half. More than three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with nonworking alarms.

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Get out of the burning house

 

In a fire get out and stay out. Don’t pause to get belongings.

 

Teach children not to hide, but to get out immediately.

 

Escape first, then call for help.

 

Never go back into a burning house for any reason. Going back can be deadly. The heat can scorch your lungs and melt your skin. Breathing even small amounts of smoke can make you confused or pass out.

 

Have an escape route

Plan and practice escape routes. Have a location that all family members will meet after leaving the building.

 

The American Red Cross will conduct free fire safety seminars for communities of faith, civic organizations or schools. Contact the chapter through the web site www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org or by calling 804-780-2250.

 

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Red Cross Halloween safety tips

Halloween is a fun time where there will be many ghosts and ghouls out trick-or-treating.  This is a great time to be educated on the safety hazards you should follow on this festive night.  The American Red Cross has outlined some helpful tips that will help you stay safe:

 

Plan your route beforehand and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.

Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards and brooms, too!)

Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.

Cross the street only at corners.

Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.

Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.

Walk, slither and sneak on sidewalks; not in the street.

Carry a flashlight or glow stick to light your way.

Visit homes that have the porch light on.

Keep away from open fires and candles. (Keep in mind that costumes can be extremely flammable.)  Another great option, is to use a glow stick in place of candles.  It prevents fires but offers the same effects of lighting.

Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s home.

There will be many people dressed in costumes, be cautious of strangers and animals, especially dogs.

Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don’t eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.