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ROBIN ERICKSON Director of Communications
PHONE (401) 831-7700 x101 E-MAIL [email protected]
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Monday, February 3, 2003 Red Cross Responds to Three Fires Over
Weekend -- Six People Receive Emergency Assistance
American Red Cross of Rhode Island disaster volunteers continue assisting Rhode Islanders who
are displaced by fire this winter, responding to three incidents since Friday.
With two fires in Glocester and a third in Johnston, a total of six people --- three
families --- received emergency food, clothing and shelter from the American Red Cross, free of charge.
The incidents include:
- 61 First Road in Glocester: One family, two adults and two children stayed with friends, but received clothing and groceries.
- 70 Leading Street in Johnston: One adult received emergency lodging at a hotel and meals.
- 58 Pound Road in Glocester: One adult received emergency lodging at a hotel and meals.
In 2003, the American Red Cross of Rhode Island has responded to 39 emergencies,
providing 64 families (over 220 people) with emergency food, clothing and shelter, free if charge.
This marks a significant increase in services over last winter, largely due to
extremely cold temperatures in January. The Red Cross is urging Rhode Islanders to consider making a financial contribution via the Red Cross website:
www.riredcross.org. Credit card contributions are secure. For more information, call the Red Cross at 401.831.7700 today.
In 2002, American Red Cross of Rhode Island volunteers responded to 189 fires,
providing 1,179 Rhode Islanders with emergency food, clothing and shelter.
The Red Cross typically spends $1,000 per family of four it assists. All Red Cross
assistance is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on private donations to provide emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders in crisis.
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