|
(Swanton, Vermont – March 5, 2010) At this hour Red Cross Disaster Services personnel are responding to Merchants Row in Swanton to meet the needs of at least four families displaced by a late evening fire that continues to rage through the residential/commercial building where they live. The responding personnel are all members of the Northern Vermont Chapter’s Disaster Action Team program.
The call came in late this evening to the Red Cross’ On-duty Disaster Duty Officer who dispatched four volunteers from the Franklin County Disaster Action Team. The team responded to provide immediate emergency assistance to the families involved and to support the rehabilitation needs of firefighters and other emergency workers on the scene. “Our mass care/rehabilitation personnel are there to help with the rehydration and electrolyte replacement so desperately needed by the firefighters and other emergency workers.” says David Stetson, County Co-Coordinator for the Red Cross, “Our role is to help them stay safe as they perform their very important jobs.”
At the scene, each family will be 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.
To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions can be made to the Northern Vermont Chapter’s Disaster Relief Fund by sending a contribution to the American Red Cross, Northern Vermont Chapter, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401-3323. Please specify Northern Vermont Chapter Disaster Services in the memo of your check. Also, if you or someone you know are interested in volunteering in Disaster Services and responding to incidents such as this one, we would love to hear from you. Please give Danielle Beaudoin, our Volunteer Coordinator a call at 802-660-9130 x108 to find out more about volunteer opportunities. |
