Red Cross Helps Families Affected by Fire

The Red Cross

Ottumwa, IA — Over the cold winter weekend six American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers responded to calls for help after four different fires broke out in Albia, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, and Centerville, Iowa.

All of the families’ homes sustained major damage caused by the fires and each family has been offered temporary shelter, food and clothing depending on their needs.  The Southern Prairie Chapter will continue to work with the families to help them through the recovery process.

The American Red Cross: Southern Prairie Chapter strives to ensure that families affected by disaster have all of their basic emergency needs met after being faced with a disaster.  “Our mission remains to provide relief for victims of disaster and to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies” said Brandon Holstrom, Red Cross Response Coordinator.

For information on disaster preparedness, donations or if you have been affected by one of these fires and need assistance please contact the Red Cross at  641-682-4571.

DAT members are volunteers with the Southern Prairie Chapter and have received specialized training in various aspects of disaster response, including casework interviews, damage assessment, sheltering and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.  DAT members also have the full support of the chapter for additional personnel and resources if needed.  For information about training to become a Red Cross volunteer, please call 641-682-4571 or visit southernprairie.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.  The best way to help the victims of this and other local disasters is to make financial contributions and mail to:  American Red Cross 408 E Main Street, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501