Red Cross Continues Aid to Families of Berlin Fire

CONCORD - Jan 5, 2007 - The American Red Cross continues to provide assistance and services to families affected by the January 2 fire in Berlin. All seven families left homeless by the fire were contacted by members of the chapter's Disaster Action Team from Berlin. Six of the families requested assistance and three of those families continue to stay in local motels through arrangements by the Red Cross.

Red Cross disaster volunteers from Berlin arrived on the scene shortly after the fire was reported on Tuesday night. They provided assistance to the families for immediate needs of lodging, clothing, food, supplies for infants and other items. Other staff and volunteers also responded from the local Red Cross chapter, including the Director of Emergency Services and two disaster-trained volunteers from the Concord Area Disaster Action Team who were certified as a shelter supervisor and a case work supervisor.

The Red Cross established a service center in the City Hall for the first day. The chapter staff and volunteers continue to provide services and assess emerging needs for the families through the chapter office in Concord.

Individuals and families impacted by a disaster are offered assistance from the American Red Cross at no cost to the victims. Support for the Berlin families was immediately available because of the Disaster Relief Fund that is maintained for that purpose. Anyone interested in making a contribution to that fund as a result of this devastating fire should call the chapter at 1-800-464-6692. Contributions of any size will be gratefully appreciated and acknowledged.

Disaster Action Team members are volunteers who have been specially trained by the Red Cross chapter in disaster response and case work. As in this crisis, the team members usually come from the local community - neighbors helping neighbors.

The Concord Area Chapter and Greater White Mountain Service Area serve the Concord area, Lakes Region and North Country by providing disaster response and information on planning and preparing for disasters or other public emergencies. To make a donation or for more information about the American Red Cross, please call 1-800-464-6692.

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