Chapter Responds Fast to Major Fire in Franklin

CONCORD - August 21, 2006 - Last week was a busy one for new staff and volunteers working for the Chapter's Disaster Services.

At 1:30 on Wednesday morning, two new members of the Concord DAT (disaster action team), father and daughter Vincent and Susan Cambria, got a call - a six-family fire with over 30 people affected. This was the first response call for these DAT volunteers. They got right to work, helping the displaced families find lodging and receive financial assistance for food and clothing. A multi-family fire is a major event, and these volunteers did a remarkable job.

Wednesday was also the second day on the job for Emergency Services Assistant, Laura Volker. She got a call that morning from Dan Brennan, Director of Emergency Services. After a quick welcome to the Red Cross, he asked her to come to Concord from the Belmont Branch Office to handle the follow-up from this fire. She spent the day issuing client assistance cards and dispersing orders, and lining up several motels in Franklin and Concord for the families which by then included a seventh family.

Laura, Susan and Vincent worked quickly and effectively to get the families settled. This was a large event, and the new staff and volunteers handled very well.

Later, Dan received a call from State Representative Jim Ryan (D-Merrimack) who lives in Franklin and had heard about the fire and the Chapter's response from the Franklin Fire Department. He extended his gratitude to the Red Cross volunteers and staff who responded.

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