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(Newport Center, Vermont – January 30, 2010) As wind chills reached frigid levels, Red Cross Disaster Services personnel responded to Newport Center to meet the needs of four families displaced by an early morning multi-family apartment fire. The responding personnel are all members of the Northern Vermont Chapter’s Disaster Action Team program. “This response comes even as the Red Cross around the world continues to support the people of Haiti and the recovery efforts there.” said Timothy Stetson, Regional Chief Response Officer for the Red Cross.
The calls came in to the Disaster Operations Center at the Northern Vermont Chapter of the American Red Cross at approximately 12:40 am this morning and immediately the Orleans County Disaster Action Team was dispatched to the incident scene. The team responded to provide immediate emergency assistance to the families involved. "Even as temperatures dipped down to -14 degrees, local Red Cross volunteers braved brutal conditions to make sure their neighbors were supported", said Rob Levine, Red Cross Regional Executive. He added, “that is what makes the Red Cross so special and so trusted. Communities know our volunteers will be there no matter how tough the conditions".
At every scene, the family is interviewed to determine their immediate emergency needs. The Red Cross is primarily able to assist with emergency shelter, food, clothing, medical and disaster mental health services where a verified need exists and will support the families further by providing referrals to other community support resources.
The mission of the American Red Cross is to provide relief to victims of disasters and help our community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The chapters also teach children and adults how to save lives through first aid, CPR and AED training, water safety instruction, and community safety education.
All emergency assistance provided by the American Red Cross is provided free of charge and made possible by donations from fellow community members. To help the victims of these and other disasters, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross by sending a contribution to the American Red Cross, Northern Vermont Chapter, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401-3323. Please specify Disaster Services in the memo of your check.
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